Hey Arnold! Great work! Figures can be pretty tough to do and you did a great job!
Acrylics are fickle that way. I love using Tamiya paints, but they are just as you described...great in an AB, put awful hand brushing. I've been trying out some Vallejo paints myself. If you use the Vallejo Air product, they are great in AB's, but to do any hand painting, I use the Vallejo Model ones. Big difference. Just my observations, just need to try them all and see what works for you. Again, awesome first build! Can't wait to see more of your work!
Eagle90