Actually I pwned after my first few tries...
A lot of it is also how nice the guards are to you. Always use the plastique on the stairs, but in the second room hide under them so you don't get shot.
And at the end, definitely warp through the door before Ourumov. This enables you to get the upper hand.
Ryan was right though, SA is much gayer than 00A.
I think silo agent is next on my list.