Hi Jess, you did a good job of describing everything in your post. I hear your pain about not having access to life pinky/pup rats.
One thing that's important to know: What was his weight when you got him and what is his weight now? As long as he's not losing weight too rapidly everything should be alright.
Feeding a small live mouse may be the best bet.
Have you tried covering 3 of the four sides of the aquarium and filling it with lots of stuff so that he feels really cramped and secure?
The strike you describe does sound like a defensive strike. I have one that does that when I offer FT, she's like "get it outta my face!"
JonV