Yeah i know what you mean about it feeling weird playing power chords with your pinky. I JUST started doing it like 2 months ago myself after about 4 years. I saw a picture of Kirk Hamett in guitar world and he was holding a powerchord shape down with his 1st and 4th fingers so I gave it a shot and I like it a lot. Especially when your standing up and playing...I feel it's a bit easier.

As for your tone...I think it's pretty good. I'm sure it lost a little bit of oomph when it was recorded but it sounded fine to me. It's similar to the distortion I like to use sometimes. Fine by me.