Ever thought about getting the power company to do a 1-ph primary meter installation? You could then run their primary voltage to your own padmount. Granted you would have to pay for an energized transformer, but all of your voltage drop and especially your flicker problems would be solved without having to mess around with the insane requirements of your power company.
BTW, does the power company still think it is the 1920's or 30's? Sounds like some of the worst customer service I've heard of. I know the power companies I work/worked for would never be that bad.
Wes
