If he doesn't have to be on a special diet could you have dry food out all the time. Hungry cats are more likely to bug you.So I think in general the lesson here is that he is very hungry in the mornings so maybe a small portion of food between sunrise and when I wake up might be good. So I guess I will order that automatic feeder.
It sounds like he's getting attached to you since he calmed some when you were on the couch. Maybe try letting him in the bedroom on your day off.