I definitely think Trader should be slippery and deceptively hard to kill instead of just flat out tanky, but for the sake of sanity we should establish some baseline power creep solution.
Code:
Enhanced Alien OFAB Trader Protective Gear Infused by The Xan
On Equip User Modify Max health 500
User Modify Strength 15
User Modify Psychic 25
User Modify Projectile AC 2100
User Modify Melee AC 2100
User Modify Energy AC 2100
User Modify Chemical AC 2100
User Modify Radiation AC 2100
User Modify Cold AC 2100
User Modify Poison AC 2100
User Modify Fire AC 2100
User Modify NCU memory 25
User Modify Max nano 500
User Modify Defense modifier 600
User Resistance Calm 100%
This it what I'd do. It brings part of our defense back, and being unstunnable is another way of replacing SS. Stuns are key component to most of perk alphas. If devs think Traders are supposed to be perkable, that's fine, but then we need another way to counter perk damage. If I still have ability to execute actions, instead of standing there stunned and eating 25k damage, that definitely helps.