Incidentally, the I-153s were quite successful in one of their most unusual roles - the night escort of the U-2. Funnily enough, but this function was of some use - losses of U-2s were reduced.
The Stalin's role in the development of the IL-2 was not decisive. The pilots immediately wanted a two-seat version, but Ilyushin could not provide the required characteristics, and Alekseyev (whom I mentioned above) insisted on a single-seat version. The result was a rather weird airplane, but still more efficient compared to all available alternatives (prototypes are not considered!). Stalin had no choice - he was forced to put the factory directors who, frankly speaking, had gotten a bit cocky by 1941, in their place. I am not justifying Stalin - only pointing out the specific features of the functioning of the system he created.