I had to do a serious double take at the title of this episode--because "Half-Life 2 - Episode 2" has a very specific meaning that was probably not the one you intended. ;)
I can't recall my exact words or where I commented them, but my general take on HL1 vs. Black Mesa is that you play HL1 if you want the original 1998 retro experience, but play BM if you want the best possible gameplay experience. The remake really elevates the original in a stunningly faithful way, and if someone could only play either one I'd recommend it be Black Mesa--but you clearly made the right choice for YOUR playthrough, and in the end I'd like to think that's what we're all here for.
Plus, your utter pog-face for most of the first episode was worth enduring all the jank of OG HL1. :) I've been watching since Mass Effect and thoroughly enjoyed going back to some of your other playthroughs, but if I'm honest, what got me to patron was not being able to wait a minute longer to see this second episode.