A key reason the FitGirl version is "better" than a standard raw rip is the inclusion of the modpack. This pre-configured setup addresses the technical failures of the original PC port:
Fitgirl’s mantra is "lossless repack." This means that after decompression, the game files are bit-for-bit identical to the source scene release (typically RELOADED or PROPHET). No audio is re-encoded. No textures are downscaled. You are getting the full, original game data—just packed tighter. For a game like San Andreas, where the radio (108 unique tracks) and low-res textures are part of the nostalgic charm, this is vital.
The argument that the is "better" than the official version holds merit strictly from a consumer experience perspective .
We must address the elephant in the room.