It's true for MNOLG II as well. I remember getting so excited when Ko-Koro was unlocked, when before the Ko-Wahi area was just a black screen in MNOLG II. There's also the feeling of adventure and mystery that the new games simply couldn't capture. MNOG was also the first Bionicle game that I've completed, and I liked the cutscenes. It'll always remain as my favorite Bionicle game.
I no longer play VNOG, because I had to travel from one end of the island to the other end several times, and all because Garan is too lazy can't do these little tasks himself!
Does the BOGA have the 2006 online animations? I've looked on Tronec.org and can't find them. Since those animations have several games included in them, I think they should be included in the BOGA.