So? Learn to build maps with hammer, it's really not that hard to learn the basics.
But for the textures, are you seriouse about using these extreme low-res textures in a source game?
Ok now i am going to learn mapping with Hammer, how you saw in some threads.
It is not so, that i have nearly no experience, it´s Hammer. I have to learn with it. I don´t know how excatly the editor works.
I would better create Levels with DeleD, but how you said : Hammer have more tools and compatibility.
My first target/goal is to create 1 room ( cube ) , and that i can play it in GE:S. I don´t want more, i don´t wory about the rest it´s only the way from making a room to play the room in GE:S
If this happend, i will start with classic maps.
I do not make myself concerns around the textures. I have all of them. Yes it´s a low resolution, but in emergency there is ever the way to use other textures or create own ones.