When I login to Bnet in the browser then go to My Games, I can download D2 and LOD using a standalone installer and the game key is shown for both games. Is Blizz still mostly hands off when it comes to the original D2/LOD?

Thats one thing I dont like about D2R is how much Blizz is involved, specifically in making the game as easy and convenient as possible. I like there not being a "report player" button. I like that if I want to xfer an item to another character I have to either ask a friend or drop the item in a game then hurry and switch characters hoping I dont get a "realm down" or the game no longer exists. Small things like that is in part what I love about D2.

Also hypothetically Im wondering if Baal bot runs still happen?

Yes

Yes

And yes, the population is 99% bots and 1% humans

Play singleplay..its probably bigest fun in diablo games atm