both had their ups and downs... there has always been a lot of time-filler levels where you just had to shoot replicas, ATC-sec or ATC-mercs....
so I find F.E.A.R. to be inferior to its sequel... "Epicenter" made a huge difference to me;
also I found Alma to be more fledged out character in F.E.A.R 2, I really began to creep out when she appeared and when it came to the end I really felt sorry for her (somehow in my bitter, twisted heart I wanted NOT to kill her)
which you gladly don't
as for the DLC ... I will not pass a judgement just now...
EDIT:so they are going to re-introduce Fetel? hmm....
I think that the problems that everyone had with FEAR 2, was that it suffered from Console-itus. The game was designed with consoles in mind unlike the first, which was origionally a pc exclusive and then was ported later. I still love FEAR 2, but I do have to agree that some things should have been improved. And I miss the repeating cannon and particle weapon.
Playing as a Replica in the DLC, I wonder if we will fight other Replicas, Armacham mercs, or possibly a new enemy.