Gordon’s actions in HL1 is why there’s even a resistance, I think Gordon’s legendary status isn't from Gman propaganda but more from the resistance itself needing/wanting an icon/martyr/founder. It’s an interesting contrast from the first game where you’re a nobody and expectations are at rock bottom for you, versus in HL2+ everyone expects you to be a messiah, but the odds are so stacked against you it’s hard to see how you can live up to the expectation.

I always felt embarrassed by the attention in HL2, more than ego-stroked. It’s awkward in-game but intentionally so, in my mind. Like with that Mossman line, Gordon is a nobody scientifically and famous for other reasons so that line says more about Mossman’s vanity and ego than anything about Gordon.