If you have problems with extracting using the HEK+, don't hesitate to ask. We can probably guide you every step of the way creating a custom campaign mod properly, but you MUST ask questions properly. Your original dismissal of the HEK toolset and the HEK+ as being "terrible programs" was immature. You didn't know how to use it (no one is born knowing how), but instead of asking for help, you just whined and said your other child toys were better.

Once you extract a map using HEK+, you can explore all of the HEK tools to see how they work in a FINISHED map. I would also highly recommend immediately compiling the scenario as a map file to verify that you can play it in Halo CE. Slow and steady wins the race.