It's been a while so I don't really remember but I think don't hurt to try to have both modes enabled.
Unless both of them causes the game to freeze on other places then try to only enabling one of them.
https://github.com/AkuHak/MechaPwn?tab=readme-ov-file#why-do-palntsc-j-consoles-not-play-ntscpal-discs-on-fat2-and-70k3
Though it seems on your case it only applies to PS1 games?
Only benefits 7500x and up slim users though while fat and 7000x slims owners are stuck with POPStarter or go back to using discs due DKWDRV's USB loading aren't supported there.
No and probably will never.
PGIF models (every fat and 7000x slims) just doesn't have that hardware privilege like DECKARD has it seems.
At least you can launch discs with it though.
Either 1.2.0-beta-2049: https://mega.nz/folder/Ndwi1bAK#oLWNhH_g-h0p4BoT4c556A/file/NMx02bRR
or
1.2.0-beta-2098: https://mega.nz/folder/Ndwi1bAK#oLWNhH_g-h0p4BoT4c556A/file/tdoBUZCK
There's ZSO format but it only compresses a little (depends on the game though)
It doesn't compress FMV or audio data AFAIK and won't help you eliminating the slowdown completely and in few cases it might make the slowdown/stutter even worse.
Toying with the cache size in OPL settings might help...
Funny, I just found your post on reddit.
Anyway, I'll just repeat my answers on there:
psx-comBINe or BinMerger
Want to use the GUI ones? CDMage. Don't worry, CDMage works with PS2 bin/cue images too.