If you started the blockchain from zero why didnt you just alter subsidy function to get rid of special reward of block 2?
Because that would require a fork and new clients for everyone. This way was quicker, and still lets all the version 1.0.0 clients participate.
Last time I checked, the bitcoin reference client tested for MAXIMUM reward, not minimal, so you can mine blocks with less or no reward.
Is this somehow changed or why did you kept the complication when restarting?