The best is the enemy of the good.

Or are you saying that the optimal mix is to rewatch Sopranos most of the time and watch a classic silent once per decade?

As someone who has watched silents with live music I can attest that the experience can be great (or not, depends a lot on musician(s) and music) and you should definitely go for it when given opportunity. However, I completely disagree with the idea that movie will somehow be sullied or even ruined if you watch it first on your own TV.

Basically, yes. There's a finite number of preserved silents and the subset that even gets a screening from time to time is even lower. Paradoxically, the less opportunities you have for proper watching, the more likely it is that you will get one that you have already spoiled on the small screen, because the selection criteria are the same.

Except for “Man With A Movie Camera,” which is phenomenal with Cinematic Orchestra's soundtrack. Probably not so free, but it can be found here and there.

Also, it's such an excellent fit in Ninja Tune's catalog.