Dear iacdxb,
Remember?
1. Show what you've done (images, scene files...).
2. Explain, describe in simple words, step-by-step process that got you into the mess you're stuck with. If it's HDRI, show it, share it for diagnosis, analysis sake.
What you got here is basic, simplest & most effective way to lit the scene with non-spherical (non-equirectangular) HDRIs. Basically HDRI texture on a plane.
But, there's also a concept so called Karma, meaning: "Shit in, shit out." Bad HDRIs are nothing uncommon. Especially custom made, coming from ppl knowing nothing but shit. ;)