Chewtobacca said:

TheBoost said:

The plot of TPM hinges on that the blockade by the Federation is banal (something to do with taxes... it really doesn't matter) and that it's a front for something sinister.

I fail to see how the reason for the Trade Federation blockading the planet does not form part of the plot. It's the whole reason for the Trade Federation to be there - whatever the Trade Federation is.

I feel his criticisms need a more convincing response than "it doesn't matter."

The miniscule point of the plot is that there's a blockade because of taxes of trade routes (as cover for an impending invasion). Other than that... it actually DOESN'T MATTER. What matters is that it's NOT about a simple tax dispute. Going into the details of a tax dispute the details of which has no bearing on the plot would not make great cinema.

Start of "Star Wars:" Princess Leia is on a diplomatic mission (apparently as cover for being part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor). Whatever it is, the specifics of it actually DON'T MATTER. What matters is she's NOT on a Diplomatic Mercy Mission.