I occasionally check the Steve Hoffman forums because there are a couple of users who have knowledge about Star Wars related projects. . . . I know it’s perfectly possible that all of these people are misinformed but I think there’s something to all of it. One of the users even cited the RMW project specifically.
I’m starting to agree with you on this. There is just too much out there, some of it with detailed backstories, and many of the claims are consistent with each other. We know for a fact that the Library of Congress made scans at Disney’s request (assuming moviefreakmind is honest). For what other purpose than an OUT reconstruction would a faded, 40-year old print be useful?
Also, when paired with John Landis’s statements, it seems even more reliable. I doubt he is dumb enough to take various comic book blog rumors as reliable, irrefutable information, and he has no reason to lie about this.