Scott, I think you’re right on! When I first saw Attack of the Clones as a kid, I really picked up on the espionage vibe… too bad it didn’t pay off, but that’s a small, easily fixable flaw.
I think people are missing the big picture about the anti-love law for the Jedi. I think it can be used to work towards Anakin’s rejection of the Jedi way. Anakin (like us) was expecting the Jedi to be like Buddhist monks, but instead we find out they’re a strict cult with abnormal laws and brainwash little kids into becoming “peaceful” soldiers. That’s messed up. That’s also good. Anakin doesn’t like it, and neither do we. His marriage is his first act of rebellion, and the audience is totally behind that. This is one way we can relate to his fall to the dark side. Eventually though, there will be a point where we will realize it was a mistake.
The prophecy is that he will bring balance to the Force. Balance means BOTH sides are to be in check, and if one side is outta wack then so is the other. Look at the start of the prequels; the Sith are extinct. Who’s the oppressed faction here? The Jedi committed genocide against the Sith. Sure the Sith were evil, but that’s what the Jedi tell us. But from what we/Anakin hear from Palpatine, it sounds like they were just force-users who used their powers for themselves. Does that really make them evil?? Even Superman used his powers for personal gain at times.
The Jedi are at a point where they take orders for the Senate. They’re not guardians of peace anymore; they’re space cops, answering only to the corrupt Republic. The republic’s corrupt, therefore so are the Jedi. It’s that simple. That’s why Anakin was too old. He could see through this. The other younglings are raised into this system and cannot see beyond what’s imposed upon them. The Jedi search for all the force-sensitive younglings to teach them the ONE WAY to use the force. They’re trying to control how the force is used. There can be no good without evil. For the Jedi council; you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain, and they’ve done that.
The whole “you can’t love” and “you can’t see your mother” aspects are perfect seeds of distrust against the Jedi for Anakin! George was on to something, he just didn’t make it plain enough for us to see. He adds too much to distract us.