I think that your policy of preserve original and make more aesthetically pleasing version is the way it should be done because of the nature of the “rush job” as you put it.

The process sounds quite interesting of making notes for how the film should look and how to present it and all done on the fly. I imagine there were stalling points on things, over analysis and then coupled with vagueness perhaps. Actually sounds like a bit of a process where you need to be the guy in the room who does not say much but then also command explaination and jump in or butt in to clear up or fully understand what is being asked if things start spinning too vague.

I also a bit of a firm believer in what the “Special Edition” attempted in some ways but I think they kind of failed on quite a few of the ideas, But in essence i am not opposed to revamping something for say a new generation of people, or making minor adjustments for good reason. I agree intent can be a slippery slope, but with a film like Star Wars there is a bit of a re-gurgitation of content for which these can be simply explained easily. I would like to see all the mattes fixed and any missing optical elements put in, missing audio and couple that with a pseudo special edition that also saves more of the original miniature work whilst retaining some “updates”. So I kind of think 2 versions would do me but just not the special edition we got.

I am actually not convincdd people can still understand when a film “Color shifts” and travels off. when i get time i will post an example here.