“All the anger and bitterness could have been easily avoided”
Definitely, but on the other hand, it’s not his fault people are being like that. People are in control of their own behaviors and reactions, and people don’t HAVE to be assholes about it. And their asshole behavior isn’t justified at all. I just don’t agree with “He brought it on himself” or “he deserves it.” Very few people deserve to be treated so poorly, and people shouldn’t really want to act that way - especially not to someone none of us even know or have ever met, and especially not over something as ultimately small-stakes as a movie.
You can want these things released in a pretty big way, without taking it that personally.
Lucas would have known that burying the originals would cause upset - even anger from long-time fans. Yes, people are ultimately responsible for their own behaviour as Lucas is.
He knew doing this would incite anger from a section of STAR WARS fandom.
If he’s so upset about the way he’s being treated by people (regarding the unaltered films) then release them in a state that is fit to be viewed in the 21st century. Instead, he’s hurt when people (rightfully) tear apart his prequels, selling everything off, washing his hands of the whole matter. Now DISNEY have gotten their hooks into his ‘baby’ and are showing it even less respect.
STAR WARS has been systematically trashed since 1997 and the end is nowhere in sight.