The original ending to my edit isn’t in and of itself bad. However, there were things I didn’t know about editing back when I worked on Episode I. One thing I didn’t know was how to restructure and rearrange entire scenes. That was something I didn’t learn until Episode II forced me to. The arrangement of Episode I’s ending for v1 and v2 was pretty much exactly as it was theatrically. However, the arrangement and cutting between the four story lines was excessively messy in the theatrical version as well. So, for v3, I wanted to get those scenes rearranged into something that was simpler and easier to follow.
I decided to tackle the four endings using a three-act-structure approach, which is pretentious language talk for basic writing 101. I would start with the first act and set up the four plotlines (which ended up just as it was theatrically), then get into the second act where the conflict parts of all four storylines go on (and also where the changes officially begin), take all four storylines to their lowest point (A.K.A. the gungans lose, Anakin gets hit, Obi-Wan loses his lightsaber, etc.) and finally reach the resolution of all four plotlines by giving them a third act. My hope is that restructuring the endings this way will make the ending a lot simpler and easier to follow than it already is.
As for the Gunga city scene, don’t expect a major overhaul. It is just two extra shots after all. However, it may pad out the scene a little more.
I like the suggestion about Anakin hearing Qui-Gon’s voice, but there’s a problem with how fast the scene goes by. There aren’t any shots long enough to contain Qui-Gon’s line until after Anakin has sealed the control ship’s fate and gone flying his way out. Most of the shots in the theatrical version before Anakin shoots his way out are very short. I think most of them are only one or two seconds on average. It would be a really cool idea if it could be done, but I’m not sure how at the moment.
I had never a problem with the structure of the final battle, but I’m really looking forward to see what you have do with your edit. I will enjoy it 😏 The point with Qui Gons Voice is correct. The scene is too short.