Anakin starting out at nine years old was the right call as his innocence really reflects the childlike wonder of the story told and of a time before the galaxy was put in deeper despair.
The Phantom Menace would be looked upon with more understanding and needed as part of the narrative if George had made his Sequels.
Anakin’s origins, Darth Maul being introduced, who the Hutts were and what their disconnect from the Republic was, and other plot lines all connect to his plans.