I really like all of the seeds of the rebellion scenes, and I think they fit nicely into your edit. I like the ambiguity that arises out of whether Padme means to reach out to Anakin or Obi Wan. I also like these scenes because they give Padme more to do, whereas in the theatrical cut, she’s reduced to a mere plot device.

I think your cut is really good. I think the pacing of the theatrical cut is already pretty good, so I personally don’t really think it needs to be sped up. The only exceptions are that the opening and the ending are a bit overlong. I think you have already done a fine job of tightening up the opening, but I suppose if something had to be sacrificed, I’d go after the ending. The stuff with Yoda communicating with Qui Gon and going to Dagobah seems extraneous.

But really, the edit is already very good.