As far as "Yoda saves the day", whether the event is expected or not, my opinion is that it could be injected with a lot more emotion through the simple use of editing and music, etc. Regardless of Lucas' intentions or comments for the scene.
It's funny that you're mentioning Lucas' commentary as if that validates the reason the scene was lacking any dramatic punch whatsoever, because, the bottom line is, if his film-making sensibilities weren't gravely flawed, people like Trooperman wouldn't have to pour their time and resources into fixing his mistakes. So, at this point, who really gives a damn what Lucas thinks?
What you're saying is that everyone knew there was going to be a big battle because it was advertised, so oh well. And that's exactly how it came across in the movie. Big deal. But, I'm saying that this scene and the events leading up to it should be structured in a way that it IS a big deal! You have to make it a big deal! We know there will be a big battle, of course. There's always one. But we don't know HOW it's going to happen or WHAT's going to happen.
The Jedi and all three main characters are completely outnumbered, surrounded by thousands of battle droids, Dooku and his underlings have them right where they want them, they're about to be executed, what are they going to do? And suddenly, "LOOK!" up in the sky... It's YODA! With an army of clones! I mean, come on! It's the big climax of the movie! It's the beginning of the first battle of the great Clone Wars! Without the Yoda duel, it's the high-point of the entire film. And the music and emotion of the scene should reflect that so the audience knows what to feel. That's why I compared it to the Han Solo thing, because that's how it SHOULD feel.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this project is shaping up to be one of the most extensive fan-made reformations of a Star Wars film to date, and it's about the restructuring and reimagining of an existing hack-job... To make it something worthwhile and enjoyable that can stand up with pride next to the OT. How is that going to be accomplished if you judge the value of an idea based on the comments of Lucas, the very architecht of the saga's inconsistency?