AWK, I'm only a few years older than you, and I was only introduced to Star Wars in any form a few years before you were. I find it hard to believe that there should be that big of a Star Wars generational gap between. But sadly, I am forced to admit that it's true because everything got turned upside down between those four years.
But I do like the prequels. The Star Wars geek in me has to have them and has enjoyed watching them. I'm so pissed that I don't have ROTS yet because I'm a poor college student and can't afford it (been tempting, though). I simply don't feel they tell a story as well as the OT does, and it annoys me when their status is elevated to that of the OT, in terms of story. I'll never feel that the prequels are more than backstory. Of course they add depth to the story. That's what backstory's supposed to do, hence the term "back" or "behind". The problem is, as much depth as it adds, the more continuity holes and stupid moments they add as well. I just have to grin and bear it.
And I'm (or was) a fan of the EU. I just read EU before the prequels, so the EU solidifies even more strongly that Luke, Han, and Leia are the stars of the Star Wars. Don't see any Vader around there.
Well, anyway, that's all. Gotta go.