Good point. I recall some ‘official’ condemnation of it, but I can’t say I’m aware of anything that came from GL personally.
There are some quotes from George and Lucasfilm on fan editing, and also a lot about The Phantom Edit in oojason’s Star Wars Fan Edit Index, in “The Phantom Edit(s) - a catalyst for Star Wars fan edits…” section.
I’ve only read some of it, but it appears he/Lucasfilm were okay with it.
Nice thread and interview find, SWOTFAN25.