As for Sidious, he hasn't been removed as far as the story's concerned-- he's still the hidden Sith Master pulling the strings. We just get hints of him instead of seeing him front and center twisting his moustache and snarling like the original release. This is more like the Emperor's role in ANH. Felt, but not seen. It fits much better with the Phantom Menace idea behind the political story-- and it simplifies the movie. It's all good.
As for Sidious, he hasn't been removed as far as the story's concerned-- he's still the hidden Sith Master pulling the strings. We just get hints of him instead of seeing him front and center twisting his moustache and snarling like the original release. This is more like the Emperor's role in ANH. Felt, but not seen. It fits much better with the Phantom Menace idea behind the political story-- and it simplifies the movie. It's all good.