I really like this sequence of events. Boss Nass' dialogue is a very good change in character. Question: What about their arrival in the city and Jar-Jar's arrest? I think that's all necessary to tie-in to his banishment sub-plot.

Also, looking at TJ's edit of your suggestions MTH, I know the lack of subtitles and a musical flow factor in, but the way things are looking it seems to me using the same sequencing as the original opening may be the better way to go, with appropriate alterations of course, but generally the same thing as TPM. That's just the way I'm leaning right now.