...but on topic, I actually think that originally he was only intending these to be his "special" versions....as the moniker would suggest. Only in the back of his mind was he thinking "I wish I coulda done this shit back in the day." When they did so well in theaters (we all did our part here) he obviously thought people liked these versions a whole lot (when really most just wanted to see any type of Star Wars on the big screen) or at least didn't care he made changes.
So basically, I think he made the mistake of thinking everyone that saw the movies in 1997 in theaters really enjoyed the changes, or at minimum didn't mind, and therefore went forth with the "original vision" BS that he could now claim.
Just a thought tho....there are prolly articles that prove me wrong...but I don't have the time.