You're right. But, clearly in those sixteen years between Episode VI and Episode I, Lucas was trying for something else. And again, we have some that get it and actually like it to love it. But we also have some that despise the character study angle he went with.
I just find it funny that critics say Lucas is all style and no substance when it comes to character and yet here we are talking about how Lucas may have made a mistake choosing a character study over a style that made the Original Trilogy and Star Wars what it was....
I just feel that Star Wars shouldn't be defined as one way. That's my whole point.
But CO, you have to see the trap Lucas was going to fall into if he kept it the same. He keeps it the same, he gets crucified for not doing something new and original. Now, he's getting crucified for straying too far way from what made Star Wars, Star Wars.