Lucas wasn't insulting you by making his own movies better in his mind. To him he was giving his own movies the respect and care he felt they deserved, and he spent more time and money doing that than anyone else has so far for their own movies.
I highlighted a few words for you. While his intentions may have been noble, the result was disastrous and to equate it with him using care and respect is absurd. By this logic, Michael Jackson was just giving his appearance care and respect over the years, and should be appreciated for it, as should anyone else who partakes in self-mutilation. In fact, maybe I'll give my girlfriend the care and respect she deserves by punching her in the nose.
See, doesn't work that way buddy.
As for the article, I quit paying attention to Lucas a long time ago. Not only has he lost any perspective or insight he might have once had, but usually after he tries to explain some novel idea or brilliant premise he's thought of, it turns out to be something droll and inane.