As the current "spokesperson" for Starkiller Ranch, let me say I am very happy that you wish to make a compatible edit. I don't know if you are aware of the Ranch's current condition, but it's in a bit of a state of limbo as I am unable to take on the load of the project at this time and as of yet no one else has stepped up to "take the reins." Your ideas seem very close to what was discussed in the Ranch thread, so if you're willing, I don't see why your edit can't BE Starkiller Ranch: Episode I. There would be some other things to discuss of course, but that's an option that's out there for you. But for now, just some general comments on your outline:
-The Title:
For whatever reason, I realy like "Master and Apprentice." Maybe because it's so different from anything that's been suggested before.
-The Beginning:
There have been suggestions to go straight to the running the blockade scene aftet the opening crawl. I think this WAY to drastic an edit as you lose a lot of good Jedi action on the Trade Federation ship. Not to mention cut a a HUGE chunk of the movie. The Naboo and Gungan stuff can be edited down, but the set-up on Naboo is essential for the return and end battles to work.
-Viceroy and the Sith:
If you were wanting to keep in the spirit of Starkiller Ranch, originally we had planned on Darth Sidious not appearing in Episode I. He is only hinted at in dialogue and the Nemoidians are the ones who call the shots, as far as the audience is concerned. With some special effects trickery, Gunray was supposed to order around Darth Maul via hologram. What are your thoguhts on this kind of alteration?
Also, if you're looking for languages, I've said this before and I'll say it again, "The Passion of the Christ" dialogue fits the Nemoidians PERFECTLY. Of course there the is the question of there being enough source material, but I would love to see this happen in an edit if possible.
-The Droids:
I'm of the opinon the droids should both be in every film, but Anakin building C-3PO is just unacceptable. There is another way of working 3PO into Episode I you could consider, but I don't want to spoil it for everyone.
-Qui-Gon:
We are on the same wavelength when it comes to Qui-Gon. Though I think the Pod Race is too early for a Force connection between him and Anakin, the space battle is a must. However, we thuroughly examined what we had to work with when doing the Ranch and could just not find the shots necessary for this to work. That was incredibly furstrating b/c making the TPM/ANH parallel was essential in our eyes to making this edit work. Maybe you can find a way to accomplish this.
-The End:
Ending the film with Qui-Gon's funeral never worked for me personally as the celebration seemed so mandatory, but lately I've come to see the advantages of such an edit and would support it as long as it flowed.
I look forward to dicussing this more with you.