My friend has an HD tv, and I watched each movie of the trilogy on it. I think it's just that when you go to a higher, better tech format for viewing things such as this are more visible. I mean this is the first time it seems that an older format has just been transferred to a more modern one, but it was extremely noticable and looked bad. When I watch the new DVDs on my non HD tv the movies look fine. Not that it was originally part of the film tho, the gate weave.

As far as who the franchise passes to, it'll probably be his kids. They are young right now, and are probably responsible for inspiring the ruinition of the newer movies, but they'll get older...but I still think they won't understand jack about what Star Wars is about. They've just been born into it. Even if they learn more as they grow older their negative imprint remains. I doubt it'll be reversed at this point. Lucas and those close to him refuse to acknowledge anything's gone wrong. Their loss.