The SE's were just that, at the time. We had no idea that these would be a springboard to eventually replace the original trilogy as we all remembered it.
The theatres were full of eager fans, there were new toys out, cool new Star Wars merchandise, and it was AWESOME.
Then it came to light that these SE's were tests to see how much audiences would endure, and here we are.
I don't blame Star Wars fans for being upset, I just think that there are better ways to channel that into something more productive.