I guess this makes it seem like we can do something but we really can't. In the event that we flood AFI with enough responses and they ask Lucasfilm for permission to be leant a 1977 print the following exchange will occur:

AFI rep: a lot of people have been asking about the original version of the film, would it be possible to get that print?

Lucasfilm rep: No.

AFI rep: Okay.

Because LFL is the boss and they call the shots. I have to admit that Lucas is quite clever to actually achieve this sort of control.