It isn't just re-writing history--to me the models and older effects are consistent with the look and feel of the films. You know, kind of down to earth, gritty, low tech, dated and definitely not of the 21st century ("timeless" as they be), etc. Maybe it would fit in if the new effects were photorealistic--that might actually work, because then the entire film would be like it was all just a documentary. The only shot that even comes close to this feel is that widely-seen 180 degree pan following the X-wings approaching the Death Star. But the CG just looks like CG. Why replace the models if you're only going to replace it with something thats equally fake--and not only equally fake, but way inconsistent? Even when the odd model shot looked dated it still fit in with the ambiance of the film, a quality that the additions do not have, its like splicing video game footage into Lawrence of Arabia.

So, to me, even the best part of the SE--enhancing the older effects--does not work, thus there is no reason to watch the SE except to see what this fun little experiment was in 1997 to try to put modern effects into an old movie for a special anniversary celebration. Because thats all the SE really is.