I really became a Star Wars Fan in 1997, although my initial exposure to the trilogy was still the original versions, even though by the time I saw them the SE's had allready been out.

the tapes I watched were indeed from the "one last time" sets. Sadly, the RotJ tape was defective after only two years. so it pressured me to buy the SE.

since the 1997 SE's didn't really change all that much, (I didn't even notice Greedo Shooting first until I started reading the message boards when the DVDs were first rumered in November 2003), so I thought "fine. the story I fell in love with is still there, there are just a few extra flashy effects. no big deal"

but then Summer 2004 came:

"the versions that will be on the disc will be as george Lucas sees them today."

the 1997 SE's were NOT given a "Last time ever" warning, and then the destroyed editions were placed on the shelves with NO INDICATION WHATSOEVER of the cinematic crimes contained therein.

I knew what to expect, of course, having followed the news all summer and seeing Hayden's ugly mug shot photoshopped in RotJ, but it was a major insult to the fans who made him what he is. he might as well have made the box with a picture of him posing with his middle fingers extended.