That's why the prequels should've been handled like Empire was: not written or directed by Lucas.

Here's a compromise I would've been willing to accept in an alternate universe:

The SE still happened in '97 (Kershner didn't care about the changes made to Empire and Marquand was dead, there's only so much I can complain about). GL got three directors - maybe even signed all three of them in advance - to direct the three prequels. I'm thinking people like Spielberg, Fincher and Johnston. Darabont could basically be the PT's Kasdan. The SE hits dvd in 2004 just like it did, and then maybe later on there's a PT+SE boxset of the complete I-VI saga. When the blu-ray debut finally happened (which still wouldn't be until after 2009, this is Star Wars we're talking about here!), Star Wars '77, Empire and Jedi would each get the Blade Runner treatment.