Peregrinus said:
And yes, I'm an aspiring member of the 501st. :)

Ooo. What's that like?

•No use of the word "Darth" until Vader takes it (not bestowed).

Aww, c'mon. : D

Peregrinus said:
"The Phantom Menace" is a pretty feeble title.

What makes you say that?

• Qui-Gon, Anakin, Bail Organa, Padmé, Palpatine, Asajj, Dooku, Mace, Cliegg, Owen, Beru, Shmi, C-3PO, R2-D2 all introduced.

Why no Maul?

PROPOSED TIMELINE:

Act I -- Bail arries @ Naboo to bring Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to Coruscant, Queen stubbornly insists on coming with, dialogue and visual aids establish Republic, Jedi, Core vs. Expansion and Rim regions, Separatist movement, etc. Chancellor has asked for a few of the best and brightest Jedi to help figure what to do about the Separatists.

Act II -- Tantive IV and Royal Starship leave Naboo, ambushed by Asajj, have to divert to Tatooine, moisture farmers come to their aid (Owen & Anakin), Anakin's backstory established, he is smitten with Padmé, Obi-Wan wants to train him as a Jedi. Asajj finds them, there's a groud fight, she's driven off, Anakin announces he's leaving. Cliegg and Owen disapprove.

Act III -- Asajj and a couple other ships get the jump on them as they arrive at Coruscant, Royal Starship badly damaged, smaller craft jettison, planetary defense forces scramble to assist, Mace Windu shows up to help, Asajj bails, remaining craft destroyed.

Coda -- Everyone gathers in the Chancellor's office, Mandalorian ships were among those destroyed, Asajj is presumed to be Sith, Jedi worry what it means if the Sith and Mandalorians are involved and this bold, Anakin formally becomes Obi-Wan's apprentice, Padmé is proud and says she'll wait for him to finish his training, Jedi are rallied and movie ends on a cautious but hopeful note.

I would say, "Talk about wishful thinking," but I think you're well aware of that. : )