Can't say I've ever given any of that any thought, ever.

The OT lightsabre duels seem more about mind-play than showing off acrobatics, and I never thought they seemed particularly "stiff" until it was mentioned and compared to the action orientated PT duels (which are visually more impressive). To me it was more a battle of minds, like gentlemen fencing physically but more importantly verbally.

I've never really understood the relationship between Tarkin and Vader. Why is Tarkin able to command Vader and disrespect the force and belittle as a religion he obviously has no belief in? Compared to the Moff of the second death star in ROTJ who nervously receives Vader.