Wow... Lots of dialogue going on in the first short hours that I posted.
I understand the concerns of having c-3p0 leave with Anakin... I wonder if he has to been seen leaving with Anakin? Change 3p0's voice to something else, and just leave without the droid. I feel confident you could make enough cuts to eliminate him even being with him. The only times you see him again is when he delivers more awful lines, and his stuff in the Geonosis arena... We won't miss that. Not sure if eliminating is possible past his scenes on tattooine, but it's worth a try maybe?
Good to see all the Starkiller people popping up again! =)