Yeah, it's terrible.
On the topic of this scene, something else I'd like to see changed is to give Sidious a more decisive victory in the senate chamber battle (even if the lightsaber part is cut out).
Basically, leave Sidious standing after their lightning contest, instead of both being knocked back.... For one thing, it would get rid of the need for any more flopping about on Palpatine's part, and it would give more meaning to Yoda's ROTJ line "do not underestimate the powers of the emperor."
This would work nicely, I think, for those who want to emphasize Palpatine's power, but I know there are some who feel Yoda got short-shafted....