I can't imagine being told that I only like a univrsally loved best picture nominated classic film more than I like a critically panned CGI-fest with atrocious acting because of nostalgia. Who would say:

"You only like The Godfather more than the new Clash of the Titans because it was out when you were a kid!"

George Lucas is demonstrably a liar, and to believe in the "master plan" theory requires either overwheling cognitive dissonance or just being criminally naive.

Lucas: "Despite all evidence to the contrary, including my own words and actions, I've always had this all planned out and just kept it secret, including contradicting myself and reworking things decades later in order to trick people.'

If someone loves the PT more than the OT for real, why weren't their points about the quality of the PT.

"I prefer my lightsaber combat manic and FX enhanced"
"I was deeply moved by the great love story"
"Finding out Boba Fett was some kind of clone kid really increased my enjoyment of the character."
"I was intrigued that young slave Anakin somehow made droids in his spare time."

But none of this is said. One dude said something he liked about the PT. The rest was all SE justifying and explanations why what fans don't like about the PT is invalid.

"Yoda's a crazy non-wise monkey in the PT because he's not there yet."
"Hayden in ROTJ really clicked!"
"The PT somehow improved the OT! Really!"
"Lucas always had a plan! "