Quackula said:

Probably would've been best if Lucas just penned the overall story and acted as a general advisor, and let other directors and writers and everything else handle the actual production. He doesn't seem to trust other people with his "vision" for some reason though.

Pretty much all the actors did a terrible job in the prequels. Its not their fault though. Portman can act, Neeson can act, McGregor can act, Diarmid can act alright perhaps Lloyd can't. Christensen can act too.

I think is says a lot that Lucas managed to coax a crummy performance out of someone as experienced and talented as Christopher Lee.

I forgot to add Lee as well. Good point.

And your right on the money with Lucas just penning the story and supervising rather than taking the reigns of everything.

The Empire Strikes Back is the best example. Done right.