RedFive said:

Pacing, I guess...

Yeah, I think that's probably why. Even though Lucas's main reason was to not make Star Wars like American Graffiti in space, the scenes don't really work out when in the movie. Luke's character seems much less admirable and more irritating... Pacing is probably why the pre-Death Star battle meeting between Biggs and Luke was cut in the theatrical version. It somewhat ruins the grim atmosphere before the battle (i.e. Ben dead, Han leaving, Leia not that hopeful) by having a friendly meeting between two old friends.