The Aluminum Falcon said:
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.

That's assuming that it was removed. I swear I remember that scene in the theater in Utah in 1977, three times no less (I'm serious). And I remember the complete dialog being considerably better in its entirety than the shortened version in the SE. Of course, nobody in their right mind believes me.