zombie84 said:

but on the other hand it's sheer existance could be seen as disrespecting the memory and integrity of the classic original. It's the principle. Some things are untouchable, regardless of who is doing it and what their intentions are.

1) I agree that the concept of "forgiveness" is very weird, and self-important. Like, "I, the fan, am very mad, and angry with you, and I shall only give you my forgiveness if you..., so I demand that you ... so I, so WE, will cease to be angr-"... how pompous and self-inflated in that??
Demand the original versions for all the numerous rational and emotional reasons there are for that, and that's all that's needed.

2) That's purism and I think it's absolute nonsense. Generally, most arguments hinging upon conceptions of something being "offensive" or "disrespectful", aren't worth very much.
Tamper all you want with whatever awesome classic you can get your claws on, just don't take away goodies from other people.

PS:
By the way, here's a brilliant post on this sort of topic, from a while ago:
http://www.mxoforums.com/showthread.php?tid=33222&pid=408593#pid408593

Not in response to anyone in particular, just something I've remembered :)