Anchorhead said:

All goofing aside; Even though I do sometimes touch on it, you guys have no idea how much I hate the idea of the Prequels - as they were released. The story, execution, casting, Lucas' revision of history, etc. I find it all vulgar.

A prequel story? - absolutely. Prequel story Lucas released? - absolutely not.

The problem with the prequels - besides all the problems you listed - is that there can be no drama or tension when the outcome is already known to the audience. I mean, we know Obi-wan is not going to die in them right?