Read this on a certain website that I am sure is familiar to all of you...
DUMBASS derp-d:
Leaving Darth Vader's lightsaber white in a single wide shot in ANH was a clue to the true fans that there was still good within the heart of this Dark Lord, that's why it's never been fixed. GL decided that he would compose such a shot as early as 1973, when he drew up his six film epic titled 'The Tragedy Of Darth Vader'.
Oh and this too
OTHER DUMBASS derp-d:
The history is that even when Lucas has made changes to satisfy the fans (Vader's white saber in ANH, the English tractor beam letters, bad Rancor matte lines, etc.) fans just quickly move on to the next items on their "must be fixed or I'll be angry" wish lists.
It's not the potential for people being disappointed that is stopping Lucas from restoring the O-OT (though I suspect disappointment would be the inevitable result], it's that he doesn't want to. You're correct: there has never been a digital restoration of the O-OT released to the public, and there probably won't be. That's not because Lucas hates the fans or is stubborn or is just a jerk. It's because they no longer represent the story he wants to tell. He doesn't want fans determining what it the 'correct' version of the story or dismissing his updated version by offering restored copies. He wants HIS version to be THE story. That's really it. I'm sure Lucas is well-aware of fan editors making their own "restorations" and I doubt he wants to supply them with quality material for them to make their versions. I know some people want the O-OT for legitimate reasons, but I also know people who want it mainly as a "screw you" to Lucas so they can ignore the "crappy versions" (according to one of my friends) as if they don't exist.