It's not really a matter of them seeking permission. The fact is, Lucasfilm doesn't permit screenings. Period. So, it's not like there was every any chance of them doing it legitimately, if you want to show the films, ever, you have to do so illicitly.
The only exceptions they make are to institutions like AFI, they get granted special permission, but it's exceptional and only done in the case of award ceremonies, tributes, etc.