Yes, the prequels are a strange case. Clearly someone must have mentioned to George that he was ruining two key reveals in ESB while scripting them. Obviously his objective was to deliver "money shots" (ie- Yoda kicking butt, Anakin strapping on the big black mask). Done, case closed.

And I understand DominicCobb and Jaitea's points about how the PT exists to be played AFTER viewing the OT. When I'm blessed to have children one day, I assume I'll show them the OT before the PT.

However, that's a moot point in this discussion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the basic conceit of this thread/project to alter the PT so that it better fits in with the cultural landmark that is the OT? Preserving the sanctity of the original narrative above all?