Frankly I don't think I would have made Anakin a slave at all. I'd probably have cut closer to the cloth that Obi-wan weaved in ANH. I believe I'd likely have Obi-wan serve as the main character who simply stumbles upon an incredibly talented pilot, who perhaps had special but latent gifts with the Force that aided his abilities. Obi-wan would recognize his gifts and take him under his wing, where Anakin would then blossom. No Tatooine, no slavery, no dying mother. I'm okay with the hidden love, but the romance would need to be far more believable and interesting. Anakin should be far more charismatic. In the novelization of Ep. III, he's actually quite well known throughout the Republic, and I think his apparent death should have been a huge morale killer for the Republic.