SilverWook said:

I can't really fathom Disney's game plan at this point. Why not just finish the episodes as intended and make them available online?

Speculation: They might be trying to distance themselves from the established franchise as much as possible prior to the release of Episode VII.

Star Wars comes with a lot more in 2013 than it did in 1977. Distancing themselves from everything Star Wars has become might allow them to get back to basics.

Then again, this is probably just wishful thinking.

Alternative guess: Money.