NeverarGreat said:

I'm dreading the appearance of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo, and dozens of other universe-shrinking callbacks in the Sequels.

I agree that the ST could be a colossal blunder for the reasons you cited, but Lucas tried to cater to the OT fans with the PT too with many examples of universe-shrinking plot points:

-C3PO being built by Anakin

-Jango Fett is the clone of all stormtroopers, and just happens to be Boba Fett's dad.

-C3PO living on Uncle Owens Farm during AOTC, yet Owen doesn't remember him 20 years later when he buys him?

-Chewbacca and his home planet just happen to show up in ROTS and they have good relations with Yoda.