Bobocop said:

If you think that the criticism of the prequels stems solely from a perceived lack of models and miniatures, then you need to go back and read the numerous threads devoted to their failings. The deal breaker for me was the blatant disregard for continuity with the OT and even among the PT films themselves.

That was my deal breaker as well. I'm no fan of the CG effects in the PT, but I could have learned to live with them if the story had actually been good and in line with the OT.