Man, you guys really are being too closed-minded about the prequels. They are not confusing at all (episode 2 & 3 at least). This is so evident to me, that when you guys make the claim that they make no sense...it's rather YOU that comes off as not making sense.
It's okay to have an opinion. Hate them by all means but this isn't rocket science.
The only confusing thing was Phantom Menace which is the reason why it's the only prequel and Star Wars movie that is an utter failure. But this is not in relation to the initial questions that started this post.
Phantom Menace sucked in my opinion because the film omitted important details regarding the motivations of the villains. when I read the novel (which is slightly better and I emphasize on the word slightly) it is revealed that the Trade Federation is the one initiating the blockade because it is THE TRADE FEDERATION THAT IS BEING TAXED BY THE REPUBLIC and in an attempt to play the victim, they initiate a blockade of Naboo and it's resources as an act in retaliation against those against free trade (the republic)...but this was just a guise to initiate invasion all orchestrated by Sideous.
Out of all the planets in the galaxy why blockade Naboo if it is a taxation against all trade routes used by the federation?
Because Naboo houses senator Palpatine.
When I first saw Phantom Menace I thought Naboo was being taxed by the trade federation and refused to pay "Because they were a democracy and the people have spoken" and in retaliation the trade federation invaded but George Lucas omitted the most important details to the plot! Instead he gives us all this nonsense with Jar Jar! It wasn't until I read the novel and DARTH PLAGUEIS that I saw what was in the original story/screemplay/ Lucas' notes.
Lucas really dropped the ball on ep. 1. How do you omit such important details to your own film?! Moron.
As far as episode 2 and 3 I think they are well told stories and easy to follow and I see no problem with those plots. Although some people complain about not knowing about Syfo Dias but I understood that plot point easily.
Tyranus (Dooku) requested the clones be made in Syfo Dias' name.
As far as who is Syfo Dias, you got to watch the clone wars:lost missions episode "The Lost One" or read Darth Plaguies...the TRUE EPISODE 1 and best EU novel EVER!