If it weren't for the Special Editions and the Prequels resurrecting the franchise, none of us would be here.
There would be no OT forums, there would be no projects, there would be no discussions. There would be a few bootleg DVD's, and probably some laserdisc transfers being traded on ebay or some science fiction forums, but that would be about it.
Star Wars was dead. Period. Yes, there were some books, and comics and maybe a few games. However, compared to the financial success it has become now, it would have languished away in obscurity.
You are probably too young to remember the impact that Star Wars originally had, but after it's initial success, and subsequent decline after the other two movies, it needed to be brought back. By the way, if you were around then, Star Wars fell into that popular, but mediocre category for many people.
It's fine if you wished the movie had remained an obscure, but well received film. But if it weren't for the brilliance of George Lucas and Lucasfilm, we would not have such a rich universe and so much material to enjoy. It's selfish to want to have something this creative, and artistic all to yourself or a small group to enjoy.
Trying to retroactively change history or the past is futile. Better to move onto the future, enjoy what we have, and preserve the rest. Complaining about the quality or success of the franchises doesn't change anything. People will flock to the movies regardless of what you think.
We look forward to all future releases, and enjoying all the versions that have been released.
Team Negative1