That's an interesting perspective about Qui-Gon's mentoring being the thing that finally sees Anakin win a race. That conversation is awful, though, and most edits remove it. If there were a more subtle way to make it clear he's never won before, I'd be okay with that. In an event, it's clear he's the underdog, and it's the debut of his own Podracer.

I agree that it's a bit awkward removing the discussion between Anakin and Padme, but it's the best it can be if the jappor snippet is gone, because it won't be seen again in my trilogy, which it dictated by other goals. I'd still like to keep the beat with Padme acknowledging Anakin's sadness.

V4 for COD will be coming very soon. This thing will never be perfect, but it's been pretty well thought out at this point, and I'm comfortable letting them alone with whatever flaws or missed opportunities that may remain. I haven't left anything on the table, but have given everything a fair mental shot.