I’ve never thought of mirroring the ‘golden age’ of the republic in TPM to what was the ‘golden age’ of the empire in ANH.

Imagine presenting the republic as a sort of super-alderaan, so there are NO weapons anywhere - because there haven’t been any wars for generations. The Jedi’s use of lightsabers might even be representative of a sort of regression of sorts that swords are enough to keep order where needed.

Battle droids with tanks and guns might be a tad more intimidating in that setting - but I’m not sure how much of a lead up that would need to make it impactful. You couldn’t have the first portion of the film just pouring over peaceful environments!

Totally agree about Anakin! Leave him behind - he should just be a background character in that story. I often wonder if it would work to open TPM with Tatooine and Qui-Gon - whilst simultaneously introducing the Naboo fugitives.