But the Anakin/Padmé relationship itself isn’t earned. There’s no reason why Padmé should fall in love with Anakin (and several very good ones why she shouldn’t). George just keeps telling us that they’re in love throughout Clones, and by the time we get to the heavy stuff in Sith we’re just more willing to roll with it because it’s obvious that this is what we’re getting one way or another.
I actually think that the AOTC romance is the most authentic and unguarded romance in cinema, so take my opinions with a pound of salt.
I haven’t read the rest of the thread yet, but I just spit Diet Coke all over my monitor.