How much did the Star Wars prequels really suck?

A rhetorical question, obviously, but after reading this link I've discovered so much more about the historical events that were taking place as the backdrop of episodes 1-3, that WERE NEVER CLEAR AT FUCKING ALL throughout the three movies. Republic in decay? Business and Trade Unions unite to fight for extreme Capitalism? Hello? Major plot points never revealed? WTF Lucas? It would have gone a long way to making the films' motivations way way clearer...