I think the 3-D releases will be interesting, and very telling about the differences in the two trilogy generations.
As far as the article, I see things both ways ultimately... If Lucas wanted to satisfy his fans, who have supported him pretty obviously now for many years, he could do so with a high-def release of the original theatrical releases of the Original Trilogy. That he doesn't, is somewhat insulting to his fan base. They have the right to feel slighted by him I think.
At the same time I've always felt it's his movie to do with as he pleases, and in many cases I like the upgrades. I feel in the minority, but I like the expanded Yavin battle (and wish Hoth and Endor would both get expanded! Especially the latter), I like SE Jabba and think it adds to the story. I like Vader leaving Bespin.
Sure I don't like Han shooting first, or Jedi rocks, or Luke's "no" that is no longer there, but I like CGI Yoda in TPM, and I don't mind Vader's "no" on the Death Star II (wish they'd do something with his "no" in ROTS because it's horrid to the point of parody).
So for me it's just a mixed bag... I find Lucas, in the interview, fairly pompous, especially towards those who ultimately made him by supporting him. "Fanboys" are just fans too, and no better/worse than anyone on any forum like this IMO. But if Lucas and his ardent critics could learn to see each other's POV, it'd be nice.
Lucas should be able to see that, to a child, that original viewing of the Original Trilogy in theaters means more to them than he gives credit. He could throw them a bone (and make many, very happy) with HD releases of the original edits then. Likewise, fans have to just accept that he is who he is, and they're his films to do with as he pleases.
The fan edits are great too... Well, the one for ANH (and ESB coming eventually I guess) is anyway, and I appreciate it just as well. It earned a spot on my DVD shelf right next to my copy of the latest DVD's of the saga, which will soon be joined by a copy of the Saga on Blu Ray... I'd like that HD original edit too though. I'm not hating Star Wars because it isn't there though, either.
If Lucas feels like "Well I'll show you", with his retiring, well so be it... That's on him. He isn't important enough to me, personally, to care really. I didn't expect more Star wars films anyway, and I'm perfectly happy with SW on TV (I love both incarnations of Clone Wars and look forward to the live-action show and maybe other shows down the road).
TPM still sucks.
I like all the rest though, and yeah I'll still watch TPM. It's still part of the story.