Very well put Issachar! I think you explained many of the problems people have had with the movie. I loved the Phantom Menace, and I plan on seeing it many times. Addressing the lack of depth, I think since this was the beginning, that Lucas used this as an introduction of sorts to the new trilogy. I believe that the 2nd and 3rd episodes will show more character development and focus on the their relationships with each other and Anakin's decent into evil. But The Phantom Menace is without a doubt Star Wars, and that's what I love about it. :-)

Reverend Dr Bong