Good points Nick. This topic is actually a pretty big debate for some fans.
George said they should be viewed in chronological order. He has stated before that episode 4 was made first simply because that one was the easiest to make at that time and is mostly a self-contained adventure. You do lose the key moment in Empire, but I don't think George wanted the prequel trilogy altered to simply cover the shock value of that moment. Which way is better? Depends on the person and perspective as Nick noted. George has said he did the prequel trilogy to alter your perspective of the original trilogy. After the solid Episode 3 I know I do. But would I be as big a fan if I had started my Star Wars experience with Episode I? I doubt it.
