Anyone that disses A New Hope (especially by putting the likes of I or II above it) needs to go back to school because they obviously haven't learnt anything.
"Da FX is teh stoopid in ANH and I likes Jediz and action! Lotsa flashy lightsaberz everywherez! Attack Of Teh Clones was easier to understand cos teh plot didn't exist and everyone had a saber. You needz a saber to be cool. Han Solo sux cos he doesn't have saberz skillz. I wantz mindless action and cardboard characters, makes it easier for my brain to process da information. Screw character and plot. Oh look a shiny penny. I'm bored. I'm gonna go play GTA. I'm bored. I'm gonna go kill someone wiv a sword cos I fink Star Wars is reeeeeeel"
Stupid Star Wars babies. I kick'em in their not-yet-descended nuts.
I think most people say that because when they watched it alllllll those years ago it opened up a new world to them. Maybe if you explained to me why you hold it in such high regard, I will be better able to see your point. One reason it surely cannot be held in high regard is the plot. It is the oldest and most stale in all of storydom. Young poor boy turns into hero who saves princess. Errrrr.
Why do you need to explain why ANH is second only to ESB? What is there to explain?! It was the first Star Wars ever; if it was so stale, why do you even bother LIKING Star Wars? It IS Star Wars! It's the epitome of! The overused plot was intended; George was a softie for B-movies and overused plots.