It's an incredible movie. One of my problems with the OT and the 2 other prequels in particular is that they seem "claustraphobic". You know you're just watching actors in a decorated studio. EPI just seems more "real" due to all the outdoor shots. I know this might not seem like much of a case but it also has much more depth than the other movies and in Liam Neeson it certainly has the best acting performance of the prequels. It's also got the best sabre fight, the best villain and the pod racing scene (Which bored me at first) is an amazing spectacle. Not forgetting the final battle on Naboo. It's a beautiful film and, in time, it will be much better received by everyone.
I agree with pretty much everything you said. It does have a more 'open' feel. And one of the reasons I like this film is that it is shot on film not digital like the other prequels. Shooting on film, I think, gives it more realism.
What I don't dig much about it is how it is directed so much towards kids. It has many childish moments.
I don't care much for the pace of this film. At parts it is quite boring. The Pod Race is a real low point - it feels pointless, like it's there just for show, which it is really.
It's a great film. Unlike II & III it takes it's time to tell the story. There's no sense of "Shit, let's explain the jedi ghosts and the twins etc before the 2 hours runs out". Possible faults? Maybe instead of the podrace they could have had a big chase scene with Darth Maul but that's about it. AND I found Jar Jar to be funny.