Most folks I know aren't necessarily Star Wars fans, just good movie fans. No one has bothered seeing the 2nd one after being tortured with TPM, or will bother with the third one either.
Being 'successful' isn't a destination, it's a *journey*, and for me Lucas got to the end of the line a LONG time ago.
Just the view from my neck o' the woods.
according to boxofficemojo.com the second film grossed $302 million. that is hardly no one. I would venture to guess that even though you complain, you spent money on it, too.
Advance sales for Episode III are selling out all over the country.