What we all need to remember is that the prequels are supposed to setup the Original Trilogy. Thus, Episode 1 focused more on the political drama and almost forced some action so it wouldn't be boring to some. Episode 2 is showing more of how Anakin could succumb to the Dark Side and how and why the Jedi Council's inability to stop the Sith from taking over.
My point is the prequels are different movies than the Original Trilogy - different in styles, types, etc.
Personally, I liked the prequels and am looking forward to Episode 3. I also think that some of the prequel-haters only hate the movies 'cause other people hate the movies. When Titanic first came out, no one I knew liked the movie. After about a week or so, all of a sudden Titanic is a huge hit and everyone's saying good things and all of a sudden, I can't find anyone who hates the movie. A similar thing is happening here, in my opinion. The prequels are getting a lot of bad press and is put down by a lot of people, so now a majority of people hate the prequels.
Methinks there is a connection.