Maybe it's because they re-released modified versions of the original Star Wars trilogy[1]. Although timing wise, some of the re-releases happened before the Star Wars prequels, including the "Han shot first" controversy[2]. Some people's childhood might be ruined by the altercations, but it seems unfair that the new Star Wars are fully to blame.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changes_in_Star_Wars_re-releas...

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_shot_first