Wow, not my experience with prequel hate (and ROTJ hate before it). I do think Internet fans are better about the prequels (you're more likely to find people willing to discuss what they did right and "ruined my childhood" isn't flung around as much) and I have always believed that the prequels were a good showcase of Lucas's skills with visual storytelling (whatever flaws the script and acting/actor's direction they may have). But still, Lucas was one of the most hated people in Star Wars by the fans and it wasn't because he was a nasty guy. (Am I the only one who remembers the adage that the people who hated Star Wars the most were Star Wars fans?)
Then what do we make of his saying that TLJ was "beautifully made"?
I think he did both, if that makes any sense.