Let's not forget we didn't get the most recent/finished versions of the demos either.
I have a feeling the decision to include the original demos as a deluxe edition was made after the album was finished.
L.A Reid was the one with the idea to radically change the music and enlist the modern talent, so, if anything, it might've been the Estates idea to include the originals. Track 1 Love Never Felt So Good was just the 2010 version for Michael. Where they also changed a few tracks significantly, as well. (Slave, She Was Lovin Me, Best of Joy)
I do remember Brian May hating working with the estate so you're right there a bit. It still happened though. Anka's stuff did too. And Paul got to do what he wants. There's really not
that much stifling of creatives at all. If you're willing to do what he says, I guess.
Steve can't say he doesn't like them messing with it while also still changing it himself. It doesn't sound just like it did in the 80s, still. But:
There's nothing wrong with preferring the lighter touches, and that's what John Mcclain does. People like his stuff, I do too. But they've changed it and people have liked that too. More money on the table, more audience in the chairs that way. When it's not Michael with the final say, then really both and neither option are valid anyway.
And as for those originals, I don't mind hearing the earliest versions but it would be nice to hear multiples. Most estates (Jimi Hendrix) release multiples in takes of the same songs. Another anthology would not hurt at all.
We all already know Branca doesn't have a creative bone in his entire body though. They should let Mcclain handle that stuff, Branca can lead us through these financial/legal woes and that's all. The only reason we see so much Branca is because John Mcclain is a recluse who hates being in the spotlight. Definitely a friend of Michael, ain't he.