I've seen quite a few posters enhance their points by citing deleted scenes. My question is should they be given the same significance as actual movie scenes?

I typically consider only what is in the movies canon, with deleted scenes (and the book for that matter) evidence of what Coppola/Puzo's mindset may have been regarding certain things but not canon. I figure if it wasn't part of the final cut, it isn't canon, pure and simple. It isn't up to me to speculate why those scenes were omitted; time constraints, artistic vision, etc.

Ultimately, it does come down to the individual's opinion. For those who disagree with me, I would like to see the logic behind your perspective.

(I also frequently try to pretend GFIII did not occur but begrudgingly will acknowledge it is canon )