yeah and its not like killing one of the main characters just like that wouldnt have had a major story effect, it would have solidified vader as a bad ass, think about how you would felt seeing him alow one of the main characters getting killed, then finding out he is lukes father. man that would have created such a evil cliff hanger to the end of empire. i actually think it would be a good idea, after all how much did chewie do in ROTJ, that another person couldnt have done. he could have been easily killed off right there, and it would have given luke something more the fight about,

NO First my dad now Chewie.

luke you dont understand I am your father

NOOOO i dont beleive i and be that as it may you still alowed chewie to die you bastard.

I am a bastard my mom wasnt married to my dad, so thats not an insult