I think most people prefer imaginative creativity though.
well yeah, I do as well, and recycled imagery is a pretty poor substitute for this. But ideally, both at once are interesting - it’s not a matter of one or the other. Star Wars can break new ground and expand horizons while still containing plenty of callbacks to what’s come before.
I don’t think the execution of the prequels is the best, but I do think the era is very imaginative.