I never really understood why one would compare the two. Lucas was never even close to being on par with Tolkien. Tolkein literally wrote his story from scratch so many times because he ran into problems or other things that go bump. He re-wrote the story until he came to another bump and them re-wrote it again. He didn't publish until he had the story completely worked out. Which is something Lucas never did. I think in part he didn't because he hated writing as he has said so often. I actually like writing and so did tolkien. It sorta allows one to enter a world of endless possibilities. Also remember that Tolkien wasn't writing for money or fame he already had that at Oxford. Lucas was writing for money essentially