I think Han dying would be a nice alternative version of the story, but I like the way things are now. I really don't agree with Harrison's quote that Han no longer had any story responsibilities. I mean, there was still the Han/Leia relationship that was just getting off the ground, and that needed to be resolved. I mean, Luke being her brother was already a cop out enough, but having Han die as well... well, we'd just be getting into soap opera territory.

And YIYF, I don't think Lando should die either. Wasn't the idea that he would die just an urban legend anyway, not based in any kind of fact? I think Lando paid his price by sacrificing everything he had built up in his life. Bespin was everything he had. He had reached a level of respectability, and he abandoned it to join the Rebellion, not to mention risking his life to save Han from Jabba. I think he paid his debt to Han and then some.