That sounds completely awesome - one thing, though, I know Han was originally planned to die and many people here approve of that, but it doesn't catch me.

After already getting his "execution" in the previous movie (would've loved me a little more suspense on his state, maybe, instead of "ok, he's alive" moments after the dramatic freezing scene... but it was cool), him dying AGAIN, leaving Leia a SECOND TIME, could very easily come off as repetitive.

There would be some interesting questions to deal with, like, maybe sacrificing himself again would be tougher for him just after waking up from death, or maybe he'd embrace it more - but it would've been risky.

The way it turned out - Han not taking any interesting character change or development from his ordeal, merely becoming a complete "nice guy" now and being all pals with his best black buddy - obviously wasn't optimal either.
But dying a second time after "coming back"? I can take a second evil ship that looks just like the last one, but a main character is a more sensitive issue.