The Starlog interview I remember from the 80's seemed pretty positive about the movie. I think there was even a little regret Tarkin couldn't be in the sequels.
I really need to dig out my old magazines and reread them sometime. Although I wish whoever owns the rights to Starlog would issue the whole run on a DVD-ROM or something.
What I'd really like to know is, why the heck didn't Kenner make a Tarkin figure back in the day? My Death Star playset collapsed into chaos without him! ;)