nightstalkerpoet said:

1. A character as a plot device is still a character.

Sort of missing the point though. Ultimatley every character is a Plot Device, but really, what does Boba Fett do other than add a bit of eye candy and remind us of Han Solo's plotline from ANH?

There will always be an issue of perspective with the OT as most of us played with out Boba Fett action figures and read about his wider exploits more than we watched the films.

Compare Boba Fett's role in ESB and the Holiday Special Cartoon. He is the story, therefor his naming is essential as we do not know his job role until much later on.

Also - how many things in ANH and ESB is never named? Tatooine, Lars (the surname), The Executor, Tie Bombers, Lobot etc etc. Conversely stuff is named but never shown which works awesomely - but that is something completely different.