georgec said:

With all due respect I'd but Roddenberry in a higher tier than Lucas for idea conception, development, and realization. ;)

I don't think George Lucas has proven himself to be as competent in those regards, despite mass opinion, but I digress.

Eh, if you really pushed me about it, I'd put them at about the same level, especially if we're talking the later years for both. The "utopian" aspect of the Federation was easily it's weakest trait (almost to the point of being disgustingly overbearing; how can everything be so perfect that no one has headaches anymore?), and that trait is what most separates Roddenberry Trek from post-Roddenberry Trek in terms of atmosphere. A civilization that is quite literally above any and all flaws is so utterly ridiculous, it hurts the premise a lot more than the noticeable lack of non-humanoid aliens.