DominicCobb said:

^I think this is a very good thing. And re: prequel merit - I personally believe the prequels do have merit, and could argue as to why, though I don't think there's much a point to that. The fact of the matter is, though, these films are NOT going to just ignore the prequels. It just won't happen.

I was being facetious/sarcastic, but I do stand by the opinion that the new movies need to be their own thing.

The ultimate downfall of the prequels is that they were completely subservient to the OT.

While the new movies will pick up threads from either or both sagas, it's important to not constrict them to trying to explain or connect every little detail to the OT like the PT did.

That's why I cringe a little when I read comments on the net with people saying, "Do this character! Do that story!" Recipe for disaster, in my opinion. Let the new movies breathe.

I agree with Adywan.