I just rediscovered this thread and wanted to give it a holler. I like the DSII and don't see it as a rehash. It's a similar station with the same name and similar, though more advanced design. But as far as plot devices go, it's a very different beast.

Saying the Death Star sucked by virtue of being a repeat is like saying the third Bourne movie sucked because Jason had to fight more black ops agents who see him as a threat to the US gov't...and they all used guns! Yes, it's a rehash. But it's also done differently, and therefore keeps our (at least my) interest.