I am in agreement with georgec and company.
No matter what I'd be nervous...that it feel Star Wars-like and that it also feel original.
Maybe fearing it will now be middling in both respects is unfair to Mr. Abrams. But the guessed reasons for his choosing is suggestive...
Yet as y'all point out, much depends on the script.
What does Mr. Abrams bring to the table as an auteur?