Has anybody considered that JJ might lead off the new sequels with the idea that although the Death Star was destroyed, Vader and Palpatine killed and the Imperial fleet driven off... that the Empire is still fully in control under a new ruler?
Maybe things in the galaxy have got even worse. Maybe the defeat at Endor caused the Imperial governers to close ranks and go on a scorched earth rampage. Assasinating the governments of planets like Mon Calimari, Sullust and Corellia. Installing martial law accross the universe, perhaps the Rebellion died away and are only just starting to rebuild their forces.
Most seem to assume it's going to remnants or total peace. But the original Yub Nub ending left it very ambiguous. I'm not saying this is what I want to see but it's possible.