I don't get:
1. How would a Sith be any less of a rehash than an Imperial? How is the ansence of the Sith "taking things in a new direction" if the absence of the Empire isn't? How is Star Wars about Jedi vs. Sith yet not about Rebels vs. Empire?
2. Why can't a Force-user call themselves an Imperial? You can have Imperials without the Empire.