I think I will take a stab at the ANH remake concept, albeit a bit more philosophically, and probably a bit of a cheap cop out, but here goes. Yes, there were plenty of re-used elements, but after the prequels, I don't blame them for that. Go with what works, at least for the first attempt at righting the ship. I'm sure we will get a unique direction for the next one, especially with the criticisms that have been leveled.
You must remember that thirty years have passed. An entire generation has been raised thinking everything was a myth, not really knowing the true history, or not caring, perhaps. But, the point is that maybe, just maybe, that cliche about repeating history was an element. It happens all the time right here with us on Earth. They were making the same mistakes as others before them.
Okay, I only saw it yesterday, and need to see it more to really absorb it, but this is my current take on it, and how I felt about it while walking out of the theater. I'm sure my opinion will mature over time. Be gentle...