I'm no SW costuming expert - but I am a fan and I have an avid love for costuming and prop collecting.
I believe it is safe to say that we are finally seeing higher-quality LICENSED SW costumes because of US fans...because over years and years, fans have collaborated and worked hard to replicate thier own costumes and props from SW...and Lucasfilm wants in on that - which I don't blame them at all.
What really gets my goat is how companies like this seem to ignore or don't take seriously the valuable input from fans that are extremely astute to the authenticity of details and accuracy of such products.
This message board alone has dozens of members who can, at a glance, know weather a costume or prop is accurate - and with close scrutinazation, can objectively critique the product and provide some accuracy solutions.
My feeling is; if you're going to do it - especially with a license - do it right! Listen to the fans! Listen to the people who will actually be dropping over a grand on your product! If a license costume sells for $1,000 and is only 97% accurate, yet an UNlicensed costume can be put together for under that price and be 100% accurate, the true costumer and fan will want the unlicensed version almost every time.
I have seen more quality unlicensed props and costumes come from this board and over at A.S.A.P than I have ever seen from all the license holders. Bottom line - RPF needs thier OWN license to start selling!!!