Oh I agree Tied, I'm middle if not slightly EU based. I have no problems with the EU removal as long as they at least eventually bring back the truly amazing characters and events in one shape or another like they just recently proved to us they are doing. The "dark, gritty, massive universe" part is something I adored. Since SW films all have their own lightheartedness when it comes to that sort of thing. Episode 3 was my personal favorite because of the attempt at making the story darker than usual, the EU backstories helped.
Thrawn, Katarn, etc..