1. They've covered the years between 3 and 4 with video games, and are debating a live action tv series.
2. They can't kill off Han unless it is more than 40 years after the original movies took place because he's still alive in the books up to those points. It would also drives fans crazy if they screwed up the canon they've been following for decades.
3. My best hope is for them to do the Thrawn Trilogy (excellent storyline, still retains characters everybody knows and adds some great new ones). There have been talks of this possibly being it, considering they only want several years after the original trioogy. Link:
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Thrawn_Trilogy
4. If they wanted to retain the original cast, they would have to use probably the Yuuzhan Vong War era. TOns of action and drama. Honestly would be a lot of fun for everybody.
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Yuuzhan_Vong_War
5. Carrie Fisher looks like shit. Don't want her back.
6. Be optimistic. Disney has a great track record. They've hired a great writer in Michael Arndt.
7. Even if it sucks, hey, it's more Star Wars
8. I looked like enough of a nerd already. /post