SOTE was definitely the choice that came to my mind first too OCB... Tons of stuff that basically replaced the basic line for a time, and for a failed multi-media event... The comic, game, and novels weren't ever really hot for SOTE when they were out and the toy line failed with them I think...
I think EU has its place, but I definitely think it loses steam when it starts replacing the film figures... I'm surprised they're doing such secondary characters first instead of trying like a "Luke in...." outfit. Like NJO Luke perhaps, or some such. EU that's still got an OT tie-in or some such, but what do I know?
I am a dinosaur and I think that this dinosaur has a better argument. If they go overboard with the EU stuff (I am not at all opposed to a lite sprinkle of EU) it will SOTE all over again.
Valin, you were 8 when SOTE came out so you did not see the Havoc it wrecked on pegs and that was when demand was high, the line was still new.
With the marvel 2 packs being more OT movie based thats a good thing, pleases even the diehards. Vos way cool I am in. Too many characters like the Youvon Zong or however its spelled, is not good for the pegs.
As you get older you will learn the sad unfortunate truth that history repeats itself. The only smart thing with Hasbro's EU strategy has in place is they are doing most of the EU stuff in 2 packs seperate from the standard line. So if it fails that SKU will go away.
Lastly, like the Star Trek franchise spinoffs, EU is not the absolute future. EU will always be a pale but sometimes complimentry carbon copy of the original.
People will always flock to the original real thing.