I have a theory about the Bantam novels and why they are looked upon less than fondly: they didn't take any chances. Each story was set up like one of the various Star Wars movie, with super weapons galore. The only novels which went out on a limb were TTT, I, Jedi and THoT. These also happen to be the most popular of the Bantam era.

When Del Rey took over we got the New Jedi Order which began with a huge risk- the death of Chewie. Sure, the NJO had its bumps in the road but they did take chances. Some worked and some didn't but the novel line is better for it.

If you look at the Dark Nest series we are really starting to explore new ground. A new version of the Force that may not be so sweet, some sort of growing darkness in the shadows, Jacen's slow downfall, Jaina and Zekk becoming Joiners and Luke's dissapointement in his own ranks. Not to mention the growing corrpution in the GFFA.

This is what the novel line needs if it is to survive after all the movies(especially if the TV show doesn't pan out). Some risks will result in bad material but I'll at least be able to say, "They're not phoning it in".