Personally I love the EU because it lead to some interesting and unique additions to the lore. Sure I will always love the OT which is how I got my start, but the EU has added more flavor to the over all lore. When lucas made his additions to the lore again with the prequels, i can remember a lot of fans saying it was garbage and "not true star wars" just like they say about the EU. Okay why is that"? is it because it is not a rehash of the OT?
Okay I can admit there are some parts of the EU i dislike but I don't disregard them because i realize there are those who like it and appreciate it for what it is worth. Like it or not Lucas still allowed the EU to exist and all of the books, comics, RPG source books, miniature games, trading card games and video games; including this one, are licensed by Lucasfilm. Not to mention in my point of view the EU adds more to the force then the movies ever did and has contributed to the lore more then the three films did. Sure the OT started it but the EU continued it and keep star wars from fading into obscurity until the OT Special editions and PT came out.
I mean i can understand the idea that some of the force powers, characters and concepts introduced are a little ridiculous and the fact that most EU detractors consider the EU to be overall nonsense and silly. However...but I want you to consider this...
We are talking about a universe where...
a 9 year old can race a rocket powered chariot a 900 year old muppet can jump around and fight with a miniature, baby-sized lightsaber Two ambiguously gay robots bicker and argue with each other, like a old married couple. A planet of three feet tall Teddy bears can take out an entire legion of Stormtroopers A teen fresh of the farm with little Jedi training, can succeed were seasoned rebel veterans failed. A world of under water dwelling duck like creatures can speak with Jamaican accents. and where space wizards run around with friggin laser swords and dress like reject franciscan monks.
Excetly what part of any I just posted makes any sense? If you look at it even the OT and PT conceptually are a little ridiculous. In fact the above I just stated are reasons that most of my RL friends did not become fans like I have. The EU takes these elements introduced in the films and expands on them adding to their entertainment value. Lets not forget in the eyes of the creator himself, Mr. George Lucas...these movies were always meant for kids.
It is because of those reasons I have accepted most aspects of the EU because like the movies they are meant to provide entertainment and escapism. That is why it kind of bothers me when i hear fans diss each other about various aspects of stars from those who bash both the EU and even the PT. The EU was meant to be entertainment and in many ways during a time when it appeared that episodes 7.8 and 9 would never be made as continuations of the cannon.
Sure that might get all swept away now but I believe those who are rejoicing this are forgetting that the EU has made some good additions to the lore and even brought in new fans to the franchise. Oh sure most aspects of the EU are silly and at times uber-ridiculous but then again the movies have ewoks and jar jar binks. And with some of the examples I have posted can you tell me how anyone can honestly take this seriously? I think that some time my fellow fans; especially those who are fans of the OT, wear rose tinted goggles a little to tightly on their heads and make an effort to refuse any thing new added. In many ways this is very small minded of them and alienates them from their fellow fans.
I can understand a little of were they are coming from yes, though still i believe that maybe they should make an effort to try and see the EU in a different light and understand were EU fans are coming from and why it is so important and loved to us.