[saw another thread similiar, thought I'd reply here. ]
I'm totally for housing, 100%. I played StarWars Galaxies for eight years and a giant portion of that time, I was in my homes. For me, having my own shop where I could sell wares (crafted & looted) to everyone, was my end-game. I realize this isn't for everyone, so I'm speaking for myself.
With previous said game, you could place items basically anywhere inside. Ontop of another, rotating some items into a completely new object/etc. We had Galactic showcases, where players could get nominated for "Best Decorated House on "x" Galaxy". A lot of people would spend every online moment they had trying to get their home "just right" in hopes of being nominated ( or winning). If StarWars The Old Republic implemented either instanced housing or outright seperate planets where we could actually live "...in a galaxy, far, far away...", just think of how attractive the game would become. How much longer would a player stay in our universe if they had a home to call their own?
Again, these are my own thoughts and opinions. I feel if housing wasn't "forced" (pun intended) on people, it would be a great thing.
It would make a lot of players happy and BioWare would most likely gain a lot more long-term income.