The similarities didn't bother me that much, since the movie build a base from where it can build things up differently from the original trilogy. That is, except for the fact I could see Han Solo dying from a mile away (because Obi-Wan) and the Starkiller exploding (should have kept it IMO, hard to see another threat like that being build again anytime soon).
I think is acceptable from a creative point of view since they are basically showcasing a new beginning to the Star Wars legend, I mean, we have seen the same happen with games. Resident Evil 2, Metroid Prime and Ocarina of Time are both critically lauded titles who are, in a way, just rehashes of Resident Evil, Super Metroid and A Link to the Past. And Final Fantasy XII is Star Wars haha.
