Just found a well-rounded, straightforward article...
http://www.cinemaspy.com/article.php?id=3019
The author provides some level-headed questions worth considering. Then again, I think a continuation doesn't need to be heavily downplayed. After all, would you want the next "Star Wars" film to NOT be a continuation from the established universe of Episode VI? (Meaning: A complete re-do, or a loosely-based homage to what was?)
Michael