The film had the impossible task of pleasing both old and new viewers of the franchise. It succeeded immensely in that regard, old viewers could recognize the nods to the old trilogy, while new viewers were presented with a very well made film that (in my opinion) surpasses the original trilogy in literally every way. If I had to rate it I would definitely rate it higher than new hope.
I agree with all of the above, but I don't see any of that as a problem. I would not hold "too similar to new hope" as an issue with this film. If anything, it was a good thing in my opinion.
I love the original trilogy. I really do, my nostalgia towards it is very strong. But if you take off the nostalgia-tinted glasses for a second, you will see that original trilogy(ROTJ especially) has very poor dialogue, the filming and pacing is passable. ESB is the best of the three, but Force Awakens is easily on par with that film, and definitely better than ewok-filled ROTJ.
