I always laughed off the old EU before I got into, however I always considered some of the books canon, but not all of it (mainly post-ROTJ)
However after I saw Di$ney canned it, i started reading some books and going through wookiepedia articles on some topics and I realized how expansive and more complex the Old EU was. It dawned on me that the movies really werent as good as some of the books or stories.
My whole perception on Star Wars changed, and though old EU doesnt "feel" like OT Star Wars I still find it more interesting and easier to get lost in.
TFA is just not a good film, i like the visuals, i think its pretty and has some cool looking scenes but thats pretty much it. Im fine with having the film suck off the Original Trilogy once or twice but it happened just about every second. The pacing was pretty poor.
As a solo-film I think TFA is the worst Star Wars film, but i think it can be boosted above some movies (mainly 6 and 2) if 8 and 9 are good, however after seeing 7 start things off im just predicting its going to be the Original Trilogy rehashed with different roles.
The Old EU appeals to people like me more, people who like to delve into something stupidly complex, and it bothers the hell out of me to have Di$ney destroy one of the largest works of collective fiction ever just to make films that are rehashes of the OT.
If they're going to destroy decades worth of story and characters they should at least attempt to make something engaging and original.