I found the podcast really fascinating. I was reminded of other threads on the forum, the ones about Predator 2 -- there seems to be more haters than lovers of that one, but it does what the (true) fans purportedly want -- does something new with new characters in a new setting that has nothing to do with previous one. (well, aside from the Busey line, anyway).
But yes - the points about they (the creative teams writing this stuff) do seem to think the way to the fans hearts is by referencing / rehashing what's gone on before are completely valid. But then - I like that stuff. I think it was Ridgetop said that the great thing about A:CM was walking through the excellently realised Sullaco and so on - and he's right - I got a massive thrill out of that (but as I've said elsewhere, I'm not a big gamer, so I don't really get all the hate -- and I've not finished the game yet).
But it does seem that we do want Colonial Marines vs Aliens vs Predator(s) in a decently realised movie - or is that the wrong takeaway from the 'cast? Are we looking more towards new characters, new situations unrelated (as much as possible) from the marines and xenos. Like the first AvP comic? I've read many places "Why they hell didn't they just make that!"