Yah, and Lucas is the creator of that universe, clearly that was an advantage when it came to getting the PT made. No one knows SW like he does. Even when it came to the OT he stepped in and helped both directors to get things back on track. Watching how these movies were made.... just seems like a different beast than other movies. And believe me, Disney doesnt want to mess it up. You dont want a bunch of SW whiny fans on ur back complaining lol (and no matter how good 7, 8 and 9 are there will be complaints... you know it and i know it lol)
LOTR were based off famous books and were shot at the same time. If they do that here, it might make it easier for 8 and 9. This is all my opinion, naturally, and therefore not fact.
As far as directors go? hmmm. Not Nolan lol. I could see Abrams do it beautifully, but he's busy with ST, so i dunno bout him, at least for episode 7. Wait, do u think they will hire one director for all three movies, or will they go with different ones each time? I do think there's a bunch of directors fighting for that job tonight haha