[quote=Raineh Daze]
'Related to Canon X' leads to Mary Sue-ism, and in anything with multiple female love interests leads to... arguments. By removing all canons from the equation, you have a clean slate: you have the organisation, and the power definitions. The perfect sandbox; no need to worry about explaining how an OC took over the 11th Division without basically saying 'they beat everyone in a swordfight' or the like.
[/quote]

This could work quite well, I think. However, as some might desire certain canon elements kept... 

Perhaps a compromise; an AU, but one where certain characters continue to exist. Ignore the events of canon, but keep the existence of canon characters as needed. Perhaps a few captains or lieutenants, perhaps a few human world characters as well, kept in place in the newly created status quo. Thus allowing for a stable setting, and the inclusion of details from canon, but also allows for a broad jumping off point as events progress. Unfettered by canon, but permitted to keep the elements of it if desired.

Thoughts?