h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've heard the phrase "Many Bothans died to bring us this information..." often lately, especially around some the the internet rumor sites when they think they are about to release some really juicy information.

This phrase is beginning to annoys me because I cannot tell if it is being used correctly or not.

Now you may remember that this phrase is one of the more scintillating gems from the otherwise droll script of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi"
(in fact, ALL of the scripts from George Lucas' Star Wars film are wanting in the script & character development department).

What bothers me is that even though Bothams died, the information was actually false, planted by the evil Emporer to entrap the rebel forces in the sites of the fully functional death star. When Luke realizes this, the fullness of his character comes to fore when he simply bellows in anguish "Nooo!" and proceeds to vent his anger upon Darth Vader (see, really scintillating script, eh?)

So now, when those ruddy Bothans die, are they bringing us hrosepoop? Or have Bothans suddenly gotten good at bringing real information? If its really just a secret code that means "here's some more poop for the pile... let's see who steps in it!" then don't you think they'd let people know so everyone can share in the fun?

I hope now you can appreciate my confusion and frustration.

More later,