I dunno, I've always assumed DYRL? to be a movie based upon the original series, made simply because it was thought it would be successful and that they could make money on it. I do not believe there was any thought at the time that it was supposed to be some sort of official re-telling, or a movie within the TV series. For some stupid reason, they later decided there needed to be some clarification out there for all of the morons who couldn't figure it out.
I haven't even bothered to read most of this thread, but I think arguing over it is rather pointless. You guys just can't help but argue over some of the most stupid crap around here, can you? Why not argue over something that has merit, such as Macross 7 purely being a merchandising vehicle with a heavy emphaisis on fan service that borderlines child pornography.