Not to be an apologist for Lucas because I think the new trilogy is weak in numerous ways, but ... the two main Jedi of focus in the new trilogy are Anakin and Obi-Wan. You'll notice Anakin had the same scene in "Revenge of the Sith" as Luke had in "Return of the Jedi," only with Count Dooku. It's one of those "parellels" Lucas is always talking about. There's Anakin, he's beaten Dooku, there's Chancellor Palpatine in the background saying, "Kill him," and in this case Anakin doesn't throw away his weapon. That's the difference between Luke and Anakin ... get it?
And as far as the cutting-off of heads, most of those "guys" are spindly little robots.

I agree with you for the most part. The parallel between Anakin and Luke is a good one, however, we EXPECT Anakin to not spare Dooku. After all, he's turning to the dark side. The problem is the others. What about the match-up between Dooku and Yoda? Yoda was a veritable firefly on speed, jumping and flipping and swinging his sword all around. Where is the peace in that? Shouldn't he have been more concernec about keeping himself between Dooku and his friends, rather than showing off?

I always thought of light vs dark side of the force like the differences of Tae Kwon Do and Karate vs Judo or Aikido. In Tae Kwon Do you punch and kick HARD. You move in and deal serious damage. In Aikido you wait calmly for your oponent to make his/her move. When the attack comes you evade or use their attack against them.

Just a thought