I agree. If it didn't happen on the show, it isn't to be counted.
Canon?! Bite your tongue (or should that be sprain your fingers? )!! When it comes to the daytime DS, the only thing that I consider canon is what actually took place on the TV series.
I have to disagree. I think any drama using the original actors, that is sanctioned by Dan Curtis Productions should be considered canonical, providing it doesn't contradict the series too terribly. Return to Collinwood and the Big Finish Series have the original actors repirsing their roles. Royalties are paid and I don't see any reason, at present, not to count them. Yes, there are some fine points that need a bit of clarification. But remember, this is DS. The accounts of Barnabas' early life don't coincide with what we see in 1795.
As for Vengeance at Collinwood, I'm unsure about that one. Its never been released, but it was performed.
I also have disagree with a comment that nearly equated these plays with the Collinsport Player skits. These professional dramas are on a different level. The skits are funny, well written and acted, but they are not intended to extend the DS storyline. They are the equivalent of a Saturday Night Live or Mad TV skit.
As for Lara's book, I'd have to put the audio dramas on a higher level. As much as I enjoyed the books, DS was a DRAMA, as are the CDs. Yes, the format is different, but they are essentially the same, with actors portraying familiare roles. This is not unprecedented. Some soaps started on radiio and continued on TV. I'm told the Guiding Light acknowleges its Old Time Radio past and has made references to it.
Discounting the audio dramas out of hand would be similar to a Trekker disavowing the films because it wasn't they weren't TV shows. In fact, I distinctly remember several people who tried to claim that the first motion picture was not canonical.
Any way, that's my two cents. I suppose its a moot point. Only Dan Curtis Productions can make a formal announcement regarding whether or not anything is canon.