It's great posting something that generates so many excellent responses!
I'm in complete agreement with all of you that simply rehashing the same, tired old storylines would be a mistake. Doing a next generation saga would not only allow the writers to come up with fresh new storylines but also link it to the original show and allow former stars to make a DS comeback.
However, ghost and vampire themes are such strong and universal ones that they can and should (this IS Dark Shadows, after all!) be incorporated, but with different stories.
What about having Quentin's portrait destroyed in one storyline, thereby allowing him to age to David Selby's present vintage (just like a fine claret!)? Of course, someone would also have to come up with a way to prevent Quentin from sprouting fur and fangs again every full moon, but that could be part of the story, too.
Gerard, I like your idea of Carolyn and David sharing Collinwood. What a treat it would be to see Nancy Barrett reprising her role! Willie tending the Old House in his senior years also sounds entirely believable to me. I also like the tantalizing teaser of leaving open the possibility of Barnabas returning. Somehow I can't imagine him having progeny of his own, however. The image of Barnabas bouncing a baby on his knee is too weird even for DS!
Anyway, love your ideas!