What defines Sword and Sorcery, anyway? I know most editors don't like seeing S&S these days, so can a fantasy story in a rustic setting which involves magic be considered anything other than Sword and Sorcery?

If a fantasy story is about a character fighting evil with magic and fantasy elements in a futuristic, sci-fi setting, is this Sword and Sworcery?

Would a story about a wizard who attempts to reclaim his family's castle from a usurper--who, while not evil, is certainly not reputable and uses politics to gain influence--be considered S&S?

What about a story involving a mercenary who finds a sword which had once been a family heirloom, and now is a medium through which his ancestors speak to him and tell him to return to his homeland to restory the country's honor?

So many questions, I know, but I don't really want my stories to be attached to the Sword and Sorcery stigma. If there even is a stigma.

Thanks,