I agree, it is not literal stars falling. As for when it is literal and when it is metaphorical, I always look for both. Proceed with caution here, a wrong turn can lead to a cult.
Back to Genesis. I personally don't think that Satan was created before the beginning (Genesis 1:1). If there is a gap in the six literal days, the obvious place would be Genesis 1:2. Thus when God said let there be light, We see resurrection. This is an interesting way to start the scripture, a metaphor, birth, death, and resurrection.
If this is true then we can confirm it and it gives us a gap an Genesis 1:2. You know the author. Is this the sort of thing you would expect God to do? If so, then you won't be surprised to see this structure elsewhere, throughout scripture.
Could God have created a billion *other* worlds/universes or whatever He wanted (including angels etc) in between v1 and v2? Absolutely. Could He have hidden it from us? Absolutely. Would these creations/creatures have any bearing on us or the remainder of scripture? Not in the sense that it affects Jesus or my salvation I would imagine. However, it reduces the message that we are special to Him and more of a side thought, or a second (or third or fourth etc etc) attempt at making something work.
If I'm more of a side thought or one of many attempts at whatever He had in mind, it puts a measure of doubt in my mind regarding who God is and for me that smacks too closely to what Satan's tactics are - creating doubt about God's Word. I personally wouldn't promote that as an option but my faith may not be as strong as yours.
I'm out for the day at soccer games but will check for replies manana.