I feel like the Rebellion-turned-Republic would have a slight issue with using technology and equipment that was so galactically identified with oppression, enslavement, and brutality.
I feel like the end of the Empire was a bit akin to the de-nazification of Germany after World War II. […] The Rebels tromping around in AT-ATs would be a bit like the Bundeswehr driving around in Tigers.
But in real life Israelis (Jews) were flying post-war copies of Messerschmitt 109 (designed by Nazi Germany) - and the Bundeswehr is using MG3 (which is modernized infamous MG42).
So indeed, TFA weapons simply follow the Rule of Cool… Visual Shortcut… another proof how hard they were fixated to make TFA feel just like ANH.