Development (change of character) does not make characters good or well written. TFA characters may get more development throughout the film but they are boring or unoriginal and the development is bad or unoriginal. While in R1 the characters may not change much (do no get much development) but at least they are complex and interesting.
I think you should stop finding lame false explanations about R1 and TFA in order to feel better. You should face the fact that R1 is simply good and TFA is crap. Those of us who like R1 and dislike TFA simply accept this truth.
I like Rogue One but it’s definitely more entertaining than well written. I personally can’t say the same for TFA.
TFA is neither well written nor entertaining.