ROTJ is a disappointment so many levels that I have no problem putting R1 (and even TFA, in my opinion) above it. Not sure if I agree with ROTS though.
It has a multitude of problems but it also has some of the greater moments in the Saga. And I’m talking about character shit, not spectacles like Vader butchering Rebels with his lightsaber. In general ROTJ had more substance and for that reason alone I can deal with the Ewoks because I care about the Galaxy and the characters trying to liberate it.
The excruciating 40 minutes at Jabba’s palace alone is enough to make me want to watch something else. The Luke and Vader scenes are great, but they still can’t justify me wasting my time with the parts that I don’t enjoy.
The Rancor scene, the banter between the trio and a decent percentage of the sail barge fight trumps the first two acts of Rogue One for me. While the hologram scene with Galen is great that is only one scene and the only other scene of real note is when Cassian murders that guy in the alley. The only reason I’m even mentioning this is because I’m glad Gareth at least attempted to have some moral ambiguity even though it’s implementation in the film was half assed.
The parts of ROTJ that I enjoy are spread out across the film and that makes for a far better viewing experience imo whereas R1’s are mostly in the last act. A lot of the enjoyment I get out of it doesn’t come in the form of good character moments or anything like that but from nice explosions and the screams of the Rebel Soldiers. That’s something I can’t say about ROTJ’s final act.