Yeah but it still doesn’t change that Luke dying did not benefit the sequel trilogy, as it is now. I can see having Luke die if Leia is the focus of episode 9 but obviously that is not an option anymore. They could have easily let Luke live with the existing footage. Even faneditors can do it, so why not a major studio.

Imagine ending with Luke staring at the sunsets, him fulfilled, back in the fight, and we cut to credits as we look forward to his role in episode 9.

Just my own take and I used to like the fact that he died so I totally see where people are coming from.