I do think it’s fair. Episode IX has an evident lack of Snoke and a sudden appearance of Palpatine. It’s hardly rocket science to connect the two.
Mindlessly hating on a film isn’t the same as articulating genuine issues in its storytelling. Movies shouldn’t be above criticism. Even if most of the online chatter these days is feverish and overzealous, there still ought to be room for reasoned analysis.
Like I said. You’re conclusion about JJ’s creative decision is an assumption. And I’m curious on how you make a reasoned analysis on a film that hasn’t come out yet and is shrouded in secrecy.
Obviously it shouldn’t be above criticism but my point is maybe you think you know more than you actually do, and the film deserves a fair chance at this stage.