Hal 9000 said:
I do wonder to what degree Palpatine is the sincere (potentially planned all along) conclusion of the story that’s developed, or corporate decision in reaction to what was done with TLJ.

Corporate decision.

All I remember is how Abrams and Kasdan went on and on about Snoke. Palpatine was never mentioned that I can remember.

All I know is that Palpatine being back completely destroys the prophecy of the Chosen One.

I remember douche Abrams (and Kasdan) saying in the run up to TFA that that would not be touched.

This was why Snoke was not a Sith Lord and neither was Kylo.

But all that seems out the window now.