I almost wonder if you could go in the opposite direction and introduce the Sith fleet earlier. That’s what destroys the Republic. That’s what looms over the galaxy throughout the trilogy and why so few are prepared to join the Resistance.

TROS seemed to be setting up the First Order vs. the Final Order, but nothing came of it, so why make them two different things? Fuck it, have Palpatine’s broadcast during the destruction of the Republic. Don’t know how the hell you proceed from there but it’s an idea.