Everyone forgets how much Empire Strikes Back was hated when it came out for that twist we all find iconic now. They complained it went against everything we knew in Star Wars… similar to how people reacted to the Last Jedi.

Last Jedi is the film that adheres closest time the original concept for the sequel trilogy. Abrams’ films just mishmash and reuse ideas from the original trilogy.

As for new characters that were introduced in Rise of Skywalker, the two most prominent were both added to the script for the same reason: to shout “No homo”. Zorri doesn’t serve the plot, and is only there to be a romantic interest from Poe’s past. Jannah is meant to be a romantic interest to replace Rey (for the sake of Reylo shippers) and Rose. And there was no way we could allow Poe and Finn to have a romantic connection despite their chemistry, fans, and even actors’ desire… but it’s good to know there’s a line JJ won’t cross for fan service.