Very interesting project and I quite like your synopsis.
What is your idea to remove Anakin as Vader?
Regarding cut out Yoda,I don’t think it works. Maybe the puppet is not ideal, but good enough I think. Your point „he is too old to fight“ in the comics or in Clone wars animated I think, there is a explanation: he is using the force to have the ability to fight, making his body more resilient.
Love your visual improvements!