You explain the reasoning of your decisions really well! I also think framing the objective of your edits as a way to make the characters and universe more in-line with their depictions in Legends. Although obviously you’ll still make decisions based on personal preference (as you should), it also gives you an extensive framework to both guide your choices and justify your decisions. It definitely makes me interested in your project and eager to see what you come up with. I liked the ST for the most part, but I always enjoy new takes on these films!

To remove Han returning to the smuggler life, I’m assuming you’ll cut the Rathtar sequence?

I would be interested in hearing about other specific ideas you might have that maybe stand out from other edits. Are there big changes your still trying to figure out how to implement?