I actually think a TROS without Palpatine is viable, and joshuabri has come up with a lot of clever ideas to execute it. Sure, it does leave you with some questions, but IMO, not anymore questions than the theatrical film introduces. And I think further ideas could be made to his edit, or future edits, that can help tie up some of those dangling threads that you inevitably get with major cuts.

Sure, it might not give you the bombastic conclusion you get with Rey melting Palpatine’s face off, but I think removing Palpatine as the primary antagonist helps keep Rey and Kylo on certain-stage, giving them more active and interesting journeys. Sure, it wouldn’t replace an edit that stays closer to the theatrical as being a definitive version, but I think you could make a fun alternative that could still maintain a 1hr45min, potentially a 2hr, runtime.