I agree with the complaints around TFA failing to properly explain the major factions, and that they could’ve done more interesting things with the First Order. I wasn’t saying the criticism about the FO seeming overpowered weren’t valid, but I think that’s just a byproduct of the overall direction in the ST of making everything bigger and flashier, it’s the same reason Poe pulls off insane X-wing stunts and Rey does incredible feats with the Force (that have also been labeled “overpowered”). The First Order were supposed to be the big new baddies so to fit this direction they decided to make them look bigger and badder. That paired with the plot parallels drawn to the OT I think is what made people draw the wrong conclusion that the FO was the “Empire 2.0”.

They could’ve done a better job explaining things, but all I’m saying is, based on what we actually see and hear in the movies, if you look past their big ships and walkers, there really is no indication the FO has anywhere near the power and reach of the Empire, but rather plenty that indicates the opposite.