I can't see the point in cutting that, it sets up just how difficult it is to get through the blockade and it (thanks to Carrie and the photography) doesn't stick out like the tedious exposition scenes in TPM.

Besides I thought we were meant to believe that Leia was in charge (Carrie really pulls that off in this film).

There may not be many 21 year old generals these days (Alexander The Great had conquered the known world and died by 32 though). There are people making strategic life and death decisions of around that age even in the military and the Rebellion is a resistance movement.

Leia is more like Joan Of Arc (executed at 19) in that respect so I don't have a problem with her being a military strategist or a leader at that age. It's not like she's even doing it all on her own she has other command staff there to give experienced advice.

It's not like Nat Portman in the PT who I never bought as a Queen, resistance leader, politician or even as a broad strokes depiction of a human being.

You could make a point for backing up the line in question with more impressive visuals (and Ady has improved them) but cutting the line out just instinctively feels like pointless vandalism to me.

If anyone wants to give it a go and show us how it could work I'd be happy to watch it and I'd be the first to stick my hands up and say I was wrong if it was an improvement.