Bingowings said:

I know you are going to hate me for asking this (especially after all your hard work) but is it even remotely possible to ditch Palpatine (and Yoda) ever using a lightsaber and still keep the scenes?

I agree that Palps should never use a lightsaber, just like Yoda. However you've got to think about what's possible without reshooting. I imagine it would be possible if you reshot a new actor from certain angles, but as a straight edit with some AE tinkering, it would be almost impossible. And if it is, you'd have to get VERY creative with the editing (only using closeup shots of palpatine from the front or shots from behind where you can't see his hand gripping the saber, and erase the saber blade from all shots - which with the Prequels' apparent disdain for static shots, replacing the sabers with background would largely have to be done frame by frame)

Of course, Mace Swinging his saber would have to go then too, unless you want him hitting air? Palps stopping his blows with the force? :p