Another thought on the DS2: don't know if this could be done, but what about only showing the superstructured area (from Han and Co. arriving to when the rebel fleet arrives) to make it look like the Empire has a long way to go to finish it.

When the rebel fleet show up and the Emperor says "now witness the firepower of a fully functional battle station!", the DS2 spins around to reveal the central laser dish and that side being completely finished (to provide a "holy shit!" moment). Hell, even if you didn't alter the appearance of the DS2, that would be cool to see regardless.