DuracellEnergizer said:

I think Palpatine works better as a self-taught darksider, someone who attained all that power working alone, someone who has his own personal reasons and goals for following the dark side.

Making him a Sith Lord -- making him part of any greater Force religion -- having it so that he does what he does because its in line with some pre-existing dogma -- reduces the character in my eyes.

This, plus TFN's fanatical zeal for the word "Sith" has made me hate that word.

In 1977-1983, I thought that "the Sith" was Vader's Stormtrooper legion.

skyjedi2005 said:

It was really dumb he had to be called Darth Sidious and have a red lightsaber, like Yoda having a lightsaber and being a great warrior.

I was always convinced the emperor and yoda were above mere physical conflict.

And this too.