I disagree in part.
Someone had to train Darth Maul. That kind of makes it implicit that Palpatine would have a lightsaber and know how to use it.
or this could be further evidence that the Sith idea was slightly flawed. It certainly does change the way the Emperor is viewed in the OT. It is a shame, as i agree that the idea that he doesn’t use or care about lightsabers is more threatening.
This is something I never considered. It would seem that constructing a lightsaber, even if it is a weapon, would be an exercise in patience and precision, not qualities that the Sith would have much interest in. Now I imagine the Jedi trying to evade a Sith warrior who is using some sort of disintegration blaster, which is as effective at melting through objects as the lightsaber but is a ranged weapon. This in addition to telekinesis and the occasional energy bolt would be a very effective offense.