SPOILERS:
Now that I think about it more, Episode 8 should have ended the way the beginning of 9 started - show the rebirth of the Emperor, the raising of the fleet. They could have built upon the recruitment of the Knights of Ren, the empire gaining strength, and ended the middle movie on a real down note. That would also help not having to cram so much into 9, and could have given material instead of the whole stupid Rose/Fin casino stupidity.
I also think having Chewy actually get killed during the standoff would have added more levity, but I get not offing him.
I wonder how much Abrams went against what shithead Johnson tried to do:
1. Got away from "everyone" has the force SJW bullshit.
2. Gave Rey a real reason why she was so powerful so fast
3. Showed Luke actually was trying to end the Sith.
4. Kept Phasma dead (I wasn't sure of this - side note - she should have had 3 battles with Fin - one in the first where she kicks his ass, one in 8 where they battle to a draw, one final in 9 where he bests her. She was the reason for his whole story arc, so that would have worked).
5. Kept Rose a non factor, except showing her sprinting, which would be impossible for more than 30 feet.
