I'm honestly surprised that JJ returned with everything RJ did to sabotage this trilogy. $$$$$ talks, though, I guess.
I can't blame Abrams for going to the Emperor when he clearly had plans for Snoke. Star Wars has always had a 'man behind the curtain'. I think it goes to 'respecting Star Wars' more than anything else.
I'm about as pessimistic as a person can be, but I have optimism (or hope), that this will close out the trilogy/saga on a good note. Otherwise Star Wars, going forward, is dead to me.
I have no idea what Palpatine's intentions are. It wouldn't make much logical sense to me if he was trying to take over the galaxy again. Revenge on Skywalker? I have no clue, but I'm hoping it's decent.