When you're writing the script, the narrative needs to feel natural and essential to the plot, the characters can then naturally evolve. With TLJ, it was like you had a set of criteria to fulfill, 1. need to show Fin and Rose relationship developing. 2. need to show oppression / political divide...
Ah, I didn't say I didn't like or enjoy TLJ, just that didn't increase with 2nd viewing. Solo was one for me I enjoyed in the cinema, but 2nd viewing I realised it was better than I first thought.
They re-shot quite a bit of Rogue One late doors, for instance the Vader scene was a reshoot not originally scripted into the film. Fairly standard for this big blockbusters these days as the execs don't get a proper feel for the film until all the special effects are added and editing treatments.
I guess these 'stories' have a definitive ending because they feed into what we already know happens next. I assume this film will end with Solo walking into the Catina bar, or flying to Tatooine, much like Rogue One ended with Leia being pursued by a Star Destroyer, and no doubt Kenobi will end...