I think your points about Mon Mothma's storyline are well taken. I also get what you mean with Vel. I have a suspicion about why this choice was made (aside from the need to keep people onscreen), but we'll see if I'm right.

I continue to be happy that money is made an issue. This is SO unlike most shows which never seem to consider this crucial issue -- either in people's individual lives or in major things like a rebellion.

I loved the overt nod to Princess Leia's torture scene in A New Hope

Yes!

I love how the writers create conflicts between the villains. Without anyone having a moral high ground, we find ourselves invested entirely on the strengths of how they're playing the game.

Yes, that meeting took me by surprise -- not that it happened, but the nature of it. Makes me rethink the reasoning as to why Karn's mother hovers and snoops.

Agree about the developments in the prison and what we see taking place. There is a clear build going on there.

a dehumanising kaleidoscope

Great description.