I have recently reread the Hand of Thrawn series, and I was given the idea for this thread by one of the character's thoughts: How would the final battle have gone between the Rebellion and the Imperial Fleet if Grand Admiral Thrawn were in charge of the Imperials?
Would the rebels have had even a chance had there been a battle? Or would there even have been a battle if Thrawn were in charge?
Did Thrawn have a collection of artwork from the Alliance gallery? Cuz he can only beat people after studying their pre-naptime finger paintings.
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So long as Luke and Lando are still in play I'm not sure why it would make a difference. But then again, it's been a very long time since I've seen the film; perhaps the rebel fleet did something other than try to run interference.
The reason the Empire lost at Endor was solely because of Palpatine. The fleet was hamstrung by his orders not to engage the rebels so he could pick them off one by one via the Death Star to piss Luke off.
Palpatine creates weakness and opportunity at Endor. Revan burns entire planets to thwart the Mandalorians and makes his grand statement at Malachor V.
I don't think he would be able to get a good read on the entire Rebel Fleet from artwork, since the Rebel Fleet was a gigantic mixture of alien races. He may have known Ackbar's, or Lando's psychology from art, but not the entire fleet.
I will also say that you seriously underestimate Thrawn's tactical mind. I prefer to think that, had Thrawn been in command of the Fleet during Endor (if there even was a battle), he would have directly engaged the fleet with everything he had, disregarding the Emperor's orders, to annihilate the Rebels, which would have crushed Luke and probably have made him easier to turn.
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If Palpatine wasn't a sadistic bastard who loves to set traps, the rebels would have been utterly crushed at Endor. Thrawn would not have been needed. If Thrawn was there, honestly, he would probably disobey Palpatine and go after the rebels anyway. It wouldn't be the first time and he's the only man who can get away with it.
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