Honestly, there were so many concepts that were good on paper that were just executed poorly because they weren't explored properly, like the succession trials.

Like what if Wuk Lamat wasn't clearly the best choice? What if Zoraal Ja had this kingly personality and was able to easily rally the people around him, had a sense of justice and protected his people, and even had the same natural charisma that Wuk has? We'd be looking at Wuk crazy like "Wait... he can't be allowed to rule? What's wrong with him?"

It would build intrigue around the character and it would make it all the more interesting if he actually didn't win the succession trial AND THEN that's when he goes crazy and tries to sieze power by force. Plus it would be hella interesting if that's what caused the scions to split on which character they support because Zoraal Ja initially seems like the better option compared to Wuk who's inexperienced and lacks a lot of good traits that Zoraal Ja has.