I didn't even read any of these opinion pieces. An easy Google will show a lot of fans perceived the film to be progressive for one reason or another.

I have talked about my problems with the movie on here going back to when I first saw it in the theater. I am fine with more strong women in lead roles in action films. But TLJ was in my face about it. Every single female role was strong to the point of being flawless. You could describe Leia as immaculate, omniscient, and omnipotent all in one. Every single male role was either a bumbling fool, wrecklessly out of control to the point of endangering everybody, or just plain evil. The most hallowed character in the Star Wars franchise — Luke Skywalker — was basically a curmudgeony quitter until the very end. There was no attempt to hide the agenda imo.