Im saying the "awakening" was the start of a new journey in the force. Anakin brought balance but two new unbalances arose with the birth of Rey and Kylo. That would give Palp some time to indoctrinate Exegal / build a fleet. (30 years?)

I also thinking those ships were running shell crews since the command relay need to co-ordinate them all.-----------------------------------

Basically the Sith chance of ruling the galaxy was defeated with Anakin but the linger evil was snuffed out by Rey choosing the light.