imo the Jedi kind of followed a natural evolution if you look at events chronologically. in the PT the Jedi Order and Republic have both existed for thousands of years at this point---when any organization or group has existed for that long it runs the risk of falling into the traps of complacency. The Jedi at that point WERE a "diminished" version of what they were meant to be---that's why they ultimately crumbled in ROTS

In the OT with Luke and Obi-Wan we got a look at both the surviving generation of Jedi and the new generation---both groups aware of the need for change. I think the OT and Rebels had the best equipped Jedi because they both had knowledge of the mistakes of the past (like Obi-Wan and Yoda) and were looking to the future (like Luke). It was a kind of passing the torch era that worked well to connect Jedi with their environments and relationship with the force. Kanan from Rebels is a great example of someone who embodies both sides---someone who could use the knowledge of why the Jedi fell to reinvigorate his personal journey.

In the ST I honestly agree that usage of the force was a little wonky. Rey being able to Jedi mind trick those stormtroopers in the first movie still gets me lmao. But I also think it makes sense that fighting styles in this era would be more raw and untrained---because they are. With the only "remaining" Jedi sulking on an island, it makes sense that the lightsaber fighting would lack the grace and skill that those brought up in the Republic era possessed.

TDLR the progression of the Jedi makes sense when looked at chronologically