Guy
Take a look at this blog on network analysis to have your suspicions verified.
As for the Death Star, I am afraid you have more than one stakeholder. In Death Star 1 you are close to right - Darth is an engaged sponsor and so is around to deal with design deciions, requirements prioritisation etc.
You'll note that in ROTJ when Death Start 2 is being built Darth has been away and arrives midway through the development stage - and that it is already over budget and late. Features are being descoped left and right. (Never compromise on security people.)
Is this because the Emporor is a less engaged sponsor and has left the key decisions to his middle and frontline managers?
But I digress - this is a BA forum, not a PM one.
I want those plans!