and it was rad as fuck

well… it kind of answers 'why did people care about jedi?'

if the highest jedi masters can do that shit… then yeah, they are worth listening too, even in an era with massive battle ships that can bombard from orbit.

the other answer for 'why bother' is the kotor route with bland-stilla. she has a relatively low key, but highly effective power- she can buff the abilities and thought processes of everyone in a radius. plop her down next to your star ship generals, and then suddenly some 'ok, but not great' captains become combat geniuses. since they arr commanders and tacticians, that allows a short range effect carry a massive multiplier in a warzone.