Forces actually was meant to be the end of series if it failed.
Eggman's winning, all around the world was governed by Eggman, and when Sonic and friends eventually won, they're left with a ruined world that's destroyed by Eggman.
That would've been a bleak note to leave from.
You meant "chicken" emblem? I'm not a fan of achievement or trophies thing especially if they're not the main gameplay. LIke in Yakuza where you got to be good at playing mahjong to platinum the game.
Other example is Sonic Mania. I love Sonic Mania but the blue spheres bonus stages? I hate them. Bonus stage with different gameplay than the main gameplay should've stayed as bonus, not important thing that and I hate them that needed to unlock new features.

Oh heck I hate the Blue Sphere's stages as well! They are not fun at all!
All the struggle was in the past. They're good now ... financially at least. May be not back on top, but they're still among the Top 10.
you say there is no infighting, but isn't SoA just as not happy over the mandates as the fandom? Mandates established by SoJ?