

These are the most common approaches I’m aware of.
The only other real alternative, without changing the underlying DB or architecture, is you could break up the database or archive data.
Many times you don’t need old data and can ship it off to S3 or something similar. Additionally, you may have tables/data that are disconnected and could be broken off into two databases. Both of these tend to just push off the inevitable, but could buy time for a larger architectural change.
I also argue the world building alone makes them worth it. While the dialogue and plot had some issues, all the new worlds/aliens/the actual sith/etc. heralded in a new age for star wars.
The world in the sequel trilogy is so small in comparison to either of the other trilogys.