From what I remember Episode VII ended with the camera panning out (helicopter shot which rotated around Rey and Luke before zooming in and out) and this is the definition of a static shot: A static shot is basically a shot that does not have any tilts, pans, dollies, or trucks.

I don't think 2 and 5 had any flashbacks, though they definitely had visions.

I'm fairly certain that Star Wars 7 was the first Star Wars film to do both of those things (flashbacks and no static shot) though it is entirely possible that my brain is acting up and I am horribly misremembering things and in that case I sincerely apologize.

I guess it doesn't really matter though. I just meant that they can do Episode 8 really weird or different because it is a completely different director/Disney/new trilogy. I realize that each episode of the OT had different directors, but they also ultimately answered to Lucas and went with his scripts. I also realize that 7 was made by Disney and a Director who wasn't under Lucas's direction, but the thing about that is Abrams is a die-hard Star Wars fan.

In the end, I agree with you in terms of it not starting with Luke training Rey and that there will be a time skip (at least, that's how they should do it, right?). Episode 9 is the one that I am worried about breaking the mold/away from tradition. I'm really leery of Trevorrow.