Palps may have actually gotten weaker by the time of the OT, at least in terms of lightsaver combat. He spent most of his time lazing around and reveling in ruling the Empire. I don't really think he spent much time doing anything with his blade. His Force skills may have improved.
Peak Palps is probably his resurrection in a much younger body in Dark Empire. When he and Luke fight they're moving so fast Leia can barely track them.
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Gamertag-Murphiroth
Pokemon Black-1978-9490-1161