I don't think they explicit set he was demoted previously.

I did great enjoy Hugh as Jinaal, the actor did a great job of playing him differently.

Rayner is interesting in he's very sure of himself and how he's doing things. He did genuinely get a lot on the crew out of his meetings. It's a both sides have a point thing, I think.

I can't say I've noticed a change in Saru's prosthetics but it's been a while since I've watched previous seasons/