What force structure should the Imperial Navy have built?

Should the Imperial Navy have emphasized lighter ships, small carriers, raiders, and popular support instead of following Tarkin Doctrine?

Yes. A Venator-derived capital ship backed by many more cruisers and smaller presence vessels would be more useful than an oversized Star Destroyer fleet.

A modified Venator lineage would give the Imperial Navy a more useful capital ship than continued concentration on the Imperial Star Destroyer. Better fighters and a strong cruiser design would supply a more flexible combat force. Political control and routine presence require many ships in many places, which makes smaller cruisers and patrol vessels more useful than a few intimidating battle fleets. The Empire's preference for blasting resistance instead of maintaining everyday presence leaves it with the wrong force structure for securing popular support.