In the end, looks like Judge's DNA modifications just had a late delay, with Sanji gradually awakening his powers while growing, with the first hint of that happening in Enies Lobby when he unlocked his diable jambe technique.
We used to think it was friction, but I guess Oda wanted to create a connection with the germa modifications he explained in WCI
What I like more and what again showing how strong commanders are, is how Oda see that Sanji need two powerups to beat Queen.
I like that fact actually more and I enjoy Sanji getting powerups in whole before getting adv haki powerups later for the admirals.
I hope people finally not underestimate Queen, dude has 1.32B for a reason and he facing Sanji who need two powerups is actually also a good sign that this battle could be really insane good.
What I hope is that Oda now take time and show the fight in great lenght, let Queen be Sanji own "Katakuri" fight.
Same for Zoro vs King, we fans waiting for years to get insane fights, just do it now, give them 2-4chapters of fighting, show different skills, give King and Queen awakening to hyping the Victory of Zoro and Sanji even more.
Me as neutral fans of all four characters, I want really great insane fights, fights who everyone not going easily to forget.
Not like Jinbe vs WsW who start great but end to fast. I want a brutal fight where Zoro and Sanji struggle very hard even though having powerups.
And seeing right now the battle I can see that we finally get it.