in 2018 (pre Linlin flashback) I was already theorizing that Elbaf possibly ruled the New World after the Void Century, but the World Government slowly chessed Elbaf down step by step.
Back then I used evidence like the absence of giants throughout the grandline journey's earlier. The appearance of giants on the Navy faction.
The disappearance of Giant pirates related crews.
Oda did have these things for a reason and back then on Oro Jackson I was already cracking it down and figured everything out.
I am proud of myself as an One Piece Theorist.