hmm maybe I didn't answer the question. I prefer the smoothness of the patches that were sanded for holes but I am more concerned about having a really grainy or lumpy finish due to really small imperfections

Aspirationally I would like it to look like the advertisement material online (wouldn't we all. Here; https://www.duluxheritage.co.uk/en/colours/1780077/florentine-red) I know the image has been through digital processing and therefore perhaps unrealistic. If I can achieve something similar without sanding and just cleaning then I won't bother. Also I do have an orbital sander and 120 grit discs so I don't think it'll be too long to do but lots of dust and cleaning afterward