One of the things that strikes me about BFA, other than how bad it was, is how good it almost was. So many great narrative beats were jammed into some nonsense pattern that defies explanation. The 4th War being perhaps the biggest of those problems.

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Here is how I would fix the start of that war.

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The Sword of Sargeras: The sword has plunged deep into the crust of Azeroth and has mortally wounded the world soul. Every organization with a mind to heal nature has come to Silithus to stem the flow of blood. While there is destruction everywhere as a result, Azerite is only found in Silithus. Importantly the heavy presence of so many powerful neutral orders, many of whom just finished fighting the Legion, prevents either faction from sending forces to acquire Azerite. The Heart of Azeroth is downplayed into just being a means to collect and use Azerite, with both PC's and certain NPCs having them.

N'Zoth: An immediate result of the swords destruction breaks many of the chains of N'zoth, allowing his influence to begin to spread more freely. Pre-existing cults on Kul'Tiras are contacted by the Naga. N'zoths influence is targeted at the leaders and soldiers of both the Horde and Alliance. Importantly we need to discover this is happening much earlier than we did.

The Alliance: Enraged at the events of BFA, Genn and Shaw are very close to convincing Anduin to retake Lordaeron. Though he sees many moral and strategic reasons for it, that level of unchecked aggression still sits poorly with him. This is until SI:7 spies are able to confirm that Sylvanas is already making plans to go to war with the Alliance. Lordaeron is decided as the first strike to remove the production of Plague, "liberate" the Forsaken, and secure the EK.

Battle of Lordaeron: This takes place much as it did, though I would have the plaguing of Horde troops be accidental. Saurfang and others have their doubts, but Sylvanas' "For the Horde!" moment in the cinematic plays out here the same way. The Horde loses Lordaeron, but also prevents the Alliance from meaningfully reclaiming it.

The War of Thorns: Enraged at the loss of Lordaeron to what was viewed as an unprovoked attacked, the might of the Horde gathers to conquer the Kaldorei Empire. This move is supported by most of the Horde, but the Forsaken (for vengeance) and the Blood Elves (Fearing Silvermoon would be next) are the prime proponents of this move. However the force would mainly consist of the Kalimdor Horde nations, while the Blood Elves and remaining Forsaken forces reinforce Silvermoon. Unlike in retail the entire force of the Kaldorei is present to defend its borders.

In the initial stages of the conflict the Kaldorei are able to make the Horde pay dearly for every step they take in Ashenvale. Though the Horde does manage to push its way to the borders of Darkshore it is unable to break the defenses of the Kaldorei at the river. Days turn to weeks and into months. Facing the likelihood of Alliance arriving before those defenses could be broken, Sylvanas and Saurfang concoct a new plan.

Teldrassil: Like we see in A Good War the Horde sees it only real chance of victory here (and in the war at large) is occupying Teldrassil. How exactly they do this I don't have a great idea for so lets say that the Horde's navy is able to defeat the Kaldorei's and a force of newly risen Kaldorei Dark Rangers (mind controlled) along with Horde marines are able to make a beachhead. Yet it is not enough, the Alliance will arrive within days. Faced with limited options, a feeling of vengeance, the influence of N'zoth, and the need to turn this stalemate into a victory...This is what leads to the Burning of Teldrassil. The Horde navy firebombs the tree.

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Intermission: Boom, the 4th War actually makes sense now. At least the start of it does.

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Additionally: Sylvanas does not join the Jailer until -after- the 2nd SoO.