He was by far the strongest, best and most respected figure of that period.
Sure, very kin to Putin today with the respect I reckon. Problem is that Piłsudskis fanboys were more interested in proving themselves legitimate by guessing what Piłsudski would had done in their stead. Hopefully nothing similar or at least not too dramatical will happen when Putin will have to be replaced.
In Poland's case neighbours and far reaching states using the Opportunity to the fullest.
If the Russian Federation would dive into a similar crisis with a leadership switch, I got No clue how it would be resolved.
Navalny could easily be seen as backed by the west, at the same time. He wouldn't be able to control anything within Russia, which would allow any internal conflicts to be handled without western interferance if it didn't risk navalnys position. Making the west focusing/contacting navalny which would halt western influence.
Unless there would be a strong enough backing by one of the most prominent Russians or wealthiest that would want to sweep away an electoral victory as soon as possible after Putin to underline his backing/influence.
Poland doesn't have any Russian in Russia who could be backed mainly by Poland, the factions in Russia who would be most Poland friendly would be those who coincide with Polish foreign policies (idealists, intellectuals, catholics, businessmen, maaybe the military if they understand Poland... But most likely not if they see Poland as NATO puppet without having a slavic perspective)
So Poland is forced to be quite neutral within Russian politics,as there are No suitable candidates to "bet" on. Only dealing with those in power, as best as possible.