“My perspective on the matter is as someone who cares about the principles of democracy, and knows that Puerto Rico’s status violates those principles.”

I question why you think that Puerto Rico’s status violates the principles of democracy. From what I’ve read the majority of the people do not want statehood. The only time a vote seemed to favor statehood was the June 2017 referendum after Puerto Rico had defaulted on their loan payments, their infrastructure was crumbling and the unemployment rate was at 10.5% even though much of the employable work force had migrated to the mainland seeking jobs. And this was before hurricane Maria devastated the island.

Past performance of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s government (governor, legislature, supreme court) demonstrates their incompetence and irresponsibility. It is apparent to me that they act like spoiled children who want free rein but to be taken care of. This is why they reject statehood and independence. They just want the U.S. to bail them out.