[amyrlis]

I must agree with those who have stated that Elwe was a proud and arrogant king. The fact that he would not even hold counsel with the Noldor not of his kin shows this. He had grown to be the most powerful elf in Middle Earth, and I think he wanted things to stay that way. Elwe saw the princes of the Noldor as a threat to his kingdom. Not that they would wage war on him and take his kingdom, but that maybe his people may be drawn to them. Elwe, alone of all elves remaining in Middle Earth, had seen the light of the two trees. He probably felt that these princes, who grew and thrived in the shadow of the trees and had the light of Aman in their faces, would have great strength, knowledge, skill, lore. Elwe may have feared that he might look diminished and weak when compared to the newcomers. And we know the princes, at least Feanor's sons, would have treated him this way, as one of lesser stature. It's a far-fetched theory, I know, but I think it makes a little sense.
I feel there were other issues as well. Elwe was usually swayed (and rightly so) by the wisdom and foresight of Melian and she knew that the coming of the Noldor brought dismal tidings for all of Middle Earth.
It is strange how Elwe's actions seem to follow Morgoth's intent of keeping the elves sundered from one another, even though Morgoth had not yet been able to poison Doriath.
As for Olwe, I'm not sure I understand him either. Although, I do like Twinkle's theory that Olwe tried to hinder the journey out of friendship, and not out of pride or anger. But, I also think that even asking Olwe to "loan" the Noldor his ships would be like asking Feanor if you could borrow his simarils. Feanor would not have given those up even if it meant that the light of the two trees would never be restored. Olwe would not give up his ships, even though it severed his friendship with the Noldor.
Well, those are my thoughts on yet another great topic brought up by Maedhros!