I don't think that Aragorn is the greatest men per se, but statements such as:
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The end of the Third Age and beginning of the Fourth saw men that weren't on the level of those in the First or Second Ages. Aragorn stood out simply because he was one of the last reflections of those great men of FA/SA. His circumstances were different - he had more chance to shine. When placed in an earlier period, I'm sure he still would've proved successful, but without so much surrounding glory.
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Make me pout. I think Aragorn's greatest struggle was against himself. I think it takes some &@!!$ to do what he did, at a time when there was virtually no hope. The rise of Aragorn was the start of a new age for Men, and frankly, I don't think ya should trivialize it.
As for Beren, did Tolkien himself not write that what he and his girlfriend did amounted to something like the greatest freakin' deed in history? Granted, he wasn't alone, but he definitely didn't just sit on the sidelines and cheer her on, did he? I am not so sure if that qualifies him for "greatest man" title either, but stop trivializing, boys!
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Luthien was obviously the best thing that happened to Beren. What she got out of this deal I haven't quite figured out yet.
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Well, I'm sure he wasn't too ugly. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] What else does a girl need? I won't get into that.
My point is, if you're going to define "greatness" per se, you're going to get some different interpretations. If greatness is indeed staring down Morgoth, as our man Hurin did, fine. But not everyone is going to think that way.
And didn't Hurin commit suicide? What's so great and mighty and brave about that?
Basically, I think there is room for all sorts of interpretations of greatness. So let us not be hasty, or righteous, boys.