[Meneltarmacil]

The mental image of Legolas getting drunk was seriously funny.

OK, on to a few things. I've been a lot more lenient about LOTR than many of you on the forum, but when it comes to The Hobbit it's different. That story got me into the world of Middle Earth from the beginning. I'll likely be a lot more purist on this one. So anyway, I don't think an introduction involving Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel etc. should be involved. There is only one way that The Hobbit can start: Bilbo saying "Good morning" to Gandalf and then looking like an idiot. The background can be handled quite easily in a few flashbacks during the party scene. I agree that during said flashbacks Smaug should not be revealed, except for fiery breath torching Dale, etc. It would be a lot better if the viewers only get hints about him until Bilbo's conversation with him.

Regarding the White Council, I really don't think including them would be a good idea. Much as it would fit in with the storyline, I don't think there would really be a good way to tie it together with the main story. And I think it would be good for the audience to have no clue what's happening to Gandalf until he reappears in Thranduil's and Bard's camp near the end. It would just be a great surprise.

Finally, Legolas. I think he could figure in the plot quite well, and not just as a background character. The Battle of the Five Armies would be a good place for him to do a few stunts (although he shouldn't take the spotlight from Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, Bard etc.) and he could easily deliver Thranduil's and Bard's "give us the treasure or we'll take it by force" message.