All this goes to show how TIGHT and well worked the plot of LOTR is.
Alter one little thing, and the story is irrevocably Changed. in some cases first hand, and in others like dominoes.
e.g.
first hand
Frodo leaves an hour later from Bag End. - captured by wraith - end of story
dominoes
Hobbit's don't fall asleep on the downs - no barrow wight - no sword for merry - no defeat of witch king - frodo and sam then captured by orc hunters - end of story
first hand
Nob not going to loo for Merry outside the Pony - Merry probably killed by ringwraiths
(this also has further domino effects, of course)
dominoes
gandalf doesn't tell radagast to speak to birds and animals re news - no gwaihir to isengard - no escape - no battle between gandalf and ring wraiths on weathertop and drawing off of 4 ringwraiths - probable defeat of aragorn and frodo and Ring captured - end of story
PS Alatar - cheers, been spending what time I have online recently on the Gallifrey Online Doctor Who forums. Yes, even MORE 'nerdy' than Lord of the Rings!!!!