Thanks to all for replies. Of course I know you're just happy to have another chance to get on your soapboxes and now have the excuse of "helping with a research paper!"
This is Elladan posting. I am almost always the one who posts on the boards; but this thread is an exception. Elrohir, my brother, started it. It's his research paper, not mine. Privately, he's into the books, but maybe not quite as much as I am. Although he does reread the books pretty often, he doesn't spend time poring over the Appendices, or read Silmarillion or Unfinished Tales like I do. OK, I take that back; he has read a few of the UT.
Anyways, just to let you know that there is a reason why our screenname is Elladan and Elrohir, that we are in fact two separate entities. On behalf of my brother Elrohir, I thank you for your replies, and please, continue with this fascinating discussion!