I think that Men are able to 'reach their potential' without the Elves - as shown in Men like Faramir - he may look fondly on his Numenorean heritage but he is living in Gondor, a long way from the Elves. The only Man we see who has had extensive dealings with Elves, and with Lorien, is Aragorn. In this respect I can see that he must have received a great deal of learning and guidance from the Elves, but again, it must from Rivendell that he gains the greater influence. Lorien's isolation from the world of Men has resulted in it being viewed with great suspicion by Men, so if the Elves were meant to help Men achieve their potential then those in Lorien have failed, surely?
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Gordon's alive!
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