Even with the Tolkien scholars who are trying to do serious analyses of the work I sometimes feel a slightly bitter taste though. We must remember that they are only readers like we are and despite books, articles and professorships, we do not have to accept their word as law. I did notice that the scholars have fan worshippers of their own when I was at Tolkien 2005 (and fair enough, most of them are highly entertaining speakers, especially Tom Shippey). But few in the audience dared to challenge them in the Q&A sessions. I didn't, even though I occasionally wanted to; it would have drawn sharp intakes of breath, and drawn daggers, I feared!
I wonder if their fellow scholars ever feel slightly jealous of their fame and book sales? I'll bet Tom Shippey makes a tonne more money than his colleagues who may teach less popular topics!