I cannot add to this particular discussion, but I would like to introduce a few links containing certain texts written by a writer whom I, having read said text, hold in little regard. I hate Tolkien 'bashing'.
Moorcroft
http://www.revolutionsf.com/article.html?id=953
Meiville
http://crookedtimber.org/2005/01/11/...and-revolution
Please read them at your leisure and comment on them if it takes your fancy. I am surprised anyone would say that it was a poor book.
[Later edit] I do apologise if I have detracted from the 'point' raised in the first post. I felt that these following texts may have some added worth to the discussion.