[Merry Brandybuck]

I agree with Rose Cotton, as much as dislike Legolas, the elves of Lorien would have slaughtered the enitre company were Legolas
not among them.
In Gimli's defense, he did not have a major impact on the Quest of the Ring itself, but he did rekindle the friendship between the elves and the dwarves once more.
From the point of view of a writer, Legolas and Gimli were needed to create a better contrast of characters, and their unusual friendship to somehow represent the union of different races in face of one ultimate evil.
Pippin and myself were very influential. I stabbed that Nazgul and I stabbed him good. And awakening all the ents of Fangorn and it's surroundings is no easy task!
That stone in the well and the drums in the deep could have been coincidence. If that is not the case, well if Gandalf hadn't fallen into shadow, he would never have returned as Gandalf the White, with much strength and wisdom. I believe Gandalfs return in a a stronger guise contribited to the downfall of Saruman.

What if Elrond had just said,
"Right their all useless, I choose random Elf Prince No.1, random Elf Lord No., random Elf of So and So No.3, random elf who may or may not be related to me No. 4, etc, etc......and Legolas for good measure. Hand over the ring Frodo, have a nice day."

What if the quest was totally dependant on elves...or dwarves....or hobbits even. What if it was not Elronds descion to make. What if Frodo had been on his own right from the start?