[Morsul the Dark]

I feel, That stealth was far more important than speed. I'd also agree with the question regarding Legolas's route to Rivendell. Also Two or three more elves in the group may have been useful. I would think 5 more sets of hands wouldn't have made the troupe burdensome of course I'd also think it interesting if the fellowship contained as many as the dwarves' company.

In the end though I'd say They could have taken alternate routes through the mountains or even if Gwaihir still was Lord there (Of course assuming they still had regular patrols) could have brought them over the mountains.

as for Dul Guldor, the ring had passed it by bfore in a FAR closer proximity when Bilbo went through Mirkwood in fact he Wore it in Mirkwood.