Charisma?

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Raynor

the fact remains that they are exponants of the common people in uncommon situations.

By all means this is opinion, not fact. I think you are trying to give them too much of an ordinary make up. Take a look at some of The Fellowship- Boromir was son and heir to the Steward of Gondor, Gondor's most renown warrior. People in Gondor looked up to him. He was not considered "ordinary" by his folk, I'm sure. Aragorn can claim kingship to Gondor and he is known amongst the very wise of Middle-earth. The only true argument you could give would be for the Hobbits, but really, only Sam applies at first. As Formendacil said, Merry, Pippin, and Frodo were well off and for the most part, well known in their respective provinces.