Greatest Man of Middle-Earth??

[Keneldil the Polka-dot]

Those who were involved in the (greedy and unblessed) quest for the Silmarils seems to become besmirched in some way.

I see your point here, and agree to the extent that it applies to those involved with Feanor and the Oath. Beren's quest had nothing to do with Feanor other than the jewels. Beren went after a Silmaril to give to Thingol in exchange for permission to marry Luthien. I see no besmirchment (is that a word? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]) there.

If someone could weigh in on that 70 trolls, or 70 orcs + trolls I'd appreciate it. I do not want to reduce Hurin's stature (if that were even possible), but I lean toward the idea that not all 70 were trolls.

Hurin's actions contributed to the downfall of Gondolin. It says in the Sil. he did not trust Morgoth's release of him:

But he lied, for his purpose was that Húrin should still further his hatred for Elves and Men, ere he died.
Then little though he trusted the words of Morgoth, knowing indeed that he was without pity, Húrin took his freedom

Hurin should have stayed away from Gondolin, knowing Morgoth had an ulterior motive for releasing him.