Why did the Wise not bow to the Hobbits?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Puddleglum

No one was very noble in that book. Didn't Goodgulf run up the white flag declaring "better Sorhed than No Head"?

I don't recall that specifically, but I do remember Frito positing ideas for getting rid of the Ring, and Goodgulf saying 'Alas, it is not that easy.'
'But why?'
'Alas,' explained Goodgulf.
'Alackaday,' Orlon agreed.

Now if PJ had aimed for parody, I might be much more forgiving toward these films.