I have read your essay and I think it has many well-worked out arguments. I will think up a coherent and logical response later but for now, let me say, that there were quite a few points where I was going "Exactly!" but also some where I was going "But, but he didn't..." You can guess them, I think ;).

Nice to hear the anylytical side of your Tolkien muse is still alive, though :) *hugs*