[akhtene]

My idea is that physical beauty or 'fairness' is an inherent feature of elves, like skin for humans (Just imagine yourself in the company of someone without skin [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] ) I would call them supercilious (remember the quote about sheep that appear different only to other sheep), so could the looks similar to theirs just make contact easier?
On the other hand, I don't suppose Beren looked all that fair (outwardly) when Luthien first saw him. And hobbits, who are cute but not really beautiful, aren't resented.

As for the elven *obsession* with beaitiful things - well, they had all the time in the world to create, perfect and enjoy them.