Actually this characteristic of the elves is something that I can really relate to. I was raised by a lawyer and have spent most of my life around lawyers, and I have always said that they can't give you a yes or no answer. I think it is a certain way they look at things, and their habit of overthinking an issue. It makes it very easy for me to understand the elven reluctance to give definitive answers.
I believe the elves do give advice, however, they want to be sure that it is understood no advice is "good". They have been involved in these matters for ages. Things can go astray (for good or ill) especially when you are talking about a long-term goal. Don't stick your hand in the fire is good advice for the short-term. For a quest of many months through dangerous lands among people of varying degrees of loyalty and knowledge it is very difficult to forsee what might be good advice. I think the elves also understand that their words carry a lot of weight, and they don't wish to be misconstrued or guide someone in the wrong direction. I forget who said it, but even the wise cannot forsee all ends.
This isn't as clearly thought through as I would like, but I haven't had my coffee.
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