[Cibbwin]

I agree, too many minor characters and such would totally confuse those who have never read the books. I mean, I had not read them before FoTR, and I got totally confused myself! I thought the Witching had broken Narsil at one point! I also like that they evolved Arwen's character, adds more to her being just Aragorn's consort. And this goes past being "politically correct" or whatever, it's common sense to me. A women can be JUST as good a warrior as a guy.