That is a very clever observation, Esty! It does seem to fit well with the book in the idea that they are not revered by the Shire-folk, and that Frodo has "grown" beyond the Shire. It kind of goes along the same lines as when Rose says to Sam in the book, "If you've been looking after Mr. Frodo all this while, what d'you want to leave him for, as soon as things look dangerous?" They are a simple people, and don't understand or entirely care for the hobbit quartet's fair dress, "ironmongery" and stories of foreign lands. The gaffer sums it up best when he says, "Elves and dragons! ...Cabbages and potatoes [and pumpkins ] are better suited to the likes of us."
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...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.
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