For a while I can only get to the intrnet sporadically, I need a new one to use the high-spee connection, but here's some observations on the Second Battle of Beleriand, Dagor-nuin-Giliath, Battle-Under-Stars.
This was actually a curious battle in that neither side had good intel about the
weapons and capabilities of the other. Also, Feanor's lads were actually virtual
novices, their only significant action being pushing around the outarmed Teleri.
After "Sonny" Feanor's (you can't do business with that hothead
) hastiness
(what would Treebeard have thought) the Noldor initially prevailed due to their "potent swords" and the daunting effect on the nassty orcsees of the Light
of Aman undimmed in their eyes. So the orcs were surprised by the Noldor abilities, and then the Noldor were taken unawares by the Balrogs.
Having just seen a cable tv program discussing requirements for (defensive, in this case) battles featuring Kursk and a German World War I defensive, it's
remarkable how much the Noldor and Morgoth's lads totally ignored the importance of recon and intel collection, and that both sides did later improve their efforts, recall the Noldor even sending patrols north of Angband.
Speculation: if Feanor was less hasty and survived the Dagor-nuin-Giliath,
would that have been a plus? He was a creative guy, but probably would have made Noldor reconciliation (not to mention with Doriath) rather problematic.
Also: thanks for P.M.s. I'm poor at figuring out how to send them, may get around to doing so.