That is an interesting thought, BB.
Perhaps Eru holds all the cards but chooses not to always look at them? Maybe He sits back and watches things unfold and shields Himself from His future knowledge except for in times when it is necessary?
Or perhaps He is somehow capable of knowing what is going to happen and being surprised by it at the same time?
Who knows? We're talking about a being who does not operate on the same plane as we do.
It's possible that if Eru himself answered the free will question we would lack the capacity to understand the explanation.
Well, except me of course.
