Well, on this I can say only two words:
not canonical
But seriously now, of course you have a point. But still, you have to agree that there is big difference between the kingdoms ruled by Elves, full of Elves, cared of by Elves who came from Valinor and the memory of the Light was still in them, and the fading, barren, empty lands without Elves (who parted to the West, mostly) in the latter Ages (2nd, 3rd).