[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

I'm not altogether sure Amandil was left to die. I don't have the Sil nearby, but if you'd provide the quote it may prove helpful. From my recollection, I believe Amandil's fate was unknown.

And the reason that his mission, as opposed to Eärendil's, was unsuccessful, was the simple fact that Eärendil had already gone to bat for the world in that way. A second time would not be the same, as Amandil himself well knew.

'For,' said [Amandil], 'it may well prove that you will never see me again; and that I shall show you no such sign as Eärendil showed long ago'.

Silm Akallabêth

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Hmmm..."screw you everyone"? Again, laying it on a bit thick, aren't you? The only reason she shed her Maiaric persona and appeared in mortal raiment was because of her love for Thingol. Has it ever occurred to you that Melian was deep in mourning and perhaps incapable of retaining her protection around Doriath? The traumatic death of a husband or wife can be debilitating, perhaps even for a Maia.

The Silmarilion itself seems to make that clear:

But now Thingol lay dead...and with his death a change came also upon Melian. Thus it came to pass that her power was withdrawn in that time....

Silm Of the Ruin of Doriath

Originally Posted by Morthoron

I have never perceived Thingol as being particularly "good" in the sense of having unassailable qualities. In fact, I don't believe Tolkien was interested in the Eldar being one-dimensional and above reproach. He was greedy, petty and at times evil. A well-rounded character, not some cardboard cut-out.

Thingol already had some arrogance, as he showed to Beren. Possession of the Silmaril and the Nauglamír imparted him with a fatal greed.

Originally Posted by Morthoron

The Valar were indeed not perfect, but they did have good intentions and never tried to actively harm the Children of Eru. But as you may have heard, the path to hell is paved with good intentions.

In the end, the Valar were created beings and were certainly capable of error. Also, their job was not to protect the Children of Ilúvatar at all costs, through all circumstances. The Valar were governors under the One, and all that they did, and more importantly, did not do, should be considered in that light.