[Saurreg]

I agree with what Maedhros posted. The Noldor might have sinned, they might even have been foolish. But to have the courage and determination to leave the only place they ever knew and make way to the unknown(3rd generation elves like Fingon, Finrod and Turgon were all born in Valinor), the heroics to cross the impossible (helcaraxe) and battle a dark god all by themselves and not only without the aid of the patron gods but instead with their curse (the doom of mandos) makes the deeds and exploits of the deep elves far greater than an eternity of servitude of the Vanyars to the valars.

The situation of the Noldors is exactly like that of Napoleon's Imperial Guards Division at Waterloo in 1815. While the Anglo-allied forces might have won, would ordinary people remember the units of British Foot Guards and Line Infantry? Or would they identify better with the French Old Guards heroic last stand at Planceinot against overwhelming odds and Gen Carbronne's legendary reply: "The guards die but they do not surrender!" ?

Viva La Grognards! Viva La Noldor!