I believe that strangers who entered Lorien were most likely killed by the guard. There are certainly ample indications of their aversion to intrusion, even when dealing with the Fellowship (made up mostly of elf-friends). People who enter Lorien vanish, and are never heard from again. This is known far and wide throughout the land, and is confirmed by comments of the elves of Lorien themselves about their policies.
Rivendale is unique is being a dwelling of all the different races. I do not believe the residents of Lorien were adopting any Man who wandered into their woods.
Remember, even good guys have some rather harsh policies in Middle Earth. Gondor explicitly requires the slaying of anyone who sees their hide-out, irregardless of the reason for seeing it.
[ December 19, 2002: Message edited by: Solid State Entity ]
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