Gollum and Eagles: Deux ex machina?

[Raynor]

By the third one I'm convinced that entering Moria is not warranted at this time

That is, if you are not a dwarf - they seem to like going in a row into a trap .

when one arrogant elf would rise each morning

I am sure you meant a drunk elf.

we have no idea if Gildor Inglorion, Elrond and Gandalf, were, shall we say, simply blowing smoke.

I would give more credit to the greatest of lore-masters and the wisest of the maiar.