The ears...

[Fingolfin of the Noldor]

For once, this quote is to be dated long before the publication of the Lord of the Rings, that is, 1937/38, and has assuredly been abandoned.

Are you kidding? Given what we know only certain elements of the Etymologies have proven 'out of date' or to have been 'abandoned' and from these we can hardly make a judgement on the whole especially given how much our understanding and vocabulary it reliant on this particuluar work. The Etymologies was not a 'draft text' soon after rewritten, abadoned or not later used.

What's more both stems can be found exemplified in the established canon, solidly establishing their foundation.