Goldberry: a relic of an earlier idea?

[Mithadan]

There are other early hints about the origins and nature of Goldberry (and Bombadil). The following quote is found in the chapter The Chaining of Melko (which itself includes some odd pieces including the capture of Morgoth via subterfuge). In this chapter. Meril is telling Aelfwine how it came to pass that the Valar took up their dwelling in Eldamar while Morgoth remained in Middle Earth and also discussed Orome and Yavanna's travels to and concerns about the great lands.

"At that time did many strange spirits fare into the world, for there were pleasant places dark and quiet for them to dwell in. Some came from Mandos, aged spirits that journeyed from Iluvatar with him who are older than the world and very gloomy and secret, and some from the fortresses of the North where Melko then dwelt... But some few danced thither with gentle feet exuding evening scents, and those came from the gardens of Lorien."

To me, this is altogether too familiar and consonant with my views of Bombadil and Goldberry as consistent with Tolkien's mythos as it evolved, rather than the oft quoted "enigma" reference.