I have both side by side. Love them both.
DI is played more often now. But LOTR still gets played on a regular basis (not a few times a year), but in spurts and when I want to be “drawn” in to a game and spend time, not just on one game but on at least a few. Mine plays very fast (new CC playfield) so there are some quick games too.

Agree with a lot of the comments.
They are both great games and arguably each may be a favorite game for many.

I see a lot of opinions on the differences of the games. Here is a similarity; they both have excellent modes and satisfying rewards to collect for completing the modes. I absolutely love playing the modes on LOTR and DI. Completing a mode and either getting/collecting a Gift
from the Elves or a SimCard (yeah it’s a PITA) are great. Look at Alien Invasion vs Warg Battle per se.

Both have virtually unobtainable wizard modes (yeah yeah I know some have reached). Both have a lot intermediate modes. Destroy the Ring is amazing.

LOTR has great Multiballs and great stacking strategies. Shot to the ring is arguably the best shot in pinball.

DI has the flow, the successive forward looking combo’s (especially during modes...yet so does LOTR). and a ton of bells and whistles. DI’s main multiballs are ok and used more for progressing other things. But Quantum Theatre MB is fantastic and the Crazy Bob MBs are also a lot of fun.

Also; LOTR is a classic, I don’t think a vault is going to take away from that (and it may not come out as good) Not sure I would want an LCD with my LOTR...the dots, especially in color are amazing.

LOTR is a darker theme from a mood perspective. It has fantastic callouts. It’s not always dark but generally dark from a mood perspective.

DI is tongue in cheek and dry humor and also pays tribute to other PL games.

This is really a personal choice; no right answer. Best thing to do would be to put time on both and also understand the rules for both (Watch them played on YouTube or Twitch).

Also; I have to abstain from voting here