If Stern does do a LOTRv, it will almost certainly be the same platform as the LE: Whitestar CPU/SAM driver. People saying Whitestar is a problem haven't been paying attention: Stern ran a bunch for replacements less than a year ago. I'm guessing it was a large quantity as it filled pent up demand and more are still available today.

I also believe they learned their lesson on SMv: there's not much point to investing in redevelopment / enhancement. Maybe something simpler like just coloring existing graphics.

People talking about using contemporary boardset and new graphics and sound, are talking about a new game: that wouldn't be a vault. I'd be really surprised if they did that and called it a vault.

I don't disagree with that sentiment: I just don't think any of that is relevant because I think it's too farfetched. It doesn't really matter what people think is a vault, it's what makes sense for Stern to do as a vault.