If you haven't played it yet, I would suggest doing that if you can. I own both machines, LOTR and TFLE, and I would probably lean towards LOTR long term at this point. I still play TFLE a lot more than LOTR for now, but it's my newest machine so you know how that goes.

Going on that I would say TF.

On the other hand, TF feels like something you could play seriously or just something while shooting the breeze with your buds over a drink. LOTR is probably a game you would rather play by yourself. I do feel LOTR does the theme justice better than TF. TF feels more generic, where LOTR feels like the modes and MBs really pull you in to the story. Maybe it's something Keith Johnson just does well, as I feel TSPP does the same.

That's kind of what I was getting at. I've played it with others as well, but I'm usually the only one ever playing that understands the rules and actually plays pinball on a regular basis when I play with others. I could imagine playing a 4 player game with people that are really good could be a bit draining while standing around for 15 mins or so while the other 3 people play.

I'm not saying make the trade, like I said I prefer LOTR over TFLE myself. I would actually try to find another way to get TF if you really want it.