Nice points. I don't think certain things bothered me as much, but I'm less of a purist than many. I was actually less bothered by the dwarves' slovenly portrayal (I think expanding upon their more materialistic portrayal, which is made pretty clear in the books), and was bothered more (though not much) by some, like Thorin, having short beards. I'm trying to think of which architecture you are referring to, however, as the only time I can recall seeing anything is in the Mines of Moria, and there we see little because it is so rundown. However, you are correct in your assessment that the elves are portrayed as very elegant, certainly superior to the dwarves in most respects.

I agree that the Azog elements were particularly well done. I thought it tied things in nicely, and I'd say the same for the many other additional elements not found in the novel, such as the council with Saruman, Gandalf, Galadriel, and Elrond, or the Radagast's encounter with the Necromancer.

Which fanedits did you do? I hadn't realized you'd released any (and truthfully I haven't even checked any LOTR edits out, but that could change). I'm truly interested.

Questions regarding the trilogy and Jackson's films:

How do you feel about the Nazguls' portrayal?

How do you feel about Faramir?

What do you think about ommitting the Scouring of the Shire and Tom Bombadil?

In the same vein, how do you feel about the changes to Saruman's demise?

There are aspects of the film I enjoyed, and aspects of the books I enjoyed, and there are times when I can't even tell which I prefer. For instance, I actually think I prefer the self-doubting Aragorn. And Faramir, while I prefer the truly noble character in the books, is interesting on film as a conflicted character driven by his desires to please his father.

I would also love to hear from xhonzi on his perception of the good and bad edits.