Cimorene

Heh. (b) actually sounds kind of familiar, because I remember getting a 12K privmail message stemming from a list discussion that tried to rip me a new one for daring to compare LOTR RPS to other RPS, most specifically boyband slash. The argument boiled down to LOTR RPS was singular, and pure, and true, and sanctified, and the bonds between these men were obviously more real than anything else, ever. It included a point-by-point analysis of the meaningful things the Fellowship actors had endured that knit them together.

I typed up a response in the heat of the moment - one that detailed incidents other RPS characters from other fandoms had endured that knit them together - and then never sent it, because it was a big pain in the ass and was just going to bring down my fun. I don't need that kind of hassle. Although I don't think I've ever spoken directly to that person again.