it'd be smart if SSG focuses on making a new expansion related to LotR's mainstream pop culture rather than very specific stuff from the books (without betraying the books),
they will be able to catch more players, which are the ones interested in movies and TV shows.
in contrast to focusing into a minority of very staightful and tight-### players that take the story too serious, like a religious practice.
That happened with Helms Deep, which speaks for how successful that was.
Still the worst expansion to date for the damage it did to LOTRO's playerbase and continued systematic problems with the game.
Not enough staff and not enough active players to fund the amount of hours needed to go back and undo the colossally BAD work done by that one expansion.