You know Barliman, not everybody thinks the book discussion is of a lower level than the political and religious talk, and not everybody thinks it is dull. In fact some people came here, and are still here just because of them!
I believe I know why you hold this opinion, and few else do... at least to the same degree.
In fact I can't remember there ever being an active member of this site who felt the need to answer so many questions with "Why are things that way? Because that is how the author intended them." and such. I think its fair to say your view is far more simplistic than most other approaches seen at this JRRT discussion site, and for that reason the talk strikes you as more dull or of a lower level than it does for most.
As someone who has maybe started more JRRT discussions that anyone at this site, I am offended by it for my own sake, as I have asked a great number of never before asked questions (mostly regarding
First Age material) that are still not answered. In some cases not one person answered, and in the cases where people did it is not so thoroughly as the repeat LotR questions about
Tom Bombadil,
Glorfindel, and
Balrog wrings... or any other question where you do not often see a new idea pop up. And I am offended by it for all the other contributors' sakes.
Its real rich to see people complain about book discussions being tapped out who haven't come
closeto reading all the published material on
Middle-earth (or otherwise), but I guess its no surprise from those who don't believe posthumous work has much use or one who has little interest in
Silmarillion. Though I am not sure you are claiming tapped out.
For every one who thinks TTF is lacking without the hot topics, there is apt to be someone who thinks it is better without.
I am glad a new site was set up for this. It was more than Webmaster needed to do, and I would feel more comfortable posting about hot topics there than here, though I doubt this applies to many.