I hope you are right about The Silmarillion, but I can't help but think that once Saul Zaentz and company have milked more millions out of Tolkien's legacy, they will be looking for additional opportunities.
As for the paraphernalia, I have to agree. I am simply astounded by the sheer volume of rubbish the first films have produced, and equally astounded at the people who eagerly rush to "collect" it. I shudder to think of the deluge of crap the next two films will generate.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TOLKIENS-RING-DAVI ... oks_2&hash=item51996d1504

At more than $3500, I don't think "Mr Thrifty" is really an appropriate name for the shop

Interesting. The winning bidder was p**w, and immediately afterwards powell2317 put this similar set up for bid.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?V ... &ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I wonder what it will go for?

I bought a "buy it now" item off this particular seller at an excellent price. It was so good in fact, he refunded the money and refused to honour the transaction, saying "it was a mistake". I guess he never heard of taking responsibility for his.

You think that's bad, check out this one...WTF??

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TOLKIEN-WATERCOLOR ... wings&hash=item2a0eaca188