At the risk of creating a debate, I believe people are looking for LOTR now-a-days simply for the theme. It is a WAY cooler theme than TSPP IMO.
Everyone talks about flow, gameplay and strategies.....but I don't think that is what buying a pinball is all about.
I have a modest collection, JP, IJW, CFTBL, SWDE, LOTR, (PRED)......bought in that order. I had a Congo, POTO and a Fire! in there as well. Long story short, I can't remember even playing a pinball machine before I bought my JP a little over 2yrs ago. I had money to burn, no idea what to buy and a kijiji add came up near me selling a pinball. I thought, what the hell; why not?
I AM NOT a great pinball player. I have A LOT of fun playing and "working" on them though. What sells me on a game isn't flow, gameplay, or resale potential.....it all essentially comes down to theme.
I scour HOURS of youtube vids, PAPA vids and see what games I like; almost more importantly, what games I can stand the sound and effects on.
I had never even played any of my titles before I owned them. I know I can be seen as an idiot by some, but I have to enjoy them in every facet - appearance, aesthetics, art, sound, gameplay, and what means something to me.
LOTR was timeless with the books, renewed with the movies and OWN-ABLE with the pin.
Just my two cents.