There's been more than a bit of UB cards that would fall under certain criticisms levied against Hat-sets: "It's the thing you know from the thing!"

Hey, I just want to apologize about my tone, I feel like I came off a bit too aggressive to you. When I was really wanting to talk to others I've seen with the idea that WotC "would never" make *that* UB, when they clearly would if "market research" says the upsides outweigh the downsides.

I read the books as a kid, watched the movies, and still consider it an important part of my childhood. But I don't still read the books, watch the movies, or otherwise interact with the fandom. And when this set is released, I won't be buying it.

Ignoring the problem you (are right to) have with the author, there's a TV show coming out, and UB would be advertising it, just like Avatar pushing Lorwyn back for a better advertising release window.

As someone who abhors all UB products, you have to be naive to think that WotC wouldn't collaborate with the 8th largest media franchise (Wikipedia) in the world.

I think it was supposed to be a Modern set like LotR. It was released in that release window, but that's all the supporting evidence I have.

I'm of the opinion that it (and FIN) were not meant to go straight into standard, but due to ACR's lackluster impact, as well as (and much more importantly) LotR not scaring off constructed 60 card players, the decision was made to bring all UB to standard