Oh, I agree.
I just think it is fun to speculate about it.
BTW, I think The Silmarillion talks about guardian spirits from Yavanna, the Valar in charge of plant life, entering into the trees long before the Elves awaken. Obvious possibiities there involving the Ents.
First reply I've received from a Middle Earth thread since I found my way on ping-lists (not that I've made more than three replies ). I don't know. I've read probably 1% of everything that's been posted on this topic, and had I gone further, I'm sure I'd be much better qualified to reply to anything. I have read the books many times apiece. Obsessed about them in JR. High. Never gotten deeply philosophical about them, however.
Hope to follow the happenings more closely from now on and to participate more fully. Thanks.