It's not as if Lord of the Rings is the only fiction with its diehard fans. He mentioned Star Trek fans. The people he was talking about are comparable to Star Trek fans who learn the Klingon language, memorize starship technical manuals, go to conventions in full Star Fleet uniforms, etc. That kind of nuttiness isn't in any way, shape, or form exclusive to Lord of the Rings fans. There's a reason people like that are called "fans". (Short for fanatics.)
Yes, you are correct. It's not a condemnation of TLOTR, The Silmarillion, or any other work of fiction per se. Rather, it's Devil's Tempation to make us attempt to supplant The Truth with Man's Ambition and Pride.
Occasionally I still read TLOTR, and will see the movie. I will not however let either replace reality.
And of course I also recognize J.R.R. Tolkien's works as fantastic pieces of fiction and an amazing accomplishment by the limited mind of Man.
prisoner6