[JenB]

I don't think he was considering other endings; I think he was explaining what could have happened. I very much doubt that he would have written a story where Sauron won, for instance. It seems clear that he was planning to use the ending he did all along, but you know how people like to ask what-if questions!

[2Jedismom]

Think we'll hit 2000 tonight? I just got the jedis to bed and will be here the rest of the evening!