I am not opposed to the cutting of Tom Bombadil. I would like to see him in the movie, but there are a LOT of things that I would like to see in the movie that just aren't going to be there. IMO, exchanging Tom Bombadil for some more-important scenes would be better than having TB in there and having the rest of it seem rushed. If they cut TB just to make room for a gratuitous sex scene between Arwen and Aragorn, now that's another story.

I actually think that the Numenorean blades will not be a problem. They are not used until Moria, so if they acquire them in Rivendell, nothing *else* will have to be changed. Plus, Aragorn can explain to them (and the audience) that the blades are enchanted works of Westernesse. In the book, you don't even find that out until the last minute.

My $.02

Olorin