: When there is no clear cut answer, theories about any subject will continue to be debated "ad nauseum". Previous debates didn't deter you or me from putting forth our speculations, did it. At least we are thinking and searching for explainations.
: After we are gone, others new to LOTR will pose the same question and will continue the debate. That's a good thing,isn't it.

I apologize if my post seemed like a flame - it wasn't intended as one. I was just pointing out that if you are interested in the various arguments which have been put forth regarding this subject, there are literally hundreds of posts archived in the Usenet which present all kinds of theories and counter-theories concerning this issue - many of them well researched and very interesting (along with a lot of information regarding Black Numenoreans in general).