I agree Elrond was not the match of the great elves of the first age. I am not saying he is a weakling, I would like his chances against anything Sauron could throw at him in the TA with the exception of Sauron himself.

The FA elves were much stronger in both physical and magical strength than the elves of the TA. However we have overlooked one thing. A lot (I didn't say all!!) of the elves of the first age were morons. Feanor's oath, the kinslayings, their exile from Aman, the pride of almost all the elvenlords. Even Fingolfin's duel with Morgoth was dumb. Yes it was an EXTREMELY brave thing to do but I believe there was a better place for Fingolfin's bravery. Imagine what might have happened in the Nirnaeth if Fingolfin was leading the army of the west. Another example would be Thingol who did a number of stupid things the most famous being his decision to doublecross (hey I'm a dwarf) the dwarves who reforged the Nauglimar for him.

I have a hard time picturing Elrond doing that. The TA elves behave more like saints than anything else. They very rarely have a dispute with anyone and when they do they quickly apologize. I belief Elrond more than makes up for his *lack* of strength with his wisdom. I personally think he is probably the wisest elf of all time. Even Gandalf listened to his advice. Without Elrond there would be no Rivendell and without Rivendell I do not belief that Frodo would have had the slightest chance of fulfilling his quest.

Thorin