It was very pleasant to listen to this conversation.

My requirements for a definitive version lean more towards the content of the books. I would like a version made exactly as Tolkien intended and where all the remaining minor issues with the text and typesetting have been corrected.

Thus far, the HC 50th Anniversary edition comes close. A similar version made with higher-quality materials and with fully corrected text would be perfect for me.

This is great info. Recent custom re-bindings have been intriguing. I had considered Frankenstein editions for many years but not seriously enough to learn to make books or pay for one. The big $$$ for custom LR die stamps to be used only for one LR set, to be used on all 3 volumes I'd be tempted to put it on 4 sides of the slip case.
My F monster was to be a Redbook with poems from ATB inserted, T illustrations, bits of UT, all from dead books.

I do like that concept of a "monster" Third Age set that combines everything we have.

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed the discussion, and could've easily listened to two more hours of it! Especially interesting that there's different opinions amongst such distinguished collectors.

Thanks for the video!