I think that the vendors in LotRO need a major upgrade. Travel to any settlement and they are all over the place, but what are they actually good for?

1. Selling your junk to.

2. Repairing character items.

3. Buying healing potions / crafting ingredients/recipes from.

That's it (at least for me)

I believe strongly that every item in Middle Earth should be valuable to someone. (even junk trophies are a valuable source of income). why do vendors sell stuff that no one would want to buy? Why sell grey armour or weapons anywhere, except maybe in the starter areas?

Faction-based barter vendors are a step in the right direction, but even then, they sell some stuff that has no apparent purpose/value. Am i missing the point of the Mathom Society selling a butter knife? If i've spent my time and effort to gain repuation, the potential rewards need to be worth it.

When i say purpose, i don't necessarily mean serious stuff. Stuff like fireworks or a cold fish you can slap someone with are great, beacause they actually DO something and add a bit of fun to proceedings. Outfit items are good for adding a touch of personalisation.

One thing I'd like to see is random 'rarer' items available from vendors the same way WoW does. At least it would give people a reason to actually check out a vendors wares - just in case theres a hidden gem there.

What do you think? Any other ideas?

These items are there for new players, or those without kinships and friends. Obviously crafted gear is way better, and even quest rewards. Thus their only real purpose after a time is to have them as outfits.

If they had the rare variety, it could hinder crafting.

I do not think they are a bother though, you can just ignore them. And it is nice to have them for repairs or selling shopfood.

" Item shops, never leave home without them."