LotR differences (Return of the Shadow v. Fellowship of the Ring)

Currently, I am just after the attack on Weathertop.
So far, one of the biggest differences is it is much more hobbit-centric, which is understandable, since it was originally written as sequal to The Hobbit.

As an FYI, Tolkien's true love was the mythology and languages (understandable, since he was a philologist. Silmarillion era (First Age in Middle-Earth).
Also, Tom Bombadil already existed. Tolkien had told his children stories about Tom when they were young.

Strider/Aragorn was originally a hobbit, called Trotter. (wore wooden shoes!)
Prancing Pony, all characters were hobbits.
Long expected party, several different versions... who threw it and why. Earliest was Bilbo at age 70, dissapeared. No Frodo.

Different characters: Bingo Took-Baggins --> Frodo Baggins
Sam Gamgee has not appeared yet, though his father, The Gaffer has.

The significance of The Ring has not emerged.