I wouldn't sell LotR so short. It remains the Oscar winning-est franchise in cinematic history, being both an audience favorite and a critical darling. It's adapted from an incredibly popular book series and released a three part prequel just couple years ago. It redefined the film franchise. People are still watching and rewatching these movies. The number of people who would visit just because they built Middle Earth is far and above your estimate.
I find this is a bit like the "Star Wars is for NERDS" narrative. Like seriously, this franchise made (and continues to make) an unholy amount of money. Sure, not everyone is into the EU or the general minutiae, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't fork over good money to ride in the Millennium Falcon.
Exactly. We do our taxes and everything. Also, kids born the year Fellowship was released will be able to vote next year.
As for Mike's comment about HP, there are people in their 30's that are getting engaged at WWoHP. They're having HP themed weddings and HP decorated nurseries for their incoming spawn. Even those who came in a little later in the game can still rent themselves a car. HP is over 20 years old. It's beloved by both adults and the kids who are discovering it for the first time. In short, these fanbases, including those who just casually enjoy these franchises, is much larger than the demographics y'all are pinning down.