Mythopoet
Auror
I wasn't literally asking for a citation, that was kind of a joke.
But mostly, I'm trying to say that Middle-Earth shouldn't be the standard by which all fantasy settings are measured regardless of how successful LotR is. Middle-Earth and it's use or level of detail might have worked for Tolkien but whatever, not everyone is trying to write Lord of the Rings or something like it.
Multiple polls found LOTR to be the most popular book written in its century. Given the enduring nature of its popularity, I think it's a safe claim.
And I'm not saying any of that. I am always vocal in my belief that writers should write whatever they most enjoy. But this thread seems to be calling into question the entire concept of and purpose of worldbuilding. I think it's fair to point out that the most popular fantasy book ever has a strong emphasis on worldbuilding. That doesn't mean that all fantasy books should, but it supports the argument that worldbuilding is important to fantasy.