[JB80 (Jarrod)]

I suppose it's not entirely fair to compare the two as one is essentially a kids book but I would disagree with you in saying that LoTR blows GoT out of the water, although it's purely subjective and there is no right or wrong answer.
One has a clear plot and destination. That's probably the biggest difference.

I am still reading GoT but the one thing you get from the tale that I never got with LoTR is the full range of emotion, it gets to the point when you physically don't want to read the book anymore(more than once) because you are hurt by what you have just read but there is no way you would ever dream of stopping. There is some hope in there too and in a way it's more realistic form of fantasy in a way.
I love the length too and the way that it's told, if this was a 3 novel story I'd feel cheated. Kind of the same way Tolkein fans are left wanting more.
I dread the day when it's finished to be honest.

I guess it's each to their own, my wife is a massive LoTR fan as well. I should ask her which she prefers but I think I know the answer. If you read Tolkein early on in your childhood I doubt that feeling can ever be replaced. WHich is the feeling I'm getting now with GoT, I haven't been this excited about anything since Star Wars.