Your opening phrase upset me, and so I was not able to assess the rest! Let me try now, ignoring the first part ;~D
He has everything the way he wants it and only takes interest in the Hobbits as an amusing curiousity.
This part I agree with! The events of the outside world are of little concern to him, but I think calling it self-abosrbed or characterizing it as old man's fantasy is unfair. He is content to enjoy the simple things, his forest and his lady-love. The rest of the outside world does not affect him. He is not a conqueror or a seeker of glory and fame, nor is he compelled to get involved in the temporary problems of the day. His motives are no more evil than the closed and innocent nature of the Shire, and most of us hope that they keep that innocence and never have to deal with the evils of those outside their realm.
The Old Forest herded the company to Old Man Willow at his direction so that he could conveniently meet the one who would bring an end to his age.
I dont know that we have any reason to believe this. I don't know of any hint that Old Man Willow works for him, or was acting at his direction. IMHO, Old Man Willow had his own agenda, but Tom is the master.
Hmm. I don't know that Tom's age will end with the ring. He was there before the ring and before all the peoples of the earth, he is the eldest. He was never under it's dominion, and I see no reason why his world would end because the ring was destroyed, or that he was concerned about this, as the elves are.
So... although I disagree with a lot of your interpretation, minus the first part, the rest was worthy of consideration. You shouldn't shock my sensibilities like that! ;~D
He has everything the way he wants it and only takes interest in the Hobbits as an amusing curiousity. The Old Forest herded the company to Old Man Willow at his direction.
As master of his realm he surely knew how the Old Forest worked to funnel trespassers to Old Man Willow. It appears he has had some experience with the Willow before and has learned how to exert some control over it.
His motives are no more evil than the closed and innocent nature of the Shire, and most of us hope that they keep that innocence and never have to deal with the evils of those outside their realm.
I don't think his motives are particularly evil, but they are not all together innocent. I think this experience is an early lesson in caution for the company because he knows too well what evils they will be exposed in the outside world.
Hmm. I don't know that Tom's age will end with the ring.
Don't wish to spoil, so this point can be discussed in more depth when his name appears for the last time.
You shouldn't shock my sensibilities like that! ;~D
My apologies....but it did get your attention. :-)