One has to expect a bunch of patches to any online MMO . There are fixes and then of course the updates for each new "Book" (epic quests) that comes out. We're expecting Book 12 after the New Year sometime. So you can expect another large download again.
As Araidus has said it's an awesome game. It gives me a nice alternative to playing UO when I need something different and I really do hate leveling. But there is something just fun about running around Middle Earth, so I just take my time and reach each level whenever I get there. Hell, I've been in since beta and my highest level char just hit level 25!
Maddox and Dip will look on me in gamer shame LOL