Concept
I wanted to see what a real Hobbit deck looked like that had some real combat tools, and this list is what I came up with. I've played the big-ally version of hobbits and the rosie-voltron version, so this deck really was just about using all hobbit allies. I personally don't find it super powerful, but it can beat some of the more mid-range / easier quests.
Deckbuilding
Pretty much started with all the hobbit-themed allies, but I ended up cutting Barliman Butterbur, since he really wasn't doing anything. I like some of the Secrecy tech, but this thing starts at 22, so I couldn't justify relying entirely on Sneak Attack + Gandalf and The Shirefolk for reduction to even get into Secrecy. So, instead, I went the route of relying on Tom Cotton to become a decent defender with Steward of Gondor and Gondorian Shield. With the Steward, he can also pay for all the hobbit allies (usually Gaffer Gamgee to neutralize bigger enemies, if they're not immune); Pippin helps ensure the engagement cost of enemies is boosted so that Tom's passive game text remains active. Sam Gamgee is the primary attacker, then, which has been a pretty fun little wrinkle. Halfling Determination is a flex card I almost exclusively hold for a buff, but it's too good to pass up; Rosie Cotton is also an option. Sting is also a flex card that can go on either Sam or Tom.
Also, it's pretty fun that the Curious Brandybuck keeps getting shuffled from the bottom to somewhere else in the deck with Raise the Shire and Drinking Song.
I've always wanted to build a deck with 3x Bill the Pony in it, so this list appeals to my heart.
Gameplay
Basically, Gaffer and Rosie are the key cogs in terms of allies. Gaffer's cancellation, along with Rosie's buff are really clutch in making sure you can keep going turn to turn. I have included 3 copies of Tighten Our Belts in the sideboard, as I've swapped it in and out so many times (usually in exchange for the Halfling Determination), because it can be the jump the deck needs -- unfortunately the variance of needing it early sometimes makes me wish I didn't run it.
Prioritizing your economy is key, so one of the really great pieces to see early is actually Bill -- free ally and chump blocker to prevent you from spending resources is absolutely awesome to get the Steward and, ideally, another draw card into your hand.
Then Steward goes on Tom, which basically smooths resources for the rest of the game once you engage an enemy. From there, it's all about tactical decisions on how best to distribute Fast Hitch and when to Sneak + Gandalf.
Hope yall enjoy.