I have been contemplating how to use this game as an RPG for a few years now. There were a few rules I made myself adhere to as well. The RPG profile must be 100% compatible with the SBG. This means, no new stats, no changing the system to use a different dice mechanics and things like that.
After reading the Hobbit rule book I finally realized that the game already had an action resolution system in place. In its simplest form it was roll a d6. 1=fail, 2-5=success, and 6=superior success (This would be your default task resolution system). The other task resolution system for tougher tasks is to resolve them like magic spells. Assign a difficulty to the task and roll a D6 (modify with might as usual).
Stat recovery would be resolved much like the campaign rules located in the journey books. At the end of each scenario/encounter the player would roll 1d6 for each point they lost (point meaing: wounds, m/w/f, or anything else) and recover the lost point on a 4+.
Progression would be a cinch as well. Instead of handing out XP and trying to translate XP tables, the GM would award XP (called training points [TP]) in single unit increments. When the PC's have an opportunity to train/reflect (such as when the fellowship rested at Imlahdras or Lorien) the PC's would be allowed to spend their TP in an attempt to improve their stats. To improve a stat one declares they would spend a point on a stat then roll 1d6. If the result is greater than their current stat number, the stat increases (might my *not* be used to modify this roll). For example, while at a sanctuary the intrepid ranger decides to spend an TP point and improve his fight value from a 4 to a 5. He decreases his TP pool by 1, then rolls a d6. on a 5+ the stat improves.
The PC may only attempt to improve a single stat one time per training/reflection period. In order to increase their odds of successfully improving a stat, a PC may elect to spend an additional TP to garner a +1 bonus to his TP check (this must be done before dice are rolled). Only 1 additional TP may be spent in this manner. IE: the Intrepid Ranger wants to improve his courage from 3 to 4. In order to do this he spends 1 TP which allows him to roll the Training check, then, in order to improve his odds of succeeding he spends 1 additional TP to gain the +1 bonus. The Ranger rolls his d6 then adds a +1 to the total. If the result is 4+, his courage will increase.
Optional: A PC may elect to spend 5 TP to automatically increase a stat by one.
Note: Improving the archery stat is means you must roll lower than the current score. IE: for the ranger to improve his archery score of 3+ when he spends his TP he must roll a 2 or lower.
Starting characters, select an existing *warrior* profile (that is right, you start off as a nameless nobody). It's that easy! Alternatively, your GM may allow you to play heroes. Ensure the profile to select makes sense with the story (electing to play as a numenorian warrior when the story takes place in Harad during the 3rd age doesn't make sense).
In summary,
Select a warrior profile to represent your PC
use a default 2+ to resolve non combat checks (or X+ for harder tasks)
Use TP to increase stats (D6 result > current stat score)
use Journey book campaign rules to recover lost points between scenarios (a 4+ means you recover the lost point)
GM award TP based on RP and combat
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