I posted some of this information in the main forum on a favorite sphere lineups, but thought this was a more appropriate place. I took a look at various archetypes and heroes on ringsdb, looking at the hero lineups for the most recent 3-hero deck of that type by each creator. I used the following criteria for identifying tribal decks:

1) Dwarf -- a dwarf hero that buffs or benefits from dwarves.

2) Outlands -- presence of Warrior of Lossarnach

3) Eagles -- presence of The Eagles Are Coming

4) Ents -- presence of Entmoot

5) Rohan -- hero SpTheoden

6) Gondor -- hero LeBoromir and presence of Visionary Leadership

7) Silvan -- presence of O Lorien!

8) Noldor -- presence of To the Sea, to the Sea!

9) Dunedain -- presence of Heir of Valandil

10) Secrecy -- presence of Resourceful and starting threat of 23 or less

11) Traps -- hero Damrod & ally Anborn.

I also took a look at decks involving the following heroes: Elrohir&Elladan, Rossiel, Caldara, Gandalf, Elrond, Beorn, Erestor, Grima, TaTheoden, TaBoromir, Dunhere, Gloin, and Treebeard.

Here's the most frequent hero choices for the tribes:

Dwarf: Dain, Thorin, Ori

I didn't keep the count for each, but there's 10 creators with decks having that lineup.

Outlands: Hirluin (31), LeDenethor/Elrond/Gandalf (8), [LeAragorn/SpGlorfindel (7)]

Looking for particular combos, I see

Hirluin/Elrond/SpGlorfindel -- 2

Hirluin/Gandalf/SpGlorfindel -- 1

Hirluin/LeDenethor/Elrond -- 1

Eagles: Legolas (13), TaBoromir/Mablung (10), [spEowyn (7), Imrahil (6)]

Using the three tactics heroes would not be a viable solo deck, though including Eowyn or Imrahil would be. Looking for combinations of those two with the tactics heroes:

Eowyn/Legolas -- 3

Imrahil/Legolas -- 3

Imrahil/Boromir -- 2

Eowyn/Mablung -- 1

Imrahil/Mablung -- 1

There were no eagles decks combining Imrahil/Eowyn with two of the tactics favorites.

Ents: LoPippin (30), Treebeard (21), TaMerry (20) [LeFaramir(17), Bifur (16), Elrond (14), Mablung (13)]

Both LoPippin/Treebeard/TaMerry and LeFaramir/Bifur/Mablung had six different decks.

Rohan: SpTheoden (all), SpEowyn (24), Eomer (14), [Elfhelm/Theodred (8)]

7 decks with the thematic SpTheoden/Eomer/SpEowyn lineup, plus one that substitutes TaEowyn.

Gondor: LeBoromir (all), LeDenethor (27), LeFaramir/TBeregond/Imrahil(9) [LeAragorn (8)]

Of the LeBoromir/LeDenethor decks, there are 6 with LeFaramir, 2 with TBeregond (1 SBeregond), 4 with LeAragorn, and 4 with Imrahil.

Silvan: Celeborn (42), Galadriel (26), Haldir (22), [Legolas/SpGlorfindel (7)]

There are 14 silvan decks with the Celeborn-Galadriel-Haldir lineup.

Noldor: Arwen (31), Cirdan (21), Galdor (17) [Erestor (16)]

These are the essential four Noldor discarders.

Arwen/Cirdan/Erestor -- 6 decks

Arwen/Galdor/Erestor -- 5 decks

Arwen/Cirdan/Galdor -- 3 decks

Dunedain: Amarthiul (39), Halbarad (24), TaAragorn (21), [LoAragorn (11), Damrod (10)]

Amarthiul/Halbarad/TaAragorn are in 10 Dunedain decks.

Secrecy: LoPippin (40), SpMerry (29), SpGlorfindel (21), [sam (17), Frodo (14), TaMerry (13)]

LoPippin/SpMerry/SpGlorfindel -- 0 decks

LoPippin/SpMerry/Sam -- 10 decks

LoPippin/SpMerry/Frodo -- 11 decks

LoPippin/Sam/TaMerry -- 3 decks

Glorfindel is popular in non-hobbit secrecy decks. The iconic Sam/LoPippin/TaMerry deck has been supplanted by SpMerry's influence.

Traps: Damrod (all), Haldir (14), LoFaramir (13), [berevor (6), SpGlorfindel/Mirlonde/LoPippin (5)]

Damrod/Mirlonde/Faramir -- 4 decks

Damrod/Faramir/Haldir -- 3 decks

Damrod/Beravor/Haldir -- 3 decks

Moving on to individual heroes, but omitting the combinations:

Elrohir & Elladan: Arwen (9), Halbarad (5) [Amarthiul/Theodred/SEowyn(3)]

Rossiel: Mirlonde (20), LoPippin (11), [spGlorfindel (5), Haldir (4)]

Caldara: Arwen (18), SEowyn (15), [Cirdan (9)]

Gandalf: Elrond (31), SGlorfindel (18), [Galadriel (12), LoPippin 11)]

Elrond: SGlorfindel (46), Gandalf (31) [Galadriel (27), Arwen (18)]

Beorn: Arwen/SEowyn (7) [sGlorfindel (5), Damrod/LoPippin (4)]

Erestor: Arwen (29), LeDenethor (9) [Galdor (8), Cirdan (7), Legolas (6), Galadriel/TBeregond (5)]

Grima: LoAragorn (11), LeFaramir (6), [spTheoden/SpGlorfindel/SpEowyn (5), Eomer (4)]

TaTheoden: TaEowyn (7), Hama (5), [TaMerry (4), Eomer/TAragorn/Mablung (3)]

TaBoromir: LeDenethor (11), SGlorfindel/LoAragorn/Sam (6), [sEowyn/Galadriel (5), Theodred/Imrahil/Frodo/TBeregond/SpMerry/Mablung (4)]

Dunhere: SEowyn (26), Theodred (7), [spMerry (6)]

Gloin: Dain (13), Bifur (9), [Thalin (7), Gimli (6), Treebeard/Elrond/Balin/Legolas (5)]

Treebeard: Elrond (14), LoPippin (11), [Mirlonde (9), Galadriel/TaMerry (6)]

Having done that, I wanted to reduce the archtype and hero lineups to eliminate hero conflicts. For the tribes this was relatively easy, by selecting the non-Treebeard Ents lineup, replacing LeFaramir with LeAragorn in the Gondor deck and putting SGlorfindel in the Outlands deck. So we get:

Dwarf: Dain-Thorin-Ori

Outlands: Hirluin-Elrond-SpGlorfindel

Eagles: Legolas-TBoromir-Imrahil

Ents: LeFaramir-Bifur-Mablung

Rohan: STheoden-SEowyn-Eomer

Gondor: LeBoromir-LeDenethor-LeAragorn

Silvan: Celeborn-Haldir-Galadriel

Noldor: Arwen-Cirdan-Erestor

Dunedain: Amarthiul-Halbarad-TAragorn

Hobbits: Sam-LoPippin-SMerry

Traps: Damrod-Mirlonde-LoFaramir

Accepting the Noldor deck as the Erestor deck, and combining Elrond and Gandalf, that leaves another eleven decks around a particular hero. But there's competition for lore Pippin and a number of spirit heroes. I figure Arwen is needed by the twins the most, both thematically and to fuel their ability. That means Caldara needs SEowyn, to have two discarders. SGlorfindel is an overwhelming pick to pair with Gandalf/Elrond, so I give him to their deck, and Grima needs LAragorn more than Boromir. I give Dunhere SMerry instead of Boromir, leaving Sam for Boromir's third. LoPippin I give to Treebeard to pair with TaMerry, since he can't have Elrond, giving Haldir to Dunhere. That leaves Beorn with slim pickings, so I pair him with Damrod and Balin, thinking that Balin can at least cancel shadows when he's defending.

So:

Elrohir-Elladan-Arwen

Rossiel-Mirlonde-Haldir

Caldara-Cirdan-SEowyn

Gandalf-Elrond-SGlorfindel

Beorn-Damrod-Balin

Grima-LoAragorn-LeFaramir

TaTheoden-TaEowyn-Hama

TaBoromir-LeDenethor-Sam

Dunhere-SMerry-Theodred

Gloin-Dain-Bifur

Treebeard-LoPippin-TaMerry

The combos above cover most of the sphere combinations, but not all of them. Still missing are (using D for leadership)

LST

DDS

LLS

LTT

STT

Out of all the heroes *not* in one of the combinations in the last post, which 15 (2 leadership, 4 lore, 4 spirit, 5 tactics) would make the best solo decks in what combination? Options are:

Leadership: Erkenbrand, Elfhelm

Lore: Denethor, Glorfindel, Beravor, Bilbo, Galdor, Argalad, Bombur

Spirit: Eleanor, Frodo, Dwalin, Pippin, Idraen, Lanwyn, Nori, Oin, Fatty, Beregond

Tactics: Gimli, Thalin, Brand, Beregond, Dori, Bard

My choices:

DDS: Elfhelm, Erkenbrand, Lanwyn -- the first two are givens, the third is just a spirit hero with some upside.

LST: Argalad, SBeregond, Thalin -- Direct damage. Put a Spear of the Citadel on Beregond, get LoV on Argalad.

LLS: Glorfindel, Denethor, Idraen -- Asfaloth helps Idraen ready, Glorfindel can use LoV, Denethor can defend or scry.

LTT: Galdor, Brand, TBeregond -- Brand's an initial quester here, so despite a useless ability his one less threat beats out Bard.

STT: Nori, Gimli, Dori -- Nori's threat reduction beats out Oin's tactic icon.

I think that we can also include Strider decks (or as a Secrecy subcategory), because that new cards opens up new way of building decks!

I decided to go to back to ringsdb, sorting by number of likes, but allowing no repeat heroes. Here's the lineups, in order of likes

154-Seastan's Boromir (Seastan)

TBoromir/SGlorfindel/Galadriel

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/42/seastan-s-boromir-1.0

The iconic deck to rule them all, there are two other decks posted with the same lineup.

75-Sting Like a Bee (TalesftCards)

Sam/TMerry/LoPippin

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/535/sting-like-a-bee-1.0

The stereotypical hobbit deck, there are 28 other decks with this lineup. The earliest posted to ringsdb (Mar 23) were this:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/190/hobbits-dodge-a-knife-in-the-dark-1.0

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/185/3-little-hobbits-1.0

60-Quad Sphere Dwarf Swarm *CotR Deckbox* (AtaruSlash)

Dain/Bifur/Oin

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/104/quad-sphere-dwarf-swarm-cotr-deckbox-1.0

Four-sphere dwarf swarm, there are 3 other decks with the same lineup, but two explicitly credit this deck as inspiration.

56-I Will Survive (TalesftCards)

Arwen/SEowyn/Caldara

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1333/i-will-survive-1.0

Caldara deck, there are 6 other decks with the same lineup, 2 of which credit this deck with inspiration. The earliest (Mar 18) is here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/18/it-came-from-caldara-1.0

45-The rapid charge of Outlands ! (13nrv)

Erestor/LeDenethor/Hirluin

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1708/agressive-deck-series-1-outlands-3.0 (most recent iteration)

Only creator with this lineup, though I love the combo of Erestor's draw and Denethor's resources to spam Outlands quickly.

40-DuneGloin (Seastan)

Gloin/Elrond/Mablung

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1107/dneglin-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, though there's ten decks (five by Seastan) with the powerful Gloin/Elrond combo.

37-Dunedain Trappers (Seastan)

Amarthiul/Damrod/LoAragorn

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/28/dunedain-trappers-1.0

There are four decks with this lineup, but two are inspired by this one and the other is taken from Seastan's guest post about the deck on Beorn's blog.

35-The Rohirrim Arrive (Some Sort)

TEowyn/Hama/TTheoden

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2306/the-rohirrim-arrive-1.0

Solo tactics, with song of travel so Hama can chuck Elven Light. There is one other deck with this lineup.

32-Super Hasty Ents! (Master of Lore)

Gandalf/LeFaramir/Grima

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2314/super-hasty-ents-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, ideally plays Treebeard ally on turn 1.

18-If you like Silvan decks you'll love this (dragonwarriorfan)

TLegolas/Celeborn/Haldir

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2135/if-you-like-silvan-decks-you-ll-love-this-5.0

There are five decks with this lineup, not counting the different revisions of this deck, the earliest posted is here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/93/arboreal-adversaries-cotr-deckbox-1.0

14-Charge of the Light Brigade (Beorn)

Elfhelm/STheoden/Eomer

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2049/charge-of-the-light-brigade-1.0

Rohan deck with mounts, there are 7 different decks with this lineup, the earliest (Jun 28) are here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1866/4-legged-fury-remasterd-2.0

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1874/saddle-up-1.0

14-Deck Tech: The Quest for the Arkenstone (chrsjxn)

Thorin/Ori/Bombur

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1327/deck-tech-the-quest-for-the-arkenstone-1.0

Dwarf swarm deck, one of 11 with this lineup, the earliest is here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/591/bombur-doing-work-1.0

14-Beorn's Path 2 - Journey Along the Anduin (Beorn)

LeAragorn/Theodred/LoDenethor

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/305/beorn-s-path-2-journey-along-the-anduin-1.0

Core set deck for new players, there are 9 with this lineup, but 7 are from different parts of Beorn's Path, and an 8th (mine) is descended from it.

Technically the next deck selected would be Seastan's "No Conflict Deck" (Dori/Brand/Dwalin), but since it's a joke deck I skipped it.

9-The Grey Company (psychorocka)

Elrohir/Elladan/TAragorn

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2030/the-grey-company-4.0 (latest version)

Twins deck intended for use in a fellowship, there are two distinct decks (but six versions) with this lineup.

8-This Deck Explores Locations (Seastan)

LoGlorfindel/Beravor/Mirlonde

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1357/this-deck-explores-locations-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, intended for 3+ player location control.

8-GET OFF THE ROAD! (christottey85)

SMerry/Frodo/SPippin

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1475/get-off-the-road-3.0 (latest version)

Meant for multiplayer, uses Merry to cover Pippin's threat increase. One other deck posted this lineup earlier, here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/669/smokin-hobbits-1.0

7-The Forest Devours (Warden of Arnor)

Rossiel/Beorn/Treebeard

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/555/the-forest-devours-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, has Beorn/Treebeard take care of business while Rossiel builds up.

5-We've Got You Covered (Warden of Arnor)

Lanwyn/Brand/TBeregond

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1635/we-ve-got-you-covered-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, provides sentinel/ranged/wp for multiplayer

4-Gimli Gang (gandalfDK)

Nori/Gimli/Thalin

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1097/the-gimli-gang-1.0

In a fellowship with Dain/Gloin/Bifur. Two other decks with the same lineup have been posted.

2-Dori to the rescue!! (webslinger9)

Dori/SBeregond/Halbarad

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2598/dori-to-the-rescue-1.0

If you're using two heroes for defense, those should be the two. Only deck with this lineup

2-Oh, the Elves!!! (Mazier)

Cirdan/Galdor/Bilbo

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2485/oh-the-elves-2.0

Plenty of card draw for the Noldor here. Only deck with this lineup.

0-Fer Gandar (Ketermuls)

Imrahil/Balin/LeBoromir

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2371/fergondar-1.0

Monosphere gondor deck, only deck with this lineup.

Those decks leave nine released heroes unaccounted for, five of which are spirit and two of which were in the core set. In the interest of completeness, here are the most-liked decks with the missing heroes, none of which conflict with each other:

33-Ye Olde Ranger Trap Deck (mduckworth83)

LoFaramir/Damrod/Mirlonde

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/735/ye-olde-ranger-trap-deck-1.0

Mono-lore traps, one of 5 decks with this lineup. The earliest posted is here:

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/461/direct-damage-traps-1.0

30-Direct Damage Zone! (TheChad)

Argalad/Thalin/Mablung

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2719/direct-damage-zone-1.0

Only deck with this lineup and one of only three Argalad decks. Silvan/Direct Damage

22-The Bear and the Maidens Fair *CotR Deckbox* (Ataru Slash)

Eleanor/SEowyn/Beorn

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/128/the-bear-and-the-maidens-fair-cotr-deckbox-1.0

Eleanor w. Gondorian Shield becomes the defender when Beorn runs out of health. Two decks with this lineup.

20-Caldara, The Undying (captainace)

Idraen/Caldara/Arwen

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2136/caldara-the-undying-1.0

Only deck with this lineup, Idraen provides attack and predictable readying via Northern Tracker

15-Overkill (Lord Alcaron)

Bard/Dunhere/Haldir

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1920/overkill-1.0

With Great Yew Bow, all three can attack into staging against reduced defense. Only deck with this lineup, extra credit for using two of the missing heroes.

12-Dirty Deeds Done With Steeds (Pirate Brahm)

Erkenbrand/Elfhelm/STheoden

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/2155/dirty-deeds-done-with-steeds-1.0

mounts and songs for maximum Elfhelm impact. The same creator has an earlier deck with the same lineup.

5-Smoking Buddies (Warden of Arnor)

Fatty/TMerry/Gandalf

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/1552/smoking-buddies-solo-campaign-5.0

Only deck (with five revisions) of this lineup. Fatty's role is defender (w. SoG and shield) if he doesn't use his ability.

4-Khazad Dum - Gloin's Song (daxsen)

Dwalin/Gloin/Dain

http://ringsdb.com/decklist/view/970/khazad-dm-glin-s-song-1.0

Intended for a fellowship against the KD quests, with cards only up to KD. One of two decks with this lineup.

Jeez. You go deep, don't you?

I don't have nearly enough time to play all the decks I think would be interesting to play, but it takes considerably less time to analyze decks that other people have played. And I think it's very interesting.

I'm also curious how many viable decks it's possible to simultaneously keep constructed from a single card pool, save for some staples and a generic sideboard that move from deck to deck.