[@Jbcool]Well, because it's not explored in the books, so there are a myriad of different ways to go about that, whereas the entire south was Rohan and Gondor and everything we're already aquainted with. Sure there are a few key things listed that happened with Sauron's forces up north such as Dain dying while defending his kingdom, but it's not very specific. The only other place I'd say we could be would be very far south with the Corsairs of Umbar and the southern coast of Gondor. Though we also know how that plays out in the end. 

2nd age seems fine though, to me. Or early third age, such as when the Isatari showed up. 

Also, if the 4th age is done then I'm not going to go, but it seems like a very bland way to do it. No more Elves, the Dwarves are slowly going away and there is a lack of Orcs and enemies.