No, they saw the logo and a recognizable image and they bought it. They didn't ask anyone.Oh sure sure. I agree but they didn’t rewrite anything and it didn’t boost sales on the already best selling novels. People didn’t go into stores saying “I need that novel with Elijah Wood on the cover”. They said “do you have Lord of the Rings?” and the clerk said “sure” and they bought whatever the clerk handed them.
But, sure, this wasn't a misstep or lost opportunity. That wouldn't happen with the current WotC leadership.