Um, DotA 2 pre-orders? Isn't it a F2P game?

nope , it will be free

it should be free ;O

Scammy scam?

Probably sending you the DotA2 Invite Keys from here

LOTRO is F2P but they recently came out with a new boxed set. Maybe it's for people that don't want to wait to download the whole thing, just want a CD/DVD to install?

pre order allows you to play before it goes public, as well as a bunch of cool itens (useless).
It WILL be ftp... for now u need to spend cash or get lucky =D

no. there is an option for people who want early access to purchase it through steam, that's all. got kinda disappointed with valve when they announced this but still, you can get it through an invite from your friend.
edit: and yes it will be free to play after the official release date hits.

Oh, thanks for clearing that up everyone !