I think you should play in 1.7.10. Renewed has many things sure, and some areas of it are ahead of Legacy in terms of quality and polish, but it's still missing quite a lot of stuff. I'd be more inclined to say Renewed if I was more aware of the development situation, but it feels like it's been very silent for a while.

I don't think Renewed is anywhere near completion, but it's hard to say for sure since we've had no word for so long.

Rather play 1.7.10. Playing Renewed now would probably be similar to playing an older version of the mod since a lot will be missing.

1.7.10 is much better currently. Renewed isn't complete and there is no word on the progress. Renewed does look like it will be a much better version of the mod when it's complete, but for now for a full experience 1.7.10 will be better.

We probably won't get more news of Mevans before the next lotrMODs birthday, next year. Renewed may be interesting to play but only in creative mod. Renewed is rapidly boring in survival. Stick to Legacy if you want a survival play.