. . . to Fingolfin, he took the thankless task of guarding the front lines in the north against Morgoth, while the sons of Feanor wanted to be by themselves and moved east.  Finrod's people had it pretty good, and therefore multiplied and took in refugees from the north, until Turin shamed them into building a bridge and mounting expeditions against Morgoth's forces, after which Glaurung took care of them (of course by then Finrod was long gone).

Of course Finrod was no coward, he was simply following Ulmo's advice to forget about Morgoth and attempt to keep his people alive until the Valar relented.  None of the Elves did a very good job of that, probably because none of them were cowards.  Even Cirdan suffered a devastating defeat before retreating to an island.

________________________________________

"‘I think he was a silly little man,' said Councillor Tompkins.  ‘Worthless, in fact; no use to Society at all.'

"‘Oh, I don't know,' said Atkins, who was nobody of importance, just a schoolmaster.  ‘I am not so sure: it depends on what you mean by use .'

"‘No practical or economic use,' said Tompkins.  . . .

. . .

"‘It is proving very useful indeed,' said the Second Voice.  ‘As a holiday, and a refreshment.  It is splendid for convalescence; and not only for that, for many it is the best introduction to the Mountains.  It works wonders in some cases.  I am sending more and more there.  They seldom have to come back.'"