A nice thread. Thanks also for the Letters quotes. I loved that book and I think that it gives more insight into the author and his intentions of his creation than the entire HOME in some regards.
If the Valar "sent" the Istari, I would think that the precidence for "exceptions" was set at that time.
As for mortals burning out - well from an vala or elf point of view it would seem to appear like that. It's relative.
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