He gave ear to Sauron partly because of his fear of death, yes, but he took counsel from Sauron even before Sauron's suggestion that they assail Valinor. You say that you don't think even the fallen Numenoreans would do his bidding, yet they revered him as a God and he even taught them to worship Morgoth! I believe it is safe to say he held considerable sway over their thoughts and deeds.
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...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.
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