ah, so it's ok for posters to speculate on the strengths of certain characters from their knowledge of Middle-earth (which is no doubt impressive), but when I actually take evidence from LOTR itself, it's not good enough?
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Apologies for not having my book, but if Essex would be so kind as to continue the quote, one would see (IMO) that Gandalf was being polite to Denethor, as Gandalf knows that Denethor is losing his mind. Doesn't Gandalf continue saying something like 'mayhap is, mayhap ain't' (or was that Mother Abigail? ) in regards to being overmatched by the Witch-King?
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Nope, I continue the quote here:
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'But our trial of strength is not yet come. And if words spoken of old be true, not by the hand of man shall he fall, and hidden from the Wise is the doom that awaits him. However that may be, the Captain of Despair does not press forward, yet. He rules rather according to the wisdom that you have just spoken, from the rear, driving his slaves in madness on before.
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Gandalf returns, not because he was overmatched, but because he wanted to save the wounded that still had a chance.
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That is correct.
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Nay, I came rather to guard the hurt men that can yet be healed; for the Rammas is breached far and wide, and soon the host of Morgul will enter in at many points. And I came chiefly to say this. Soon there will be battle on the fields
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I am not saying Gandalf has done a runner from the WK, I am merely pointing out a discussion between two wise men on the strengths of the WK v Gandalf, which is pertinent to this thread.