Its my first post here, so hi everyone!
It seems to me that the essence of the Istari was very different to that of the Maiar. As I [vaguely] recall, the Maiar were somewhat taken aback by Manwe's request for emissaries to ME. Olorin was afraid of Sauron. It was as if the process of incarnation was scary for some reason - Yet the Maiar regularly became incarnated, so one must assume that in this case its for some other, underlying reason.
That reason being that, as Istari, they arent really Maiar any more. They are not bound by the Song of Illuvatar as once they were - prone to the temptations of power or the flesh as they never were in Valinor, they can fall by the wayside.
IMHO, the origins of the Istari were unimportant to those in ME. It is the spirit that currently fills them that matters. People do not sit around in the White Tower ruminating about where Sauron came from - it is the role that he plays in their lives that is important.
As Gandalf comes as a pure emissary of Eru (well, almost pure
), it is THIS that Cirdan/Galadriel/Elrond/(Celeborn?) sense. When Galadriel speaks with Frodo, they speak almost as equals in spiritual stature (perhaps not /power/). She doesnt treat him "as a hobbit".
Just as with Gandalf. Those of the White Council who did know or hear rumours of the origins of the Istari either kept it to themselves or did not care. Gandalf is a man first, a Maia second. I do not think that the Elves or others of the Wise would see it any other way.
Likewise, when Saruman becomes evil, no metaphysical notions are raised of "an angel falling to the dark side" (or however youd like to put it). The notions raised are of human treachery, limitation, weakness in the face of overpowering force - despair. Again, nobody sits around thinking "No way dude, but he came from the West!" ... they just get on with it.
Basically, IMO, the way in which the Maia-ness of the Istari would be perceived is dependent on their actual personalities. But thats just my two cents.
And on the Galadriel issue, well, "The female of the species is more deadly than the male." Wouldnt be surprised if Balrogs just fled from her presence. (Though I do not think that she'd be a totally psycho with a blade, I would expect a certain degree of expertise. No person could live through, be a part of and witness that many thousands of years of battles without picking up some training.)
Ty for listening to me ramble
Craig