[Dain]

I see what you are saying, now. It was sort of what I was getting at, but you are more accurate. Gandalf had specific limitations on what he could do, that makes sense, and though maybe I'm not yet convinced he was quite a match for Sauron, I don't really want to get into an discussion that you've already had. I think Morgoth was very powerful, but much too chaotic and angry--I think Sauron is much more dangerous in a way, because he is more cunning and devious (originally one of Aule's best students...). It says in the Silm. that in everything Morgoth did, Sauron was there with him, and the label "the greatest of his captains" is a little unfair to Sauron, as is definitely comparing him to Will Riker... Sauron terrorised ME for two ages, and they were very lucky to get rid of him, he deserves all the respect he gets for being the best baddie ever.

Underlying my thoughts here is my attempt to figure out the relative powers of the 1st and 3rd ages--the 1st clearly has the greatest heroes, and more big monsters--Balrogs are common--but uber-villians-wise, Sauron is still around in the 3rd age, and nobody there can hope to match him, bar Gandalf. That's why Gandalf is so cool...