RE : Istari Staffs
(I know I'm a new comer to this forum but I hope you may listen to what I have to say.)
I had just started reading thru this thread when the topic of Staffs arose, and the question was asked about what power they possessed, if any.
The Istari, as Maia in mortal form, are not allowed to show their true heritage to the peoples of middle-earth, therefore it is logical to assume that the staff was a mere tool for deception, they used it to take the focus off their true nature.
Also concerning the breaking of Sarumans Staff. I beleive this merely to be a symbolic warning from Gandalf. It is stated in Unfinished tales and other writings that Gandalf had long been the more powerful and wise of the five Istari. Saruman knew this and despised Gandalf for it. When Gandalf broke Sarumans Staff it showed Saruman that he was no longer content to let him lead the order and that just like he broke the staff so easily, he could also break Saruman.
just my thoughts......
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