[Gothmog]

o why the inconsistencies? ie sometimes he uses his staff, and others he doesn't? is this just a fault of tolkien? (shock, horror!)

If we keep using Roa's Crucifixes and paintings of saint as an example it's easy to explain. A christian can direct his/her prayers directly to God, but can also use symbols. The human being can't always comprehend abstract things and uses real, physical items as help. A wizard's staff may be something that help the wizard to focus and makes it easier to perform magic, but they can manage without it.

Most of us seem to agree that the it's the wizard that holds the greatest power and the staff is there as an tool to increase the power or focus it. Then it's only natural that wizards can perform magic without it, even if it might be harder or not as efficient. A fault by Tolkien? The thought is horrifying!