[tom bombariffic]

From a storytelling point of view, Gandalf needed different things at different points. At first he needed to be quirky and mysterious, to emphasize how untypical of hobbits the Bagginses are; had Gandalf the White come to the shire and ordered any hobbit to do his bidding, they would probably not have doubted his authority. But Gandalf the grey is, to the hobbits' suspicious eyes, untrustworthy and mischievous.

Gandalf the Grey is also very elusive, often coming and going at night without warning, which is in keeping with the rangers' shadowy presence around the shire, and is the best way for Gandalf to gather early intelligence surrounding the ring without arousing suspicion. Gandalf the White is bold and commanding, and would have drawn Sauron's attention to the shire far too early.

Finally, as far as Gandalf the Grey goes, he needed to be recognised as strong, but not too strong. Elves and possibly Aragorn at the Council of Elrond would have recognised his power, and his potential, but others would not. Would Boromir have let the ring pass into the hands of Gandalf the White, who he would have had to recognise as his superior, and thus a potential threat, considering the treachery of Saruman? In my view, he had to be underestimated in order to gain the trust of Gondor, and possibly of the Dwarves too.

Thus Gandalf could not start the story as strong as he finished it. But he had to become stronger to justify his position as the general of the armies of good. Theoden and Denethor are both very proud leaders, and it is unlikely that they would hold any respect for Gandalf the Grey ("why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?", says Theoden, not realising he has changed.) Gandalf also needed to be stronger, as has been said, to match up to Saruman and the Witch King of Angmar. Finally, returning more powerful than before would have given him the confidence in his own strength necessary to lead the forces of good into battle, as well as frightening the enemy, who would realise that they had more on their hands than they had bargained for.

Plus the fellowship's persistance when they think he is dead shows that they are all committed to the cause, not just being led along by Gandalf, &c &c. And it's exciting.

bombariffic.