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Originally Posted by Raynor
In what sense wasn't it safe?
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How many elves died in 'heaven?' Surely not as many as in Middle earth, but the land without stain surely had to be steam-cleaned more than a few times.
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What better alternatives do you see?
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I've struggled with this question. Eru constructed men thus, and so you'd think that he'd have a better plan to hand to Manwe regarding the Ban. And note that this was somewhat in reference to the Garden of Eden Genesis account in the Christian Bible.
We're curious folk, and not knowing something gets our imaginations, then feet, in motion. The best way to keep my kids out of something is to hide it in plain site. Telling them not to go into a closet is a surefire way of getting them to open the door.
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He is called the "chief instrument of the second theme that Iluvatar had raised against the discord of Melkor", cf. Ainulindale. I certainly doubt it was a gratuitous title. He is the main organiser of the resistance against Melkor, he calls his brethren to the fight, he transmits Eru's will to the others (as the only one capable to directly appeal to Him). According to Osanwe-kenta, "Manwe was bound by the commands and injunctions of Eru, and would do this or abstain from that in accordance with them, always."
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Maybe it's our definitions of 'leader.' Manwe, to me, is passive. As you say, he is the Arda conduit of Eru, and not, seemingly, off a leash. He's reactive - something happens
then he takes action. It's notable that he
sits on his throne.
And note that Tulkas calls his brethren to fight Melkor as well.