But when the Istari were sent to Midle Earth weren't they confined by physical bodies which could be destroyed. Gandalf was sent back but in a form that could not be harmed - a paralel can be drawn between him and Glorfindel the White Rider of the first book and fellow Balrog victim. It seems that Saruman was refused permission to return to Valinor and resume his Maiar form - maybe he would be sent to the void or maybe he remaied an intangible but eternal malevolent presence in Arda marred. Like the unhoused fea of an elf that refused the call but nasty.
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