I think too that it's interesting to note a passage from the section
The History of Galadriel and Celeborn from
Unfinished Tales.
When first making contact with Celebrimbor and the Elves of Eregion in the Second Age, Sauron
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posed as an emissary of the Valar, sent by them to Middle-earth ("thus anticipating the Istari") or ordered by them to remain there to give aid to the Elves.
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Footnote 7 there goes on to add:
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When [Sauron] came among the Noldor he adopted a specious fair form (a kind of simulated anticipation of the later Istari), and a fair name: Artano "high-smith," or Aulendil, meaning one who is devoted to the service of the Vala Aulë.
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If indeed Sauron considered even then that the Valar had not forgotten Middle-earth, and might send someone to oppose him, it's notable that he chose for himself an attractive form rather than one appearing weak and old, supporting what
Zigűr said about Sauron's underestimation of the Istari.