Tolkien himself wasn't sure of the effect of the Blue Wizards in the east, I seem to remember that he said (in Letters) that he saw them as being the founders of secret societies and religions. Who can say if they failed, perhaps this was their purpose.
The question of 'stewardship' is interesting, when Gandalf says:
Quote:
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"But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care...For I am a steward. Did you not know?"
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He seems to be using the title 'steward' almost in its mediaeval sense. As one who takes care of the domestic household and servants of the lord. Another word for steward in those times was 'seneschal'. This word (bearing in mind the Professor's love of words) has its roots in Latin/Ancient Germanic/Anglo Saxon, meaning
'old servant'. I wonder if this was just a coincidence, given the physical appearance of the Istari as they wandered Middle-earth.