Aralithiel, I like your idea on this, perhaps the 'white' signified the 'chief' opponent of Sauron (obviously being diametrically opposed to the 'black).
Although Gandalf was recognised by Cirdan as having the greatest 'power' or maybe potential, he seems to have mainly been involved with Northern Middle Earth (ie Erebor, Rivendell, the Shire etc.) whereas Saruman was more firmly based in the South at Isengard. Naturally there are plenty of exceptions (Gandalf in Minas Tirith, Saruman in the Shire etc).
You might have expected that Saruman would have led the armies of Rohan and Gondor against Sauron. Of couse this was all changed by Saruman's treachery, so this 'task' was laid upon Gandalf. Therefore he had to become 'the white' ie. Saruman as he should have been.
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Rumil of Coedhirion
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