[amyrlis]

I agree with your perspective regarding the "summons to Valinor", Kuruharan. The Valar loved the elves and wanted to be near them and protect them. Therefore, the Valar summoned the elves to join them in Valinor. It was not a command of Iluvatar, nor of the Valar. It was an more of an invitation.

I think that after the Numenoreans 'attempt' to sail on Valinor, the Valar (and Iluvatar) felt that they must remove their realm from the confines of the world to remove the temptation of the undying lands. Not that they were being greedy with their immortalness, after all, it is those who dwell there that are "undying", not the lands themselves. It seems that if the temptation were still within reach, events like the Fall of Numenor would happen again and again. In removing themselves further from Middle-Earth, the Valar consequently lessened their role, however, they did not completely forsake Middle-Earth. The Istari were sent to dwell among the people of Middle-Earth and serve as messengers of the Valar.