[Legolas]

Could it be that since he had the ring he perceived more of the one ring than even some of the very wise, mainly Saruman?

Obviously, since he made no pass at acquiring it.

To find the Ring and bring it far away into the West for hiding, and then to choose the ringbearer and to restore the Mountain Kingdom as mere deed by the way: was that not your design?

Gandalf didn't expect Bilbo to find the Ring, nor was he aware that it was the One Ring until later on. Gandalf expected to find the One Ring, but not in the way he did. From 'Shadow of the Past':

'Though I am not sure that I understand you. But how have you learned all this about the Ring, and about Gollum? Do you really know it all, or are you just guessing still?'
Gandalf looked at Frodo, and his eyes glinted. 'I knew much and I have learned much,' he answered. 'But I am not going to give an account of all my doings to you. The history of Elendil and Isildur and the One Ring is known to all the Wise. Your ring is shown to be that One Ring by the fire-writing alone, apart from any other evidence.' 'And when did you discover that?' asked Frodo, interrupting. 'Just now in this room, of course,' answered the wizard sharply. 'But I expected to find it. I have come back from dark journeys and long search to make that final test. It is the last proof, and all is now only too clear. Making out Gollum’s part, and fitting it into the gap in the history, required some thought. I may have started with guesses about Gollum, but I am not guessing now. I know. I have seen him.'

[ March 05, 2003: Message edited by: Legolas ]