Excellent, I think that puts the matter to rest. Schoene Forschung, Sharku. Seeing also as LotR App II indicates how Sauron populated Moria with his peoples, it seems not too great a stretch to think that Sauron and this last compatriot of Gothmog's had some sort of understanding. We might also wonder in this context about how Frodo was singled out by both the Kraken and the Great Spear-throwing Orc.
Still, I also get a sense in LotR II that (in agreement with the Film) the fact that it was a Balrog was not unsuspected among the Wise. However, seeing as they were confident in challenging Sauron at Dol Guldor, it is not too hard to imagine that concerted effort by the Istari, Glorifindal and such could've effectively attempted to exterminate Durin's Bane, if its identity was known with greater certainty, and it had become an active threat earlier, before Sauron's plans had fully ripened.
A dragon such as Smaug, however, required a hero in the mode of Turin or Fram.
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The hoes unrecked in the fields were flung, __ and fallen ladders in the long grass lay __ of the lush orchards; every tree there turned __ its tangled head and eyed them secretly, __ and the ears listened of the nodding grasses; __ though noontide glowed on land and leaf, __ their limbs were chilled.
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