Also, Gandalf 'died' from exhaustion. He was sent back because he had a mission to complete. Only he kept to his original task. Sauron died because he had poured all his power into the ring. Both Sauron and Saruman's strength (external and internal) were spread thin, much like Morgoth's strength was when he was wounded by Fingolfin.
I don't know if your friend has read the book or just seen the movie, but you might want to make sure he/she is aware that Gandalf survived the fall and battled the balrog for a week. He was victorious but died soon after.
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...take counsel with thyself, and remember who and what thou art.
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