This also explains a lot..."Ubergeek" is a male noun
auf Deutsch...
I think the reason I never played D & D had much to do with the fact that it seemed too mathematical and not intuitive enough for my irreverent mind...so the question is not now "could Saruman throw a fireball?" but "how far could he throw this fireball?" And I've noticed this seems to be in keeping with those who wonder if the Balrog can fly without actually proving he has wings first!
Cheers!
Lyta
P.S. I still haven't figured out the diaphanous contribution to the Balrog flight equation, which is justifiable since I don't believe they have wings anyway!