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It also seems likely that the Mouth had managed to extend his lifespan
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Not to drift off despite brave attempts not to, see the age old discussion in
Magic in Middle Earth by
Saulotus. Mouth discussion starts around post #15. For those with a limited time to read it, short summary - I believe it is impossible to extend one's lifespan without a) becoming a wraith b) special grace of Eru through Valar (this latter may be viewed as natural ability of the organism in harmony with its environment and Eru's laws = Númenoreans before the fall)
Back to topic: for men, I'd vote for elven theory (Gand +
alf). Cirdan was bearded (third phase of elven lifespan, see
Gillete, the best Cirdan can get by
latando angaina), so aged appearance would not have been that much of an obstacle (cf point made by
Eruanna, post #25, I more or less repeat it adding up the beard
)
Elves must have known Gandalf for other then themselves. But in this case, 'do not judge good brought by your Lord' principle mentioned in my previous may have come into play, and elves (apart from the Wise) simply never questioned what Gandalf was. Position like to that of Fangorn - learning about hobbits, he simply adds them up to the list of living things, without asking for credentials, passports or other paperwork (the latter bent for attestation being desease of modern thinking) (i.e. virtual encounter: 'who are you, father?' 'I'm Gandalf' [some centuries later] 'you are still in business, father?' 'why should I leave business unfinished?' 'wise answer, he is a wise one... he's a wizard' (mental note - smart bearded men who do not die as all others do are 'wizards' - must be special subsection of men, or maybe creatures other than, whatever. Inscrutable are... end of inquiry)