[lathspell]

An interesting post, but I do not agree on a few points. Starting with point 2:

but Saruman was deemed to be the more senior wizard, even though at that time his thoughts were turning towards using the One for himself.

In the Silmarillion it is told that Saruman's thoughts of wielding the One himself began when he began to study the lore of the Elven-rings and especially the Rings of Power. The White Council was made before he went to study this item so it can't be that Saruman, when the White Council was made, was already hungering for the One.

Gandalf was the Enemy of Sauron (his description) and to attain power enough to combat the Dark Lord and his powerful minions he had to overcome certain obstacles, and in so doing, be spiritually reborn.

5. The fight with the Balrog - in which Gandalf defeats his foe, is a rite of passage - a test that Gandalf has to undergo before he can be spiritually transfornmed into a more powerful spiritual being

In my opinion you are trying to say that Gandalf was meant to fight with the Balrog. I do not believe such a thing (although I can't think of a reason why Pippin was so much attracted to the well in which he dropped the stone).

He was sent back, many say by the Valar, but I personally believe by Iluvatar

Iluvatar didn't busy himself with the needs of Arda, except if the Valar asked them and there was great need (i.e.: the drowning of Numernorë). Besides this, the Valar had done things like this (sending people back) before:
- Beren and Luthien
- Glorfindel
in the story of Beren and Luthien it's told that Luthien moved the Valar to pity and she got to choose, but either way it were the Valar who would send them back or let them live in Valinor. Iluvatar doesn't come in the story.
So it seems quite obvious that the Valar did the same with Gandalf, they send him back until his needs were fulfilled. To achieve this quest he was given greater powers than before (or it might be so that he had grown in his death to one with greater power).


greetings,
lathspell