Obloquy, I will try to answer your last post when we get a separate thread, so as not to hinder this one.
Just to niggle on some arguments I don't agree with completely
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Originally Posted by The 1,000 Reader
Gandalf was certainly not on the same level as Sauron in the beginning.
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I don't think we can say certainly (emphasis added):
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Originally Posted by The Istari, Unfinished Tales
For they must be mighty, peers of Sauron, but must forgo might, and clothe themselves in flesh so as to treat on equality and win the trust of Elves and Men.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by The 1,000 Reader
Gandalf would not have been grim on the possibility of a confrontation
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There are several factors to be considered. One is that no one can be certain that the witch king will fight alone, esspecially since he is described as driving others forward. In prior consideration, facing him could imply facing other members of his host too. Gandalf was "hard put" when he faced the nazgul on Wheatertop, and he (barely probably) escaped at sunrise.
Another thing is another part your own argument in mirror. You mentioned all those mighty persons who were defeated by lesser ones. It only makes sense that Gandalf would be cautious of even lesser foes, having history in mind.