[Kransha]

That's the million-mithril question I suppose.

As they did in the days of Melkor, would the Valar intervene? I think not. Sauron, unlike Melkor, is maiar, considerably less powerful. Even though good versus evil isn't supposed to be fair, I don't think the Valar would stoop to flick aside a fly like Sauron to end a war that cost so many lives.

Firstly, as I said, Melkor was Valar, Sauron is not. The Valar could wipe Sauron from existence, but not Melkor. They wouldn't interfear in the affairs of men to clean up their mess of things. Let the greasy-haired king handle it.

Secondly, if Manwe jumped out of the sky, smote Sauron, and jumped back, I have to believe that the entire planey would be infuriated. If the Valar could've done that at any time, why did they wait until everyone heroic was dead?