[Mumriken]

Only mightier because he is using his full "power". If Gandalf, Radagast or anyone else would be allowed to use all their power they could overthrow him. Sauron is not the greatest of the maias. I don't really like that everyone is worshipping him as if he was some uber god. One would think listening to you that you're talking about Morgoth. Remember when Sauron served under Morgoth and was pretty much at the peak of his power. Luthien I think it was actually challenged him in some spell battle. I can't remember the details but she was an elf and actually challenged and deflected his spells. Or hid herself from him.

At the third age half of his power was in the ring, and btw I think you shouldn't take what gandalf says too seriously. Even if he could challenge Sauron he wouldn't. He is there too guide, so why would he say he could challenge the dark lord when he won't? Isildur defeated Sauron and he was human. Sauron isn't Morgoth, I think in this thread you make it sound as if he is. He would fear most if it wouldn't be for his orc army.

EDIT: Yeah and then how come he was defeated when he was parted from the riing at the last alliance battle? So you're saying he is still as powerful without the ring and that the ring just enhances his power? I don't think that makes much sense, then why did he hid himself in Dol Guldur for x years if he was a fully fleshed maia spirit at the peak of his power? Clearly being parted from the ring he was weak...