Good point, But the real loss of power for Saruman was not Maia to Istari, I think it was when Gandalf broke his staff.
I think Saruman lost all his powers, except for the voice when he was excluded from the high order, and essentially beeing nothing more than an evil human.
Had Grima killed him before his staff was
broken (could he?), his spirit would have definitly returned (afto how long???), now I'm not so sure.
Doesn't one gain power simply by living and learning. The prime reason that Cirdan, Galadriel and Elrond are so powerful are 1: their family but 2: Their age (wisdom). Elronds sons and Arwen or not nearly as powerful.
Gandalfs death experience made him wiser, and therefore more powerful, and more SELF CONFIDENT.
(I've started a topic in this forum "Most powerful characters", I would love some comments...)
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And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade
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