The ring could have been destroyed a lot easier.

[obloquy]

Originally Posted by Raynor

Melian protected her realm against all Melkor's forces, Gandalf fell to a single balrog.
Wrong on both accounts; in Many meetings, Gandalf states he was "hard put to it" when fighting the nazgul; and after destroying the chamber he can't light the way for the company, being "rather shaken".
Glorfindel and Ecthelion as lowly elves??

There were limitations that he had to observe (or was perhaps forced to observe) as an incarnate Istar. Nobody* is claiming that his mission was a refreshing stroll in the park; however, if you do some research you'll realize that Gandalf's latent and native power was far greater than what shone through his old man suit.

Edit: *I guess that other guy is claiming that, but he's wrong.