Gandalf, blood of hobbits on his hands?

[Andsigil]

Originally Posted by The Might

Of course the Hobbits should learn their lesson, they should become independent, but at that cost?

I see two themes to this conversation. The first one is in the above quote, and I think some perspective is needed that one. Sure, some hobbits died during Sharkey's occupation and the Scouring, but the Shire suffered nothing compared to Gondor and Rohan.

Independence is a precious thing and objectively worth the lives of a few hobbits.

By comparison, the United States gained independence at the cost of 6188 wounded and 4435 dead. Were there grieving mothers? Certainly, but it was worth the price.

The second theme is that Gandalf should have done something to stop Sharkey/Saruman. That wasn't his mission, ergo it didn't have the blessing of the Valar. They sent Gandalf... twice... to oppose Sauron, and the Ring was destroyed by the time the hobbits returned to the Shire.