Gandalf, Moria, and Arrest

[Belegorn]

It appears that he and Aragorn had been arguing this point for a while, at least before they even reached Caradhras. It also seems that it was an option, at least so far as Aragorn was concerned, a last option.

Originally Posted by FotR, The Ring Goes South

not until it is plain that there is no other way.

As far as the wolves of which you seem to be dismissive it seems that the Company at least would disagree with your assertion.

Originally Posted by Boromir; A Journey in the Dark

The wolf that one hears is worse than the orc that one fears.