I can't find it now, but I once read an interesting bit comparing Gandalf to a ranking officer- knowing far more about the big picture than any private, always

I can't find it now, but I once read an interesting bit comparing Gandalf to a ranking officer- knowing far more about the big picture than any private, always disappearing to tackle other bigger problems, and swooping in with overwhelming support to turn the tide at the last moment when circumstances look dire for the foot soldiers.