re: A Tolkien LOTR question- the battle of Gandalf and the Balrog

I've read LOTR, The Hobbit, and the Silmarillion. Haven't read much Unfinished Tales or other works.

According the wikipedia, Olorin is affiliated with Manwe; I don't remember that being the case. If anything, I thought he was tied more to Lorien. I do remember Curunir being tied to Aule, as was Sauron before he jumped to Melkor's side.
Always considered Aule to be one of the more rogue of the Valar; his servants seem to drift over to Melkor. And he himself made Dwarves, in an attempt to create something of his own (something Melkor also sought). But Aule conceded and life was granted to the Dwarves, whereas Melkor was too proud and went to the darkness.

Olorin being tied into Manwe does make some sense, in that would explain his relationship with the Eagles (also Manwe). I don't know what tier he is, possibly 2nd under Eonwe for all we know. He may have faced balrogs before in the War of Wrath, which would have helped him in this case.