That's not power.... The Nazgul were not afraid of Gandalf, thus also proving that he does not compare to the others... such as Glorfindel for one. Bombadill's power is evident in the way that he could control whatever the problem is. Be it old Man Willow, or a wright. The fact is, that nothing can destroy Bombadill, till all MiddleEarth is taken over. Why has Bombadill's dominion grown smaller? Because others have taken over the responsibilities etc. He no longer controls much of MiddleEarth, because other powers are taking over, such as Lorien, Rivendell, and of course Sauron.

Bombadill has diminished because others have taken over.....

The allusion to Gaia is merely my way of conveying my meaning. I was not saying that Bombadill = Gaia, but there can be allusions drawn.

Why would it take all of Sauron's power to overcome Bombadill? Why would he be the last to fall? I doubt that any Maia could withstand Sauron in that way, and certainly not within MiddleEarth while Sauron had the ring. No, Bombadill's power is far stronger.

As we cannot put a name to Bombadill's race, we have to extrapolate, and by no means am I saying that I must be right, or anything.

The flame imperrishible argument is a load of rubbish. Not everything on MiddleEarth has to be connected to the flame, and if Bombadill embodies the spirit of Arda, why can he not BE the
flame? Woulda been an interesting plot twist if Bombadill was the flame, and Sauron enslaved him, thus capturing MiddleEarth...

Gandalf