: : : : I am sure that you know the difference between the Balrogs and Sauron, Saruman, and Morgoth (and who knows what else)... That is, Balrogs suistained their power to fight, rather than investing it to command - unlike the mentioned characters. This hints that they probably didn't thrive on commanding others, but instead on dealing pain and death.
: : : : This would be my answer and reminder, any comments are acceptable.

: : I have to disagree, Balrogs were the followers of Morgoth true, but so was Sauron who was also a maia. Also what about Gothmog? He was the lord of Balrogs and Captain of the Tower. That would seem to prove that Balrogs could and would lead orcs and other things.

: : : I think it is a very good answer. It is hard though to understand how a miar could come to be so base. It is far different than Morgoth. Perhaps they arn't miar as some have said but a different kind of spirit.

: : It is clearly stated in The Silm. that they WERE Maia.
: : -Thentaran

: Ah :) Well.. I can't remember everything.

Even yet, they were not ordinary miar, they were of the "Fire Spirit" class (most of whom were under command of Aule).... Or does my memory decieve me?

Maedhros