This sounds so wonderful, even as a Tolkien fan, I always thought that many at the side of Saruman and Co. were doing what they thought best, and eventually may even refine their arts to match those of the elves.
This is part of the seductive power theme in LotR, which in general I consider something of a counterpoint to GGP's complaints about "simplistic morals" and "obvious dichotomy".
As it was with Boromir (who wanted it for good) or Gandalf when he denies taking the ring. They could've ended doing evil with initial noble intentions, that's how the ring would've exploited them.