I actually hope Gale is what he says he is. I think it would be a good story. Both ways he dies but if executed well, it’d be memorable.
If he’s power hungry, he goes nuts and the party has to put him down in an epic battle.
If he realizes he’s too dangerous, he sacrifices himself to save the group. Group will die unless he uses his power to blow up and destroy whatever foe they are facing. Kinda his Gandalf on the bridge moment. He dies but dies a hero.
But... Gandalf didn't die on that bridge -- he actually became even more powerful than before, came back with eagles, riding a cool horse, got a haircut and a brazilian straightening, changed the batteries on his staff...
