Perhaps that is the reason for leaving out the names (and I admit that it is my own conjecture that arrived at my conclusion), but to me it seems they could have easily simply not even tried to allude to their names ("...and then there are the two blue wizards.") or could have easily secured the rights to use just those names.

Hey, your conjecture is certainly plausible. :) I haven't actually looked into why Gandalf has his little memory lapse; perhaps it'll be discussed on the behind-the-scenes features on the eventual DVD release.

As for securing the rights to use just those names, however, I'd suggest you do a little light reading on the sordid history of Christopher Tolkien's (who heads up the Tolkien estate) relationship with Jackson's team. "Hostile" is an understatement; IIRC, he even cut all ties with one of his sons for daring to attend the premier of Fellowship! (Incidentally, while Christopher Tolkien has done us all a great service in editing and publishing many of his father's manuscripts, he really strikes me as a cruel and mean-spirited man. Quite a shame.)

I'll also admit that my Tolkein knowledge is rather limited, as I only read the trilogy for the first time in the past year (and the Hobbit for the first time in more than a decade last October). Anything beyond that stems from my reading the LOTR wiki. You seem much more knowledgeable in all things Tolkeinesque, and maybe you should start a Middle Earth thread. I know I'd enjoy it, but I feel unworthy to start it ;)

You're too kind, sir. Perhaps I will!