I saw this same topic discussed elsewhere, but I can't find it now. I think he must have brought it, and I think JRR kind of stuck by that, although he made a hornets nest in the process. However, here's why I think he had it:
Sauron was evil.
Sauron's minions were evil.
Evil beings don't entrust the the key to power to their evil underlings.
I just don't picture the organization of the dark lord being one of common goals and brotherhood. The only driving force was Sauron, and when he was gone, that particular organization of evil was gone, same with Melkor before him.
So, if Sauron was to entrust the ring to a weak underling, one who couldn't use its power, then he runs the risk of a greater underling taking the ring and usurping power in the dark lord's absence.
However, if Sauron entrusts the ring to a greater servant, then he runs the risk of creating a rival too great to reclaim the ring from.
And, if he just hides it, he runs the risk of those darn hobbits finding it.
I just don't see him having any option but to take it, and the case could be made that, as long as it isn't taken from him before his physical demise, he could carry it off, but if someone takes it, he has to regain it.
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