I haven't read all the replies, so sorry if I am repeating. If Faramir had gone on the journey to Rivendell in Boromir's place (and there is no guarantee he would have made it, as Boromir is more fit for arduous travel), there is no reason to think that his fate would have been any different than Boromir's. He too could have died.
It then follows that all the events that occurred among Sam, Frodo, and Faramir could have occurred with Boromir in his brother's place. How different the story would have been! Boromir would have most certainly taken the ring then, thinking that it would save Gondor. Not being as wise or patient as Farmir, Boromir would have seen the ring as the last tool needed to destroy Mordor's armies
In response to the suggestion that a coherent fellowship would have stood an improved chance of destroying the ring, part of the success of Frodo and Sam (and Gollum) was their invisible nature and small number. The company of eight would have attracted significantly more attention. Frodo and Sam's success hinged on their invisibility from Sauron's distracted gaze. The fellowship's schism essentially saved the quest, as Sauron was distracted by the resurgence of Aragorn and Gondor.
Therefore, I don't think the story could have occurred any other way: Boromir was meant to be [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
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