This only shows how strong the power of Love can be ...
In Mirkwood, Gollum was powerfully jonesing for his drug and had no choice but to track down the Ring. When he found Frodo & Sam, yes--he only wanted the Ring and would have killed them both to get it. The main point here is that Gollum was still in the throes of addiction, and when that's the case, there
is no choice in the matter.
However, Gollum
did go through a crisis of choice when Frodo showed pity & mercy. Gollum was able to access caring, guilt, and hope. That he could experience these things while so close to the Ring's central source, is strong evidence that Love
can affect evil.
Tolkien himself said on several occasions that choice, and the power of pity/mercy (Love) are core themes in LOTR, and that Gollum-Bilbo/Frodo are the central characters illustrating this. He actually mentions that Sam's treatment and attitude was a factor in Smeagol/Gollum's decision.
So, I don't see how one can argue with the author.
As pointed out, Smeagol chose Gollum--he set his course when he murdered Deagol. Even after this, there were still chances for redemption, but .. he chose the Ring. So, into the pit he has to go!
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Love that Smeagol, eh? He had plenty of opportunity to repent after he lost the Ring to Bilbo. And when it comes to showing mercy on him, the Elves of Mirkwood did just that; at least as much as Frodo gave him anyway. And the Ring wasn't even near to tempt him to poor behavior during those days.
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