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It may appear that Tolkien was condemning Gollum unfairly, but remember also that he was not entirely good before stumbling upon the Ring: the 'wickedness' was there, or else he wouldn't have slain Deagol after only a brief glimpse of the Ring.
In my opinion, Tolkien was aware of the fine line between good and evil, and how even an instant of evilness in a lifetime of virtue may doom one to eternal pain. Gollum had many instances of evil, but also quite a few chances of redemtion, that he failed to take.
What made Tolkien 'favour' Frodo - justly, I deem, and what ultimately saved him and the rest of the world is his ability to show kindness and mercy to Gollum.
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And no one was ill, and everyone was pleased, except those who had to mow the grass.
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