[Keneldil the Polka-dot]

I agree with "only a special hobbit" and that hobbit was Frodo. The Ring's method of control was in subverting the wearer through his/her intentions for using it. Hence Gandalf's speech about why he dare not touch the Ring. Frodo had no desire to use the Ring for any purpose, good or bad. He tried to give it away several times. As he traveled closer to Mt. Doom, the Ring began to gain a foothold in his mind, but it wasn't until Frodo was at the Crack of Doom where the Ring's power was greatest that it gained control of him. I don't think anyone else in ME could have taken it even that far (except possibly Sam). If Elrond had been the one possessing the Ring instead of Isildur when Sauron was defeated the first time, I don't think he would have been able to throw it away. The fact that he and Cirdan did not take the Ring from Isildur by force, knowing what it was and that Sauron's ultimate demise was tied to it, says to me that the Ring influenced them.