[Lily Bracegirdle]

Elfstone, I disagree with you about Faramir. I believe he would have supported Aragorn's claim even if his father were alive. Faramir went on the suicide mission because it was his duty to do as his lord commanded, not out of devotion to his father. (That was one of the things I didn't like about movie Faramir. Book-Faramir said: "It's a stupid mission, but you're the boss, so I'll do it." whereas Movie Faramir said "It's a stupid mission, but I'll do it because then you might love me." That totally weakened the character, IMO.) Part of the reason Denethor was so hard on Faramir is because Faramir thought about things and came to his own conclusions, even if those put him in conflict with his father. Also, Faramir was Gandalf's friend, and you know who Gandalf was backing.

Since one of the things that sent Denethor over the edge was his realization (too late, he thought) that he really did love Faramir, perhaps Aragorn saving Faramir from the Black Breath would have changed Denethor's attitude somewhat. Couple that with the victory at the Black Gate and a tide of popular support for Aragorn, and just maybe Denethor would have stepped down willingly. I think it possible, but unlikely. I do think that both Aragorn and Denethor cared enough about Gondor to avoid another kin-strife at all costs and work out a peaceful, if not mutually satisfactory outcome, though.

-Lily