alatar (and Kuruharan)
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If not, how do you reconcile his actions at the Crack (claiming and not actively destroying the Ring) and not having 'failed?'
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Ok, let's say it again. (have a search for a post called something like frodo at the sammath naur for one of the many discussions)
Q. What was Frodo and the fellowship's Quest?
A. To destroy the Ring.
Q. Was the Ring destroyed?
A. Yes
Q. Was Frodo tempted to keep the Ring
A. Yes, at the very last moment he could not throw the Ring in the fire.
Q. Does it matter that Frodo himself did not throw the Ring in the fire?
A. No.
Q. Was it Redemption for his kindness towards Gollum that helped him complete the Quest?
A. Yes
This is the WHOLE POINT of the story. Middle-earth's Redemption because of one small hobbits kind and noble actions towards a creature who in some circumstances deserved a lot worse.
If Frodo had had Gollum killed, then he would have Failed, as Sauron would have no doubt won his Ring back. But because of his wisdom and kindness, the whole of Middle-earth was saved and the Quest was a success.
Let me hammer the point home again. Did the Quest succeed? The answer is a certain YES. Was Frodo tempted at the Sammath Naur? Of course, but through his actions the Ring was destroyed.
Victory to Frodo.