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Frodo was the only one capable of the pity that was essential to the success of the quest. Therefore, Frodo was not only the most logical choice - but the ONLY choice.
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Interesting thoughts, Aratlithiel! I too have read the letter to which you refer, and certainly I agree that Frodo did not fail. But I can also think of another, more devastating way the Quest could have succeeded. Namely, one fights the other, either for the Ring or to keep the other from falling to its final influence. There need only be a conflict that causes the ultimate Ringbearer to fall into the Cracks of Doom, for, of course, no one could throw it in! I had a depressing thought that, if Gollum had been killed previously, Sam would have had to answer his own question, the one he posed to himself near Mt. Doom when he realized that Frodo couldn't do anything for himself anymore. He knew he would have to make a final choice, and that need was obviated by Gollum. Would Sam have struggled with Frodo to keep him from being taken by Sauron and his minions? Would Sam have had the strength to complete the Quest? He would not have thrown the Ring in, but he might have taken Frodo and himself over the edge to keep Frodo from the ultimate damnation. He loved Frodo that much, anyway! So, a depressing thought, but the Quest would be fulfilled, without Gollum.
Now, the question is: would Merry do this for Pippin or vice versa? It is hard to say, but I think so. Merry's actions on the Pelennor Fields and Pippin's at the Gate of Morannon were both selfless acts with no hope of continuing afterwards. They were completely selfless acts and desperate, done for love of another. It is still hard to say whether one would turn on the other for the destruction of the Ring. I tend to think that Sam would have let Frodo have the Ring awhile, until the Nazgul arrived and Sauron himself showed up, and he finally realizes that the only way out is into the Cracks of Doom. But would it have been in time? Great discussion! Thanks, Aratlithiel!
Cheers,
Lyta