[Eonwe]

I'm not sure if Sam as Ring Bearer would work. Like Iris said, Sam gets his stength from his love for and loyalty to Frodo. If he were suddenly thrust into the roll of leader in relationship that had for so long be the exact opposite, I don't think he would have reacted well. Sam is not a good leader, but an excellent follower. Once he has captured the requirements of the quest, he will hold on no matter what. But to actaully do the leading is, I think, beyond him.

Maybe he would have been better at withstanding the allure of the Ring, but that is debatable. His loyalty to Frodo is what motivates him to fight off the temptation. But if he were leader, he would not have that bulwark to fall back on.

So I don't think it would work so good.