Often small hands do the large tasks because they must, while the great are occupied elsewhere...(Sorry about mangling the quote, you probably all remember it!)
Sam's contribution is humble and entirely a supporting role. Which in Tolkien's economy makes it great, indeed. It is a fascinating viewpoint. "The first shall be last, and the last, first."
And note that in the book, at least, the two Ringbearers get equal honor on the field of Cormallen. So do the great acknowledge the humble.
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For I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying. -Gandalf, The Two Towers
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