I didn't mean that they had always been that strongly bonded. I just think that the companionship of the later books is simply the logical progression or evolution of what existed before their quest, when tempered by severe trials. They probably never would have reached that point if they hadn't journeyed to Mordor.
The fact that Frodo didn't draw closer to Pippin or Merry isn't really significant. Sam had always been Frodo's closest friend. The relationship would not likely have developed the same if it had been Pippin and Frodo. Pippin's and Frodo's personalities didn't mesh the same way Sam's and Frodo's did. Same with Merry.
Also don't forget that they didn't actually pair off at the end of Fellowship: Frodo intended to leave everyone. The devoted Sam was the only one who knew Frodo's mind well enough to catch him.
I don't buy for a second that there was ever any real class distinction between them. Sam addressed Frodo formally, yes, but Frodo never ordered Sam to do anything. Sam's "servitude" was self-appointed. It came from his humility and loyalty.
Sorry I don't have any textual support for my arguments. They're really just based on the impressions I got of the character of Frodo and Sam. I can't find where it says that Sam was living with Frodo (I could swear it was in there somewhere), but it wouldn't make sense for Sam to move in with Frodo if he was merely his housekeeper and gardener. They lived next door! Sam was the closest friend Frodo ever had, next to Bilbo.
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