[Lotrelf]

No. I do not think Frodo's death would have been good for anything or anyone. First off, no one else could have gotten that far. If we're dealing with Sam, he was new to the Ring and was not free from desires. His dislike for Gollum would have increased more and more after Frodo's death; and he'd have killed Gollum. It was impossible for anyone to destroy the Ring freely including Sauron. I think, then the events would have taken place the way Professor explains in Frodo's case: Sauron coming to claim the Ring and tormenting Sam et cetera. Where is the climax?
If the Ring was destroyed by any means and Sam came home successfully and alive, the story would seem too empty. This way we get the best ending of the book. Frodo sailing to the West and Sam returning to his family.