[Gothbogg the Ripper]

Coward? I think not. Gollum tracked the Fellowship for ages, took on two stronger characters by himself, endured torture and had the strength of will to stick to his convictions and try to kill Sam and Frodo. Sure, it was morally the wrong thing to do but it at least showed that he had some force of will. But I think that we're veering off topic here. The question was not based on Gollum's bravery or lack thereof but rather how deserving he was of death.