The Meaning of Pity and Mercy...what is the RIGHT thing to do?

[Lush]

Kuruharan said:

So what do you do?

While this is a bit off topic, and Orcs have little to do with Gollum, in my opinion, I still think that this is a valid question, and the situation you've presented is interesting (though very specific).
I can't tell you what I "would" do, because I have yet to find myself in such a situation. I will tell you what I would "want" to do, though:
Once again, to kill a defenseless creature is not only dishonorable, but it also means that I will be killing a part of myself.
To imprison an enemy warrior would be reasonable, but to imprison an Orc would be useless.
If I let the Orc be, there is a chance that he may slit my throat, yes. But you know what would be worse than that? If he killed somebody else.
My throat is my throat, and if by showing mercy I am letting that throat be slit, then let it be so. My philosophy is: we're all going to die someday anyway, and I would rather die an untimely death, than live to a ripe old age knowing that I survived only due to my own cruelty. I don't believe that survival is worth it if we must turn into animals and savages in order to live.
But, however, why should the Orc, if he wakes up and survives, necessarily kill me? He'll murder whoever gets in his way. And that, I think, is much more horrible that the Orc killing me.
However, by Middle Earth standards, an Orc is not likely to attack someone after his side of the battle has lost. Orcs are cowards when they're alone. He would most likely high-tail it back to Mordor.
Therefore, I would probably take that chance and let the poor sod live. Not because I am a courageous warrior (I'm a skinny little girl, Ok?), but because in that particular situation, I wouldn't be able to handle the thought of stabbing someone in their sleep. I am no Macbeth.
I have the same philosophy toward Gollum. "Philosophy", mind you, because I have never been stuck in Frodo's place. I have never been in a situation remotely related to that of Frodo's. But sitting here, in my safe, warm, cozy home right now, I can only hope that in the time of danger, I will not lose myself just for the sake of saving my skin.