Sauron and Saruman?

[lathspell]

Yes, I think we will not agree on this, but there's one more thing on my mind.

To even claim and use it means the person has already been influenced by the ring

The character who would go and wield the Ring would take it freely and therefore without influence of the Ring. That's, I believe, what makes it a great mind. A small mind will take the Ring because of it's influence and mental pictures of greatness (Samwise the Strong, Lord Smeagol etc.). Yet a great mind, such as the Wise (save Saruman) would take it willingly because of the good deeds to be done with it, overthrowing Sauron. Corruption would come and place them on the Dark Throne. But no more than that, is my belief.