Zigūr, thanks for the quote from Gandalf to Denethor. I liked how the wizard softened his criticism of the Steward by pointing out that
he didn't trust himself with the Ring, even though it was freely offered to him by Frodo.
The problem I have is that
how could Gandalf expect Frodo not just to get to the Crack of Doom in the first place, but also to have the will left to then throw the Ring in?
Even if Denethor can be accused of arrogance and a desire for the Ring, such a question from him (even if badly phrased by calling Frodo a 'witless halfling') is still valid.
It's just as well that Gondor isn't a democracy. Can one imagine Gandalf defending his stance at a public meeting?