What if Bilbo (or Frodo) had TRIED to use the full power of the Ring?

[Raynor]

Just how powerful might the Hobbits have become, assuming their willingness to turn to evil? With a bit of practice, what powers/abilities might the Ring-bearers have wielded?

The standard setting is done by Galadriel:

- ... why cannot I see all the others and know the thoughts of those that wear them?

- You have not tried, she said. Only thrice have you set the Ring upon your finger since you knew what you possessed. Do not try! It would destroy you. Did not Gandalf tell you that the rings give power according to the measure of each possessor? Before you could use that power you would need to become far stronger, and to train your will to the domination of others.

Galadriel goes on to say that Frodo can already see hidden things with keener sight, perceive her thoughts than many of the wise, and even perceive the ring of water as a star on her finger.

The most important thing would be her statement that it would destroy him. While I don't think it should be taken literally, it is the crux of the problem: who would want to be the ring's master, if that would mean loosing one's individuality, personality and free will?

According power according to one's status is also highly relevant; on the contrast, we see Gollum who would use the ring probably to only get fresh fish every day, while Sam would lead glorious armies, although all these might be induced delusions, as Tolkien notes in the letters. As powers, I would say greater phisical traits, ability to corrupt and to bend wills (already partly a prerequisite), ability to preserve (the one ring has all the powers of the lesser ones), and, frankly, I don't know much else.

Concerning the story, I think the others would have been force to take the ring from him, or to take him down, as tragic as either would have been. Then again, even if Frodo would escape this, he might still just wander around, kissing the ring, doing, basically nothing. He is a hobbit; he might throw stones farther and better, but maybe not much more, even if he was able to, theoretically. I think he would be ridiculed by others if he tried to use the ring to early, and loose confidence in it or him.