As far as sword combat goes, it would depend on wether they were using long swords, short swords, or just plain daggers. But, i'd probably say a ranger
I don't know, omnipotentone . there are other good ring-bearers, but frodo has some pretty good versions, and usually has more resistance than anyone else (for instance: resolute hobbit has 12). :t...
Anyway, back to the topic.
Like i said, i agree with phazanzar. i love smeagol. Sam SF, isn't an alternate ring-bearer, but can help you out a little bit.
you've got to remember that having all of those artifacts, can really bog down your deck. and you would drain too many cards from your deck in order to play for the whole length of the game.