Well, it's very difficult to overcome things that are so culturally ingrained and it's not like there's anything wrong with having those 'squicks' really what they are but I can't think of a better word). You know, it's a preference, whatever your reasons for having it and you don't have to explain it to anyone. It depends upon what you, personally, like to get out of reading and I, personally, like to get everything. Not always a good thing because, oh, I have read some crap.

That, I freely confess is my very own take on the relationship, and I was unaware until afterward that it was also "fanon"...

Well, it is fanon and I'm not saying there's no basis for it because obviously there is. I think I kind of jumped on that one more than I should have but I will confess that I get annoyed when the cousins pretty much ignore Frodo on the Quest and are completely involved in each other. I mean, they went for Frodo, unless I read wrong, so when I see those types of fics I want to ask, 'Um... are you two aware that the cousin you're supposed to love and want to protect has come along as well? That's him over by Sam, see?'

And I think (and again, this is my personal interpretation) that if *Sam* had been willing to overcome his upbringing, he would not have found a closer friendship *rejected* by the other three.

Oh, brilliant point and I think you're probably right on the money with it. I think it's for reasons in this same vein that (as far as Frodo's reasons pertaining to Sam went) Frodo left the Shire in the end. Because really -- had Frodo still been around, Sam would have remained his gardener until his dying day and never would have even thought about becoming Mayor. (Not sure if you see the convoluted connection I'm making there but it would take several paragraphs to explain and I'm betting you get it anyway.)

*snort* And yes, I knew where you were going all along - I was just being a smarty-pants. ;)