: I agree that the ring could not be cast away however the number of people who you say COULD wield the ring is severely reduced when you consider the number of people who WOULD wield the ring. For one, none of the elves would touch it, neither would any of the Maiar who were influenced by Valar other than Morgoth (otherwise known as Melkor) i.e. the Balrogs and Sauron, as they knew that any work done by the ring would eventually be turned to evil and the elves had been tricked once by Sauron and vowed never to be again. Also none of the Valar (as still existed) nor any being from west of the sea would touch it as it was a matter concerning Middle-Earth, as was said in the council of Elrond.
: None of the orcs or goblins could wield the ring for long as Sauron controlled the nine who would deal swiftly with any form of mutiny. Which leaves Sauron, the balrogs and men.

hmmm.... I think you are right on about wielding it 'for long'. Still, I wouldn't completely rule out elves or Maia. Obviously Sauruman would have if he got the chance. Gandalf was tempted. What would Radagast or the other two Istari have done? Also, while the elf leaders refused it (though it WAS a test for Galadriel), there is no saying that other elves would have been so noble. I've been reading The Silmarillion recently and some of those elves would have tried it in their arrogance. Also, I missed an obvious wielder - Hobbits!

Most of those in Middle Earth who could have found the ring would -of course- have no idea of what it was & not know it had uses beyond just making oneself invisible. So 'wielding' probably wouldn't be the right term. More like just 'wearing' & sending up a big ol' flare for Sauron & the nine to see.