Seems to me like the "best" way to end it would be with Sam overhearing the orcs saying "he's not dead..."
And then the camera zooms into the look of horror on Sam's face. Quick get PJ on the line!
I don't know...that really WOULD be heartbreaking (I admit, I got tears in my eyes just THINKING about leaving poor Sam like that).
But if they don't even get to Shelob, this is all moot anyway...