2980: Could Aragorn, as "Thorongil" have claimed the throne of Gondor?

[Valandil]

In Appendix A, we have the account of 'Thorongil' (actually Aragorn under an assumed name) coming into the service of Ecthelion, father of Denethor and Ruling Stewart of Gondor - and winning great honor and esteem in his service - and being near him in counsel. His last act in this role was a raid on Umbar to weaken Gondor's old enemy to the south.

What if he had claimed the throne at that time?

Could he have pulled it off? Would the thought cross his mind? Here he had just made this successful raid on Umbar, was in the full confidence and favor of Ecthelion, the Steward. What if he had returned to Minas Tirith and revealed his heritage at that point... and further, claimed the crown of Gondor as the direct heir of Elendil and Isildur?

He then would have met Elrond's conditions for marrying Arwen.

Did he 'know' that his time had not yet come? Would it not seem - at the time - like a ripe opportunity?

He would not have known how Sauron was to be defeated... Gandalf did not yet suspect the ring Bilbo held in the Shire to be The One Ring of Power. So... all the more reason, it seems to me.

What do the rest of you think?