One more thing just came to me. We are supposedly going to meet Jacob in coming episodes. This is Ben's "boss" -- the real leader of the Others. I am very concerned that this may be a prelude for killing off Ben. After all, once we meet the guy who is pulling Ben's stings, Ben becomes much less important and imposing.
Remember when everyone thought the bearded dude was the leader of the Others? Now he is barely a character anymore. Last we saw he was playing catch with Jack. Whenever you reveal a new, more powerful Other, the previous leader loses their importance. Ben is toast as soon as wee meet Jacob.
All the rumors are that there will be a major clash between the Lostaways and the Others and both sides will suffer casualties. Well, who could the Others lose who would matter other than Ben or Juliett?
Ok, I can come up with one scenario where Ben makes it-- if we meet Jacob but Jacob gets killed. Aside from taht happening, I think Ben is in real trouble.
-Jason "I don't have any inside info here-- just speculating wildly" Evans