And if it's true Ben has been on the island for his whole life, one could assume they've released people before. . .so then one has to wonder if any of the losties encountered anyone who was formerly on the island in their pre-island life. Maybe those people even had something to do with them getting on the doomed plane. . .maybe Libby used to be on the island, for example. . .or the psychic. . .possibilities are endless. . .hmmmm. . .

Oooh, that's an excellent theory, and definitely possible.

Though I still don't understand WHY Benry and company would choose to stay on the island when they could be free. That's the biggest mystery to me right now.

I think plenty of people would prefer to live on their own private island instead of mainstream society - its very possible that being on that island is freedom to them

I think this is true of Kate. Why would she have such a connection to the little toy airplane if she hadn't seen it as a baby on the island (medical hatch).

personally, i would much rather live on an island like that instead of main stream society. the slower pace of life would make things so less stressful and plus you get fresh rations coming in. what's not to love?

Certainly the guy in the mental ward with Hurley (the one who kept saying the numbers over and over) has been to the island before. Probably had to push the button for years. Drove him insane.

Supposedly Lenny and his friend heard the broadcast of the numbers, correct? This is presuming that Ben really CAN release people, and he told Michael and Jack the truth. As to why anyone would want to stay- I think when we learn more about how the "Others" live, we'll get insight into that. It could have to do with the slow pace (even though they have all the amenities of modern western society- indoor plumbing, CD's, books, world series coverage), with the island's healing properties, with the work they are doing, or something we cannot even imagine...

Remember that the the Valenzetti Equation predicts the end of mankind. But the Island may be beyond its reach. The Others may be the only humans who will be left after the end of the world. That would be a reason to stay.