I can't take credit for this one, i read it at another forum, but it blew my mind.
What if Nikki and Paulo were never on the island, but Desmond's actions this last time around through the past changed something, and now they are here. Maybe that's why the producers say we will like them after their -centric show, because they were never here before the hatch blew up.

think about it. hurley designs a golf course, Paulo is a pompous ass who 'never carries a 5 iron' yet he doesn't partake in golf before the hatch blew up because why? didn't want to show anyone up?

Just a thought.