Michael was a pouty, selfish mess in my opinion. Yes, he had some hard knocks, many of his own making. I will not agree that he acted as anyone would to get his son back. He chose to murder two unarmed women in cold blood, and set up 4 of his fellow castaways to be kidnapped without even trying to find another way out. The others didn't even have to threaten to kill Walt...only keep him from being with Michael. He made a decision that being with his son was worth more than anyone else's right to live, and I think that is exactly why he was chosen for the job..... Ben knew he wouldn't hesitate to turn on his fellow castaways in a heartbeat.