I still think the line from Ben Linus to Jack about don't you find it interesting that Juliet looks so much like Sarah (paraphrase) is important to why Jack acts the way (knowingly or unknowingly) he does toward Juliet. Ben finds whatever weakness he can to exploit whatever he can gain from his victim. He is merciless in that sense, using children or loved ones against someone, there is no sympathy there, no compassion or concern for anyone's feelings or situation. Yes, Jack is confident and sometimes arrogant, but we know he has vunerabilites and feelings, too. He is decisive which is a trait people want in a leader - make a decision (we might complain about it later, but at least you made one, taking the pressure off of me to have to decide and risk the anger of the mob) and if he does vacillate on something he's been known to quietly ask the council of others, he's talked to Sayid, John, and Kate. We must also remember they've only known each other 80 days (not the three years that we are experiencing) less than three months. How many of us have worked with people for years and yet know very little about the personal life or even interact with them outside of work? I think like all the characters on Lost there is an ebb and flow to their emotions, actions, reactions, feelings, etc... Some days the characters are strong, confident, assured, accepted, far-sighted, selfless, etc... and other days they are weak, needy, desperate, lonely, short-sighted, greedy, as we all tend to be in life. Motivations change for everyone and that includes Jack, what originally might have seemed important (and might still be) perhaps has changed for Jack, but that doesn't mean that it will stay that way - that is the beauty of the show - the evolution of each character as they rise to or fall to each challenge that they face. Not all of them always do so well, to err is human. That struggle to be the best you can be, to overcome the obstacles you have faced in your life, to say despite every horrid thing that has been thrown in my face (or I have caused) to prevent my success in life I will not give up - is what is fascinating about Lost. There is a refining by fire that is the island going on with each lostie as they seek redemption, peace, purpose for their lives, and some have many impurities that have to painfully be removed in that fire. I'm sure there is purpose to Jack's script and storyline in the big picture of Lost, but they only have 40 minutes once a week to convey a story that includes a huge cast who all need their own stories told. I hope you don't give up on Lost!
