It seems to me that Richard and his people are more gentle and kind in nature. They do not like violence and confrontation. However, Ben has been using them to do his dirty work...using Jacob as his cover. Somehow Jacob means something to them, and Ben has exploited that to take control. That is why Locke is such a threat to Ben. Richard and the others are starting to doubt Ben, they want a new leader.....that is why they would not step in when Locke was beating down Mikhail. I agree with Cablerunner about Richard, he is going to be a major player in this story and I think it will be in a good way.