I know I think that Richard is getting fed up with Ben after he came back from seeing Jacob without Locke.. The look on his face when Ben said that they were going in early and Richard said what it Juliette is not ready and Ben said then we will take all the women. Richard looked at Ben imho like he was crazy.. I think Richard is about done dealing with Ben, and I also think that if Richard decided to leave Ben people would follow.. I think that Ben is overstepping his bounds even with Richard..

Just my opinion of what I saw!!

__________________
Please don't give up, Des. Because all we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. And you have her. I will wait for
you. Always. I love you, Pen

DESMOND: I love you, Penny. I've always loved you. I'm so sorry. I love you!
PENNY: I love you too.
DESMOND: I don't know where I am, but--
PENNY: I'll find you, Des--
DESMOND: --I promise--
PENNY: --no matter what--
DESMOND: --I'll come back to you--
PENNY: --I won't give up--
BOTH: I promise. I love you.