Despite Locke's comments to Kate by the doorstep, I don't think Jack has ever led LOSTIES with more democracy than Locke did-- Plus I loved Locke's response to Kate along the lines "if I was a dictator you'd be dead by now".

Locke's connection to the island is somewhat forced to grow even stronger with the coming of the freighter people. I think that in return directs the audience to an easy association between Ben and Locke. But I don't think either is a villian. Moral dichotomies prove to be superficial with the show on the long run.

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"Bear...? Is that you?"-- Hurley S03E4