Great points, MB. I disagree with any Truman Show/Experiment theories, mostly because I just hope the show doesn't go that route. That's almost as bad as "it's all just a dream." I think the federal marshall and pilot are proof that it wasn't staged and that the past isn't made up. And I doubt they'd let children volunteer to be test subjects. And if they wanted to experiment on creating a Utopian society, why choose a bunch of rejects with a laundry list of issues and personal problems, a lot of which stem from family. If they had the technology to incorporate fake memories, then they should have the technology to just brainwash people into accepting a Utopian society.

I have to admit I have wondered about the authenticity of flashbacks, though. Anything is possible. I better not find a lot of holes when the truth is finally revealed.