The question of who is actually in charge is a big one. The weirdest part is Alpert leading well before Ben but then being subordinate to him later on.

A time loop would be an interesting plot device that could shake out any inconsistencies.

The credit needs to go to Emerson for how scary young Ben already is. Who didn't scream or at least think, "Sayid! NO! Don't eat the SANDWICH!"

Jin wasn't in the DI photo because he wasn't a new recruit.

Aaron wasn't on the plane.
Ji Yeon wasn't on the plane.
Walt wasn't on the plane.

Theory on an alternate time for the purge to occur.

I appreciate how Sawyer has stepped it up. I think the passing of three years makes the transition from rogue who reads to leader who finds wisdom in following churchill's example much more reasonable. He's matured and the three years gives us a reasonable method of suspending any disbelief.

Necessary line for Sayid:

I cringed when Jack called him Sawyer and not LaFleur because that creepy dude from the DI who had just pointed him to his house (and who is apparently afraid of LaFleur) was standing very nearby and could very likely be eavesdropping. They've definitely foreshadowed the DI eventually catching onto them.

As for the question of why the Swan was built, I think it was built to disguise the electromagnetic waves that allowed the Dharma initiative to find the island to begin with. The biggest piece of evidence in favor of this is that once the failsafe switch is pressed and the Swan implodes, Penny Widmore gets a call that…

I see Starbuck as most important because she is at the crux of whatever is left to be explained.

Do'n by da beach!

What happened when you heard that __ a'comin' ?

Alas, so many theories left by the wayside.

I think the crippled baseship has a raptor plugged into it for navigation and FTL travel. Not sure what happened to the hybrid.

So what are the odds that the name Daniel doesn't even get mentioned in the final episode. I think they're slim.

It is certainly possible that their culture will change when left in space without resources and no fancy Octogon brand photo paper.

Maybe they just really hate that Leoben.

If the people of one ship are unhappy (and considering mutiny) at least they have the correct target for their anger on board. When you have ships with hellish conditions and no voice you get problems. Sometimes just having someone to complain to is important in making some feel as though their problems are being met…

I don't see Lee as a major character in this finale. Here's my rank of most important to lease important: (Lee does make the list of course, but I just think he's a static character who is going to lead the fleet after Adama dies.)