Oh Ben o Ben.. yes, I have to admit that he is a master manipulator. He is one of the most interesting characters on tv.. maybe in a long time. Maybe I'm biased cuz I love Lost.. who knows...

I just almost never know whether to believe him or think he is lying. Sometimes he tells the truth but only half but it answers you question. Like when Jack asks about him seeing Locke or whateva.
Anywho...
So are you saying or asking that if whether John had not told Ben the island needed to be moved that Ben still would have moved the island or left because he wanted or needed to be off island?
Couldn't he just leave like the rest of the 'other' people seem to? To me he seemed really bumed that he had to leave. Like when he says I hope you're happy now Jacob (or something like that).. IDK like dammit he got me off this island anyway.
IDK I guess being off the island is like a bonus to be able to kill Penny himself instead of having one of his minions do it. He was able to find out about all these people off island and he seems to have all the people and resources available that by saying to Keamy if he finds Widmore first could of been anyone finding Widmore for him or something, I guess.