Erik's Theories: S5E6 '316'

In my previous post, I posed several questions that came to my mind upon the first viewing of this episode. After more thought and some discussion with others, here is what I think is going on with things...

What happened to Aaron?
I really DON'T think that Kate gave Aaron to Claire's mother, but at this point it seems the most reasonable explanation. It might have shaken Kate up not only to have to give up Aaron, but also to explain everything to Carole (admitting that they lied). Otherwise, someone must have taken him... Abbadon? Widmore's people? Ben's people? I do think there is a reason for all of the children being off island (Ji Yeon, Aaron, Walt) and that we will find out why sometime soon.

What was Ben doing that got him all roughed up?
I'm almost 100% convinced that Ben either killed Penny or attempted to kill her. His call being placed from the Pier is a big indicator (who else would have been at the pier?)

Why did Sayid and Hurley decide to get on the flight?
I'm thinking Sayid was in fact arrested by that woman (hard to read what's going on there since neither of them have any lines in this episode). As for Hurley, I think he had more visitors from beyond who talked him into it. Also he had to get out of jail somehow so Ben's lawyer was probably succesful. Perhaps Sayid turned himself in and got Hurley off the hook? But then the question is, why would Sayid be sent on a flight to Guam?

Who is the woman Sayid is with?
The US Marshal escorting him because he's arrested... or someone working for Ben under the guise of a US Marshal?

Did anyone else besides Kate, Jack and Hurley survive the (crash?)?
Yes, but they possibly landed back on the island in post-2005 (as in actually landed the plane). Otherwise, I'm really wondering how that Ajira Air bottle got there (in the future). I'm still convinced they landed at the landing strip on the Hydra island and rowed over to the main island in those boats. That being said... I think Sayid, Sun, Ben, Sayids-lady, and New Guy are in the 'present' on the island while Jack, Kate and Hurley were snatched out of the plane and taken back to the 70's where they are now.

Did the plane crash, or what's the deal with that?
Like in the above theory, I think the plane landed on the Hydra island. I'm guessing that Ben when Ben got up to go to the front of the plane, he wasn't going to the bathroom (as many have suggested) but going to speak to Lapidus about where and how to land. Also, remember when someone asked Lapidus where he crashed the chopper, he replies "What are you talking about? I set her down right over there" I think the same applies here, we expect that the airplane has crashed, but really Frank just set her down right over there on the Hydra island.

Has the island stopped flashing?
I think so, for now. I think in the 70's era we're in now, the Orchid is yet to be completed but the well also doesn't exist, so there is no way to access the Donkey Wheel for the "flashies" to attempt getting back to the present. Further evidence is that they must have been in the Dharma time period for a substantial amount of time if Jin has been able to obtain a job with them by now.

Also, not related to any of the questions, but many people have been jumping all over when Ben says "My mother taught me." I think he was just being a smart-ass, nothing else to it.

That's all I've got, until next post...