I think the changes in personality has been one of teh key factors of the show.
Locke went from being cool, to being a total nutjob cunt.
Sawyer went from selfish and cocky, to heroic and cocky.
Jack went from stoic leader, to paranoid drunk.
I think one of the things we are seeing with the characters, is the same we have seen with everything, and thats to never take things at face value or on first impression.
I do maintain though, that even when Ben shows sympathy, there is usually a reason for it, and its usually based on his manipulation of people.
