Please explain to me how the Others can see a plane fall out of the sky and care not one whit that the passengers/crew may require medical attention, general care or at the least a drop of compassion. I can't believe any human beings, even research scientists, could be so hard-hearted.

And even if it was all an evil plot to bring Jack to the island to fix Ben's spine, why couldn't Ben, who was clearly capable of leaving the Island at the time (viz. we see a glimpse of him as a baggage security person at the airport in one of the flashbacks), simply obtain medical care at an off-island facility? Is it because he was afraid they'd notice he only has 4 toes per foot? And he couldn't just tell them it's a family genetic trait?

Lost is a great show, and I understand I need to suspend my disbelief, but please give me a hook to hang it on . . .