More coherent LOST thoughts
First of all, I was STUNNED. I really expected the Smoke Monster to destroy the island and thereby create the alternate universe.
As the credits rolled I was confused and upset, but, I would have to say that I AM satisfied with the ending now. Yes, we did not get all the "answers" about the island in a handy little package, but it managed to provide a satisfying closure to EVERYONE; those who escaped the island AND those who died there. Kate, Claire, Miles etc get to go back to their lives, and when they eventually find them at the close, they get to return to the people who were most important to them.
Speaking of MOST important. I am IMMINENTLY satisfied with how Ben's character was treated. I had fear that he would get the Snape-death treatment (a modicum of "redemption" blegh! followed by a swift and pointless death). I was so surprised and gratified that he didn't die under that tree.
The most gratifying to me was that, after all his effort and sacrifice, he WAS allowed to stay on the island in a position of power maybe for centuries or millennia (yay immortal Ben!), EXACTLY what he wanted and struggled for the whole time. Yes, he had to sacrifice Alex for it, and he always regretted that, but the point is IT WASN'T for nothing; the writers gave him what he wanted.
I'm equally satisfied with his treatment in Limbo. I was afraid they were going to leave "Alt" Ben asleep. I like that Ben wakes up and remembers, but he still has more issues to work out and knows it. I would have been okay with him entering the church, but I think him waiting a little longer in Limbo fits better.
I am so happy for Ben Linus; and that is NOT what I expected to be able to say when the show ended.
-Mordax