Also, doesn't it seem like Hurley has to be the "winner" of the Jacob sweepstakes? I mean, he's the one who talks to and sees dead people including Jacob himself. He's the one who found the cabin and remember how shocked Ben and Locke were that Hurley could see it? He was on 'the list' back in S2-end and 3. He's the one who got "lucky" with Jacob's numbers. Hell even the big green CG bird cawing "Hurley" (which has been referenced recently by the writers - that happened twice btw, S1 finale and S2 finale).
He's also the most unambiguously "good" person out of all of them.
Hurley's purpose has always been to advise or be a sounding board. Especially to Jack. My guess is that function will continue a the end. Richard will get his reward - absolution and death, and Hurley will take his place.
Agreed. Jack will take Jacob's place. Flocke will remain in place and the struggle will continue throughout time. The show will end with another group coming to the island and Flocke telling Jack how much he wants to kill him.
