>It seems to lead to the
>conclusion that everyone is on
>the island because their prayers
>were answered:

Maybe...or maybe they *NEEDED* their prayers answered because of Jacob's influence on their lives.

Based on the opening scene, we know that the alternate timeline is showing us what happens when the island is destroyed, and the LOSTies go on about their lives without Jacob's influence.

So, let's see how things turn out for them without Jacob's interference

>Jack wanted another chance to prove
>to his father he's got
>what it takes or simply
>talk to him again...

But, instead, he is able to make his peace, and realize that he can be a better father than his father was.

>Kate wanted to be free...

Apparently, she is.

>John wanted to walk...

He made his peace with not being able, to the point that he passed on a free consult with Jack. He's got a good job that he enjoys, and he's about to be happily married.

>Sawyer wanted to kill Sawyer...

We don't know yet what happened to Sawyer.

>Hurley wanted to end the curse...

He did, because he never used the numbers. He even said he's a very lucky guy.

>Rose wanted to live...

Again, she made her peace, apparently with her disease, and she seems well adjusted.

>Ana, Charlie

again, we don't know yet what happens to them.

>Sayid wanted... to die?

No, Sayid simply wanted to get back to the love of his life, Nadia. And that's where he has ended up.

All of this is why I think that Jacob is the bad guy in all this. Look at their lives after Jacob's influence, and compare it to their lives after everything is undone.

I think that MIB is trapped on the island like everyone else, and he has found his loophole. He was able to "kill" Jacob, and now he's going to undo everything that Jacob did.