When Widmore was an Other, prior to Ben, Eloise was the Leader. That is, until we see Ben returning from kidnapping Alex. At that point, it seemed Widmore was the Others' leader. So where was Eloise?
Now, Ben didn't assume leadership until Widmore was banished. So was Ben the actual choice, or was it more of an interum position? We know Richard was already waiting for Locke. Could both Widmore AND Ben have been placeholder leaders until the day Locke was able to take over?
Ben and Widmore are mortal enemies, it seems. But is it possible they really share the same feelings of rejection and hatred for Jacob? Has Widmore ever met Jacob? Even though they are at each other's throats, it seems Ben and Charles could end up on the same "side".