Flocke and the compass paradox
Okay, I know this whole Richard-gives-the-compass-to-Locke-who-gives-it-to-Richard-who-gives-it-to-Locke thing has been talked to death, but the one comment I have not seen is that Flocke (or whoever he is) intentionally causes this paradox. In other words, Neither Locke, nor Richard have a clue why they are giving this compass to one another. They just do it because someone they trust tells them to. But Flocke starts (continues) the loop on purpose. I don't know, scientifically, what the consequences are for creating a paradox, but I'll bet Flocke does.
How 316 fits in with "the numbers"
Ever since "316" aired, it has bugged me a little that the numbers of the Ajira flight did not fit in with the old standard 4 8 15 16 23 42. Then yesterday, I was rewatching the episode where we learn about Miles's childhood, I think it's "Some Like it Hoth", and when Miles's mom is checking out her new apartment, the clock on the microwave reads 3:16. That's when it dawned on me that 3:16 is 15:16 in military time - the numbers. Maybe this is a stretch or maybe it's a clue. What if the numbers have to do with a specific time?
Okay, this part is silly and a real stretch, but here goes: The world ends on April eighth (4 8), at 3:16pm GMT (15 16), in the year 2342CE (23 42).