I'll up you both a few... my posts are worth more than 2 cents

Locke didn't bungle his way through anything--the Island gave him what he needed to emerge as an eventual leader. Locke spent his entire life being smacked down by TheMan and this was his chance to prove his intellect and his abilities, which he did quite well--except for the Boone thingie. *sigh, my Boonie*
So no, Locke is not The Pretender. Good idea, tho.
cheers
*Des8