It seems like you two are saying something similar, and griz that does make sense in a way, as does what you're saying tony. My thought on it is this, when Sawyer and crew were traveling through time with the flashes, it seemed as if no one but them could notice them, so maybe the drop happened at a time when the island was flashing, and it just got sent to 2004. I mean, if we're going to accept time travel on the show, these explanations make just as much sense.
Maybe I am not understanding you properly

, but they had several interactions while flashing. The whold Jughead episode, being shot at on the boat, Jin and Rousseau meeting.
I like the idea of Ben being behind it. I have no idea how though. I would have to go back and watch the scene again. I know the Swan locked down but don't rememeber how the other Losties found the supplies. A good rule of thumb is when in doubt, blame Ben.
I think I see where the confusion is....
It seems like you two are saying something similar, and griz that does make sense in a way, as does what you're saying tony. My thought on it is this, when Sawyer and crew were traveling through time with the flashes, it seemed as if no one but them (time traveling survivors) could notice them (The flashes), so maybe the drop happened at a time when the island was flashing, and it just got sent to 2004. I mean, if we're going to accept time travel on the show, these explanations make just as much sense.
Does that make more sense??