Ecko in "The Cost of Living" by MattD

I was rewatching "the Cost of Living" episode from Season 3 tonight, the one where Ecko is killed by the smoke monster. This I suppose is not a true theory, but collaboration for ideas relating to the nature of the smoke monster/ MIB and Locke's relationship. Here's what I observed:

1. Yemi says to Ecko that he must be judged (echoes of Ben going to be judged by the smoke monster).

2. Yemi says to Ecko that "you talk to me like I am your brother", and as he says so he looks so spiteful and disgusted with Ecko. It reminds me very much of MIB's complete disdain for the coming Black Rock crew when he was talking with Jacob on the beach.

3. When Ecko is leaning over the river and sees the smoke monster in the reflection in the water, the smoke monster quickly disappears and who should come out of the forest - Locke. About 4-5 seconds later he is followed by Sayid, Desmond, Paulo and Nikki. Why would they have Locke separated from the group intentionally like that.

4. Locke also is the first and only one the scene right after the smoke monster puts the beating on Ecko. THe others follow moments later. Again, why should Locke be there on his own like that?

5. Locke asking Ecko what he saw and suggesting to Ecko that he had also seen it and it was the most beautiful white light. Could this be MIB reflecting on his perception of his own nature? Or maybe even Jacob?

So, not really a new theory, but substantive support for the piles of other theories centred around the notion of MIB as Smokey as judge and jury for the visitors to the island, and more suggestions that Locke is not always who he seems even this far back.