Redemption for the Torturer by JR

One of the questions being pondered during the long wait for the final season of Lost, is did Sayid survive the gunshot wound he suffered in the season five finale. I am in agreement with past theories posted on this site that claim the island cannot allow people who have traveled in time to die if their deaths would result in a paradox. If we accept this as true, then I believe Sayid cannot die of the gunshot wound for the following reasons.

Sayid is supposed to use his skills at torture one more time before the island can let him die. This opportunity will come some time late in season six. How do we know this? In the season two episode, One of Them, we witness in flashback, the events that lead Sayid to become a torturer. Near the end of the episode, Inman/Kelvin tells Sayid that some day he will need to extract information and that he now "knows how", implying his new skills will be utilized in the future (on the island).

Consider Sayid has tortured twice since arriving on the island. Neither fulfills the scenerio described by Inman/Kelvin. The first time, Sawyer, there was no information to be gained, and even if there was, Sayid's methods were not successful. The second time, Ben, there was information to be gained, but again, Sayid's methods were unsuccessful in extracting any useful information from Ben.

Therefore, I conclude the instance referenced by Inman has yet to occur. This is how I feel it will play out. Late in the final season, Sayid will be for a final time placed in a position where he will be asked to resort to violence as a means to an end. However, this time he will refuse to be played any more and will not torture. His act of free will will cost him his life, but also earn him the redemption he seeks. His issue thoughout the run of the series has been his inability to escape a life of violence, despite his efforts to do so. His decision will free him and he will finally die heroically.