What would they do without Sayid? He's helped them out so much! I'm not trying to be mean when I say this but he's one of the smartest people on the island (at least when it comes to engineering kind of things). I love the way he made Sawyer's glasses. It was so smart! (Doesn't really have to do with the topic, but I loved how the two people who probably hate Sawyer the most were the ones who helped him with his problem. It was so great! ;D

I agree it was a great way to tell story -- specifically about the group pulling together into more of mutually supportive community -- without even any dialogue.

As for what Sayid has actually done for the group -- what HAS he done, successfully, other than a bit of exploration and the making of the glasses? At least, what has he done that's more than what other folks have done?

But he definitely keeps trying, and is obviously willing to even risk himself. He certainly seems like a very admirable character at this point in his life.

What has Sayid done?

Well, on the first day he organized groups to collect water, food, and electronics. He got the transceiver working (twice), received Rousseau's distress call, and would have triangulated the signal had not someone rudely bonked him on the head and destroyed the device. He has apparently built or is building a distress beacon for Michael's raft. He decoded enough of Rousseau's maps/scribblings to lead to the black rock (and he was the one who brought the maps back). He and Locke set up the perimeter defenses around the camp, and it seems Sayid was the one to develop the strategy that the posse used against Ethan (at least he was the one explaining it during the briefing). He made an adorable little Weebelo compass. He made Shannon blush. :)

No one else on the island seems to have the technical skills that Sayid has, and few of them (Michael being a prominent exception) seem to have as much interest in using their skills to get off the island. I do think he's proved very useful to the group.

There's nothing Sayid can't do! In terms of technology, no one surpasses his skills.
Of course, they all have unique skills, Jack being a doctor, Michael who knows a lot about
construction, etc.

He has sweetened Shannons mood and her mouth. He justifies his existence with that alone. ;D

Much like how Locke brings survivalist knowledge and Jack brings medical knowledge Sayid has much to contribute. He can lead if he must (or take initiative). He knows much about electricity, radio signals, and math. I think he also handled Danielle extremely well. He was able to get her to open up and find out some information.

Hmm...I guess what I'm sayin is that If it were Gilligan's Island Jack, Locke, and Sayid would collectively make up the professor. :lol2:

Pretty helpful, one of the most helpful in fact. If I ruled out Locke, he'd be the person I think would save everyone. Even now Locke's got me questioning his motives though.