Excellent analysis! I think everyone's been looking at this from a 'if she doesn't pick him then she must not care about him' POV. Not from a 'he might die if she chooses the other guy' scenario. I also agree with you about Scott's love for Betty. And I wish you'd write your fanfic fantasy! LOL

As far as Jeff and Hilary's marriage, yes, they did get remarried, but by the local meat inspector. I never have understood why they didn't go to an actual JP or priest or something to get married. The only thing I can figure is that if they wanted out a second time, the legal loopholes would certainly have been much bigger.