The ending to the 2nd series was better than the 1st series...lots more to think about. I really want to find out what happens to Jack, Kate and Sawyer. I reckon The Others told Michael to follow a compass direction where they'd get recaught or end up back on the island so i don't think they're free. I think the pulse may be the GPS signal from the boat and the electromagnets somehow covered this signal...but now it's gone they can follow the signal and the island is no longer 'hidden'.