I think the backpacker would have gotten different treatment if he had been alive on the return trip.
My issue with Rick is that he’s been too unwilling to give anyone a fair shake. I think that will need to change and will change.
Well, he certainly has his reasons to mistrust, but I do think he will become more of a delegator and problem solver and less of a direct action leader. I see Daryl filling that role and even Glenn emerging into the forefront. Not sure about Michonnne. Maybe she's Carl's Yoda...