It isn't fair to compare Stayner to Hornbeck. First of all, in the Stayner case, Timmy was abducted on Feb 14 and Stayner didn't escape with him until March 1. Ben was found within 4 days of his abduction. It isn't fair to blame Shawn for failing to act in 4 days, when Stayner took 2 weeks to act. It is apparent from the police account when the boys were found that Ben knew Shawn was Shawn Hornbeck. It is entirely possible that the realization of what had happened to Shawn may have been knocked into reality with the appearance of Ben, just as it did with Stayner.
You're preaching to the choir!