The question is, are they so busy trying to placate every fan group, be everything to everyone, that they don’t even realize that? Or are the reminders intentional?
I’m of the school of thought that the reminders are intentional, though they are also a nice nod to SF fans. I don’t think that means Neal fans have any hope of seeing him again, but I do see it as further emphasizing how much Neal means to Emma. Plus, by bringing up the fact that Emma really isn’t over Neal, we’ve been left to question just what are her feelings for Hook. It’s a parallel to Robin Hood questioning his feelings for Marian because he loves Regina. And that is the point I think. After 4×4 I’m inclined to think that the entire point of Hook’s not-really-cursed hand was to show Hook has not changed in the very same episode that Emma and Hook had the first date. It’s couldn’t be more plain to those who have eyes to see. Hook is lying to Emma at the same time she is letting her guard down, dressing all girly, and showing him her past. Yet, the set up is there for a big let down, since all the stuff Hook has been up to is going to come out. Now I can’t predict 100% what Emma’s reaction will be, but I’m thinking she’s going to feel wounded since she’s being exceptionally vulnerable with Hook.
"That’s how you know you’ve really got a home. When you leave it, there’s this feeling that you can’t shake. You just miss it." Neal Cassidy