True he does not give a flying fig but his power comes from manipulation. When you are all alone you have no one to manipulate thus no real power. Even though his main goal is to find Bae, he knows he cannot do it all alone. Yes he is the dark one but that power in rendered moot in SB. He enjoys achieving his goal through others’ efforts and when things goes sideways he also needs scapegoats. (Regina did both for him)
That is true – but I still dont think he really gave much consideration to them coming other than they had to come, he has power of Regina with the please thing & everyone else other than Emma is a total bonus 😉