Dancyfarrow, I love your idea about wisdom vs. inexperience. 🙂 Regina’s power does seem to run on her hatred of Snow. I like the idea about the Dark One not being able to turn down a deal to :).
Its possible that Rumplestiltskin taught Regina magic. But why would she want to learn dark magic? Especially from the Dark One? I’ve always thought the she learned dark magic from Melificent. Ya know, cause they have the whole friend/enemy thing going on. I think Regina even looks up to her in a way.