I agree with something Obisgirl said above which is Regina’s love life needs to be on hold for awhile (shoot…same for Emma, whether you’re a SF or a CSer). Her child is missing. The last thing on her mind is romance. And yes yes yes, I know. Romance can happen suddenly and in the middle of life! But seriously, she has bigger issues to deal with. I don’t want Regaina redeemed just because she’s suddenly got a man in her life and thus learns how to be good. She needs to redeem herself on her own. Same with Rumple. Belle is not his redemption, she may be apart of it, but not wholly. Those two have to redeem themselves.
I go back and forth a lot with who Regina should end up with. I like the idea of Hook and Regina but I also ship Hookreil (it’s a sickness, guys. Once I started I couldn’t stop). I like EvilCricket but I’m open to basically anything for the EQ, so long as she makes progress alone along the way.