Rumple knew Bae went through “time and space” – he says as much. So, that’s how he would still have hopes of finding him.
I am a die hard LOSTie/OUAT fan.
So, yeah, I agree, it’s hard to get anything past fans who are used to analyzing every detail.
But, I don’t really think anything can be considered a plot hole this early in the game.
We’re only 2/3 of the way through S2!