I think there is a small chance that we will know more about Desmond's fate this week or next. I'm hoping it's a good sign that he didn't go back to the island with Sayid. If he's still on the freighter when the Oceanic six arrive, I would think that would be good for his chances of reuniting with Penny. All I know for sure, is that they better not come up with some lame reason to put him back on the island. He already said he isn't going back, so to have him change his mind for a stupid reason would be dumb.