I think you can compare Costner's Jonathan to the comics. You can go back to the beginning, in fact.
It certainly isn't Jonathan's prerogative to stand by and let kids die when he could save them. He's the one who first picks up the little girl to save her from the tornado. Like you said, Jonathan's "Maybe" isn't a "No," and his uncertainty is rooted in a larger concern for even more lives besides those closest to Clark and to Smallville.
This, so much this. I never understand those people who go out of their way to avoid seeing THIS is what the Kent's were doing with Clark in MOS. It was ENTIRELY about protecting their son, and wanting the time to be right so that the world WILL accept him.
That's not to say they were perfect, or always made the right call. As such they put their concern for him over their concern for others, and themselves, like we see with Jonathon's sacrifice. They are deliberately flawed. In their effort to protect their son, they make mistakes, as all parents do. They are human, and over protective of Clark given the unique circumstances.
Hell, a significant part of Clark's character arc is him learning to see that and step out from under the shadow of his fathers. To see what their intentions were, and strive for that, if not necessarily their flawed advice/methods.
Clark's parents' intentions were ALWAYS for him, and the world, to outgrow their concerns, and for him to ultimately shine in the Sun.
Does that mean it was the RIGHT advice to say "maybe" he should have let the bus go, no.
Was it exactly what a loving parent would do, thinking they were protecting their child? Yes.
Is it consistent with the comics portrayal of the characters and their upbringing of Clark, abso-****ing-lutely.
Go ahead and detail why I should blame Jenkins for, say, SS.
