Can you imagine if Regina had possessed JUST ONE ALLY of Jefferson's or Rumpel's caliber? Someone actually on her side? Instead of her ineffectual father?

If circumstances were different I feel like Snow would've been this for Regina. Now I feel like even Regina's animosity towards Snow was specifically created by Rumplestiltskin with the help of Cora. It also makes me curious what were the specifics of Cora's deal with Rumple.