It didn't feel like a cop-out to me.
I think Richard is the only one who can help him because he's the only one who knows how to do whatever the hell it is he does. This would help explain why Richard never ages, as well - maybe he uses part of himself to heal Ben somehow? I have a feeling it will be explained in greater detail soon.
And I don't think the Others have the ability to alter memory, I think it's just a side effect of what Richard does.