peace- Your friend could be right that your H is being nicer so you won't change things but you really have no way to know for sure. I like the idea of doing a 180...Do you think it will upset your H if you change his visitation? I do think that they get too comfortable so why not try to change the status quo a little. Hopefully you have something fun planned on Friday with the kids. I wish I was better at coming up with 180's.
Good job listening and talking with your H even if it is about work. Is there a way for you to validate him and encourage him about work? Maybe if he gets comfortable enough, then you could test the water about another subject.