I know that at times I have felt uncertain going against the DB rules when I initiated invitations, but don't forget the overriding rule which is "Do what works". I think that somehow we need to signal to our walk-aways that we are receptive to them, and a small little invitation here or there might be what is needed to do that.........and if our new R with our walk-way can't withstand a little glitch here and there, then it probably won't withstand the piecing process.
It sounds as though your H is coming out of his depression a bit. (YEAH!!!!!!!)