I think it's standard to expect that when you back off the A will intensify at first. Typically, exposure and this intensification puts pressure on the A and eventually ends it.
In the meantime, I don't really find it surprising that he's advancing things, particularly when you raised the prospect of the L issue. I expect it may get harder yet for awhile until things flatten out and you get any sense for whether they'll turn around. I'm sure you'll be ok though. You've been very strong to this point. Hang in there.
