I think you're on the right track. It's definately not the time to throw in the towel!
When I met my W, we were friends for a few months before I figured out she was the one for me. Unfortunately, another guy asked her out hours before I did.
Well, I simply laid out my feelings to her and left it at that.
About a month later, we were dating, and we've been together for 32 years now.
It may not seem like much of an endorsement considering the state of our M, but y'know what?
I haven't given up on W now, nor will I ever.
But the moral of the story is... It all starts with friendship. I firmly believe that.
Do what comes naturally. Part of DB-ing is to not overthink things. You have a lot of encouragement from friends, family, DB-ers. It all sounds positive.
RC is most certainly confused. He thought it was all over, and he moved on. Now, he has discovered that it is NOT all over.
Who wouldn't be confused?
But confusion is a temporary state of mind. I'm sure he'll figure it out.
