.... I'm just not sure if this is a manipulation ....I would love the opinion of others.
I would bet manipulation. I have not been following your thread at all. Just from my gernal understanding of human behavior.
If he truly want to reconcile, you will know if you keep the child support in place.
When he initially wanted to work things out, my gut reaction was between sincerity or him just not wanting to pay child support. I still get confused on this at times...