Do you think you could hold onto the compassionate view (and betcha accurate) you describe above during the OR talk Kent suggests? This attitude is much like my H's. It would be important for you to be your best honest self (sounds like you know that).
Is there any chance whatsoever of getting him to Retrouvaille? It is a great program for personalities like our H's. It's like a lovingly guided, starting out slow, limited in length and content OR talk. It's honest with self and understanding of the spouse.
He sounds depressed (as I'm sure you'll agree). Any chance he'd look into meds? Is there someone else who would encourage this that he might listen to?