Great that you did not jump feet first into his openings for contact. My reasons may be similar and different to the others but you can never get too much info.
You have been reading enough to be familiar with the concept of one baby step forward and two big boy steps backward. You jump on the baby step with big hopes, and he steps back. I think the others have more reading insight into the distancer pursuer issue.
Another aspect here is that your detachment is your guardian angel. Do not turn your back on her too quickly. Keep her close and within arms reach when you do have contact with him. She will keep you safe and secure.
My last comment also deals simply with a reminder of basics. This one comes from the land of MLC. I did not get a lot of understanding here. Are you convinced he is or is not MLC? What do you know about MLC? Is it possible he is beginning to reconnect? If he is, this includes a lengthy period of touch and goes. Yes, I repeat much of what others said. Repetition drills the details into us. The nature of touch and goes is why you go slow with the contacts and keep the guardian angel at hand. Moving toward someone too quickly during reconnection scares them off. They are tipping their toe into the water to see if it is safe, and if they are welcome. But sometimes finding out that they are welcome and that you are ready to fully embrace him completely, can be more than they can handle.
That is part of why they are telling you to only crack the door open slightly, and be careful.
