I don't believe HD, by staying calm and out of the 'everything but the kitchen sink'arguments Ms. HD has been throwing his way is what I'd call 'backing off.' And he's seen almost immediate results.
He's standing his ground. He's just not slinging shite back at her.
Sure, it may get ugly, and I don't believe HD is rubbing his hands together in anticipation of such an event... but I don't see him backing off from the possibility of it occuring, either. He plans on crossing the bridge when he gets there, one step at a time... and staying as calm and collected as he can.
Let's not forget, first and foremost, our HD IS a very intelligent man. He's very well aware of what he has to do. And he will, in his own way and his own time.
