Damn, I have been on-and-off this board for seven years and I swear that has got to be the longest post I have ever seen. And not full of bullshit, either. Kudos.
I am no musician, My singing is just a hobby, so My opinion really is worth about two cents -- but I will say that whatever is going on voice-wise, if it is not a repairable thing, then I hope he does not just run his voice into the ground. Because there are some singers that do that -- think they can just forge onward despite the warning signs they are being given, and end up blowing their shiz out permanently. I would always rather have a singer take a much-needed break even if it means canceling a tour or two. Sometimes, you just have to be selfish if you want to keep yourself in one piece.