If the "experienced moderator" did not suggest this, I would consider it an evidence of huge incompetence.
Strong emotions such as broken love can put someone in the stage of huge incompetence.
Even if he would tried to do it the PUA way, I don't think he could have just changed his behavior in a few days. Most people who pick up PUA are very incongruent at the beginning.
This is the earlier promised post about Dealing with a Major Personal Crisis. Please continue reading there but comment here.
The reasons for posting it this way are explained at the end of the link. I hope this approach does what I want it to.