I don't think he's trying to prove a point or play 3D chess.
I think it's much simpler. He's basing his decision on his beliefs about and experience with in-office vs WFH. He believes in-office is more productive.
I would postulate the belief in-office is more productive is somewhat akin to 3d chess. AFAIK the data is mixed and I've seen some data that suggests WFH is more productive (but the jury certainly still seems TBD on this debate)
