The producers and writers love to bait and switch. They left us wondering at the end of Season 6 if there was going to be any more Dan. Last we saw him sitting on the park bench. Formal announcements were made about the cast members that were definitely not returning. But nothing formal stating whether Paul/Dan would be back. Which left it wide open for more appearances by Paul/Dan. So many people were thinking he wasn't going to be back. But I had my suspicions and glad they were right. Hoorah!
It's all apart of what companies call Trade Secrets and to let on that he would be back could leak out the whole season. Right? Keeps you wondering and coming back for more.
Congrats Paul, I knew you'd be back..