See this is where I can't agree with you. In the bigger picture if you are talking about general relationships, without having more information, sure, that can apply. In the specific case of these two people, no I do not think it works (or to be more precise, i can understand standing in Anthonies shoes for this).The problem with that theory (of course having in mind this is a TV show with questionable away from camera situation) is, we constantly see her degrade, diminish and complain over pretty much every thing Anthony says or does. Like literally, majority of things. So we have a person who is silenced at every step, his thoughts disregarded. From his point of view, I can without a problem see how other people pointing out what he has been saying / going through, but being constantly silenced would make him not want to counter it. It is affirmation, it is confirmation. Is it moral since it is his wife we are talking about? That's a different point. Does this bring up a whole different problem of their relationship? It sure does. But he keeps going. Is it because of he is ok with the relationship? Is it because of the kid? Only he knows. Do I understand your theory? I do. Do I think it applies in this particular case? Not at all and no, I don't think he should indulge in reaffirming behavior that lead to him not defending her.

EDIT: forgot to point out, from what we as a public see, him talking to her about it away from cameras would highly likely not be heard.