Sure he has to be comfortable at home. And allowing him to be a kid is fine. Smothering him isn't good either. But he still has to be protected and given guidance. Right now, other adults, like those on TV and in the media, are trying to take advantage him. He's spent the past 4 yrs having an adult take advantage of him and learned to survive that way. His parents need to step in and say "No More", not go with the flow.
They all need therapy.
I understand your pov. I would avoid the press at all costs too. But, to be honest, if that route is taken, there are some who would be suggesting they were being too closed off (I remember that with the Smart case).
I think they are taking the approach of lets do this now, get the press off of our back, then we can start addressing the healing process.
I have read in this thread that the parents are to appear on Oprah; did this include Shawn? If not, just getting out there and addressing the questions and then going home is an ok path. Personally, I would tell Oprah to take a flying leap, but that is me.