[paulk]

I think that you need to do more than just shift more than two boatlengths to leeward in order to get back full luffing rights --- you have to BREAK the overlap. The rule says that after creating an overlap within 2 boatlenths of W, you can''t head above your proper course if you are within 2 boatlengths of W. If you shift way to leeward, (say 10 boatlenghts, to exaggerate), but DON''T BREAK the overlap, you can head up as high as you like -- until you come back within 2 boatlengths of W. Then you have to maintain your proper course. If you''re able to BREAK the overlap at any point (it doesn''t matter how far apart you are) the limitation on luffing is removed.
Of course, chances are that when you head up, you''ll get overlapped again, and you''ll have to note how far apart (within 2 boatlengths?) you are when that happens. Instead of arguing what-ifs,
let''s go sailing!