I think you kinda missed this but that's definitely not the only reason he supported Vito. He and Melfi discuss homosexuality in season 6A, around episode 5 I think. He says its disgusting and that 'pretty soon ppl are gonna be fuc*ing dogs.' But...a few minutes later when she asks him if homosexuality is acceptable he finally lets it out and says what the hell, let bygones be bygones. It's a clear break through moment for him and Melfi asks if his change of heart is b/c of the coma.