It was interesting when they began instructing the congregation not to clap after a reinstatement announcement. I never figured out exacltly why that change was put into place.
However, I do remember some humorous episodes when the friends were allowed to clap for reinstatements. I remember a couple of times when very popular and well-liked individuals were reinstated: the applause was thunderous. And then, an individual who rarely attended and was not well known received maybe three or four claps. That had to hurt.
I'd say you answered your own question.
Plus, I seem to recall a statement along the lines of not wanting to offend "innocent" members if the congregation still affected by the reinstated person. For example, it would be quite awkward to clap for someone who was reinstated after adultery, or child abuse, if the victims still attended the same congregation.