Well, he was sincere about not wanting to run away again after a tour and being commited long term. By now the reunion era is officially older than the recording era of Maiden until Bruce's return! 1980-1999, 19 years, against the almost 21 now years since the reunion.
Also I think that, ironically, if Bruce were to tour right now, he'd make huge numbers, at least in Europe. In Italy maybe he wouldn't get the basket venue that Iron Maiden and Dream Theater play, but I have no problems to think he'd sell out another moderately big venue where the likes of Blind Guardian, Avantasia and Alice Cooper play. If he'd tour in the summer as a solo act, I'm sure he'd get the headliner spot unless some of the titans were around as well.