Sometimes elders will use such appointments to inform the congregation that they are not/were not in agreement with the decision to disfellowship.
Using a recently reinstated person in any position of responsibility or extending any priveleges (field service, commenting, etc.) can mean that in their eyes the person was not guilty was guilty of a much less serious offense, or had a properly repentant attitude at the time of the JC, one that would not have called for disfellowshipping.
It's all politics and, like any other political matter, it helps to know how to interpret what you see and hear.