Yeah, you're probably right. And friends and family are allowed on route in TransAm unlike Tour Divide. Whatever my view of this, it's legit for them to be around as long as they don't physically help him.
That said, mental support can be a big thing. At times bigger than physical.
You shouldn't be phoning home for route/race help/booking hotels. But getting someone to post pictures is cool. I don't see a problem with phoning for advice. But it becomes a grey area with that kind of stuff.
Link? Ah same as post above.
Maybe just poor choice of words.