"Why else would she have reported him missing?"
For the same reasons that killers report their victims missing. Additionally, it's not uncommon for spouses to report their significant other missing when they in fact left and the reporting spouse cannot bring themselves to accept this.
"The first woman should have known he intended not to return to their shared home".
And why exactly is this? You are making an assumption based on no fact. By your logic, the woman should have never reported him missing because she "should have known".
"I don't find myself in need of more info - regardless of what the first relationship was like or what problems might have existed. He caused LE to use resources to find him in order to be sure he was OK. So yeah, what a jerk".
Just because you dont think you need more info doesnt mean you don't. Again, you are formulating OPINIONS that are not based in fact but are instead based in speculation. Additionally, the man didn't call LE. The wife did. Therefore, she is responsible for any and all initiation of law enforcement efforts.
At the very least, ensure you don't pass off your personal opinion as a matter of fact. This is the very reason that others are ripping WebSlueths to shreds. We must be responsible for our own posts and it's common knowledge that this site is not intended for your personal opinions and biased accusations.