“Completely acceptable” is not accurate. I’d wager that for any success story there are many stories of heartbreak due to timing and travel for TN renewal. A risk I wouldn’t advise a friend to take. But, yes, doesn’t matter anymore after last week.
Sure timing is an issue and so are the resulting travel implications of showing immigrant intent but it was 100% legal and therefore an acceptable route.
EAD/AP shows up in around 4-5 months for most people and those restrictions are then no longer a concern.