Re: shut up justin I don't think Brian is coming around to see Gus because of that piece of paper; he's coming around because he wants to see his son. So why didn't they all say that Brian would still be able to come around? Why did Brian treat it as though giving up his legal rights meant that Gus would be reduced to some sperm in a cup? Why can't Brian be a better father than his dad no matter what the legal status is?
I think this is really the crux of it, and I'm not sure I have an answer. Perhaps Brian thought his hold on fatherhood was tenuous at best, and without the legal proof to back it up, he couldn't count on himself to make the effort. Something about taking the action to turn over his parental rights would, in his mind, equate to walking away. After all, fatherhood in name only is all he really knows.
But I also think that this issue is the main reason that so many people don't want Brian to give up his rights. They see it in the same manner - no legal tie = Brian's not the father anymore.
Hmmm, this will definitely take some more thought...