Unfortunately I haven't been able to test it all out myself yet.

But that was the information I received. However if you keep a slot free to follow them you have them on your friends bar and can invite then. After which you can unfollow.
The wording may sound harsh but at least it is clear what is meant and in the end it boils down to same thing. They are getting kicked out, Why it isnt working for you I don't know and will pass on to the team.
In the mean time. When someone is kicked their name still shows up in chat and you can still visit them from there until it scrolls of the page.
are you sure they are still on the neighborhood list with current members ?