An interesting thought but one that doesn't hold up to scrutiny. If Eric had driven to the forecourt with no issues but struggled to restart after filing up, it would be the same fuel in the network that had brought him there. If missfueling were the problem then that would be noted as he drove away from the pump.
I doubt clearing of the MEMs system of its learned parameters would cause such an interruption of service, indeed I have reset my car, also a VVC, of all knowledge of my bad driving habits & noticed little difference.
Sorry Eric, this might not get you any closer to the root cause, however has the problem resurfaced?