no worries, just trying to catch all the angles with good discussion so we can make the right decision/ wording on this.
Once one front and one rear tire has cleared the gate, the gate is then progressed but with a penalty. Since the gate is progressed, he could reverse through out without a penalty.
Hypothetically, if someone were to get one front tire through the gate, previous straddle, then some how dig over and back up getting both front tires through, it would not be a penalty as I see it. Since the driver is still on the original attempt at the gate, he can not be penalized for it. Basically would be allowed to correct the situation. I think this is more what you are trying to describe.