True, Kelly. (re: the connection eye-contact gives)
I wonder if, for newborns, when they are taking soooooo much in because the world is all new to them, that when they are tired, the eye-contact might be too much. I would definitely go with snuggling and body contact, and nursing to sleep at times - all wonderful ways to connect and relax and wind down.
And, honestly, if you want eye-contact with your baby in the evening, by all means, go for it! I don't think it will do any harm, and I'm certainly not opposed to it! I just think that there might be some valid reasons for suggesting that parents avoid it with a tired newborn.