I don't see a conflict between being "nice" and being consistent. So, you arrange Archie's life (and yours) so that he really doesn't have a choice (the long line). Then, with just a bit of a tug/pop along with "HERE" and then the minute he makes the first move to come to you... you go all crazy happy with him (it's amazing how silly I can get) and watch him come back with his tale wagging like it was his idea all along.
AND... if you sorta make like you're turning and running just a little like it's a big game, while giving him the happy talk... he'll even come faster. I'm not even sure you'd need food. (Well, mine loves a game maybe more than the food. I mean, as soon as the food is gone, it's gone. But WOW... if we're playing a game... that's the BEST thing in the WHOLE world!!! Can we do it again? Huh? Huh? Wanna see me come again? Please? You do the rope thing and I'll come after you... c'mon, c'mon!!! Let's play!!!)
Every dog is different. But what I'm saying is that just because it's not optional, doesn't mean it's not fun.