theres a new box on the front of the 1040 that he probably wants to get checked, I "think" the only way to get that ox to check is with tat EIC checkbox, even if they dont qualify for EIC.

Im not sure IRS will process an amendment without a change to the dollar amounts, but in the explanation Id just say that the checkbox was missed on the original return, and give the client a copy of the 1040 with the box checked and see what happens.