Dispatcher questions a decision made by his Supervisor; to have an MD80 with a reported fuel leak return to departure airport. Total flight time ended up being more than originally planned to destination.

Narrative

Flight called Dispatch to report fuel leak possibly from fuel panel in right wing. [There was a] slight increase in flow on gages after 80 minutes in flight. Dispatch gave pilots go ahead toward destination but if any increase in fuel loss stop at nearest airport. Gave weather update terminated patch. Dispatcher gave management briefing and Maintenance heads up needed even if fuel leak quit; to have it looked at. Management requested Dispatcher turn the aircraft around back to departure airport if pilot comfortable; or stop enroute at company station. Trusted manager has been in the industry for 43 years; my boss. Five minutes later my boss walked toward my desk and asked if I had called the plane. So I called the plane got position and fuel; gave pilot burn back to departure airport or stop enroute if not comfortable; pilots comfortable returning. I gave pilot weather for enroute airport in case fuel loss increased. Flight returned with more total flight time than if they had continued to destination. My boss should not request changes to safe course of action.