HomePods don’t reconnect to Mac Studio after using AirPods

I have paired HomePods set to provide stereo sound for my Mac Studio.

1. Twice a week, I have conference calls for my work over Zoom. On these calls, I use my AirPods so I can be heard better and have audio in better synch with the live video.
2. After a 60-90 minute conference call, I put my AirPods in the case and try to reset the HomePods as my speakers. They will not connect.
3. I move the audio to my Studio and that works.
4. I can move the audio to my monitor and that works.
5. I try to move audio to my HomePods. No connection.
6. I go into the Home app and have it reset the HomePods. Still no connection.
7. I unplug the HomePods for about 30 seconds and plug them back in. Still no connection.
8. I then give up and restart my Mac. Finally a connection.

This strikes me as a bug somewhere.

I am running latest OS.

Any workable solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.