>With NOFILTER (and deleted still off), yes, all records are returned and the deleted flag is wiped regardless of any other setting.
>
>What I haven't tested yet is whether or not it speeds up the query. That's my next step.
>
I have skipped most of the thread so pls forgive if I am totally off target:
Since you seem to use SQL-Select, would not something like
Select *, deleted() as lWasdeletd from ...
fill your need the keep the info on the deleted() status of the base table for your next steps ?

regards

thomas