>>>>I think you nailed it. Say, you stay logged on and there are few new messages. You don't refresh and log off. Next day you will be seeing all new messages except for the few you didn't refresh before you logged off.
>>>>
>>>>This would explain the mystery of "lost messages".
>>>
>>>Actually, while it does seem to resolve it, I think that should be the behavior when you next login again. In other words, if I log off right now and there are messages waiting in the global refresh queue, they should be displayed when I next login without having to use the time warp feature...
>>
>>I think this is how it works in general. Can you test it - wait for a few messages to show (say, number 2) and then log off. See, if they will be there or missing.
>
>Actually did (that's how my comment came about). The only thing I don't know for sure is whether not it is consistent.

I only rarely have a feeling I miss something. But I use messages for today top button a lot and also I usually check new messages before closing computer for the night.