>>>Indexes are based upon statistics. If the index is not there, the statistic is missing. Apparently adding the index lets the optimizer conclude not to use the index because the cost is too high. It could not draw that conclusion without the index because then the statistics were missing
>>
>>So the optimizer wants the index so it knows it doesn't want the index.
>>
>>There is something witty here to say about MSSQL being either like a cat or a woman... I can't decide.
>
>Hmmm ... I wonder if I should be offended by that? < g >

I doubt you are easily offended. Boston ladies, they are TOUGH. Even if they do migrate to the easy coast.

Speaking of Boston ladies, I have two words for you: Dennis Levine. He is as good a writer as we have going. Men will never completely figure out women but he sure seems to have some insight.