Richard,
You asked thought provoking questions, but didn't answer mine. What
is the compelling reason to use virtual volumes? Offsite copypools
and certain restorability of the TSM database are essential. Thank
you for spotlighting those points. However, I can do those without
virtual volumes. Right? What circumstances make virtual volumes
helpful, preferable or necessary? TSM development designed and built
them for a reason. What is the reason?

This is not a rhetorical question. I am hoping someone will turn this
light bulb on for me.

With best wishes,
Keith Arbogast