Sam, you are correct that you can end up restoring many inactive files
with the -todate option.  And actually, another problem today is that
if you did not keep enough versions with your adsm management class options,
it is possible that the files you want from a certain date no longer
exist on the adsm server.

ADSM development is looking at enhancements that would provide better
point-in-time recovery and address these two issues.  Nothing has
been officially announced, but it is hopeful that enhancements might be
part of next year's shipments.
thanks,
Cyndie Behrens (IBM San Jose)