A problem with the new-ish linked records feature is that at present, it does not show records that are linked indirectly.
Loans are a good example:
The loan form does not provide an easy way to view related collection object records. Users must still query for the individual object numbers or loan number in order to view the records as a set.
I had hoped that when the Linked Records feature was implemented this would fix the problem, but because the relationship between collectionObject and Loans is indirect (through LoanPreparations) collectionObjects still aren’t displayed.
Another, slightly weirder example: Determinations do not show the collectionObject they are linked to as a linked record, even though a Determination can only ever be linked to one collectionObject. Example: https://invertebrates.osu.edu/specify/view/determination/420582/. I don’t know if this is intended, or a bug, but all tables with dependent relationships (i.e. tables where records must be linked to another table in order to exist) should by default show the record they depend on as a linked record.
I propose that linked records, as a feature, should include more relationships, either as a standard, or as a configurable feature.
I completely understand your frustration here. Your understanding is exactly right. In the case of Loans, it is indirect: a Loan links to many LoanPreparation records, and each LoanPreparation links to a Preparation, which finally links back to a CollectionObject.
As you have noticed, the Linked Records tool only focuses on immediate foreign key relationships (as the backbone for the tool is the same as the ‘delete blockers’ system).
Thinking about the Determination example, a CollectionObject shows all linked Determination records because those point to it at a database level. A Determination does cannot have a CollectionObject pointing to it, therefore it is currently missed in this system.
I have a feature request for this capability on GitHub already, and I have added your name:
I am totally behind this idea and would love to see it implemented. If anyone else is in support, please leave your comments here!