Thanks for the feedback. The original table had an unnecessary join which the new query eliminates, and if you can remove the DISTINCT now, then you remove a memory-hogging SORT too.
For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden