• 1) I would imagine (hope) that the optimizer would choose the 'most-compact' covering index in the case where multiple indexes cover a query.

    2) DTA and the missing index subsystem really needs to be taken with a grain of salt and thoroughly examined before throwing it's recommendations into production. I have seen it do INCREDIBLY awful things to databases!!!

    Best,
    Kevin G. Boles
    SQL Server Consultant
    SQL MVP 2007-2012
    TheSQLGuru on googles mail service