Low row estimation is the cause. It predicted 6k~ and ended up doing millions.

I guess the fix is a better index, key, join, etc. However, can you take...

Gentlemen, thank you for your assistance, esp. without knowing my schema.

I forced the join on two tables to be hashed, as the query plan was showing nested loop.

I am currently...

I'm not familiar with De Morgan's laws but your explanation of my situation using them made sense (end result the same to me).

For now, can you think of any way...

EDIT: I notice you're adding more to your post. I'll check it again - thanks!!

What is interesting is I can remove the additional NOT where clause in statement...

I apologize, I thought the question was implied. Surely was to all my co-workers.

Why does the second statement run forever? Is there a better way to achieve what...