[radarbob]

OK, I found the correct FAQ.

The key to my problem is preferences setup...

In the Data tab, for "inbox processing" I need to select "context" - vice "project" or "project and context" for what cleanup will process. Now, when I have a context (regardless of any project assignment) for an in-basket item, "Clean Up" will move it to that context list.

Turns out you must click clean up to have your in basket processed. Otherwise, it would disappear from the inbasket as soon as you assigned a context - and that would definitely be confusing when brain dumping.

Thx for your help, jabrewer3.