[Feature request] Create button that links records as duplicates without having to transfer information from duplicate to the occurrence

[themerekat]

From Frank B:

"There are two ways how duplicates can be linked to existing database records, (1) on the 'Occurrence Data' tab if auto-search is enabled or via clicking the duplicate button, or (2) via the Linked Resources tab.

Generally, this works as expected via Linked Resources, where one can manually enter search criteria. The duplicate button (especially if auto-search is enabled) is, however, much more convenient, yet the pop-up window with possible duplicates has no "apply button".

Instead, records can only be linked if 'Transfer to All Fields' or 'Transfer to Empty Fields Only' are clicked. There should be a button that links specimens, even if no data are being transferred between the records.

Currently, the only workaround to link specimens without such an "apply button" is to enable the checkbox 'link as duplicate' and click 'Transfer to Empty Fields Only'. If data between the occurrence records to be linked do not differ, the linkage nevertheless is still not applied. Saving the active record, a message pops up that no changes have been made. The only way to force linking the records is by changing some data in the current record and then save that record. Only then are both records linked."