Okay, I understand the post # is not just a reference, it is used as the ID for the post. Therefore, the hidden posts need to keep their numbers in the sequence.
If we can consider it a just a display issue, I can think of two ways to fix it:
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For display purpose only, adjust the “post#nn” displayed in the popup box by subtracting the number of hidden posts above it, eg:
I understand that the displayed post number would disagree with the coded URL in the box. -
Include hidden posts in the relative post number and total (eg. 64/64) even when they are not expanded (admins/mods) or even visible (regular users). In my example, the last post would then show 68/68 on the slider. I understand that the incrementing number in the slider would “jump” as it passes hidden posts. This would expose to the clever user that there are posts hiding. But they can already tell that if they click each post’s timestamp in succession.
All that said, I understand that both of these might be difficult to implement in the CSS. Given that only one of our users has noticed this, if it’s difficult to change, it’s not a high priority for me personally.