maybe a proper LIVE value which alters the published status field could work. For instance, hence the note in the "LoremIpsum" product:
Live Values are only applied for submission.. (when you add new items)
When you edit existing ones, Live plug-ins are not applied anymore.. in that case all fields are filled by their stored value.
Another idea: Check the URL for the current task. If in edit mode, set "article status" always to "published".
Hello Lionel, "workflow" sounds really interesting and useful! Often noticed that option, but had absolutely no clue what it is and how to use it. I even thought it is not usable yet. It screams for a tutorial article...! ;)