[Dovecot] dovecot-shared and shared "\Seen" flags

(Running Dovecot 1.1.0) Is it possible to either -

(a) Still have shared "\Seen" flags even while using the dovecot-shared file or (b) Indicate to Dovecot in some way other than the dovecot-shared file which permissions to use for any messages created?

The problem is, in my shared folder (using symlinks) scenario I am using, I have to use the dovecot-shared file to make sure new messages get written with the correct user and group permissions so that everyone appropriate can access them, but I still would like the functionality of the shared "\Seen" flags in these shared/symlinked folders (which having dovecot-shared seems to knock out). Is it possible to do both somehow? Dave