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

[Dave]

(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