Yes, I also agree that this is an annoying lack of feature with Dish DVR's. Dish has got to write software that doesn't violate patents, so considering the number of years this one annoying thins has existed (not being able to have RESUME while programs are currently being recorded), it is probably very challenging and can't be done without a great risk of patent violations. I believe TiVo can RESUME during a recording in progress, so Dish may have avoided this feature. However, Dish did get relevant patents for "Time Warp" as well as other TiVo patened technology, so may be they have rights to the RESUME during recording feature. It is interesting that Dish now has a deleted recordings RESTORE feature after having settled with TiVo and obtaining rights to other TiVo patents in additions to "Time Warp." Coincidence? It reminds me of when Dish settled with Gemstar/TV Guide and got lifetime rights to TV Guide "technology," and then some months later I noticed a much more robust search feature. Charlie did say on a Charlie Chat (years ago) soon after the settlement that they were going to implement the TV Guide patents/technology they had rights to very soon. My guess is the Deleted Recordings folder Restore is a TiVo patent technology. So, let's hope Dish has rights to the RESUME during recording feature because that is the only way I see it ever coming to Dish.
And TiVo was given rights to certain Echostar/Dish patents/technology, as part of the settlement.