Okay, in trying to keep the "View Issues" search bar collapsed (we don't need it.) We came upon a minor flaw. The javascript creates the cookie, but never recalls it, so that the search +/- is always expanded.

Here's a possible fix: Change

-- ====================== FILTER FORM ========================= --

    filter_draw_selection_area( $f_page_number );
    # -- ====================== end of FILTER FORM ================== --

to

    # -- ====================== FILTER FORM ========================= --
    filter_draw_selection_area( $f_page_number );
    echo "<script type='text/javascript'>SetDiv('filter', g_div_filter);</script>";
    # -- ====================== end of FILTER FORM ================== --

Alternately, that script can be placed in a more appropriate place in the function hierarchy -- inside filter_draw_selection_area, perhaps.