Remote query puzzle

I have a query that incorporates a view on a remote database. A straight query against the remote view works fine.

select count(*) from remote_view_at_remote_db where value = 'ABC';

However, if I create a small local table and use it to select against the remote view,

select count(*) from remote_view_at_remote_db where value in (select col1 from small_table);

Then the remote view reacts differently and commits a full table scan against one of the large tables included in the remote view. I have tried the DRIVING_SITE hint and that takes effect, but does not change the FTS. I tried to use a second hint in addition to the DRIVING_SITE hint, an INDEX hint on a table within the remote view. However, this did not change the query behavior.

Any ideas welcome.
Oracle 8.1.7.4
Rule-based optimization

Dennis Williams

--
http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l