Summary of the situation leading to the below resolution:

PayPal used in authorize mode, actions taken on store side sometimes elevate the order status beyond pending (or default payment status), PayPal site visited and batch capture performed. This results in setting and resetting the status to pending. The issue of concern is the reset of the status. A solution is provided at:

http://www.zen-cart.com/showthread.p...72#post1259872