> This might be a deal-breaker for some users. Why not just ask the user if they want a replacement versus a full copy?
Shortcut preserves semantics: working on the original file or working on a shortcut to the original file will both modify the same document. Fully copy (create a new document with same contents as original document at a point in time) would bring new semantics.
It would also have quota implications - if I had a 5GB file multiparented in 3 locations, I wouldn't want to suddenly be over quota because Google decided I really wanted it copied to 3 locations.
Shortcut preserves semantics: working on the original file or working on a shortcut to the original file will both modify the same document. Fully copy (create a new document with same contents as original document at a point in time) would bring new semantics.