Playmode clears Prefab script list data unless completely unpacked

Repro:

1. Open scene Assets -> Scenes -> Alasdair -> AnimationTesting
2. Click on LookManager in Hierarchy to view in Inspector.
3. In the Loot Crate Manager component, expand the dropdowns to view the lists.
4. Click ‘Load Resources as arrays’ and ‘FindAllLootCrates’ to populate the lists.
5. Enter Play mode.

 

Expected Outcome: The Loot Crate Manager Component lists stay populated.

Actual Outcome: List items are all set to None/Missing.

Then:

1. Right-click LootManager in Hierarchy -> Unpack Completely
2. Repeat steps 2->5.

This time the expected outcome happens.

Reproducible on 2023.1.0b3, 2021.3.18f1, 2020.3.0f1 - marking as not regression.

 

Note:

• In 2020 the list is showing as empty instead of having missing objects, but the same issue with data disappearing occurs.
• Attached GIF demonstrating this issue.