A method comprises receiving a set of write fan out requests for a plurality of sets of encoded data slices and metadata regarding storage parameters for the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues by identifying an encoded data slice of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices based on a desired manipulation of the encoded data slice. The method continues by determining whether the metadata provides a restriction regarding the desired manipulation of the encoded data slice. When the metadata does not provide the restriction regarding the desired manipulation of the encoded data slice, the method continues by determining whether execute the desired manipulation of the encoded data slice based on a storage operational condition. The method continues by executing the desired manipulation of the encoded data slice when the storage unit determines to execute the desired manipulation of the encoded data slice.