Recently I have been using deformable parts for some purchased components that are stored as read only in our database in just one multibody .prt file (pneumatic cylinders, travel chains for wires...). I am very happy with the results and thankful to some forum members that helped with that. The main advantage for us is that we can match a single item/prt with a purchasing reference/number in our ERP and as they are "read only" parts we can modify the part (deformable) without modify the original geometry and without affect other projects where the same parts are used. It is a very "clean" approach.
Now, I am wondering if this can be improved even more. First, I would like to relate the variables that control those deformable parts when inserted in an assembly to other variables in the assembly. Second I would like to avoid bodies and features of those deformable parts to remain in the assembly when the deformable part is removed from the assembly. Can those things be done? Thanks again!