  Even if the theoretical definition of an unstable state is straightforward,
its experimental identification often depends on the method used in the
analysis and extraction of data. A good example is the case of eta mesic nuclei
where strong hints of their existence led to about three decades of extensive
theoretical and experimental searches. Considering the still undecided status
of these states and the limitations in the understanding of the eta-nucleon as
well as the eta-nucleus interaction, the present article tries to look back at
some unresolved problems in the production mechanism and final state
interaction of the eta mesons and nuclei. An unconventional perspective which
provides a physical insight into the nature of the eta-nucleus interaction is
also presented using quantum time concepts.
