It doesn't sound like anyone knows of issues that have occurred, which was my main concern. I just realized most of my paperwork may be off the books by now (past 20 year retention req). However, I know of at least one dealer that went OOB so that form went to ATF which likely doesn't throw anything away.
I am an OOB FFL and yes, all records go to the BATFE, I was told they go to a warehouse and sit there, until needed. I was also told they are trying to get all these records into a digital system, told to me by the agent who assisted us during our time open, the break in and our closing.
Tracing, exactly that. Law enforcement agency contacts manufacturer, they give distribution name, they give FFL name who then gives name of person that did the BGC. I did numerous traces while we were open. Several who were friends who no longer had that firearm. LEO contacted them, they said it was sold, trace gone cold.
No need to worry about traces.