Hi Benoit,
You were right!
1. I created a Logical model from the original physical
2. Created a new physical from the logical
3. Merged the extended attributes from the original physical to the new/regenerated.
4. Checked in the new physical
And the results:
The complete check-in of the regenerated physical took less than 2 minutes!
Thanks for the idea. You're great!
Gabor