You are correct, Susan. That is why IT has to be brought in prior to FOIA or discovery requests and be able to testify about what types and how metadata is created and changed within the system. It is also a good hook to develop a team that has discussed these issues and are all on the same page.
Metadata is produced as part of systems, and depends on the parameters of the system.  Sometimes its good information and sometimes its confusing.  I'm thinking particularly of audit histories which can be accurate but can also give erroneous and mixed messages.  If the courts accept metadata as record they are also going to have to look into the systems that produce the metadata and how those systems function to produce metadata.
don't think metadata is any different.
it, because it presents both value and risk.
came onto the scene, and often was viewed as a "telephone conversation".
becomes evidence in a legal dispute, but not until then.
sources non-public record. Good luck with that!