I am probably completely wrong, but at least it will be short ...
Could it be that select sum(tquant) from mtr_reg where to_proj = $2 and pnum = $1 and (status
='clsd' or status = 'open' or status = 'prip') ;
makes it harder for the optimizer due to the ORs, and that select sum(tquant) from mtr_reg where to_proj
=$2 and pnum = $1 and status in ('clsd','open','prip') --- last line changed ;
would produce a better cost estimate?
Miguel Sofer