Custom Simp. Rep creates a Dependency in Part

Hi,

My goal is to clearly have the presence of external references in the part visible by having "Dependency status" column in the model tree. This way if i create an external reference in the part, this column would have "Dependent" written on it. 

However, I noticed that if I create a new simplified rep in the part, then it automatically shows as "Dependent" in the "Dependency status" column. What is even more interesting - when I activate the Master rep, the "Dependent" status goes away; when I activate my new rep again - the "Dependent" comes back. 

As per this article here: https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS67430 , the "Dependency" is always external. This makes me think that this may be not intended software behaviour, because I am creating a rep within the same part, and not initiating any external dependency.

Could somebody please comment on why this is happening, and potentially how to create a custom rep in a part without having "Dependent" status popping up?

Alternatively, if it is not possible / is a software glitch; can someone please suggest a clear distinctive alternative method how to immediatelly see  the external reference presence within the part, without going to reference viewer?

I am using Creo 9.0.3

Many thanks!