A method for execution by a dispersed storage and task (DST) processing unit that includes a processor includes determining to access a set of storage units; identifying an information dispersal algorithm (IDA) width and a decode threshold number associated with the set of storage units; determining a number of available storage units of the set of storage units; determining a write threshold number and a read threshold number based on the number of available storage units and in accordance with a consistency approach; and accessing at least some of the available storage units utilizing at least one of the write and read threshold numbers.