Wow that is quite complicated for a feature that should just work. So annoying it is not a simple fix. 

Does anyone monitor these forums?  This is ridiculous that nearly 5+ questions about inventory issues have no answers! 

159 views and no one from Shopify can bother to answer. shame.  

Why cant we just choose????? Also when I upload my CSV there is no column header option to indicate STATUS although on the help file it clearly shows that Status is an option. SeriouslY??  https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/import-export/usi...

Absolutely infuriating! Dealing with the same problem. I need my products to be set to draft!. The Shopify help pages are useless as they who a column for stratus!!! its been a week and no reply?