@ David R
you are right with files being dormant until they are executed. In your scenario is a chance that you have malware/viruses on your system, that isn't detected because the files weren't executed. I don't like that scenario!
Plus, you could transfer the malware to other systems.
The sheer fact, that there are multiple forms of on demand scans included in the product shows that the devs had something in mind making these. At least peace of mind of the person using the product.
So if there or some forms of on demand scans, I want to use them, and I want them to use automated (fire and forget). I want to create and schedule the scans and want to know they are executed as scheduled.
If PC isn't turned on at the scheduled time, I want the scan to be executed next time the PC is on. Simple as that.
I don't think it's an problem not solvable, many other AVs can do it.