diff --git a/src/fenris/collector.py b/src/fenris/collector.py
index 21f829f..a09e317 100644
--- a/src/fenris/collector.py
+++ b/src/fenris/collector.py
@@ -422,20 +422,16 @@ def run_collection(
         if history_path.exists():
             import_legacy_history(conn, history_path, clock=clock)
 
-        recovered_count = _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
+        published_count = _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
 
         # Hold the writer reservation across the capacity check and acquisition.
         # A concurrent collector will recheck pending work before it acquires.
         while True:
             conn.execute("BEGIN IMMEDIATE")
             waiting = _pending_count(conn)
-            if waiting >= PENDING_PUBLICATION_LIMIT:
-                conn.rollback()
-                recovered_count += _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
-                continue
             if waiting:
                 conn.rollback()
-                recovered_count += _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
+                published_count += _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
                 continue
 
             from .tz_util import detect_system_tz
@@ -458,10 +454,10 @@ def run_collection(
             conn.commit()
             break
 
-        recovered_count += _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
+        published_count += _recover_pending_for_collection(conn)
         return {
             "ok": True,
-            "sample_count": recovered_count,
+            "sample_count": published_count,
             "store_path": str(store_path),
         }