7 updates and NO change, deleted messages still showing up with timestamp

I'm having a difficult time understanding what your issue is? And we can't fix anything, because you are NOT writing anyone from Apple on this user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't actively participate.

Since I truly don't even understand what the issue is, feel free to share your thoughts with Apple, by providing feedback here in this link --> Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Are you referring to SMS or iMessage?

Have you enabled Messages on iCloud?

Do you have Multiple devices?

For your case, I consider you have more than one iPhone and a Mac. Read on...

Ensuring a smooth synchronization of messages across your Apple devices typically occurs without issues when you employ the same Apple ID and activate the required settings.

However, a key factor to consider is the scenario where you possess several devices linked to the same Apple ID, all of which are set up to transmit messages to your Mac. In this context, a notable situation arises when you delete a message from one of your iPhones. In such cases, it's essential to recognize that any messages that were forwarded from the other iPhones will persist within your Mac.

See the pic below which has multiple Phone Numbers Indicating Multiple devices.

If you delete a few messages from one iPhone, the messages received from other iPhone(s) will still be retained on your Mac. I hope my explanation is clear.

I am running at 17.5 and still no change. Everyone has to go to apple.com/feedback and complain.