How can I find iCloud files and folders not in Recently Deleted or Restore Files?

It doesn't seem like it was deleted, or it would be in Recently Deleted.

While this may seem unlikely, it somehow happens to me stupidly often that I pass by a file or folder and accidentally move it into another folder, and I don't know where it went. Could this be it? If it is, then you can do a Finder search, or use the 3rd party app Find Any File ($6) to hunt for it. Finder search will find files that are in iCloud Drive even if they are removed locally.

I keep important files downloaded on my Mac so that my Time Machine backups will make a copy. If you right-click on a file, you can insist that it stay local:

Your backup can't back it up if it's not there…

u003f wrote: …Do Apple themselves provide support in instances where their product has failed, as appears to be the case here with iCloud?

Well, they would argue that iCloud Drive is not a backup service. And it's incredibly difficult to prove that you didn't just mess up. (By the way, did you check the trash?)

On the other hand, you can call them and see. They're pretty responsive for computer and software problems, but with such a focus on privacy and not accessing your files, they are very reluctant to step in for this sort of thing. However, if you contact them they will be very friendly, and they'll do what they can-- and what do you have to lose but a bit of time?

You can try here:

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

u003f wrote:

And it's incredibly difficult to prove that you didn't just mess up.

And this. I thought the point of saving your work in the cloud is

that you can mess up and, within a limited time frame (such as the < week here), undo that mess.

I’m afraid not. iCloud is a Synchronization service. iCloud immediately synchronizes your work and your mistakes. That’s why we keep backups.

Understanding iCloud Drive - Apple Community