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It seems that the energy change in an inelastic collision
should not depend on the frame of reference, since the
energy change will increase the temperature of the objects.
The temperature change should be independent of the frame
of reference.
I think Dan has the answer -- I'll add one more obvious item.
Very simply KE is dissipated until both are moving at the
same speed whether it's thru gross inelasticity (one ball is
sticky putty) or it's plastic (or not) deformation of a steel
railroad car coupling, or whether it's completed slowly or quickly.