diff --git a/.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md b/.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md
index 51619f6e..c079b884 100644
--- a/.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md
+++ b/.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md
@@ -66,16 +66,15 @@ Before analyzing:
 3. [ ] Use skeleton tools for files >50 lines (`manual-slop_py_get_skeleton`)
 4. [ ] Announce: "Analyzing: [error summary]"
 
-## Analysis Protocol
+## Analysis Protocol (MANDATORY FORMAT)
 
 ### 1. Understand the Error
-
-Read the provided error output, test failure, or log carefully.
+- Read the provided error output, test failure, or log carefully
+- Identify affected files from traceback
+- Do NOT assume - base analysis on evidence only
 
 ### 2. Investigate
-
 Use MCP tools to understand the context:
-
 - `manual-slop_read_file` - Read relevant source files
 - `manual-slop_py_find_usages` - Search for related patterns
 - `manual-slop_search_files` - Find related files
@@ -83,7 +82,7 @@ Use MCP tools to understand the context:
 
 ### 3. Root Cause Analysis
 
-Provide a structured analysis:
+Provide a structured analysis in this exact format:
 
 ```
 ## Error Analysis
@@ -92,18 +91,28 @@ Provide a structured analysis:
 [One-sentence description of the error]
 
 ### Root Cause
-[Detailed explanation of why the error occurred]
+[Detailed explanation of WHY the error occurred - not just what went wrong]
 
 ### Evidence
 [File:line references supporting the analysis]
 
+### Data Flow Trace
+[How data moved through the system to cause this error]
+[Reference specific thread domains if applicable: GUI main, asyncio worker, HookServer]
+
 ### Impact
 [What functionality is affected]
 
 ### Recommendations
-[Suggested fixes or next steps - but DO NOT implement them]
+[Suggested fixes - but DO NOT implement them]
 ```
 
+### 4. DO NOT FIX
+- Your job is ANALYSIS ONLY
+- Do NOT modify any files
+- Do NOT write code
+- Return the analysis and let the controller decide
+
 ## Limitations
 
 - **READ-ONLY**: Do NOT modify any files