diff --git a/conductor/tracks.md b/conductor/tracks.md
index c3ed201..374c903 100644
--- a/conductor/tracks.md
+++ b/conductor/tracks.md
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ This file tracks all major tracks for the project. Each track has its own detail
    *Link: [./tracks/source_wide_redundancy_audit_20260507/](./tracks/source_wide_redundancy_audit_20260507/)*
    *Goal: Deep file-by-file audit to identify unused methods, duplicate logic, and dead code.*
 
-4. [ ] **Track: Comprehensive Codebase Curation & Style Alignment**
+4. [~] **Track: Comprehensive Codebase Curation & Style Alignment**
    *Link: [./tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/](./tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/)*
    *Goal: Exhaustive review of all `.py` files. Remove redundancies, eliminate unnecessary code/data/processing, and strictly align with `product-guidelines.md` and the Python style guide. Focus on performance and maintainability.*
 
diff --git a/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/CURATION_PROTOCOL.md b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/CURATION_PROTOCOL.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1955951
--- /dev/null
+++ b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/CURATION_PROTOCOL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# Granular Review Protocol: Codebase Curation
+
+This protocol defines the mandatory procedure for auditing and modifying files during the Phase 5 Heavy Curation. It is designed to minimize entropy and prevent regression propagation.
+
+## 1. File-by-File Audit Cycle
+
+For every `.py` file identified for curation:
+
+1.  **Dependency Check:** Use `derive_code_path` and `py_get_imports` to identify all upstream and downstream dependencies.
+2.  **State Verification:** Consult the `MUTATION_MATRIX_PHASE5.md` to identify any global state modifications performed by the file.
+3.  **Redundancy Identification:** Cross-reference the file against `CULLING_CANDIDATES_PHASE5.md`.
+4.  **Proposed Change Log:** Before editing, document the specific lines/symbols to be removed or refactored and the technical justification (e.g., "Superseded by theme_2.py").
+5.  **Surgical Edit:** Use the `replace` tool for targeted deletions. Avoid bulk file overwrites.
+6.  **Style Verification:** Immediately run `scripts/ai_style_formatter.py` on the modified file to ensure indentation and formatting standards are maintained.
+
+## 2. Regression Guardrails
+
+- **Functional Parity:** After every major deletion (e.g., removing a redundant module), run the associated unit tests (if any).
+- **Simulation Verification:** For changes to core pipelines (AI loop, Aggregation), run at least one relevant simulation (e.g., `simulation/ping_pong.py`) to verify end-to-end behavior.
+- **Human-in-the-Loop:** Significant refactors (e.g., the `aggregate.py` rework) MUST be presented to the user with a detailed diff before final commitment.
+
+## 3. Culling Justification Standards
+
+- **"Unused"**: Symbol has 0 project-wide references in the audit.
+- **"Redundant"**: Logic exists in a superior or more modern form elsewhere (e.g., `theme.py`).
+- **"Slop"**: Code that adds complexity without contributing to performance, configuration, or a specified feature.
diff --git a/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/plan.md b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/plan.md
index 28b2671..a084fe6 100644
--- a/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/plan.md
+++ b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/plan.md
@@ -1,7 +1,12 @@
 # Implementation Plan: Comprehensive Codebase Curation & Style Alignment (codebase_curation_20260507)
 
+## Phase 0: Context Integration & Strategy
+- [x] Task: Review all Phase 5 analysis reports in `./docs` to internalize the curation roadmap.
+- [x] Task: Define a "Granular Review Protocol" for file-by-file auditing and culling.
+- [x] Task: Conductor - User Manual Verification 'Curation Strategy' (Protocol in workflow.md)
+
 ## Phase 1: Automated Standardization & Audit
-- [ ] Task: Run `scripts/ai_style_formatter.py` and `scripts/force_1space.py` on all files in `./src` and `./simulation`.
+- [~] Task: Run `scripts/ai_style_formatter.py` and `scripts/force_1space.py` on all files in `./src` and `./simulation`.
 - [ ] Task: Conduct an automated entropy audit to identify potential redundancy "hotspots".
 - [ ] Task: Conductor - User Manual Verification 'Standardization' (Protocol in workflow.md)
 
diff --git a/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/spec.md b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/spec.md
index 6cbfda5..38c5356 100644
--- a/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/spec.md
+++ b/conductor/tracks/codebase_curation_20260507/spec.md
@@ -1,7 +1,19 @@
 # Specification: Comprehensive Codebase Curation & Style Alignment (codebase_curation_20260507)
 
 ## Overview
-Aggressive pruning, optimization, and standardization of the codebase. This track uses the findings from the Code Path Analysis to trim away non-essential logic, data, and processing while strictly enforcing the project's technical integrity standards.
+Aggressive pruning, optimization, and standardization of the codebase. This track uses the findings from the Code Path Analysis and other Phase 5 audits to trim away non-essential logic, data, and processing while strictly enforcing the project's technical integrity standards.
+
+## Foundational Context (MANDATORY REVIEW)
+All curation efforts MUST be informed by the following Phase 5 analysis reports:
+- `docs/PIPELINE_ANALYSIS_PHASE5_INIT.md`: Processing route and pipeline mapping.
+- `docs/STATE_INVENTORY_PHASE5.md`: Core data structure and property inventory.
+- `docs/MUTATION_MATRIX_PHASE5.md`: Thread-safe state modification and lock map.
+- `docs/CULLING_CANDIDATES_PHASE5.md`: Identified redundant symbols, modules, and structures.
+
+## Granular Care & Regression Guardrails
+- **Surgical Execution:** Changes must be applied file-by-file with extreme granularity. No bulk culling without individual justification.
+- **Regression Monitoring:** Continuous verification of behavioral integrity. Any unintended entropy or performance degradation must trigger an immediate halt and review.
+- **Traceability:** Every removed line must be cross-referenced against the culling audit or pipeline map.
 
 ## Scope
 - **Target Files:** All `.py` files in `./src` and `./simulation`.