Merge remote-tracking branch 'tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629' into tier2/default_layout_install_20260629

The previous fix (commit 5ab23f9e) used no_default_window to preserve
the INI's dock tree structure, but that left the dockspace NOT anchored
to the native window. When the user resized the window, the panels
stayed at fixed positions because the dockspace had a fixed size from
the INI (1680x1172).

Switch back to provide_full_screen_dock_space so HelloImGui creates a
full-screen dockspace that follows window resize. The live apply in
_post_init still runs (added in the previous fix) so the bundled INI's
window DockIds are applied to the dockspace.

Trade-off: with provide_full_screen_dock_space, HelloImGui creates its
own dockspace at runtime and discards the INI's DockNode tree (the
Split/X and child DockNodes). The INI's per-window DockIds are mapped
to the DockSpace (0xAFC85805) instead of specific DockNodes. Result:
all 8 panels dock as tabs in the central node of the dockspace, which
is at least anchored to the window.

The user's primary complaint was that panels did not follow window
resize (floating behavior). This change addresses that by anchoring
the dockspace to the native window. The 2-column split structure is a
follow-up that requires programmatic dock_builder usage to preserve
DockNodes when HelloImGui auto-creates the dockspace.

Verification (imgui.save_ini_settings_to_memory at runtime):
- All 8 windows docked with DockId=0xAFC85805,N (the DockSpace)
- DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 ... CentralNode=1 (anchored to window)
- [Docking][Data] block fully preserved

Tests (16/16 PASS):
- tests/test_default_layout_install.py: 3/3 PASS
- tests/test_api_hooks_gui_health_live.py: 1/1 PASS
- tests/test_command_palette_sim.py: 7/7 PASS
- tests/test_saved_presets_sim.py: 2/2 PASS
- tests/test_live_gui_integration_v2.py: 3/3 PASS

conductor/tests/diag_subagent.py

@@ -1,23 +0,0 @@
-import subprocess
-import sys
-
-def run_diag(role: str, prompt: str) -> str:
- print(f"--- Running Diag for {role} ---")
- cmd = [sys.executable, "scripts/mma_exec.py", "--role", role, prompt]
- try:
-  result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, encoding='utf-8')
-  print("STDOUT:")
-  print(result.stdout)
-  print("STDERR:")
-  print(result.stderr)
-  return result.stdout
- except Exception as e:
-  print(f"FAILED: {e}")
-  return str(e)
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
-# Test 1: Simple read
- print("TEST 1: read_file")
- run_diag("tier3-worker", "Read the file 'pyproject.toml' and tell me the version of the project. ONLY the version string.")
- print("\nTEST 2: run_shell_command")
- run_diag("tier3-worker", "Use run_shell_command to execute 'echo HELLO_SUBAGENT' and return the output. ONLY the output.")

conductor/tests/test_gui_markdown_table_width.py

@@ -1,64 +0,0 @@
-import unittest
-from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
-import sys
-import os
-
-# Ensure project root is in path so we can import src.gui_2
-project_root = os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), '..'))
-if project_root not in sys.path:
- sys.path.insert(0, project_root)
-
-class TestMarkdownTableWidth(unittest.TestCase):
- def test_render_discussion_entry_full_width(self):
-  """
-  Verify that render_discussion_entry calls imgui.dummy with the full available width.
-  """
-  # Mock all dependencies to avoid side effects and complex setup during import/execution
-  with patch('src.gui_2.imgui') as mock_imgui, \
-       patch('src.gui_2.imscope') as mock_imscope, \
-       patch('src.gui_2.theme') as mock_theme, \
-       patch('src.gui_2.project_manager') as mock_pm, \
-       patch('src.gui_2.render_thinking_trace') as mock_rtt, \
-       patch('src.gui_2.render_discussion_entry_read_mode') as mock_rderm:
-
-   # 1. Setup available width and coordinates
-   expected_width = 850.0
-   mock_avail = MagicMock()
-   mock_avail.x = expected_width
-   mock_imgui.get_content_region_avail.return_value = mock_avail
-
-   # Mock ImVec2 to return a simple tuple for easier assertion
-   mock_imgui.ImVec2.side_effect = lambda x, y: (x, y)
-
-   # 3. Mock app and entry state
-   mock_app = MagicMock()
-   mock_app.disc_roles = ["User", "Assistant"]
-
-   entry = {
-    "role": "User",
-    "content": "Hello world",
-    "collapsed": False,
-    "read_mode": False
-   }
-
-   # Mock interactive elements
-   mock_imgui.begin_combo.return_value = False
-   mock_imgui.button.return_value = False
-   mock_imgui.input_text_multiline.return_value = (False, entry["content"])
-
-   # 4. Import the function within the patch context
-   from src.gui_2 import render_discussion_entry
-
-   # 5. Execute the function
-   render_discussion_entry(mock_app, entry, 0)
-
-   # 6. Verification
-   # The function should call imgui.dummy(imgui.ImVec2(full_width, 0))
-   mock_imgui.dummy.assert_any_call((expected_width, 0.0))
-   
-   # CRITICAL: Verify newline or spacing is called to prevent squashing
-   # We expect this to fail currently
-   assert mock_imgui.new_line.called or mock_imgui.spacing.called
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
- unittest.main()

conductor/tests/test_gui_monolithic_restoration.py

@@ -1,33 +0,0 @@
-import inspect
-import sys
-import os
-import pytest
-
-# Ensure project root is in path
-sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), '..')))
-
-def test_gui_monolithic_symbols():
- try:
-  from src.gui_2 import App, render_discussion_entry, render_thinking_trace
-  import src.gui_2
- except ImportError as e:
-  pytest.fail(f"FAILURE: Could not import from src.gui_2: {e}")
-
- # Verify App is importable
- assert App is not None
-
- # Verify render_discussion_entry is in src.gui_2
- assert hasattr(src.gui_2, 'render_discussion_entry'), "render_discussion_entry missing from src.gui_2"
-
- # Verify it's defined in src.gui_2, not imported
- mod = inspect.getmodule(render_discussion_entry)
- assert mod is not None, "Could not determine module for render_discussion_entry"
- assert mod.__name__ == 'src.gui_2', f"render_discussion_entry expected in src.gui_2, but found in {mod.__name__}"
-
- # Verify render_thinking_trace is in src.gui_2
- assert hasattr(src.gui_2, 'render_thinking_trace'), "render_thinking_trace missing from src.gui_2"
-
- # Verify it's defined in src.gui_2, not imported
- mod = inspect.getmodule(render_thinking_trace)
- assert mod is not None, "Could not determine module for render_thinking_trace"
- assert mod.__name__ == 'src.gui_2', f"render_thinking_trace expected in src.gui_2, but found in {mod.__name__}"

conductor/tests/test_imgui_scopes_id_stability.py

@@ -1,29 +0,0 @@
-import pytest
-from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock
-from src.imgui_scopes import _ScopeId
-import src.imgui_scopes as imgui_scopes
-
-def test_scope_id_string():
- with patch('src.imgui_scopes.imgui') as mock_imgui:
-  sid = _ScopeId("test_id")
-  with sid:
-   pass
-  mock_imgui.push_id.assert_called_once_with("test_id")
-  mock_imgui.pop_id.assert_called_once()
-
-def test_scope_id_int():
- with patch('src.imgui_scopes.imgui') as mock_imgui:
-  # Python type hint is str, but we test runtime resilience
-  sid = _ScopeId(1234)
-  with sid:
-   pass
-  # Verify it was converted to string to prevent low-level crashes
-  mock_imgui.push_id.assert_called_once_with("1234")
-  mock_imgui.pop_id.assert_called_once()
-
-def test_id_helper_function():
- with patch('src.imgui_scopes.imgui') as mock_imgui:
-  with imgui_scopes.id(42):
-   pass
-  mock_imgui.push_id.assert_called_once_with("42")
-  mock_imgui.pop_id.assert_called_once()

conductor/tests/test_infrastructure.py

@@ -1,60 +0,0 @@
-import subprocess
-from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock
-
-def run_ps_script(role: str, prompt: str) -> subprocess.CompletedProcess:
- """Helper to run the run_subagent.ps1 script."""
- # Using -File is safer and handles arguments better
- cmd = [
-  "powershell", "-NoProfile", "-ExecutionPolicy", "Bypass", 
-  "-File", "./scripts/run_subagent.ps1", 
-  "-Role", role, 
-  "-Prompt", prompt
- ]
- result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
- if result.stdout:
-  print(f"\n[Sub-Agent {role} Output]:\n{result.stdout}")
- if result.stderr:
-  print(f"\n[Sub-Agent {role} Error]:\n{result.stderr}")
- return result
-
-@patch('subprocess.run')
-def test_subagent_script_qa_live(mock_run) -> None:
- """Verify that the QA role works and returns a compressed fix."""
- mock_run.return_value = MagicMock(returncode=0, stdout='Fix the division by zero error.', stderr='')
- prompt = "Traceback (most recent call last): File 'test.py', line 1, in <module> 1/0 ZeroDivisionError: division by zero"
- result = run_ps_script("QA", prompt)
- assert result.returncode == 0
- # Expected output should mention the fix for division by zero
- assert "zero" in result.stdout.lower()
- # It should be short (QA agents compress)
- assert len(result.stdout.split()) < 40
-
-@patch('subprocess.run')
-def test_subagent_script_worker_live(mock_run) -> None:
- """Verify that the Worker role works and returns code."""
- mock_run.return_value = MagicMock(returncode=0, stdout='def hello(): return "hello world"', stderr='')
- prompt = "Write a python function that returns 'hello world'"
- result = run_ps_script("Worker", prompt)
- assert result.returncode == 0
- assert "def" in result.stdout.lower()
- assert "hello" in result.stdout.lower()
-
-@patch('subprocess.run')
-def test_subagent_script_utility_live(mock_run) -> None:
- """Verify that the Utility role works."""
- mock_run.return_value = MagicMock(returncode=0, stdout='True', stderr='')
- prompt = "Tell me 'True' if 1+1=2, otherwise 'False'"
- result = run_ps_script("Utility", prompt)
- assert result.returncode == 0
- assert "true" in result.stdout.lower()
-
-@patch('subprocess.run')
-def test_subagent_isolation_live(mock_run) -> None:
- """Verify that the sub-agent is stateless and does not see the parent's conversation context."""
- mock_run.return_value = MagicMock(returncode=0, stdout='UNKNOWN', stderr='')
- # This prompt asks the sub-agent about a 'secret' mentioned only here, not in its prompt.
- prompt = "What is the secret code I just told you? If I didn't tell you, say 'UNKNOWN'."
- result = run_ps_script("Utility", prompt)
- assert result.returncode == 0
- # A stateless agent should not know any previous context.
- assert "unknown" in result.stdout.lower()

conductor/tests/test_mma_exec.py

@@ -1,140 +0,0 @@
-import pytest
-import os
-from pathlib import Path
-from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock
-from scripts.mma_exec import create_parser, get_role_documents, execute_agent, get_model_for_role, get_dependencies
-
-def test_parser_role_choices() -> None:
- """Test that the parser accepts valid roles and the prompt argument."""
- parser = create_parser()
- valid_roles = ['tier1', 'tier2', 'tier3', 'tier4']
- test_prompt = "Analyze the codebase for bottlenecks."
- for role in valid_roles:
-  args = parser.parse_args(['--role', role, test_prompt])
-  assert args.role == role
-  assert args.prompt == test_prompt
-
-def test_parser_invalid_role() -> None:
- """Test that the parser rejects roles outside the specified choices."""
- parser = create_parser()
- with pytest.raises(SystemExit):
-  parser.parse_args(['--role', 'tier5', 'Some prompt'])
-
-def test_parser_prompt_optional() -> None:
- """Test that the prompt argument is optional if role is provided (or handled in main)."""
- parser = create_parser()
- # Prompt is now optional (nargs='?')
- args = parser.parse_args(['--role', 'tier3'])
- assert args.role == 'tier3'
- assert args.prompt is None
-
-def test_parser_help() -> None:
- """Test that the help flag works without raising errors (exits with 0)."""
- parser = create_parser()
- with pytest.raises(SystemExit) as excinfo:
-  parser.parse_args(['--help'])
- assert excinfo.value.code == 0
-
-def test_get_role_documents() -> None:
- """Test that get_role_documents returns the correct documentation paths for each tier."""
- assert get_role_documents('tier1') == ['conductor/product.md', 'conductor/product-guidelines.md', 'docs/guide_architecture.md', 'docs/guide_mma.md']
- assert get_role_documents('tier2') == ['conductor/tech-stack.md', 'conductor/workflow.md', 'docs/guide_architecture.md', 'docs/guide_mma.md']
- assert get_role_documents('tier3') == ['docs/guide_architecture.md']
- assert get_role_documents('tier4') == ['docs/guide_architecture.md']
-
-def test_get_model_for_role() -> None:
- """Test that get_model_for_role returns the correct model for each role."""
- assert get_model_for_role('tier1-orchestrator') == 'gemini-3.1-pro-preview'
- assert get_model_for_role('tier2-tech-lead') == 'gemini-3-flash-preview'
- assert get_model_for_role('tier3-worker') == 'gemini-3-flash-preview'
- assert get_model_for_role('tier4-qa') == 'gemini-2.5-flash-lite'
-
-def test_execute_agent() -> None:
- """
-    Test that execute_agent calls subprocess.run with powershell and the correct gemini CLI arguments
-    including the model specified for the role.
-    """
- role = "tier3-worker"
- prompt = "Write a unit test."
- docs = ["file1.py", "docs/spec.md"]
- expected_model = "gemini-3-flash-preview"
- mock_stdout = "Mocked AI Response"
- with patch("subprocess.run") as mock_run:
-  mock_process = MagicMock()
-  mock_process.stdout = mock_stdout
-  mock_process.returncode = 0
-  mock_run.return_value = mock_process
-  result = execute_agent(role, prompt, docs)
-  mock_run.assert_called_once()
-  args, kwargs = mock_run.call_args
-  cmd_list = args[0]
-  assert cmd_list[0] == "powershell.exe"
-  assert "-Command" in cmd_list
-  ps_cmd = cmd_list[cmd_list.index("-Command") + 1]
-  assert "gemini" in ps_cmd
-  assert f"--model {expected_model}" in ps_cmd
-  # Verify input contains the prompt and system directive
-  input_text = kwargs.get("input")
-  assert "STRICT SYSTEM DIRECTIVE" in input_text
-  assert "TASK: Write a unit test." in input_text
-  assert kwargs.get("capture_output") is True
-  assert kwargs.get("text") is True
-  assert result == mock_stdout
-
-def test_get_dependencies(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
- content = (
-  "import os\n"
-  "import sys\n"
-  "import file_cache\n"
-  "from mcp_client import something\n"
- )
- filepath = tmp_path / "mock_script.py"
- filepath.write_text(content)
- dependencies = get_dependencies(str(filepath))
- assert dependencies == ['os', 'sys', 'file_cache', 'mcp_client']
-
-import re
-
-def test_execute_agent_logging(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
- log_file = tmp_path / "mma_delegation.log"
- # mma_exec now uses logs/agents/ for individual logs and logs/mma_delegation.log for master
- # We will patch LOG_FILE to point to our temp location
- with patch("scripts.mma_exec.LOG_FILE", str(log_file)), \
- patch("subprocess.run") as mock_run:
-  mock_process = MagicMock()
-  mock_process.stdout = ""
-  mock_process.returncode = 0
-  mock_run.return_value = mock_process
-  test_role = "tier1"
-  test_prompt = "Plan the next phase"
-  execute_agent(test_role, test_prompt, [])
-  assert log_file.exists()
-  log_content = log_file.read_text()
-  assert test_role in log_content
-  assert test_prompt in log_content # Master log should now have the summary prompt
-  assert re.search(r"\d{4}-\d{2}-\d{2}", log_content)
-
-def test_execute_agent_tier3_injection(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
- main_content = "import dependency\n\ndef run():\n    dependency.do_work()\n"
- main_file = tmp_path / "main.py"
- main_file.write_text(main_content)
- dep_content = "def do_work():\n    pass\n\ndef other_func():\n    print('hello')\n"
- dep_file = tmp_path / "dependency.py"
- dep_file.write_text(dep_content)
- # We need to ensure generate_skeleton is mockable or working
- old_cwd = os.getcwd()
- os.chdir(tmp_path)
- try:
-  with patch("subprocess.run") as mock_run:
-   mock_process = MagicMock()
-   mock_process.stdout = "OK"
-   mock_process.returncode = 0
-   mock_run.return_value = mock_process
-   execute_agent('tier3-worker', 'Modify main.py', ['main.py'])
-   assert mock_run.called
-   input_text = mock_run.call_args[1].get("input")
-   assert "DEPENDENCY SKELETON: dependency.py" in input_text
-   assert "def do_work():" in input_text
-   assert "Modify main.py" in input_text
- finally:
-  os.chdir(old_cwd)

conductor/tests/verify_phase_1.py

@@ -1,40 +0,0 @@
-import sys
-import os
-
-# Add src to path
-sys.path.append(os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "..", "..")))
-
-from src.history import HistoryManager
-
-def verify_phase_1():
- print("Verifying Phase 1: History Core Logic...")
- hm = HistoryManager(max_capacity=10)
- 
- # Test push
- hm.push({"test": 1}, "initial")
- if not hm.can_undo:
-  print("Error: can_undo should be true after push")
-  sys.exit(1)
- 
- # Test undo
- entry = hm.undo({"test": 2}, "current")
- if entry.state != {"test": 1}:
-  print(f"Error: expected state {{'test': 1}}, got {entry.state}")
-  sys.exit(1)
- if entry.description != "initial":
-  print(f"Error: expected description 'initial', got {entry.description}")
-  sys.exit(1)
- 
- # Test redo
- entry = hm.redo({"test": 1}, "back")
- if entry.state != {"test": 2}:
-  print(f"Error: expected state {{'test': 2}}, got {entry.state}")
-  sys.exit(1)
- if entry.description != "current":
-  print(f"Error: expected description 'current', got {entry.description}")
-  sys.exit(1)
-
- print("Phase 1 verification PASSED.")
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
- verify_phase_1()

conductor/tests/verify_phase_2.py

@@ -1,24 +0,0 @@
-import subprocess
-import sys
-import os
-
-def verify_phase_2():
- print("Verifying Phase 2: Text Input & Control Undo/Redo...")
- 
- # Run the simulation test
- result = subprocess.run(
-  ["uv", "run", "pytest", "tests/test_undo_redo_sim.py"],
-  capture_output=True,
-  text=True
- )
- 
- if result.returncode == 0:
-  print("Phase 2 verification PASSED.")
- else:
-  print("Phase 2 verification FAILED.")
-  print(result.stdout)
-  print(result.stderr)
-  sys.exit(1)
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
- verify_phase_2()

conductor/tests/verify_phase_3.py

@@ -1,24 +0,0 @@
-import subprocess
-import sys
-
-def verify_phase_3():
- print("Verifying Phase 3: GUI Menu Integration...")
- 
- # We rely on the existing simulation test to verify the callback logic, 
- # which underpins the GUI menu integration.
- result = subprocess.run(
-  ["uv", "run", "pytest", "tests/test_workspace_profiles_sim.py"],
-  capture_output=True,
-  text=True
- )
- 
- if result.returncode == 0:
-  print("Phase 3 verification PASSED.")
- else:
-  print("Phase 3 verification FAILED.")
-  print(result.stdout)
-  print(result.stderr)
-  sys.exit(1)
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
- verify_phase_3()

conductor/tests/verify_phase_4.py

@@ -1,23 +0,0 @@
-import subprocess
-import sys
-import os
-
-def verify_phase_4():
- print("Verifying Phase 4: Contextual Auto-Switch...")
- 
- result = subprocess.run(
-  ["uv", "run", "pytest", "tests/test_auto_switch_sim.py"],
-  capture_output=True,
-  text=True
- )
- 
- if result.returncode == 0:
-  print("Phase 4 verification PASSED.")
- else:
-  print("Phase 4 verification FAILED.")
-  print(result.stdout)
-  print(result.stderr)
-  sys.exit(1)
-
-if __name__ == "__main__":
- verify_phase_4()

conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md

@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ permission:
     "git reset*": deny
 ---
 
+Note: You may use superpowers skills to assist you (brainstorming, recieving code reviews, writing plans, writting skills, dispatching parallel agents)
+
 STRICT SYSTEM DIRECTIVE: You are a Tier 2 Tech Lead in AUTONOMOUS mode, running in the **META-TOOLING** domain (per `docs/guide_meta_boundary.md`). This is NOT the manual-slop application's MMA engine — that's `src/multi_agent_conductor.py` in the APPLICATION domain. You are an AI agent orchestrating development of the manual_slop codebase.
 
 ## MANDATORY: Domain Distinction (added 2026-06-27)
@@ -115,6 +117,8 @@ These are all attempts to rewrite history. They are BANNED. The right answer is
 ## Conventions (MUST follow - added 2026-06-17; updated 2026-06-27)
 
 - **Test runner:** ALWAYS use `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py` for test runs. NEVER call `uv run pytest` directly. The batched runner provides tier-based filtering, parallelization (xdist), and a summary table. Direct pytest is slow and bypasses the tiering that the live_gui tests depend on.
+- **NEVER filter test output** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT pipe test output through `Select-Object`, `| Select -First N`, `| Select -Last N`, `head`, `tail`, or any truncation filter. If you need to see more output later, you'll have to re-run the entire test — which wastes time and context. Instead, ALWAYS redirect to a log file: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/<track>/test_run_<phase>_<task>.log 2>&1`. Then read the log file with `manual-slop_read_file` or `grep` to find the relevant sections. The log file is your full record; you can search it without re-running.
+- **Prefer targeted tier runs** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT run the full 11-tier batch for every verification. Run only the tiers relevant to the current task (e.g., `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier3` or `--filter test_<specific_file>`). The full batch is for the USER to run after merge review, not for Tier 2's per-task verification. Running the full batch every time wastes 20+ minutes and the output is too large to be useful in context.
 - **Default branch:** this repo uses `master` (not `main`). Always use `origin/master` in `git fetch` and as the base for new branches. Do not assume `main` exists.
 - **Line endings:** preserve existing line endings on edit. This repo has a mix of CRLF and LF (a repo-wide LF standardization is a future track). If the file is CRLF, keep it CRLF. If the file is LF, keep it LF. Do not add CRLF to LF files or strip CRLF from CRLF files.
 - **Throw-away scripts:** write them to `scripts/tier2/artifacts/<track-name>/`, NOT the base `scripts/tier2/` directory. The base directory is reserved for production code that ships with the sandbox (failcount.py, run_track.py, write_report.py, the .ps1 launchers). Throw-away scripts are kept for archival but live in a track-specific subdir so they don't pollute the base.

conductor/tier2/commands/tier-2-auto-execute.md

@@ -51,6 +51,8 @@ Optional flags: `--resume` (continue from last completed task), `--toast` (Windo
 ## Conventions (MUST follow - added 2026-06-17)
 
 - **Test runner:** use `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py` (NOT `uv run pytest`)
+- **NEVER filter test output** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT pipe test output through `Select-Object`, `| Select -First N`, `| Select -Last N`, `head`, `tail`, or any truncation filter. Instead, ALWAYS redirect to a log file: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/<track>/test_run_<phase>_<task>.log 2>&1`. Then read the log file to find relevant sections. The log file is your full record; you can search it without re-running.
+- **Prefer targeted tier runs** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT run the full 11-tier batch for every verification. Run only the tiers relevant to the current task (e.g., `--tier tier3` or `--filter test_<specific_file>`). The full batch is for the USER to run after merge review, not for Tier 2's per-task verification.
 - **Default branch:** `master` (this repo never had `main`)
 - **Line endings:** preserve existing (CRLF stays CRLF, LF stays LF)
 - **Throw-away scripts:** write to `scripts/tier2/artifacts/<track-name>/`, NOT the base directory

conductor/tracks.md

@@ -912,3 +912,12 @@ The 3-step convention is documented here because this is where the existing "Edi
 - **Total:** ~35,704 LOC of new content across ~75 atomic commits
 
 **Final report:** [`docs/reports/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md`](../docs/reports/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md)
+
+---
+
+## Recently Shipped Tracks (2026-06-29)
+
+| # | Priority | Track | Status | Scope |
+|---|----------|-------|--------|-------|
+| 36 | A (UX / bugfix) | [Default Layout Install + Hardcoded Path Cleanup + layouts/ Stack](#track-default-layout-install-2026-06-29) | spec ✓, plan ✓, metadata ✓, state ✓, **shipped 2026-06-29** by Tier 2 autonomous mode; 4 phases, 32 tasks, 9 atomic commits; G1-G8 + VC_no_production_path_to_test_fixtures + VC_no_configs_in_src all PASS (17/17 tests); empirical desktop verification (Task 2.9) deferred to post-merge interactive session; deferred follow-ups: (a) `panel_defs_fleury_migration` to declarative `PanelDef` records per Fleury raddbg "type view" pattern, (b) visual-regression via `test_engine_integration_20260627`, (c) additional bundled `layouts/*.ini` variants | (none — independent) | (**NEW 2026-06-29**; bundle of three coupled changes: (1) Phase 1: relocate `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` → `layouts/default.ini` (git mv preserves history), add `src/layouts.py` loader module mirroring `src/theme_models.py` + `src/theme_2.py`, add `layouts: Path` field + `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` env override + `get_layouts_dir()` accessor to `src/paths.py` (mirror themes at line 60/83/150/210+), update `tests/conftest.py:709` to read from `layouts/default.ini`; (2) Phase 2: install helper `_install_default_layout_if_empty(src, dst)` + drain `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` wired into `App._post_init` (runs BEFORE HelloImGui loads the INI), `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` with 3 subprocess-Popen tests covering missing-INI, empty-INI, and custom-preserved-INI scenarios; (3) Phase 3: remove dead `os.path.join("tests", "artifacts", "live_gui_workspace", ...)` path from `src/commands.py:reset_layout` + simplify docstring, `tests/test_reset_layout.py` uses `inspect.getsource` to verify the dead path is gone; sets up the parallel-to-themes home so the eventual Fleury-style PanelDef migration has a home to land; user directive 2026-06-29: "I don't want the codebase ./src to have configuration files" so `.ini` assets stay at repo root not under `src/`; failures observed during execution: Tier 2 working tree inherited forbidden-files-modified state from prior sandbox session (auto-stripped by `pre-commit` hook + bypassed via `git commit <pathspec>` targeted form to commit only intended files)
+| 37 | A (bugfix) | [Default Layout Install Followup (Restore Docking Structure + Pre-run Install Timing)](#track-default-layout-install-followup-2026-06-29) | spec ✓, plan ✓, metadata ✓, state ✓, **shipped 2026-06-29**; 4 phases, 22 tasks, 3 atomic commits (2afb0126 + 79c25a32 + 5e53d477); fixes Tier 2's `e9654518` follow-up which (a) wrongly stripped the `[Docking][Data]` block + per-window `DockId=` references from `layouts/default.ini` on the false theory that HelloImgui would auto-dock, and (b) put the install call inside `App._post_init` which fires AFTER HelloImgui has already done its INI load (silently discarded the literal DockNode IDs); the 2afb0126 commit restored the full docking structure (DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 matching runtime-generated MainDockSpace=2949142533, 2 DockNode children 0x00000001 + 0x00000002, per-window DockId lines, SplitIds line, no `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` entries), and the 79c25a32 commit moved the install to `App.run` BEFORE `_run_immapp_result` so HelloImgui loads my bundled INI as its initial state; TRACK_COMPLETION FOLLOWUP note added in 5e53d477; 17/17 tests pass; merged commits: `2afb0126`, `79c25a32`, `5e53d477` | (none — independent) | (**NEW 2026-06-29**; 4 atomic commits on top of track 36; 22 tasks; replaces Tier 2's two-step broken fix with a three-step working fix; reset Tier 2's e9654518 follow-up that broke the bundled INI | |

conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+{
+  "track_id": "default_layout_extract_20260629",
+  "name": "Default Layout Extract + Hard Visual Verification",
+  "status": "active",
+  "created_date": "2026-06-29",
+  "summary": "Extract tier-2's GOOD default-layout work (layouts/, src/layouts.py, install helpers, orphan-end-child fix, reset_layout cleanup) into master via hybrid porting + cherry-pick. Build 4-layer visual verification infrastructure (per-panel sentinel + Win32 PrintWindow pixel baseline + forced viewport/theme env vars + cannot-skip tags) that catches 'panels don't render' regressions every time they occur.",
+  "estimated_effort": {
+    "method": "scope (per workflow.md §Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules). NO day estimates.",
+    "scope": "9 phases, 36 tasks. 3 new files (src/layouts.py, layouts/default.ini, scripts/check_visual_baseline.py, docs/guide_visual_verification.md, tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png). 6 modified files (src/gui_2.py, src/paths.py, src/commands.py, scripts/run_tests_batched.py, conductor/tracks.md, docs/Readme.md). 9 new test files (RED tests for each helper + 3 negative tests). ~36 atomic commits.",
+    "phase_1": "6 tasks: foundational assets (layouts/, src/layouts.py, get_layouts_dir)",
+    "phase_2": "4 tasks: install helpers (_install_default_layout_if_empty + pre_run)",
+    "phase_3": "5 tasks: wiring (App._post_init + App.run)",
+    "phase_4": "2 tasks: surgical cherry-picks (c2155593 + 3b966288)",
+    "phase_5": "3 tasks: Layer 1 sentinel",
+    "phase_6": "5 tasks: Layer 2 pixel baseline",
+    "phase_7": "4 tasks: Layer 3 forced viewport/theme",
+    "phase_8": "5 tasks: Layer 4 cannot-skip gates",
+    "phase_9": "7 tasks: negative test + verification + track completion"
+  },
+  "scope": {
+    "new_files": [
+      "src/layouts.py",
+      "layouts/default.ini",
+      "scripts/check_visual_baseline.py",
+      "docs/guide_visual_verification.md",
+      "tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png",
+      "tests/test_layouts.py",
+      "tests/test_paths_layouts.py",
+      "tests/test_layouts_bundled.py",
+      "tests/test_install_default_layout.py",
+      "tests/test_app_wiring_install.py",
+      "tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py",
+      "tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py",
+      "tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py",
+      "tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py"
+    ],
+    "modified_files": [
+      "src/gui_2.py",
+      "src/paths.py",
+      "src/commands.py",
+      "scripts/run_tests_batched.py",
+      "conductor/tracks.md",
+      "docs/Readme.md"
+    ],
+    "deleted_files": []
+  },
+  "goals": [
+    "G1. Master has layouts/ + src/layouts.py + get_layouts_dir() so app boots with non-empty INI on first launch",
+    "G2. Master has _install_default_layout_* helpers wired into App._post_init + App.run so empty-INI install works at both phases",
+    "G3. Master has reset_layout cleaned up to remove dead test-fixture path",
+    "G4. Master has orphan imgui.end_child() at src/gui_2.py:6990 removed",
+    "G5. Master has HARD 4-layer visual verification infrastructure (sentinel + pixel baseline + forced viewport/theme + cannot-skip gates)",
+    "G6. A regression test demonstrates the verification catches the original 'panels don't render' bug"
+  ],
+  "verification_criteria": [
+    "All Phase 1-9 tasks committed (atomic per-task, ~36 commits)",
+    "tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py passes (Layer 1 sentinel)",
+    "tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py passes (Layer 2 pixel diff < 1%)",
+    "tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py passes (Layer 3 env vars honored)",
+    "tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py passes (FR8 negative test)",
+    "scripts/check_visual_baseline.py --help works; --strict mode exits 1 on diff > 1%",
+    "scripts/run_tests_batched.py includes the visual verification tests",
+    "tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png is committed to master",
+    "docs/guide_visual_verification.md is committed; cross-referenced from docs/Readme.md",
+    "conductor/tracks.md schema updated to require VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD> tag for [x]-completion of tracks touching src/gui_2.py",
+    "MANUAL GATE: user runs uv run sloppy.py from master, confirms panels render visibly. User commits the VERIFIED-<date> tag.",
+    "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629.md committed",
+    "Tier-2 branch status: marked for archival (user's responsibility per AGENTS.md Inherited-Cruft)"
+  ],
+  "blocked_by": {
+    "default_layout_install_20260629": "superseded (this track replaces it)"
+  },
+  "blocks": {
+    "panel_defs_fleury_migration": "future (consumes LayoutFile + get_layouts_dir from this track)"
+  },
+  "tier_2_specific_commits_to_skip": {
+    "rationale": "Tier-2 branch is 143 commits ahead of master. Only 8 commits are the default-layout work. The rest (RAG fixes, MMA stress tests, module taxonomy refactors) are NOT relevant to this track. Specific tier-2 commits NOT to extract:",
+    "skip_list": [
+      "e9654518 (wrong-theory INI strip — superseded by 2afb0126 which we DO extract)",
+      "13ad9d3e (commit message 'idk' — meaningless)",
+      "28527851 (commit message 'artifacts' — meaningless)",
+      "9437af6c (27 diagnostic scripts — noise)",
+      "4acf8b15, b80e5afb, c42a7599, cf5244b1, b1632f46, 06476c56, 519e1340, cf6a2e20, 4bf5ecd6, 5e53d477, d4116f19, 7d5a5492 (tier-2 internal track-marking commits)",
+      "71028dad (drop stale from src.command_palette import — tier-2 specific; master has src/command_palette.py so the import WORKS on master; do NOT cherry-pick)"
+    ],
+    "extract_list": [
+      "7577d7d2 (chore: introduce layouts/ + src/layouts.py) — port fresh via FR1.1 + FR1.2",
+      "f3cd7bc2 (feat: install-on-empty-INI helpers) — port fresh via FR2.1 + FR2.2",
+      "3d87f8e7 (fix: wire into App._post_init) — port fresh via FR2.4",
+      "3b966288 (chore: remove dead test-fixture path) — cherry-pick via FR3.2",
+      "2afb0126 (fix: restore [Docking] structure) — port fresh via FR1.1",
+      "79c25a32 (fix: pre-run install timing) — port fresh via FR2.3 + FR2.5",
+      "71028dad SKIPPED (master has src/command_palette.py)",
+      "c2155593 (fix: remove orphan imgui.end_child) — cherry-pick via FR3.1"
+    ]
+  },
+  "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+  "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+  "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+    {
+      "title": "panel_defs_fleury_migration",
+      "description": "Migrate src/gui_2.py render_*_window functions to Ryan Fleury's declarative view-constructs pattern. PANELS: tuple[PanelDef, ...]. Per docs/transcripts/rcJwvx2CTZY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_codebase_intro.json v1@2237s and docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json v2@7697s.",
+      "track_status": "deferred",
+      "depends_on_this_track": ["src/layouts.py", "LayoutFile", "get_layouts_dir"]
+    },
+    {
+      "title": "render_persona_editor_window empty-content bug fix",
+      "description": "src/gui_2.py:3433+ opens + immediately closes the Persona Editor window when not embedded. Pre-existing bug, unrelated to panel visibility. Will be discovered via Layer 1 sentinel (panel renders but content is empty).",
+      "track_status": "deferred",
+      "depends_on_this_track": ["Layer 1 per-panel sentinel"]
+    },
+    {
+      "title": "test_engine_integration_20260627",
+      "description": "imgui-bundle test engine integration. Provides ctx.capture_screenshot_window() + pixel-level diff via imgui.test_engine. Our Win32 PrintWindow approach is simpler but Windows-only. The two approaches are complementary.",
+      "track_status": "in_progress (separate track)"
+    },
+    {
+      "title": "tier2_default_layout_install_20260629 archival",
+      "description": "Tier-2 sandbox at C:\\projects\\manual_slop_tier2 has uncommitted edits (deleted manual_slop.toml + manual_slop_history.toml). User's responsibility per AGENTS.md Inherited-Cruft rule. Does NOT block this track.",
+      "track_status": "user_action_required"
+    }
+  ],
+  "risk_register": [
+    {
+      "id": "R1",
+      "description": "Win32 PrintWindow may fail for imgui-bundle HelloImGui window (HWND lookup or print flags)",
+      "likelihood": "medium (the implementation is larger than the spec suggests)",
+      "mitigation": "pre-flight check win32gui.IsWindow(hwnd) before capture; fall back to BitBlt of the screen region"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "R2",
+      "description": "Pixel baseline may be too sensitive (font hinting, GPU driver variations)",
+      "likelihood": "medium",
+      "mitigation": "tolerance is 1%; if false positives appear, raise to 2% and document"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "R3",
+      "description": "Forced viewport env var may not work on multi-monitor systems",
+      "likelihood": "low",
+      "mitigation": "scope the env var to test fixtures only (tests/conftest.py sets it before spawning)"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "R4",
+      "description": "Tier-2 sandbox has uncommitted edits that may conflict when cherry-picking",
+      "likelihood": "low (cherry-pick to master directly; master is clean)",
+      "mitigation": "cherry-pick to master directly (master is clean); tier-2 archival is user's responsibility"
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "R5",
+      "description": "User-visible panel rendering depends on _install_default_layout_pre_run_result firing BEFORE immapp.run. If cwd already has a valid INI, install is skipped. The pixel baseline test must run with cwd-deleted manualslop_layout.ini to exercise the install path.",
+      "likelihood": "low",
+      "mitigation": "live_gui fixture already cleans cwd before spawning"
+    }
+  ],
+  "documentation_deliverables": [
+    "conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/spec.md",
+    "conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/plan.md",
+    "conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/metadata.json",
+    "conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/state.toml",
+    "docs/guide_visual_verification.md (Layer 1-4 protocol)",
+    "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629.md (at end)"
+  ]
+}

conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,533 @@
+# Track Plan: Default Layout Extract + Hard Visual Verification
+
+> **For Tier-3 workers:** Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax. Use exactly **1-space indentation** for all Python. Preserve **CRLF** line endings. No comments in source code. Atomic commits per task. No `dict[str, Any]`, no `Optional[T]` returns (use `Result[T]` + `NIL_T`). Read `src/gui_2.py:1481-1540` (tier-2 version) for the install helper pattern reference; read `src/theme_models.py:181-225` for the layouts loader pattern reference; read `src/paths.py:60-83,150,209-216,295` for the themes → layouts mirror.
+
+**Goal:** Extract tier-2's GOOD default-layout work into master AND build a hard 4-layer visual verification infrastructure that catches "panels don't render" regressions every time.
+
+**Architecture:** Hybrid extraction (C per spec §FR1): port `layouts/default.ini` + `src/layouts.py` + `tests/test_layout_reorganization.py` fresh (clean history for new modules); cherry-pick `c2155593` (orphan end_child) + `3b966288` (reset_layout cleanup); add new `_install_default_layout_*` helpers + `App._post_init` + `App.run` wiring. Build 4 verification layers: per-panel render sentinel (Layer 1), Win32 PrintWindow pixel baseline (Layer 2), forced test viewport+theme env vars (Layer 3), cannot-skip gates (Layer 4: standalone CLI + CI integration + tag requirement + tracks.md schema).
+
+**Tech Stack:** Python 3.11+, `imgui-bundle` (HelloImGui), `pywin32` (PrintWindow), `Pillow` (PNG), `numpy` (pixel diff), `pytest` + `live_gui` fixture. Adds `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py` (new audit-style script).
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Asset Foundation (layouts/ + src/layouts.py + get_layouts_dir)
+
+Focus: Port the foundational assets from tier-2 to master with clean history.
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.1: RED test for `src/layouts.py:load_layouts_from_dir`**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_layouts.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 3 tests:
+    1. `test_load_layouts_from_dir_empty` — pass a non-existent path → returns `{}`
+    2. `test_load_layouts_from_dir_single_file` — create tmp dir with one `.ini` file → returns 1-entry dict keyed by stem
+    3. `test_load_layouts_from_dir_skips_non_ini` — tmp dir with `.ini` + `.txt` → returns only the `.ini`
+  - HOW: Use `tmp_path` fixture (already redirected under `tests/artifacts/_pytest_tmp` per `pyproject.toml:addopts`). Import `from src.layouts import load_layouts_from_dir`.
+  - SAFETY: Use `tmp_path`, not hardcoded paths. 1-space indentation. Type hints required.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_layouts.py -v` — Expected: `ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'src.layouts'`.
+  - COMMIT: `test(layouts): RED phase tests for load_layouts_from_dir`
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.2: Create `src/layouts.py`**
+  - WHERE: New file `src/layouts.py` (87 lines, ported fresh from tier-2's `C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\src\layouts.py`)
+  - WHAT: Define `LayoutFile` dataclass + `load_layouts_from_file()` + `load_layouts_from_dir()` + `load_layouts_from_disk()` + `_LAYOUTS_CACHE: dict[str, LayoutFile]`
+  - HOW: Read tier-2 file; copy verbatim EXCEPT: strip the "TODO(Ed)" comment (NFR3); keep the `Result` + `ErrorInfo` drain pattern from tier-2 verbatim; keep `_LAYOUTS_CACHE` module-level
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indentation. CRLF. `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)`. Type hints on all params + returns.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_layouts.py -v` — Expected: 3 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(layouts): introduce src/layouts.py + LayoutFile dataclass`
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.3: RED test for `src/paths.py:get_global_layouts_path`**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_paths_layouts.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 4 tests:
+    1. `test_get_global_layouts_path_default` — `initialize_paths()` called, `get_global_layouts_path()` returns `<root_dir>/layouts`
+    2. `test_get_global_layouts_path_env_override` — `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` env var set → returns that path
+    3. `test_layouts_in_path_info_dict` — `paths.path_info()` dict has `'layouts': info(...)` entry
+    4. `test_layouts_field_in_app_paths` — `_AppPaths().layouts` is a `Path`
+  - HOW: Import `from src.paths import get_global_layouts_path, initialize_paths, _cfg`. Use `monkeypatch.setenv("SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS", str(tmp_path / "custom"))`.
+  - SAFETY: Call `initialize_paths()` once per test (use fixture). 1-space indentation.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_paths_layouts.py -v` — Expected: `AttributeError: module 'src.paths' has no attribute 'get_global_layouts_path'`.
+  - COMMIT: `test(paths): RED phase tests for get_global_layouts_path + SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS`
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.4: Add `get_global_layouts_path()` to `src/paths.py`**
+  - WHERE: `src/paths.py` — 4 sites: line 60 `_AppPaths` dataclass (add `layouts: Path`), line 83 `_PATHS_DEFAULTS` (add `layouts = root_dir / "layouts"`), line 150 `initialize_paths._resolve_path` chain (add `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` env override), line 295 `path_info()` (add `'layouts': info(cfg.layouts)`), line 209-216 (add `get_global_layouts_path()` mirror of `get_global_themes_path()`)
+  - WHAT: Mirror the themes pattern exactly. New code follows the existing 1-space indentation + CRLF.
+  - HOW: Read `src/paths.py:60` → insert `layouts: Path` after `themes: Path`. Read `src/paths.py:83` → insert `themes = root_dir / "layouts"` after `themes = root_dir / "themes"`. Read `src/paths.py:150` → add `themes = _resolve_path("SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS", "layouts", root_dir / "layouts", config_path)` to the resolver chain. Read `src/paths.py:209-216` → copy `get_global_themes_path()` verbatim and rename. Read `src/paths.py:295` → insert `'layouts': info(cfg.layouts)` after `'themes': info(cfg.themes)`.
+  - SAFETY: Match existing 1-space indent. CRLF. No comments in source. Update `_resolve_path` keyword args to match the same shape as the themes line.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_paths_layouts.py -v` — Expected: 4 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(paths): add get_global_layouts_path() + SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS env override (mirror of themes)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.5: RED test for bundled INI file**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_layouts_bundled.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 4 tests:
+    1. `test_layouts_default_ini_exists` — `Path("layouts/default.ini").exists()` is True
+    2. `test_layouts_default_ini_size` — file size > 1000 bytes
+    3. `test_layouts_default_ini_has_docking` — content contains `[Docking][Data]`
+    4. `test_layouts_default_ini_has_8_windows` — content has 8 `[Window][X]` entries
+  - HOW: Use `Path.cwd() / "layouts" / "default.ini"`. Use `len(re.findall(r"^\[Window\]\[", content))` for window count.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Read with `encoding="utf-8"`.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_layouts_bundled.py -v` — Expected: `FileNotFoundError: layouts/default.ini`.
+  - COMMIT: `test(layouts): RED phase tests for bundled default.ini structure`
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.6: Port `layouts/default.ini` to master**
+  - WHERE: New file `layouts/default.ini` at repo root
+  - WHAT: Copy verbatim from tier-2's `C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\layouts\default.ini` (2971 bytes, 101 lines). Strip the `;;;` documentation comments (NFR3: comments live in docs). Strip the `;;;<<<SplitIds>>>;;;` block at line 100-101 (HelloImGui adds that on save; not needed in the bundle).
+  - HOW: Read tier-2 file → write fresh to `layouts/default.ini`. Keep all `[Window][X]` entries (8 of them), `[Docking][Data]` block with `DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805`, `[Layout]`, `[StatusBar]`, `[Theme]` sections.
+  - SAFETY: CRLF. No `;;;` lines. Final file should be ~30-40 lines.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_layouts_bundled.py -v` — Expected: 4 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(layouts): bundle layouts/default.ini with 8 [Window] entries + [Docking] hierarchy`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Install Helpers (RED-GREEN for the 3 helpers)
+
+Focus: Add `_install_default_layout_if_empty`, `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result`, `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` to `src/gui_2.py`.
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.1: RED test for `_install_default_layout_if_empty` (empty dst)**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_install_default_layout.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 5 tests:
+    1. `test_install_empty_dst` — dst INI is empty/missing → src content copied to dst + `Result(data=True)`
+    2. `test_install_skips_non_empty_dst` — dst INI has 5+ `[Window][` entries → no overwrite + `Result(data=False)`
+    3. `test_install_handles_missing_src` — src INI doesn't exist → `Result(data=False, errors=[ErrorInfo])`
+    4. `test_install_handles_oserror_on_read` — patch `Path.read_text` to raise OSError → `Result(data=False, errors=[ErrorInfo])`
+    5. `test_install_calls_load_ini_settings_from_memory` — assert `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory` was called once
+  - HOW: Use `tmp_path`. Import `from src.gui_2 import _install_default_layout_if_empty`. Use `monkeypatch.setattr(imgui, "load_ini_settings_from_memory", lambda x: None)` for test 5.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Mock only the boundary (`imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory` is the SDK boundary).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_install_default_layout.py -v` — Expected: `ImportError: cannot import name '_install_default_layout_if_empty'`.
+  - COMMIT: `test(install): RED phase tests for _install_default_layout_if_empty`
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.2: Implement `_install_default_layout_if_empty` in `src/gui_2.py`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py` — insert at line 1481 (before `_post_init_callback_result` which is at 1449 — actually place the new helpers AFTER `_post_init_callback_result`)
+  - WHAT: Port tier-2's `src/gui_2.py:1481-1530` verbatim. Adjust imports if needed (`Result`, `ErrorInfo`, `ErrorKind` already imported via `src.result_types`).
+  - HOW: Read tier-2's lines 1481-1530 → copy to master. Strip docstring multi-line commentary to 1-2 lines (NFR3). The function returns `Result[bool]`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. No comments. Match existing `_post_init_callback_result` shape.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_install_default_layout.py -v` — Expected: 5 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): add _install_default_layout_if_empty + _install_default_layout_if_empty_result helpers`
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.3: RED test for `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` (disk-only)**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_install_default_layout.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 3 tests:
+    1. `test_pre_run_install_empty_dst` — same as 2.1.1 but using `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` and mocking `_require_warmed("src.layouts")`
+    2. `test_pre_run_install_does_not_call_load_ini_settings_from_memory` — assert `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory` was NOT called (imgui not initialized yet)
+    3. `test_pre_run_install_skips_non_empty_dst` — same as 2.1.2
+  - HOW: Same `tmp_path` pattern. Mock `src.layouts.get_layouts_dir` to return `tmp_path / "layouts"`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Verify `load_ini_settings_from_memory` was NOT called (it's the key behavioral difference vs `_install_default_layout_if_empty`).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_install_default_layout.py -v` — Expected: 3 new FAIL (`ImportError: cannot import name '_install_default_layout_pre_run_result'`).
+  - COMMIT: `test(install): RED phase tests for _install_default_layout_pre_run_result`
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.4: Implement `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` in `src/gui_2.py`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py` — insert immediately after `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` (which Task 2.2 placed)
+  - WHAT: Port tier-2's `src/gui_2.py:1543-1590` verbatim. The function reads `get_layouts_dir() / "default.ini"` and writes to `Path.cwd() / "manualslop_layout.ini"`. NO `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory` call.
+  - HOW: Read tier-2's lines 1543-1590 → copy to master. Adjust imports.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. No comments. The disk-only behavior is the key contract; the function does NOT import or call `imgui`.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_install_default_layout.py -v` — Expected: 8 PASS (5 from 2.1 + 3 new).
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): add _install_default_layout_pre_run_result (disk-only, no live-session apply)`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Wiring (App._post_init + App.run)
+
+Focus: Wire the install helpers into the app's startup flow.
+
+- [ ] **Task 3.1: RED test for `App._post_init` calling `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result`**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_app_wiring_install.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 3 tests:
+    1. `test_post_init_calls_install_helper` — instantiate `App`, call `_post_init()`, assert `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` was called with `src=layouts/default.ini, dst=cwd/manualslop_layout.ini`
+    2. `test_post_init_drains_install_errors` — make install helper return `Result(data=False, errors=[ErrorInfo(...)])`, assert `_startup_timeline_errors` has the entry
+    3. `test_post_init_skips_when_dst_non_empty` — pre-create cwd/manualslop_layout.ini with 5+ `[Window][`, call `_post_init()`, assert install helper was NOT called (or was called but returned `data=False`)
+  - HOW: Use `monkeypatch.setattr(src.gui_2, "_install_default_layout_if_empty_result", lambda app, src, dst: Result(data=True))`. Use `tmp_path` as cwd.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Mock only the boundary helper; verify the call site.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_app_wiring_install.py -v` — Expected: 3 FAIL (call site not yet wired).
+  - COMMIT: `test(gui): RED phase tests for _post_init install wiring`
+
+- [ ] **Task 3.2: Wire `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` into `App._post_init`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:566-578` — `_post_init` method. Insert the install call after line 574 (`cb_result = _post_init_callback_result(self)`) and before line 578 (`self._diag_layout_state()`).
+  - WHAT: Add 7 lines:
+    ```python
+    from src.layouts import get_layouts_dir
+    src_layout_path: Path = get_layouts_dir() / "default.ini"
+    dst_layout_path: Path = Path.cwd() / "manualslop_layout.ini"
+    install_result: Result[bool] = _install_default_layout_if_empty_result(self, src_layout_path, dst_layout_path)
+    if not install_result.ok:
+        if not hasattr(self, '_startup_timeline_errors'): self._startup_timeline_errors = []
+        self._startup_timeline_errors.append(("_install_default_layout", install_result.errors[0]))
+    ```
+  - HOW: Insert after `_post_init_callback_result` block. Match existing 1-space indent in `_post_init`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. The `_startup_timeline_errors` attribute may not exist yet (per existing `_post_init` lines 576, 599 — create it lazily).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_app_wiring_install.py -v` — Expected: 3 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): wire _install_default_layout_if_empty_result into App._post_init`
+
+- [ ] **Task 3.3: RED test for `App.run` calling `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result`**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_app_wiring_install.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 2 tests:
+    1. `test_run_calls_pre_run_install_before_immapp` — mock both `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` and `_run_immapp_result`, assert order: pre-run install called BEFORE immapp
+    2. `test_run_drains_pre_run_install_errors` — pre-run install returns `Result(data=False, errors=[ErrorInfo])`, assert `_startup_timeline_errors` has the entry
+  - HOW: Use `mock.call_args_list` to verify order. Use `monkeypatch.setattr(src.gui_2, "_install_default_layout_pre_run_result", ...)`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Mock the pre-run install + immapp helpers; don't actually run immapp.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_app_wiring_install.py -v` — Expected: 2 new FAIL (pre-run call site not wired).
+  - COMMIT: `test(gui): RED phase tests for App.run pre-run install wiring`
+
+- [ ] **Task 3.4: Wire `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` into `App.run`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:691` — before `_run_immapp_result(self)` call. Insert 6 lines.
+  - WHAT: Add:
+    ```python
+    pre_install_result: Result[bool] = _install_default_layout_pre_run_result(self)
+    if not pre_install_result.ok:
+        err = pre_install_result.errors[0]
+        if hasattr(self, "_startup_timeline_errors"):
+            self._startup_timeline_errors.append(("_install_default_layout_pre_run", err))
+    ```
+  - HOW: Insert immediately before `run_result = _run_immapp_result(self)` at line 691. Match existing 1-space indent.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. The pre-run install MUST fire before immapp reads the INI from disk.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_app_wiring_install.py -v` — Expected: 5 PASS (3 from 3.1 + 2 from 3.3).
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): wire _install_default_layout_pre_run_result into App.run (before immapp)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 3.5: Verify install fires + INI created**
+  - WHERE: Existing test file `tests/test_install_default_layout.py`
+  - WHAT: Add integration test `test_install_fires_end_to_end` — instantiate `App`, call `_post_init()`, assert cwd/manualslop_layout.ini exists with > 1000 bytes + `[Window][` substring.
+  - HOW: Use `tmp_path` as cwd via `monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Real on-disk assertion (no mocks).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_install_default_layout.py -v` — Expected: 9 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `test(install): GREEN end-to-end install fires + INI created`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: Surgical Cherry-Picks
+
+Focus: Apply the 2 surgical fixes that don't require new infrastructure.
+
+- [ ] **Task 4.1: Cherry-pick orphan-end-child fix**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:6990` — delete the line `imgui.end_child()` inside the `except (TypeError, AttributeError):` block in `render_tier_stream_panel`.
+  - WHAT: Apply tier-2's `c2155593` 1-line deletion. The orphan `end_child()` at line 6990 fires with no matching `begin_child()` when the try block raises (e.g. `len(None)`).
+  - HOW: Read `src/gui_2.py:6984-6991` → delete line 6990 (the `imgui.end_child()` inside except). Keep line 6988 (the correct one inside try). Keep `pass` on line 6991.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Preserve the `try/except` structure. The deleted line is the only change.
+  - RUN: `uv run python scripts/check_imgui_scopes.py src/gui_2.py` — Expected: 3 "extra end" warnings (down from 4). The 4925 + 7094 + 8810 warnings remain (other code); the 6990 one should be gone.
+  - COMMIT: `fix(gui): remove orphan imgui.end_child() in render_tier_stream_panel except handler`
+
+- [ ] **Task 4.2: Cherry-pick reset_layout dead-path cleanup**
+  - WHERE: `src/commands.py:268` — delete the line `os.path.join("tests", "artifacts", "live_gui_workspace", "manualslop_layout.ini"),` from the `layout_paths` list inside `reset_layout`.
+  - WHAT: Apply tier-2's `3b966288`. The `reset_layout` command should not reference test fixtures in production code.
+  - HOW: Read `src/commands.py:365-380` → identify the line that hardcodes `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` → delete it. If the surrounding logic needs adjustment (e.g. fallback to a different path), update the fallback.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. The behavior of `reset_layout` should be preserved — it still resets the layout, just from a different source path.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_commands.py -v` — Expected: PASS (the existing tests cover the reset_layout behavior).
+  - COMMIT: `chore(commands): remove dead test-fixture path from reset_layout`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 5: Layer 1 Verification — Per-Panel Render Sentinel
+
+Focus: The "panels actually render" test that catches the original bug.
+
+- [ ] **Task 5.1: RED test for per-panel render size check**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 3 tests:
+    1. `test_panels_visible_after_install` — use `live_gui` fixture, wait for first frame, iterate `app.show_windows` for entries where `value == True`, assert each has nonzero render size via `imgui.find_window_viewport(name).size.x > 0`
+    2. `test_panel_invisible_when_show_windows_false` — same loop, but verify panels with `value == False` are NOT in `find_window_viewport` results
+    3. `test_panel_render_size_is_correct_window` — assert `find_window_viewport("AI Settings").size.x > 100 AND .size.y > 50` (sanity: visible panels have meaningful size, not 0)
+  - HOW: Use `live_gui` fixture. Poll for first frame via `client.wait_for_event` (not `time.sleep`). Use `imgui.find_window_viewport(name)` API.
+  - SAFETY: Poll-loop, not `time.sleep`. 1-space indent. CRLF. Skip test on non-Windows (`@pytest.mark.skipif(sys.platform != "win32")`).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py -v` — Expected: PASS on first try IF install infrastructure works (since Phase 1-3 is done by now). The value of this test is regression detection, not initial GREEN.
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): Layer 1 per-panel render sentinel (catches empty-panels regression)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 5.2: Verify sentinel catches the regression (negative test mode)**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py`
+  - WHAT: Write `test_sentinel_catches_empty_panels` — use `live_gui` fixture, BUT monkey-patch `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` to return `Result(data=False)` (skip install). Also, pre-create cwd/manualslop_layout.ini with content that omits all `[Window][X]` entries (just an empty INI). Assert the test FAILS.
+  - HOW: Use `monkeypatch.setattr`. The sentinel should detect that 8 default-visible panels all have zero render size.
+  - SAFETY: This test verifies the sentinel's REGRESSION CATCH ability. It should NOT pass — its job is to confirm the sentinel works.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py::test_sentinel_catches_empty_panels -v` — Expected: FAIL with assertion error listing 8 panels with zero render size.
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): RED negative test — sentinel catches empty-panels regression`
+
+- [ ] **Task 5.3: Verify sentinel catches the original bug (mock the import failure)**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py`
+  - WHAT: Write `test_sentinel_catches_render_main_interface_no_op` — use `live_gui` fixture, monkey-patch `src.gui_2.render_main_interface` to be a no-op (`lambda app: None`). Assert the sentinel FAILS (panels don't render).
+  - HOW: This simulates the original tier-2 bug: `render_main_interface` is a no-op due to ModuleNotFoundError.
+  - SAFETY: Use `monkeypatch.setattr` to swap the function reference at module level.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py::test_sentinel_catches_render_main_interface_no_op -v` — Expected: FAIL with assertion error listing 8 panels with zero render size.
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): RED negative test — sentinel catches render_main_interface no-op`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 6: Layer 2 Verification — Win32 PrintWindow Pixel Baseline
+
+Focus: The HARD pixel-diff test that catches ALL visual regressions.
+
+- [ ] **Task 6.1: RED test for Win32 PrintWindow capture**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 4 tests:
+    1. `test_capture_gui_window_pixels` — use `live_gui` fixture, wait for first frame, call `_capture_gui_window_png()`, assert the returned PNG file exists with size > 0
+    2. `test_capture_returns_png_with_correct_dimensions` — assert PNG dimensions match the forced viewport (1680x1050 from F6.1 env var)
+    3. `test_capture_handles_missing_hwnd` — simulate window-not-found → return `Result(data=None, errors=[ErrorInfo])`
+    4. `test_capture_does_not_crash_on_zero_size` — simulate hwnd with zero-size window → return `Result(data=None, errors=[ErrorInfo])` (no crash)
+  - HOW: Import `_capture_gui_window_png` from `src.gui_2`. Use `live_gui` fixture with `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT=1680x1050` + `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME=dark` env vars.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Skip on non-Windows. Use `tmp_path` for PNG output.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py -v` — Expected: 4 FAIL (`ImportError: cannot import name '_capture_gui_window_png'`).
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): RED phase tests for Win32 PrintWindow capture`
+
+- [ ] **Task 6.2: Implement `_capture_gui_window_png` in `src/gui_2.py`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py` — insert after `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result`
+  - WHAT: Port the Win32 PrintWindow capture logic. Find imgui window via `win32gui.FindWindow(None, "manual slop")`; allocate DC + bitmap; call `win32gui.PrintWindow(hwnd, hdc, win32con.PW_RENDERFULLCONTENT)`; convert to PNG via `Pillow.Image.frombuffer(...)`; save to given `Path`. Returns `Result[Path]`.
+  - HOW: Import `win32gui`, `win32con`, `win32ui` from `pywin32`. Import `PIL.Image`. The function signature: `_capture_gui_window_png(out_path: Path) -> Result[Path]`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. No comments. Wrap each Win32 call in try/except returning `ErrorInfo`. Use `win32gui.DestroyWindow(hwnd)` after capture (cleanup).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py -v` — Expected: 4 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): add _capture_gui_window_png via Win32 PrintWindow + Pillow`
+
+- [ ] **Task 6.3: Generate baseline PNG**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png`
+  - WHAT: Capture the running GUI's pixels after install fires + panels render. This is the "known good" reference.
+  - HOW: Run `uv run python -m pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py::test_capture_gui_window_pixels --capture=tee-sys -s` and manually save the output PNG. OR: write a one-shot helper script `scripts/capture_visual_baseline.py` that spawns the app, waits for first frame, calls `_capture_gui_window_png(artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png)`, exits.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. The baseline PNG must be captured AFTER all install infrastructure is in place. Verify the PNG visually (user's eyes) before committing.
+  - RUN: `uv run python scripts/capture_visual_baseline.py` — Expected: writes `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png` (~50-200 KB depending on viewport size).
+  - COMMIT: `feat(visual): commit visual_baseline_default.png (the known-good pixel reference)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 6.4: RED test for pixel diff comparison**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 3 tests:
+    1. `test_pixel_diff_below_threshold` — capture current + load baseline → assert diff < 1%
+    2. `test_pixel_diff_above_threshold_on_corrupt_ini` — corrupt the INI (delete `[Docking][Data]` line) + capture → assert diff > 5% (catches regression)
+    3. `test_pixel_diff_threshold_configurable` — pass `--threshold 0.05` → assert behavior matches
+  - HOW: Use `_compute_pixel_diff(baseline_path, current_path) -> float`. The function: load both via `Pillow.Image.open()`, convert to RGB, compute `numpy.abs(np.array(a) - np.array(b)).mean() / 255.0`.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Skip on non-Windows. Threshold default = 0.01 (1%).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py -v` — Expected: 3 new FAIL (`ImportError: cannot import name '_compute_pixel_diff'`).
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): RED phase tests for pixel diff comparison`
+
+- [ ] **Task 6.5: Implement `_compute_pixel_diff` in `src/gui_2.py`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py` — insert after `_capture_gui_window_png`
+  - WHAT: Compare two PNGs and return pixel diff as float (0.0-1.0).
+  - HOW: Load both via `Pillow.Image.open(path).convert("RGB")`. Convert to numpy arrays. Compute `numpy.abs(a - b).mean() / 255.0`. Return the float.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Handle size mismatch (resize to larger dim). Handle missing files → return 1.0 (100% diff = max divergence).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py -v` — Expected: 7 PASS (4 from 6.1 + 3 new).
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): add _compute_pixel_diff (numpy-based pixel comparison)`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 7: Layer 3 Verification — Forced Test Viewport + Theme
+
+Focus: Make the baseline deterministic so pixel diff is meaningful.
+
+- [ ] **Task 7.1: RED test for `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT` env var**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 2 tests:
+    1. `test_viewport_env_var_overrides_default` — spawn subprocess with `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT=1920x1080` env var → assert `App.run()` set `runner_params.app_window_params.window_geometry.size = (1920, 1080)`
+    2. `test_viewport_env_var_unset_uses_default` — spawn without env var → assert size = (1680, 1200) (current default at line 651)
+  - HOW: Use `subprocess` to spawn `sloppy.py` with env vars. Inspect via the `/api/gui` Hook API endpoint after launch.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Use `subprocess.run` with timeout. Clean up subprocess on test teardown via `kill_process_tree` fixture.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py -v` — Expected: 2 FAIL (env var not honored).
+  - COMMIT: `test(env): RED phase tests for MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT env var`
+
+- [ ] **Task 7.2: Implement `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT` parsing in `App.run`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:651` — before `self.runner_params.app_window_params.window_geometry.size = (1680, 1200)`, add the env var parsing.
+  - WHAT: Read env var. If set and matches `WxH` pattern, override the size.
+  - HOW: Add 5 lines before line 651:
+    ```python
+    _test_viewport = os.environ.get("MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT")
+    if _test_viewport and "x" in _test_viewport:
+        _w, _h = _test_viewport.split("x", 1)
+        _w, _h = int(_w), int(_h)
+    else:
+        _w, _h = 1680, 1200
+    self.runner_params.app_window_params.window_geometry.size = (_w, _h)
+    ```
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Wrap the parsing in try/except (return default on ValueError).
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py -v` — Expected: 2 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): honor MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT env var (Layer 3 forced viewport)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 7.3: RED test for `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME` env var**
+  - WHERE: Append to `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 2 tests:
+    1. `test_theme_env_var_overrides_default` — spawn with `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME=dark` → assert `runner_params.imgui_window_params.tweaked_theme` is `ImGuiTheme_.ImGuiColorsDark`
+    2. `test_theme_env_var_unset_uses_default` — spawn without env var → assert theme is NOT forced
+  - HOW: Same `subprocess` + Hook API pattern.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py -v` — Expected: 2 new FAIL (env var not honored).
+  - COMMIT: `test(env): RED phase tests for MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME env var`
+
+- [ ] **Task 7.4: Implement `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME` parsing in `App.run`**
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:654` — before `self.runner_params.imgui_window_params.tweaked_theme = theme.get_tweaked_theme()`, add the env var parsing.
+  - WHAT: Read env var. If set to `dark`, force theme to `hello_imgui.ImGuiTheme_.ImGuiColorsDark`.
+  - HOW: Add 5 lines before line 654:
+    ```python
+    _test_theme = os.environ.get("MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME")
+    if _test_theme == "dark":
+        self.runner_params.imgui_window_params.tweaked_theme = hello_imgui.ImGuiTheme_.ImGuiColorsDark
+    else:
+        self.runner_params.imgui_window_params.tweaked_theme = theme.get_tweaked_theme()
+    ```
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. The original `theme.get_tweaked_theme()` call becomes the `else` branch.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py -v` — Expected: 4 PASS.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(gui): honor MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME env var (Layer 3 forced theme)`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 8: Layer 4 Verification — Cannot-Skip Gates
+
+Focus: Make the verification infrastructure impossible to ignore.
+
+- [ ] **Task 8.1: Create `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`**
+  - WHERE: New file `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`
+  - WHAT: Standalone CLI script that compares two PNGs and exits 1 on diff > threshold.
+  - HOW: Args: `--baseline <path>` (default: `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png`), `--current <path>` (required), `--threshold <float>` (default: 0.01). Uses `Pillow` + `numpy` for diff. Returns exit code 0 if diff ≤ threshold, exit code 1 otherwise. Print diff percentage to stdout. Use the same `_compute_pixel_diff` logic from Task 6.5.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Use `argparse`. Handle missing files gracefully (exit 1 + error message).
+  - RUN: `uv run python scripts/check_visual_baseline.py --help` — Expected: usage message. `uv run python scripts/check_visual_baseline.py --current tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png --baseline tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png` — Expected: `diff: 0.0000 PASS`.
+  - COMMIT: `feat(visual): add scripts/check_visual_baseline.py (Layer 4 standalone CI gate)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 8.2: Wire `check_visual_baseline.py` into `scripts/run_tests_batched.py`**
+  - WHERE: `scripts/run_tests_batched.py` — add a new tier (or extend an existing one) that runs `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py` + `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py` + `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`.
+  - WHAT: Add a tier (e.g. `tier_visual`) to the batched runner config. The tier runs after `tier3` and before the smoke tier.
+  - HOW: Read `scripts/run_tests_batched.py` config → add `tier_visual` → list the 3 commands.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Don't break existing tiers.
+  - RUN: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier visual` — Expected: 7 tests pass (4 + 3 from Phase 5-6).
+  - COMMIT: `chore(tests): wire Layer 1+2 visual tests into scripts/run_tests_batched.py`
+
+- [ ] **Task 8.3: Write `docs/guide_visual_verification.md`**
+  - WHERE: New file `docs/guide_visual_verification.md`
+  - WHAT: 200-300 line guide documenting:
+    - The 4 layers (per-panel sentinel, pixel baseline, forced viewport/theme, cannot-skip gates)
+    - How to add a new visual baseline
+    - How to update an existing baseline (after a deliberate UI change)
+    - The env-var protocol (`MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT`, `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME`)
+    - The `VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD>` tag protocol
+    - When to use imgui_test_engine vs PrintWindow (the trade-offs)
+  - HOW: Write as a markdown guide with code blocks + cross-references to `docs/guide_testing.md` + `docs/guide_gui_2.md`.
+  - SAFETY: Markdown formatting consistent with other `docs/guide_*.md` files.
+  - RUN: N/A (docs file).
+  - COMMIT: `docs(visual-verification): add guide for the 4-layer visual verification protocol`
+
+- [ ] **Task 8.4: Update `conductor/tracks.md` schema**
+  - WHERE: `conductor/tracks.md` — find the schema section (or add a new "Track Completion Gates" section).
+  - WHAT: Add a new section documenting the `VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD>` tag requirement for tracks that touch `src/gui_2.py`. Tracks that ship without the tag are NOT marked `[x]`.
+  - HOW: Read `conductor/tracks.md` → find the schema → add the new gate.
+  - SAFETY: Markdown formatting consistent. Cross-reference `docs/guide_visual_verification.md`.
+  - RUN: N/A (docs file).
+  - COMMIT: `docs(tracks): add VERIFIED-<date> tag requirement for tracks touching src/gui_2.py`
+
+- [ ] **Task 8.5: Update `docs/Readme.md` to reference the new guide**
+  - WHERE: `docs/Readme.md` — find the "Per-Source-File Deep Dives" section (or equivalent) → add `docs/guide_visual_verification.md` entry.
+  - WHAT: Add a new bullet + 1-line description.
+  - HOW: Read `docs/Readme.md` → add the entry.
+  - SAFETY: Match existing entry format.
+  - RUN: N/A (docs file).
+  - COMMIT: `docs(readme): cross-reference guide_visual_verification.md`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 9: End-to-End Verification + Negative Test + Track Completion
+
+Focus: Prove the verification infrastructure actually catches regressions, then close out the track.
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.1: Write `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py`**
+  - WHERE: New file `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py`
+  - WHAT: Write 1 test that uses `live_gui` fixture; AFTER install fires, manually delete the `[Docking][Data]` line from cwd/manualslop_layout.ini; re-launch + capture; assert pixel diff > 5%.
+  - HOW: Spawn app → wait for first frame → corrupt INI → quit → re-launch → wait for first frame → capture screenshot → compare to baseline.
+  - SAFETY: 1-space indent. CRLF. Use `kill_process_tree` fixture for cleanup. Skip on non-Windows.
+  - RUN: `uv run pytest tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py -v` — Expected: PASS (the diff should be > 5% because panels don't render visibly).
+  - COMMIT: `test(visual): negative test — corrupted INI catches the regression (FR8)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.2: Run full test batch**
+  - WHERE: All test files added in Phase 1-9
+  - WHAT: Run `scripts/run_tests_batched.py` end-to-end. Verify all tiers PASS.
+  - HOW: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py` — runs the full batch (not just `tier_visual`).
+  - SAFETY: If any tier fails, STOP. Report to user. Do NOT mark track complete.
+  - RUN: Expected: all 11 tiers PASS. If a tier fails, debug per `conductor/workflow.md` "Deduction Loop" rule (max 2 runs).
+  - COMMIT: N/A (verification only).
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.3: Manual visual verification gate**
+  - WHERE: User's machine
+  - WHAT: User runs `uv run sloppy.py` from master. User confirms panels render visibly (Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Operations Hub, Theme on left; Discussion Hub, Log Management, Diagnostics on right).
+  - HOW: User reports back. If panels DO render visibly → proceed. If panels DON'T render → STOP, debug, report.
+  - SAFETY: N/A (manual gate).
+  - COMMIT: N/A (manual verification only).
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.4: User commits `VERIFIED-<date>` tag**
+  - WHERE: Master branch
+  - WHAT: User commits `git tag VERIFIED-20260629 <final-commit-sha>` on master. Documents the visual verification.
+  - HOW: `git tag VERIFIED-20260629 <sha>`. Add to track completion checklist.
+  - SAFETY: HARD GATE. Without this tag, the track is NOT marked complete in `conductor/tracks.md`.
+  - COMMIT: N/A (tag, not commit). But attach a git note to the final commit: `git notes add -m "VISUALLY VERIFIED: panels render correctly via uv run sloppy.py from master"`.
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.5: Write `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629.md`**
+  - WHERE: New file `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629.md`
+  - WHAT: 100-200 line report documenting:
+    - What was extracted (per FR1-FR3)
+    - What was built (per FR4-FR7)
+    - Test results (per FR8)
+    - User verification (per 9.3)
+    - Follow-up tracks (Fleury migration, imgui_test_engine integration)
+    - Tier-2 archival status (user's responsibility)
+  - HOW: Markdown report. Cross-reference `docs/reports/PANEL_VISIBILITY_DEBUG_REPORT_20260629.md` + `conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/spec.md`.
+  - SAFETY: 100-200 lines max. Concise.
+  - COMMIT: `docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629`
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.6: Update `conductor/tracks.md` to mark this track complete**
+  - WHERE: `conductor/tracks.md` — find the row for `default_layout_extract_20260629` → mark `[x]` (with `VERIFIED-20260629` tag referenced).
+  - WHAT: Update the row.
+  - HOW: Read `conductor/tracks.md` → find the row → update.
+  - SAFETY: HARD GATE. The `[x]` requires the `VERIFIED-<date>` tag to exist. If absent, leave the row as `[ ]`.
+  - COMMIT: `conductor(tracks): mark default_layout_extract_20260629 complete (with VERIFIED-20260629 tag)`
+
+- [ ] **Task 9.7: Conductor - User Manual Verification (Protocol in workflow.md)**
+  - WHERE: User-facing summary
+  - WHAT: Confirm to the user that:
+    - All 9 phases complete
+    - All tests pass (full batch, not just tier_visual)
+    - Pixel baseline PNG committed
+    - `VERIFIED-<date>` tag exists
+    - Tier-2 archival is user's responsibility
+  - HOW: Brief 5-10 sentence summary in chat.
+  - SAFETY: HARD GATE. Do NOT claim "track complete" without the tag + the user's confirmation.
+
+---
+
+## Self-Review (per writing-plans skill)
+
+**1. Spec coverage:**
+- G1 (FR1.1-FR1.4) → Phase 1 tasks ✓
+- G2 (FR2.1-FR2.5) → Phase 2-3 tasks ✓
+- G3 (FR3.2) → Phase 4 task 4.2 ✓
+- G4 (FR3.1) → Phase 4 task 4.1 ✓
+- G5 Layer 1 (FR4.1-FR4.4) → Phase 5 tasks ✓
+- G5 Layer 2 (FR5.1-FR5.6) → Phase 6 tasks ✓
+- G5 Layer 3 (FR6.1-FR6.4) → Phase 7 tasks ✓
+- G5 Layer 4 (FR7.1-F7.4) → Phase 8 tasks ✓
+- G6 (FR8.1-FR8.2) → Phase 9 task 9.1 ✓
+
+**2. Placeholder scan:**
+- No "TBD", "TODO", "implement later", "fill in details"
+- No "add appropriate error handling" — each error case is specified
+- No "similar to Task N" — each task is self-contained
+- No steps without code blocks where code is required
+
+**3. Type consistency:**
+- `_install_default_layout_if_empty` → `Result[bool]` (Task 2.2, 3.1, 3.2) ✓
+- `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` → `Result[bool]` (Task 2.2, 3.1, 3.2) ✓
+- `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` → `Result[bool]` (Task 2.4, 3.3, 3.4) ✓
+- `_capture_gui_window_png` → `Result[Path]` (Task 6.1, 6.2) ✓
+- `_compute_pixel_diff(baseline, current)` → `float` (Task 6.4, 6.5) ✓
+- `LayoutFile` → `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` (Task 1.2) ✓
+- `Result`, `ErrorInfo`, `ErrorKind` from `src.result_types` (consistent throughout) ✓
+
+**4. Spec coverage check:**
+- Spec §FR1.1 → Task 1.6 ✓
+- Spec §FR1.2 → Task 1.2 ✓
+- Spec §FR1.3 → Tasks 1.3, 1.4 ✓
+- Spec §FR1.4 → covered by Task 1.6 (test for INI existence) ✓
+- Spec §FR2.1 → Task 2.2 ✓
+- Spec §FR2.2 → Task 2.2 ✓
+- Spec §FR2.3 → Task 2.4 ✓
+- Spec §FR2.4 → Task 3.2 ✓
+- Spec §FR2.5 → Task 3.4 ✓
+- Spec §FR3.1 → Task 4.1 ✓
+- Spec §FR3.2 → Task 4.2 ✓
+- Spec §FR4.1-FR4.4 → Phase 5 tasks ✓
+- Spec §FR5.1-FR5.6 → Phase 6 tasks ✓
+- Spec §FR6.1-FR6.4 → Phase 7 tasks ✓
+- Spec §FR7.1-FR7.4 → Phase 8 tasks ✓
+- Spec §FR8.1-FR8.2 → Task 9.1 ✓
+
+No gaps found.
+
+## Summary
+
+- **9 phases**, **36 tasks** (each surgical with WHERE/WHAT/HOW/SAFETY/COMMIT)
+- **3 new files**: `src/layouts.py`, `layouts/default.ini`, `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png`, `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`, `docs/guide_visual_verification.md`
+- **6 modified files**: `src/gui_2.py`, `src/paths.py`, `src/commands.py`, `scripts/run_tests_batched.py`, `conductor/tracks.md`, `docs/Readme.md`
+- **5 new test files**: `tests/test_layouts.py`, `tests/test_paths_layouts.py`, `tests/test_layouts_bundled.py`, `tests/test_install_default_layout.py`, `tests/test_app_wiring_install.py`, `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py`, `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py`, `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py`, `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py`
+- **~36 atomic commits** (1 per task)
+- **HARD verification gates**: Layer 1 sentinel + Layer 2 pixel baseline + Layer 3 forced viewport/theme + Layer 4 cannot-skip tags
+
+This is the "no slippage" plan. Each task is a 2-5 minute action. Each has a commit. The verification infrastructure makes the regression impossible to reintroduce without CI catching it.

conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+# Track Specification: Default Layout Extract + Hard Visual Verification
+
+## Overview
+
+Extract tier-2's GOOD work on the default layout setup (the `layouts/` directory, the install-on-empty-INI helpers, the pre-run install timing fix, and the orphan-end-child cleanup) into `master`, and replace the previous tier-2 "fake" verification (INI content assertions only) with a HARD 4-layer visual verification protocol that catches the "panels don't render" regression every time it occurs.
+
+## Current State Audit (as of commit `466d2656` on master)
+
+### Branch State Warning
+
+The main working tree at `C:\projects\manual_slop` is currently on branch `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627` (NOT master). This track targets `master`. All line numbers below are from `master` (verified via `git show master:src/gui_2.py`). The cruft-elimination tracks (`module_taxonomy_refactor_20260627` + `post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627`) are NOT merged to master — they live on tier-2 branches only. This track does NOT depend on those cruft tracks; it depends only on `cruft_elimination_20260627` (which IS merged to master) + the themes infrastructure in `src/paths.py` (which is on master). A separate master worktree exists at `C:\projects\manual_slop_master` for editing on the master branch without disturbing the cruft-branch working tree.
+
+### Already Implemented on Master
+
+- `src/paths.py:60,83,150,209-216` — themes infrastructure (the pattern to mirror for layouts): `themes: Path` field in `_AppPaths`, default `root_dir / "themes"`, env override `SLOP_GLOBAL_THEMES`, getters `get_global_themes_path()` and `get_project_themes_path(project_root)`, plus the path info dict entry at line 295.
+- `src/theme_2.py:340-346` + `src/theme_models.py:181-225` — themes loader pair (the pattern to mirror for layouts): `load_themes_from_disk()` calls `get_global_themes_path()` then `load_themes_from_dir(path, scope)`; the latter iterates children, parses, builds typed `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` records, drains errors via `Result + ErrorInfo`.
+- `src/gui_2.py:1776` — `from src.command_palette import render_palette_modal`. **MASTER WORKS**: `src/command_palette.py` EXISTS (165 lines, has `Command`, `ScoredCommand`, `CommandRegistry`, `render_palette_modal`). Tier-2 broke because they deleted `src/command_palette.py` in `module_taxonomy_refactor_20260627` (commit `3dd153f7`, NOT merged to master).
+- `src/gui_2.py:580-611` — `_diag_layout_state` (one-shot startup diagnostic that logs `show_windows` count + INI file size + stale window name warnings). Used as the install verification hook.
+- `src/gui_2.py:619-703` — `App.run`. Calls `_run_immapp_result(self)` at line 691. HelloImGui reads `runner_params.ini_filename` ("manualslop_layout.ini") from cwd at load_user_pref time, BEFORE `callbacks.post_init` fires.
+- `src/gui_2.py:566-578` — `App._post_init`. Calls `_post_init_callback_result` and `_diag_layout_state`. Fires AFTER HelloImGui has loaded the INI from disk.
+- `src/gui_2.py:1449-1470` — `_post_init_callback_result` (drain-aware wrapper for `App._post_init`). The pattern Tier-2's `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` and `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` follow.
+- `src/gui_2.py:1658-1660` — orphan-end-child bug was refactored OUT of `_tier_stream_scroll_sync_result` (the helper that was previously buggy). The orphan at line 6990 (in `render_tier_stream_panel`'s except block) STILL exists on master.
+- `src/gui_2.py:6981-6991` — `render_tier_stream_panel` has the latent orphan-end-child bug: `try: ... imgui.end_child()` at line 6988; `except (TypeError, AttributeError): imgui.end_child()` at line 6990. When the try block raises (e.g. `len(None)`), the second `end_child()` fires with no matching `begin_child()` and ImGui emits "In window 'MainDockSpace': Missing End()". Currently latent because `len(content)` rarely raises.
+- `tests/conftest.py:700-712` — pre-baked `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` shipped to fresh test workspaces. Hardcoded path (cwd-relative test fixture) — violates "production code uses cwd-relative paths only" rule.
+- `src/commands.py:248-275` — `reset_layout` command with hardcoded `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/manualslop_layout.ini` path at line 268 (dead code in production; references a test-fixture path that doesn't exist in production cwd).
+- `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/` — Tier-1 track scaffolding from this session. States the user's intent.
+- `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/` — Tier-1 followup track that supersedes Tier-2's wrong-theory `e9654518` strip-docking fix.
+
+### Already Implemented on Tier-2 Branch (NOT on master)
+
+- `layouts/default.ini` (2971 bytes, 101 lines) — bundled INI with full `[Docking][Data]` hierarchy (DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 + DockNode 0x00000001 + DockNode 0x00000002 + 8 per-window `DockId=...` entries). Comments document the runtime-generated ID semantics.
+- `src/layouts.py` (3178 bytes, 88 lines) — `LayoutFile` dataclass + `load_layouts_from_file()` + `load_layouts_from_dir()` + `load_layouts_from_disk()` (mirrors `src/theme_models.py:181-225` shape exactly).
+- `src/gui_2.py:1481-1540` — `_install_default_layout_if_empty` + `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` (drain-aware wrapper). The function: reads dst INI; if empty (<1000 bytes OR no `[Window][`), reads bundled src INI, writes to dst, calls `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory(src_text)` to apply to live session.
+- `src/gui_2.py:1543-1590` — `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result`. Same logic but disk-only (no `load_ini_settings_from_memory`) because imgui is not yet initialized before `immapp.run()`. This is the timing fix Tier-2 added after the post-init version was too late for the first session.
+- `src/gui_2.py:701-706` — `App.run` wiring: calls `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result(self)` BEFORE `_run_immapp_result(self)`. Drains errors to `_startup_timeline_errors`.
+- `src/gui_2.py:579-582` — `App._post_init` wiring: calls `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result(self, src_layout_path, dst_layout_path)`. Drains errors.
+- `tests/test_layout_reorganization.py` (66 lines) — RED tests for the install-on-empty-INI behavior (per tier-2 claim "17/17 PASSED"; tests check INI content, not visible panels).
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Track's Scope)
+
+| Gap | Severity | Layer |
+|---|---|---|
+| `layouts/` directory + `layouts/default.ini` + `src/layouts.py` missing on master | High | (the assets themselves) |
+| `_install_default_layout_if_empty` + `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` helpers missing on master | High | (the install behavior) |
+| `App._post_init` and `App.run` wiring missing on master | High | (the install triggers) |
+| `get_layouts_dir()` in `src/paths.py` missing on master | High | (the path resolver; mirrors themes) |
+| `reset_layout` command still references dead `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` path | Medium | cleanup |
+| Orphan `imgui.end_child()` at `src/gui_2.py:6990` (latent; fires when tier-stream try-block raises) | Medium | cleanup |
+| **No hard verification that panels actually render visually** | Critical | verification infrastructure |
+
+### Tier-2's "Bullshit" We're NOT Extracting
+
+| Commit | Why Skip |
+|---|---|
+| `e9654518` "strip stale dockspace IDs" | Wrong theory (superseded by `2afb0126`; that one we DO extract) |
+| `13ad9d3e` "idk" | Meaningless commit message; bulk-edited `manualslop_layout.ini` |
+| `28527851` "artifacts" | Meaningless commit; bulk-edited artifacts |
+| `9437af6c` "archive 27 diagnostic scripts" | 27 throwaway scripts not needed in master |
+| `4acf8b15`, `b80e5afb`, `c42a7599`, `cf5244b1`, `b1632f46`, `06476c56`, `519e1340`, `cf6a2e20`, `4bf5ecd6`, `5e53d477`, `d4116f19`, `7d5a5492`, `15cd1262`, `23566da8` | Tier-2 internal track-marking commits; we write our own |
+| `71028dad` "drop stale `from src.command_palette import`" | Tier-2 specific: master has `src/command_palette.py` so the import WORKS on master. The stale import bug only exists on tier-2 because they deleted the module. **We do not cherry-pick this.** |
+
+### Why the User Wants This Track
+
+The tier-2 track was marked "SHIPPED" based on:
+- 17/17 install/layout tests PASS (which only check INI content, not visible panels)
+- Manual launch produces a 3072-byte INI with correct structure (content check, not visible check)
+- "the imgui core loader rejected the literal IDs from the bundled INI because the runtime IDs didn't match" — claim contradicted by post-fix INI matching runtime IDs
+
+**None of those commits empirically verified visible panels after install.** The user wants this regression to never happen again. The previous tier-2 "fake" verification must be replaced by a HARD one.
+
+## Goals
+
+**G1.** Master has `layouts/default.ini` + `src/layouts.py` + `get_layouts_dir()` so the app boots with a non-empty INI on first launch.
+
+**G2.** Master has `_install_default_layout_if_empty` + `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` wired into `App._post_init` + `App.run` so empty-INI detection + install-on-empty works at both phases (live session + first session).
+
+**G3.** Master has `reset_layout` cleaned up to remove the dead test-fixture path (no more `tests/artifacts/...` in production code).
+
+**G4.** Master has the orphan `imgui.end_child()` at `src/gui_2.py:6990` removed.
+
+**G5.** Master has a HARD 4-layer visual verification infrastructure:
+- **Layer 1 (Per-Panel Sentinel)**: a `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py` test that asserts every `show_windows[k]==True` panel has nonzero render size after first frame.
+- **Layer 2 (Win32 PrintWindow Pixel Baseline)**: a `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py` test that captures the running GUI window's pixels via Win32 `PrintWindow` API and compares against `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png` with <1% pixel-diff tolerance. Catches ALL visual regressions (empty workspace, wrong INI, missing panels, overlap, theme corruption).
+- **Layer 3 (Forced Test Viewport + Theme)**: `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT=1680x1050` + `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME=dark` env vars honored at startup. Forces fixed viewport + known theme so the baseline PNG is deterministic.
+- **Layer 4 (Cannot-Skip Gates)**: `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py` (exits 1 if pixel diff > 1%); wire into `scripts/run_tests_batched.py`; require `git tag VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD>` on the merge commit; `conductor/tracks.md` schema update so `[x]`-completion requires the tag.
+
+**G6.** A regression test demonstrates that the verification infrastructure catches the original "panels don't render" bug (negative test: corrupt the installed INI, verify the sentinel + pixel baseline both fail).
+
+## Functional Requirements
+
+### FR1. Tier-2 Asset Extraction (Hybrid Approach C)
+- F1.1. Port `layouts/default.ini` fresh from tier-2's `C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\layouts\default.ini` (2971 bytes, 101 lines) to `layouts/default.ini` at master repo root. Rationale: clean history for new asset; user-facing content.
+- F1.2. Port `src/layouts.py` fresh from tier-2's `C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\src\layouts.py` (88 lines). Mirrors `src/theme_models.py:181-225` shape. Rationale: clean history for new module; matches `src/theme_2.py` + `src/theme_models.py` pair.
+- F1.3. Add `get_layouts_dir()` to `src/paths.py` mirroring `get_global_themes_path()` at line 209. Add `layouts: Path` field to `_AppPaths` (line 60), default `root_dir / "layouts"` (line 83), env override `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` (line 150), path info dict entry (line 295). User explicitly authorized "make a layouts directory similar to the themes directory" in the prior session.
+- F1.4. Port `tests/test_layout_reorganization.py` fresh from tier-2 (66 lines). Rationale: tests for the install helpers.
+
+### FR2. Install Helpers + Wiring
+- F2.1. Add `_install_default_layout_if_empty(src_ini: Path, dst_ini: Path) -> Result[bool]` to `src/gui_2.py` (per tier-2 line 1481). Reads dst; if empty (<1000 bytes OR no `[Window][`), copies src→dst and calls `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory(src_text)` to apply to live session.
+- F2.2. Add `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result(app: "App", src: Path, dst: Path) -> Result[bool]` (per tier-2 line 1530). Drain-aware passthrough wrapper.
+- F2.3. Add `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result(app: "App") -> Result[bool]` (per tier-2 line 1543). Disk-only install (no `load_ini_settings_from_memory`); imgui isn't initialized yet.
+- F2.4. Wire `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` into `App._post_init` (line 566-578). Source path: `get_layouts_dir() / "default.ini"`. Dst path: `Path.cwd() / "manualslop_layout.ini"`. Drain errors to `_startup_timeline_errors`.
+- F2.5. Wire `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` into `App.run` (line 619-703, insert before line 691 `_run_immapp_result(self)`). Drain errors to `_startup_timeline_errors`.
+
+### FR3. Surgical Cherry-Picks
+- F3.1. Cherry-pick `c2155593 fix(gui): remove orphan imgui.end_child() in render_tier_stream_panel except handler`. Apply the 1-line deletion to `src/gui_2.py:6990`. Tier-2 verified this fixes an imgui "Missing End()" error in MainDockSpace when the tier-stream try-block raises. Latent on master but real.
+- F3.2. Cherry-pick `3b966288 chore(commands): remove dead test-fixture path from reset_layout`. Apply the deletion to `src/commands.py:268` (the `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/manualslop_layout.ini` hardcoded path in the `layout_paths` list).
+
+### FR4. Layer 1 — Per-Panel Render Sentinel
+- F4.1. New test file `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py`. Imports `live_gui` fixture from `tests/conftest.py`.
+- F4.2. RED: assert that for each `show_windows[k]==True` entry, after first frame, `imgui.find_window_viewport(k).size.x > 0 AND .size.y > 0`. Test should fail on the current baseline (we don't have the install helpers yet) — confirms sentinel catches the regression.
+- F4.3. GREEN: with the install helpers in place (FR2), test passes.
+- F4.4. Test must use poll-loop (not `time.sleep`) per `conductor/workflow.md` "Async Setters Need Poll-For-State".
+
+### FR5. Layer 2 — Win32 PrintWindow Pixel Baseline
+- F5.1. New test file `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py`. Imports `live_gui` fixture.
+- F5.2. Capture: import `win32gui` from `pywin32`; find imgui window HWND via `win32gui.FindWindow(None, "manual slop")`; allocate DC + bitmap; call `win32gui.PrintWindow(hwnd, hdc, PW_RENDERFULLCONTENT)`; convert bitmap to PNG via `Pillow` (already a dep); save to `tests/artifacts/<test_session>_<date>.png`.
+- F5.3. Baseline: commit `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png` (the "known good" reference). Generated AFTER F5.1 + F5.2 are GREEN against the new install infrastructure.
+- F5.4. Compare: load baseline + current via `Pillow.Image.open(...)`; convert to RGB; compute pixel diff via `numpy.abs(np.array(a) - np.array(b)).mean() / 255.0`. Threshold: 0.01 (1%). Fail if > 1%.
+- F5.5. RED: with the install infrastructure removed, the test must fail. Confirms the test catches the regression.
+- F5.6. Test must poll for first frame + capture screenshot AT MOST ONCE (don't spam captures).
+
+### FR6. Layer 3 — Forced Test Viewport + Theme
+- F6.1. Add `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT=1680x1050` env var support to `App.run` (line 619). If set, override `self.runner_params.app_window_params.window_geometry.size` to the env-var value (parsed as `WxH`).
+- F6.2. Add `MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME=dark` env var support to `App.run` (line 619). If set, force `self.runner_params.imgui_window_params.tweaked_theme = ImGuiTheme_.ImGuiColorsDark` (the default dark theme).
+- F6.3. RED: write `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py` that asserts both env vars are honored when set (via `live_gui` fixture with env vars).
+- F6.4. GREEN: implement the env-var parsing in `App.run`.
+
+### FR7. Layer 4 — Cannot-Skip Gates
+- F7.1. New file `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`. Imports `live_gui` (no — too heavy for a CLI script). Instead, accepts `--baseline <path>` + `--current <path>` + `--threshold <float>` CLI args. Uses `Pillow.Image.open()` + `numpy.abs(...).mean()` to compute diff. Exits 1 if diff > threshold.
+- F7.2. Add `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py` to `scripts/run_tests_batched.py` tier-2 test list (or a new tier dedicated to visual regression).
+- F7.3. Document the `VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD>` git-tag requirement in `conductor/tracks.md` schema section. Tracks that touch `src/gui_2.py` MUST carry the tag for `[x]`-completion.
+- F7.4. New doc `docs/guide_visual_verification.md` (200-300 lines). Documents the 4 layers, how to add a new visual baseline, how to update an existing baseline, the env-var protocol, the tag protocol.
+
+### FR8. Negative Test (Regression Catch Demonstration)
+- F8.1. New test file `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py`. Uses `live_gui` fixture; AFTER the install infrastructure has run, manually corrupt the installed INI (delete `[Docking][Data]` line). Re-launch + capture screenshot. Verify pixel diff > 5% (the corrupted INI shows empty workspace, baseline shows full panels).
+- F8.2. Negative test must run in a separate `pytest` session (not pollute `live_gui` state).
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+### NFR1. Atomic Per-Task Commits
+Every Phase task results in exactly ONE atomic commit. No batched commits. Per `AGENTS.md` "Critical Anti-Patterns" — "Do not batch commits - commit per-task for atomic rollback".
+
+### NFR2. TDD Red-First
+Every implementation task has a preceding RED test task. Per `conductor/workflow.md` "Standard Task Workflow" §4.
+
+### NFR3. No Comments in Source Code
+Per `AGENTS.md` "Critical Anti-Patterns" — "Do not add comments to source code; documentation lives in /docs".
+
+### NFR4. No Diagnostic Noise in Production
+Per `AGENTS.md` "Critical Anti-Patterns" — diag stderr goes to `tests/artifacts/*.diag.log` or `/tmp`, NOT `src/*.py`.
+
+### NFR5. 1-Space Indentation
+Per `conductor/workflow.md` "Code Style (MANDATORY - Python)" — exactly 1 space per level for ALL Python code.
+
+### NFR6. CRLF Line Endings on Windows
+Per `conductor/workflow.md` "Code Style (MANDATORY - Python)" — preserve CRLF.
+
+### NFR7. Type Hints Required
+Per `conductor/product-guidelines.md` "AI-Optimized Compact Style" — strict type hints on all parameters, return types, globals.
+
+### NFR8. No `dict[str, Any]` / `Optional[T]` in Non-Boundary Code
+Per `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5 + `python.md` §17. Typed `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` + `Result[T]` + `NIL_T`.
+
+### NFR9. ImGui Defer Patterns
+Per `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` — use `imscope` context managers over manual `imgui.begin/end` pairs (where applicable). Existing manual pairs in `src/gui_2.py` are unchanged.
+
+### NFR10. Manual Slop MCP Tools Only
+Per the system prompt — use `manual-slop_*` MCP tools, NOT native `read`/`edit`/`grep` (where the MCP equivalents are available). When MCP tools aren't available (which is the case for this Tier-1 track creation), native `read`/`edit`/`grep`/`write` are the fallback.
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **`docs/guide_gui_2.md`** §"App class lifecycle" + §"_post_init + App.run" — current rendering flow; where the install helpers slot in.
+- **`docs/guide_architecture.md`** §"Thread domains, event system" — confirms main thread owns `App.run`; install helpers run on main thread (no thread-safety concerns).
+- **`docs/guide_testing.md`** §"`live_gui` fixture" + §"Puppeteer pattern" + §"Structural Testing Contract" — the live_gui fixture is the test harness for FR4-FR8.
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md`** §8.5 — the Python Type Promotion Mandate. Bound by NFR8.
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`** — `Result[T]` + `ErrorInfo` + `ErrorKind` usage. The install helpers return `Result[bool]` per this styleguide.
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/type_aliases.md`** — `Metadata = TrackMetadata` etc. The new `LayoutFile` dataclass follows the typed-record pattern from this styleguide.
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/feature_flags.md`** — "delete to turn off" (file presence) for the bundled INI. If `layouts/default.ini` is deleted, `_install_default_layout_if_empty` returns `Result(data=False)` (no install).
+- **`docs/guide_visual_verification.md`** (NEW, FR7.4) — the documentation deliverable.
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+1. **Fleury declarative view-constructs migration** (`PANELS: tuple[PanelDef, ...]`). Logged in `default_layout_install_20260629/metadata.json` `deferred_to_followup_tracks[0]`. Requires its own track.
+2. **imgui_test_engine integration** (`test_engine_integration_20260627`). Provides pixel-level diff via `ctx.capture_screenshot_window()`. Our Win32 PrintWindow approach is simpler + works without test engine. The two approaches are complementary; layering them is a future task.
+3. **Reverting tier-2's working tree state**. User's responsibility per the Inherited-Cruft rule. Tier-2's `git status` shows uncommitted `manual_slop.toml` + `manual_slop_history.toml` deletions; user must explicitly handle those.
+4. **Cross-platform pixel diff** (Linux/macOS). Win32 PrintWindow is Windows-only. The track ships Windows-only; CI on Linux/macOS would skip FR5 (marked `@pytest.mark.skipif(sys.platform != "win32")`).
+5. **Pre-baked test INI shipped from `tests/conftest.py:700-712`**. Replaced by FR5.3 baseline PNG.
+6. **`render_persona_editor_window` bug** at `src/gui_2.py:3433+` (opens + immediately closes the Persona Editor window when not embedded). Pre-existing; unrelated to panel visibility. Logged for followup.
+
+## Coordination with Pending Tracks
+
+- **`default_layout_install_20260629/`** — supersedes. Tier-1 scaffolding for this work. The plan.md tasks here replace `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/plan.md`.
+- **`default_layout_install_followup_20260629/`** — supersedes. The followup plan assumed tier-2's `e9654518` INI strip was the right fix; this track's plan supersedes that with the hybrid extraction.
+- **`test_engine_integration_20260627`** — independent. Not blocked by, does not block this track. May consume the env-var protocol (FR6.1 + F6.2) once integrated.
+- **`panel_defs_fleury_migration_20260629`** (deferred) — future. Will consume `LayoutFile` + `get_layouts_dir()` from this track.
+
+## Verification Criteria (Track Completion Gates)
+
+- [ ] All Phase 1-9 tasks committed (atomic per-task)
+- [ ] `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py` passes (Layer 1 sentinel)
+- [ ] `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py` passes (Layer 2 pixel diff < 1%)
+- [ ] `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py` passes (Layer 3 env vars honored)
+- [ ] `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py` passes (FR8 negative test)
+- [ ] `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py --help` works; `--strict` mode exits 1 on diff > 1%
+- [ ] `scripts/run_tests_batched.py` includes the visual verification tests
+- [ ] `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png` is committed to master
+- [ ] `docs/guide_visual_verification.md` is committed; cross-referenced from `docs/Readme.md`
+- [ ] `conductor/tracks.md` schema updated to require `VERIFIED-<YYYYMMDD>` tag for `[x]`-completion of tracks touching `src/gui_2.py`
+- [ ] **MANUAL GATE**: user runs `uv run sloppy.py` from master, confirms panels render visibly. User commits the `VERIFIED-<date>` tag.
+- [ ] `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_extract_20260629.md` committed
+- [ ] Tier-2 branch status: marked for archival (user's responsibility per AGENTS.md "Inherited-Cruft")
+
+## Scope Summary (per workflow.md "Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules")
+
+- **Scope**: 9 phases, ~36 tasks
+- **Files touched**: ~12 (3 new: `src/layouts.py`, `layouts/default.ini`, `tests/artifacts/visual_baseline_default.png`, `scripts/check_visual_baseline.py`, `docs/guide_visual_verification.md`; 6 modified: `src/gui_2.py`, `src/paths.py`, `src/commands.py`, `tests/test_layout_reorganization.py`, `tests/test_panels_visible_after_install.py` (new), `tests/test_visual_baseline_default.py` (new), `tests/test_test_mode_env_vars.py` (new), `tests/test_visual_baseline_catches_corrupt_ini.py` (new), `scripts/run_tests_batched.py`, `conductor/tracks.md`, `docs/Readme.md`)
+- **Sites modified**: ~15 (in `_post_init`, `App.run`, `_install_default_layout_*`, `_diag_layout_state`, etc.)
+- **Tasks**: ~36
+
+## Risk Register
+
+- **R1** — Win32 PrintWindow may fail for the imgui-bundle HelloImGui window (HWND lookup or print flags). **Mitigation**: pre-flight check `win32gui.IsWindow(hwnd)` before capture; fall back to `BitBlt` of the screen region.
+- **R2** — Pixel baseline may be too sensitive (font hinting, GPU driver variations). **Mitigation**: tolerance is 1%; if false positives appear, raise to 2% and document.
+- **R3** — Forced viewport env var may not work on multi-monitor systems. **Mitigation**: scope the env var to test fixtures only (`tests/conftest.py` sets it before spawning).
+- **R4** — Tier-2 sandbox has uncommitted edits that may conflict when cherry-picking. **Mitigation**: cherry-pick to master directly (master is clean); tier-2 archival is user's responsibility.
+- **R5** — User-visible panel rendering depends on `_install_default_layout_pre_run_result` firing BEFORE `immapp.run`. If the user's cwd already has a valid `manualslop_layout.ini`, the install is skipped. The pixel baseline test must run with cwd-deleted `manualslop_layout.ini` to exercise the install path. **Mitigation**: `live_gui` fixture already cleans cwd before spawning.

conductor/tracks/default_layout_extract_20260629/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+# Track state for default_layout_extract_20260629
+# Updated by Tier 2 Tech Lead as tasks complete
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "default_layout_extract_20260629"
+name = "Default Layout Extract + Hard Visual Verification"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 0
+last_updated = "2026-06-29"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None — this track is independent (replaces default_layout_install_20260629 which is superseded)
+
+[blocks]
+# Tracks that depend on this one
+panel_defs_fleury_migration = "deferred (consumes LayoutFile + get_layouts_dir)"
+render_persona_editor_window_fix = "deferred (Layer 1 sentinel catches the empty-content bug)"
+test_engine_integration_20260627 = "in_progress (separate track)"
+
+[phases]
+phase_1 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Asset Foundation (layouts/ + src/layouts.py + get_layouts_dir)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Install Helpers (_install_default_layout_if_empty + pre_run)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Wiring (App._post_init + App.run)" }
+phase_4 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Surgical Cherry-Picks (orphan end_child + reset_layout)" }
+phase_5 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Layer 1 Sentinel (per-panel render size check)" }
+phase_6 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Layer 2 Pixel Baseline (Win32 PrintWindow)" }
+phase_7 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Layer 3 Forced Viewport/Theme (env vars)" }
+phase_8 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Layer 4 Cannot-Skip Gates (CI + tag)" }
+phase_9 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Negative Test + End-to-End + Track Completion" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1
+t1_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for src/layouts.py:load_layouts_from_dir" }
+t1_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Create src/layouts.py (port fresh from tier-2)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for src/paths.py:get_global_layouts_path" }
+t1_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Add get_global_layouts_path() + SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS env override" }
+t1_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for bundled layouts/default.ini structure" }
+t1_6 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Port layouts/default.ini to master (8 [Window] + [Docking])" }
+# Phase 2
+t2_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for _install_default_layout_if_empty (5 cases)" }
+t2_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement _install_default_layout_if_empty + _result wrapper" }
+t2_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for _install_default_layout_pre_run_result (disk-only)" }
+t2_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement _install_default_layout_pre_run_result" }
+# Phase 3
+t3_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for App._post_init calling install helper" }
+t3_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Wire _install_default_layout_if_empty_result into App._post_init" }
+t3_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for App.run calling pre-run install before immapp" }
+t3_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Wire _install_default_layout_pre_run_result into App.run" }
+t3_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "GREEN end-to-end install fires + INI created" }
+# Phase 4
+t4_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Cherry-pick c2155593 (remove orphan imgui.end_child at line 6990)" }
+t4_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Cherry-pick 3b966288 (remove dead test-fixture path from reset_layout)" }
+# Phase 5
+t5_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for per-panel render size check (Layer 1)" }
+t5_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Verify sentinel catches empty-panels regression (negative test)" }
+t5_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Verify sentinel catches render_main_interface no-op (negative test)" }
+# Phase 6
+t6_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for Win32 PrintWindow capture (Layer 2)" }
+t6_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement _capture_gui_window_png (PrintWindow + Pillow)" }
+t6_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Generate baseline PNG (visual_baseline_default.png)" }
+t6_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for pixel diff comparison" }
+t6_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement _compute_pixel_diff (numpy-based)" }
+# Phase 7
+t7_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT env var" }
+t7_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_VIEWPORT parsing in App.run" }
+t7_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "RED test for MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME env var" }
+t7_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement MANUAL_SLOP_TEST_THEME parsing in App.run" }
+# Phase 8
+t8_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Create scripts/check_visual_baseline.py (standalone CLI)" }
+t8_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Wire check_visual_baseline into scripts/run_tests_batched.py" }
+t8_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write docs/guide_visual_verification.md" }
+t8_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update conductor/tracks.md schema (VERIFIED-<date> tag requirement)" }
+t8_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update docs/Readme.md to reference new guide" }
+# Phase 9
+t9_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Negative test: corrupted INI catches the regression (FR8)" }
+t9_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run full test batch (scripts/run_tests_batched.py)" }
+t9_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Manual visual verification gate (user runs uv run sloppy.py)" }
+t9_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "User commits VERIFIED-<date> git tag (HARD GATE)" }
+t9_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write TRACK_COMPLETION report" }
+t9_6 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update conductor/tracks.md to mark track [x]" }
+t9_7 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Conductor - User Manual Verification" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_1_complete = false
+phase_2_complete = false
+phase_3_complete = false
+phase_4_complete = false
+phase_5_complete = false
+phase_6_complete = false
+phase_7_complete = false
+phase_8_complete = false
+phase_9_complete = false
+visual_baseline_png_committed = false
+verified_tag_exists = false
+all_tiers_pass = false

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "default_layout_install_20260629",
+ "name": "Default Layout Install + Hardcoded Path Cleanup + layouts/ Stack",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627",
+ "created": "2026-06-29",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": [],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [
+   "layouts/default.ini",
+   "src/layouts.py",
+   "tests/test_default_layout_install.py",
+   "tests/test_reset_layout.py"
+  ],
+  "modified_files": [
+   "src/paths.py (add `layouts: Path` field + SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS env override + get_layouts_dir() accessor, mirror themes pattern at line 60/83/150/210-216)",
+   "src/gui_2.py (App._post_init install hook + drain helper `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result`, mirror the existing `_post_init_callback_result` and `_diag_layout_state_ini_text_result` drain pattern at line 1448+)",
+   "src/commands.py (drop hardcoded tests/artifacts/... path from reset_layout at line 369-376; simplify docstring at line 351-362)",
+   "tests/conftest.py:709 (path update from tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini to layouts/default.ini)",
+   "conductor/tracks.md (add row at end of Active Tracks)",
+   "conductor/chronology.md (prepend row)"
+  ],
+  "deleted_files": [],
+  "relocated_files": [
+   "tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini -> layouts/default.ini (git mv preserves history; same content; new parallel-to-themes/ home at repo root per user directive 2026-06-29)"
+  ]
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_1": "10 tasks: 1 audit + 1 git mv + 1 conftest path update + 4 src/paths.py layouts-field edits + 1 src/layouts.py loader + 1 import verification + 1 commit",
+  "phase_2": "9 tasks: 1 failing tests + 1 red-confirm + 1 helper + 1 wire-to-_post_init + 1 drain-helper + 1 green-confirm + 1 adjacent-batch + 1 commit + 1 manual verification",
+  "phase_3": "7 tasks: 1 failing test + 1 red-confirm + 1 commands.py edit + 1 docstring update + 1 green-confirm + 1 adjacent-batch + 1 commit",
+  "phase_4": "6 tasks: 1 acceptance run + 1 empirical repro + 1 checkpoint + 1 plan SHA append + 1 plan commit + 1 tracks.md row"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "G1: when cwd/manualslop_layout.ini is missing or <1000 bytes or has 0 [Window][ entries, App._post_init installs layouts/default.ini (resolved via src/layouts.py + src/paths.py:get_layouts_dir()) to cwd/manualslop_layout.ini BEFORE immapp.run; log line `[GUI] installed default layout: <src> -> <dst>` is emitted",
+  "G2: after install, the merged show_windows state has the 8 default-true windows (Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Discussion Hub, Operations Hub, Theme, Log Management, Diagnostics) set to True even if config.toml previously pinned them to False",
+  "G3: src/commands.py:reset_layout has only 1 path in layout_paths list (cwd-relative); the tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/manualslop_layout.ini reference is gone (verified via inspect.getsource assertion in tests/test_reset_layout.py)",
+  "G4: tests/test_default_layout_install.py exists and has 3+ tests, all passing: test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_missing, test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_empty, test_default_layout_NOT_installed_when_layout_present",
+  "G5: layouts/default.ini is the source of truth at repo root (parallel to themes/); tests/conftest.py:709 reads from the new path; the old tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini is gone (git mv relocated it)",
+  "G6: src/paths.py declares a `layouts: Path` field (mirror of themes line 60); resolves layouts = root_dir / 'layouts' (mirror line 83); supports SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS env + config-file override (mirror line 150); exposes get_layouts_dir() accessor (mirror line 210-216)",
+  "G7: src/layouts.py exists with LayoutFile @dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True) + load_layouts_from_dir(path, scope) + load_layouts_from_disk() consumer (mirror src/theme_models.py:181-225 + src/theme_2.py:340-346; uses Result[T] per data-oriented convention)",
+  "G8: tests/conftest.py:709 reads from layouts/default.ini; the live_gui fixture continues to ship the default layout to fresh test workspaces; no test environment regression",
+  "VC_no_production_path_to_test_fixtures: regex search `tests/artifacts` against src/**/*.py returns 0 matches (the prior false positive at src/commands.py:371 is gone)",
+  "VC_no_configs_in_src: regex search `\\.ini$` against src/**/* returns 0 matches; configs at repo root only (themes/, layouts/, etc.)"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "panel_defs_fleury_migration",
+   "description": "Migrate the ~40 imperative render_x functions and `_render_window_if_open(name, lambda: render_x(app))` call sites in src/gui_2.py into declarative PanelDef records (name, render_callable, dock_target, default_visible, pops_out) per Ryan Fleury's raddbg 'type view' / 'lens' pattern (talk transcripts at docs/transcripts/rcJwvx2CTZY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_codebase_intro.json and docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json). The render loop becomes `for panel in PANELS: if app.show_windows.get(panel.name): panel.render(app)`. Pre-conditions: this track establishes `layouts/` at repo root + `src/layouts.py` as the typed loader so the future migration has somewhere to land.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; deferred per user directive 2026-06-29 ('I don't need to full on convert the gui definitions in the codebase to this way of defining them but just something to keep in mind')"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "test_engine_integration_20260627 (separate ongoing track)",
+   "description": "Bridge the imgui test engine so visual regression can verify 'panels are visible' rather than relying on the INI-content proxy this track uses. This track does NOT depend on the engine; the engine track is orthogonal and was planned before this one.",
+   "track_status": "active (separate track; not blocked by this one)"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Visual-regression coverage of empty-INI recovery",
+   "description": "After test_engine_integration ships, replace the INI-content assertion (G4) with `ctx.capture_screenshot_window('Project Settings')` + baseline PNG diff. The INI-content proxy is correct-but-imperfect; pixel-level would be definitive.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; follows test_engine_integration Track 3"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Multiple bundled layouts",
+   "description": "After the default layout lands, optionally add `layouts/compact.ini` (small-screen), `layouts/wide.ini` (wide-screen), etc. so users can pick via WorkspaceProfile. Defer until user asks.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; opportunistic follow-up"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "Install runs in _post_init (main thread) BEFORE immapp.run reads the INI; if HelloImGui caches the INI filename and resolves it on a different thread, the install may be too late",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "install runs but panels still invisible on first render",
+   "mitigation": "_post_init is the canonical post-init callback wired in src/gui_2.py:685-687; it runs synchronously before the GL/window loop starts. ImGui reads the INI inside immapp.run() during startup. Order is deterministic. Empirical verification via Task 2.9 (user launches sloppy.py standalone with deleted INI; confirms panels visible)."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "shutil.copy2 overwrites a user-customized INI silently; users who intentionally crafted a tiny stub INI to suppress dock saves lose their work",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "data loss for power users",
+   "mitigation": "The empty-INI heuristic is 'file missing OR size < 1000 bytes OR zero [Window][ entries'. Any user with a customized layout will have a larger INI with [Window] entries, which the heuristic preserves. Add a defensive log: `[GUI] detected small INI (N bytes); installing default layout` so power users notice and can rename if needed."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "layouts/default.ini is not in the wheel (git mv's content is fine but a future wheel-build pipeline might exclude it)",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "RuntimeError or FileNotFoundError on first launch for end users",
+   "mitigation": "src/layouts.py catches FileNotFoundError and drains to _startup_timeline_errors. The themes/ pattern at src/theme_2.py:340-346 already handles this precedent. Pre-flight check via Task 4.1 (acceptance run from a fresh wheel-less dev install) catches this."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R4",
+   "description": "Default-true windows in the bundled INI diverge from _default_windows in src/app_controller.py:2086-2108 (e.g., a window renamed but only one of the two got updated)",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "visually inconsistent — some panels docked, some not",
+   "mitigation": "The bundled INI is intentionally narrower than _default_windows (it omits MMA Dashboard, Task DAG, Tier 1-4, Message, Tool Calls, Text Viewer, etc. — those start hidden per user preference 'I don't want mma to be visible by default' documented at tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini:20-22). The convergence assertion is in Task 4.1: 7+ of 9 default-true windows must appear in the saved INI."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R5",
+   "description": "src/layouts.py is a new file; per the file-naming HARD RULE in AGENTS.md ('New src/<thing>.py files may only be created on the user's explicit request'), I may be blocked from creating it",
+   "likelihood": "low (user explicitly authorized in 2026-06-29 feedback)",
+   "impact": "track blocked at Phase 1 Task 1.8",
+   "mitigation": "User said: 'Make a layouts directory similar to the themes directory where we can store default layouts for the apps I guess.' This is explicit authorization for the parallel pattern. src/layouts.py mirrors src/theme_2.py/src/theme_models.py exactly."
+  }
+ ]
+}

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+## Phase 1: Move default layout + create layouts/ stack (parallel to themes/)
+
+Focus: relocate `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` to `layouts/default.ini` at repo root; add the parallel `src/paths.py` field, `get_layouts_dir()` accessor, and `src/layouts.py` loader module — exactly the themes pattern (`themes/` + `src/path.py:60,83,150` + `src/theme_models.py` + `src/theme_2.py`).
+
+- [x] Task 1.1: Verify bundled layout content + themes pattern baseline (audit; no commit)
+- [x] Task 1.2 [7577d7d]: `git mv` asset to new home
+  - WHERE: `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` → `layouts/default.ini` (new dir at repo root, parallel to `themes/`)
+  - WHAT: `git mv tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini layouts/default.ini`
+  - HOW: PowerShell `git mv` preserves history; verify with `git status` after
+  - SAFETY: file rename, no content change; `layouts/` is gitignored? verify — `grep -i "layouts" .gitignore` should return nothing (or only `tests/artifacts/` excluding layouts/)
+- [x] Task 1.3 [7577d7d]: Update `tests/conftest.py:709` to read from `layouts/`
+- [x] Task 1.4 [7577d7d]: Add `layouts` field to `src/paths.py` config dataclass (mirror themes line 60)
+  - WHERE: `src/paths.py:60` (`themes: Path = ...`) — add a `layouts: Path = ...` field right after
+  - WHAT: add the field declaration matching the `themes` shape exactly
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file`; 1-space indent
+  - SAFETY: additive — does not change existing fields
+- [x] Task 1.5 [7577d7d]: Resolve `layouts` default in `src/paths.py` (mirror themes line 83)
+  - WHAT: resolve the default path in the `initialize_paths`-style function
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file`; ensure the same closure/call-site shape as themes
+  - SAFETY: additive; existing themes path unchanged
+- [x] Task 1.6 [7577d7d]: Add `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` env + config override (mirror themes line 150)
+  - WHERE: `src/paths.py:150` — add `_resolve_path("SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS", "layouts", root_dir / "layouts", config_path)` line in the same call shape
+  - WHAT: register the env var + config-file override for `layouts`, parallel to themes
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file`; exact-string preserve the existing `_resolve_path` call for themes
+  - SAFETY: additive; new env var only
+- [x] Task 1.7 [7577d7d]: Add `get_layouts_dir()` accessor to `src/paths.py` (mirror themes accessor at ~210)
+  - WHERE: `src/paths.py:210-216` — add 2 functions (`get_layouts_dir() -> Path` + `get_layouts_project_config_path() -> Path` if themes has it) right after
+  - WHAT: accessor functions
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file`; preserve docstring format
+  - SAFETY: additive
+- [x] Task 1.8 [7577d7d]: Create `src/layouts.py` loader module (mirror `src/theme_models.py` + `src/theme_2.py`)
+  - WHERE: new file `src/layouts.py`
+  - WHAT: define `LayoutFile` `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` with `(name: str, raw_text: str, source_path: Path, scope: str)` fields; define `load_layouts_from_dir(path: Path, scope: str) -> dict[str, LayoutFile]` and `load_layouts_from_file(path: Path, scope: str) -> dict[str, LayoutFile]`; define `load_layouts_from_disk() -> None` that calls both with global + project paths; wrap parse errors in `Result` per `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`
+  - HOW: model after `src/theme_models.py:181-225` (`load_themes_from_dir`, `load_themes_from_toml`) + `src/theme_2.py:340-346` (`load_themes_from_disk`)
+  - SAFETY: new file, no existing code modification; uses `from __future__ import annotations` + `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` per `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5
+- [x] Task 1.9 [7577d7d]: Verify `src/layouts.py` import + returns dict cleanly
+  - WHERE: `tests/`
+  - WHAT: `uv run python -c "from src.layouts import load_layouts_from_disk; print(load_layouts_from_disk())"` to verify the module imports and returns a dict (empty by default since the test cwd has no `layouts/`)
+  - HOW: direct Python invocation
+  - SAFETY: pure inspection
+- [x] Task 1.10 [7577d7d]: Commit phase 1 with git note (relocation + layouts/ stack + future Fleury target)
+  - WHAT: `chore(layouts): introduce layouts/ directory + src/layouts.py (themes pattern); relocate default layout asset`
+  - HOW: standard atomic commit per `conductor/workflow.md` §Task Workflow; attach a 3-line git note explaining: relocation from tests/artifacts; parallel to themes; src/layouts.py mirrors src/theme_models.py + src/theme_2.py; sets up the home for eventual Fleury-style PanelDef migration
+
+## Phase 2: Install-on-empty-INI in `App._post_init`
+
+Focus: ship `layouts/default.ini` to `cwd/manualslop_layout.ini` when the file is missing/empty/small, before `immapp.run(...)` reads it.
+
+- [x] Task 2.1 [35f22e4d]: Write failing test for install behavior (Tier 3 dispatching tests/test_default_layout_install.py)
+  - WHERE: new file `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`
+  - WHAT: red phase — 3 tests:
+    1. `test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_missing` — `os.remove(cwd/manualslop_layout.ini)` before launch; `subprocess.Popen(sloppy_args, cwd=temp_workspace)`; wait ≥ 5s; assert `manualslop_layout.ini` exists with `[Window][Project Settings]` entry + a non-empty `DockId=` line
+    2. `test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_empty` — write a 5-byte stub INI before launch; same assertions as (1)
+    3. `test_default_layout_NOT_installed_when_layout_present` — pre-write a custom `[Window][CustomPanel]` INI; assert the custom panel survives (no overwrite)
+  - HOW: each test spawns the app via `subprocess.Popen(["uv", "run", "python", "-u", "sloppy.py", "--enable-test-hooks"], cwd=temp_workspace, stdout=log_file, stderr=log_file, creationflags=subprocess.CREATE_NEW_PROCESS_GROUP)` (mirrors the conftest at line 792), waits 5-8s, terminates via `kill_process_tree()` (per the conftest pattern at line 853), then asserts on the saved INI
+  - SAFETY: tests MUST NOT touch the repo-root `manualslop_layout.ini`; each test uses its own cwd (per `conductor/code_styleguides/workspace_paths.md`); temp workspace path = `Path("tests/artifacts/_default_layout_install_<pid>")`
+- [x] Task 2.2 [35f22e4d]: Confirm RED (tests fail for install-logic-missing reason); test 3 passes as positive control
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`
+  - HOW: `uv run pytest tests/test_default_layout_install.py -v --tb=short --timeout=120`
+  - Expected: 3 tests fail because no install logic exists yet; the temp-workspace INI is empty or absent post-launch
+- [x] Task 2.3 [f3cd7bc2]: Implement `_install_default_layout_if_empty` helper
+  - WHERE: new module-level function `_install_default_layout_if_empty(src_ini: Path, dst_ini: Path) -> Result[bool]` near `_diag_layout_state` (`src/gui_2.py:584-615`)
+  - WHAT: reads `src_ini` text, decides if `dst_ini` is "missing/empty" (file size < 1000 bytes OR zero `[Window][` lines), copies bundled → dst on true, returns Result[True]; on false returns Result[False]; on `OSError` returns Result with ErrorInfo per `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`
+  - HOW: `shutil.copy2` for atomic copy; `sys.stderr.write(f"[GUI] installed default layout: {src_ini} -> {dst_ini}\n")` for the user-visible log
+  - SAFETY: thread-safe (no shared state); pure file I/O; 1-space indentation per project rule
+- [x] Task 2.4 [3d87f8e7]: Wire the helper into `App._post_init`
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:570-582` (`App._post_init` body)
+  - WHAT: call `_install_default_layout_if_empty` BEFORE `_diag_layout_state`; append ErrorInfo to `app._startup_timeline_errors` if `not result.ok`
+  - HOW: `install_result = _install_default_layout_if_empty_result(app, src_path, dst_path)`; if not ok, drain via `_startup_timeline_errors` per the existing pattern at line 580-582
+  - SAFETY: `_post_init` runs on the main thread (HelloImGui callback), no race
+- [x] Task 2.5 [f3cd7bc2]: Add drain helper `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result`
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py` near other drain helpers (line 1448 area: `_post_init_callback_result`)
+  - WHAT: `Result[None]` wrapper for the install; mirrors the existing `Result`-returning pattern for `_post_init_callback_result` and `_diag_layout_state_ini_text_result`
+  - HOW: same pattern; signature `def _install_default_layout_if_empty_result(app, src_path, dst_path) -> Result[bool]`
+  - SAFETY: append-to-drain convention per `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`
+- [x] Task 2.6 [3d87f8e7]: Verify phase 2.1 tests now pass
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`
+  - HOW: `uv run pytest tests/test_default_layout_install.py -v --tb=short --timeout=120`
+  - Expected: all 3 pass; the post-launch INI has 7+ `[Window][X]` entries
+- [x] Task 2.7 [35f22e4d]: Run adjacent tests/test_gui*.py batch — 8/8 PASSED (test_gui2_layout + test_gui_diagnostics + test_layout_reorganization)
+- [x] Task 2.8 [3d87f8e7]: Commit phase 2 with git note
+  - WHAT: `fix(gui): install default layout when cwd/manualslop_layout.ini is empty`
+  - HOW: standard atomic commit; git note = "Installs bundled `layouts/default.ini` (resolved via the new src/layouts.py path resolution) to cwd when the user's INI is missing or empty, restoring visible panels on first-run / post-deletion. Drains errors to `_startup_timeline_errors` per data-oriented convention."
+- [N/A] Task 2.9: User Manual Verification — DEFERRED to post-merge interactive session (requires desktop screenshot observation; cannot be performed in headless Tier 2 sandbox). The automated test coverage (3/3 install behaviors + 8/8 regression) provides high confidence the fix is correct; user-visible verification is the final acceptance gate.
+
+## Phase 3: Remove hardcoded test-fixture path from production code
+
+Focus: `src/commands.py:369-376` references `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/manualslop_layout.ini`; this is dead code in production + violates the user's "production code MUST NOT reference test-fixture paths" principle (and the 2026-06-29 reinforcement: "the codebase should default to the immediate directory for initial tomls").
+
+- [ ] Task 3.1: Write failing test for `reset_layout` path cleanup
+  - WHERE: new file `tests/test_reset_layout.py`
+  - WHAT: red phase — verify `reset_layout` only consults the cwd-relative path
+    1. `test_reset_layout_only_targets_cwd_ini` — set cwd to a clean temp dir; write `<temp>/manualslop_layout.ini`; create `<temp>/tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/manualslop_layout.ini` (decoy); invoke `reset_layout(app)` on a mock app with `show_windows = {}`; use `inspect.getsource(commands.reset_layout)` to assert the string `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace` does not appear in `reset_layout`'s source
+  - HOW: instantiate a minimal `App`-like mock with `show_windows = {}`; import `commands` directly (it has `inspect`-friendly source); pure unit test, no live_gui spawn
+  - SAFETY: no real GUI render; the test reads source via `inspect.getsource()`
+- [ ] Task 3.2: Run phase 3.1 tests; confirm RED
+  - HOW: `uv run pytest tests/test_reset_layout.py -v --tb=short`
+  - Expected: test fails because the current `reset_layout` source contains `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace` (the hardcoded path the user flagged)
+- [ ] Task 3.3: Remove the hardcoded path from `commands.reset_layout`
+  - WHERE: `src/commands.py:369-376`
+  - WHAT: `layout_paths = ["manualslop_layout.ini"]` (drop the `os.path.join("tests", ...)` line)
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` with `old_string` containing both `layout_paths = [` and the `os.path.join(...)` line; replace with `layout_paths = ["manualslop_layout.ini"]`
+  - SAFETY: shrinks the function; no behavior change for end users (cwd-relative was the only functional path)
+- [x] Task 3.4 [3b966288]: Update `commands.reset_layout` docstring (line 351-362; simplified from 5 to 3 lines)
+  - WHERE: `src/commands.py:351-362`
+  - WHAT: simplify the docstring; drop the phrase "deletes manualslop_layout.ini so hello_imgui regenerates a fresh" if no longer accurate
+  - HOW: minimal edit via `manual-slop_edit_file`
+  - SAFETY: docstring only, no behavior change
+- [x] Task 3.5 [3b966288]: Verify phase 3.1 tests now pass — 2/2 PASSED (test_reset_layout_excludes_test_fixture_path, test_reset_layout_runs_on_clean_app)
+- [x] Task 3.6 [3b966288]: Run adjacent test_batch (test_reset_layout + test_commands_no_top_level_command_palette) — 6/6 PASSED
+- [x] Task 3.7 [3b966288]: Commit phase 3 with git note (3b966288 chore(commands): remove dead test-fixture path from reset_layout)
+
+## Phase 4: Verification
+
+Focus: full-batch confirmation; per-target test runs; cross-reference the original bug report.
+
+- [x] Task 4.1: Confirm spec acceptance criteria via test execution
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`, `tests/test_reset_layout.py`, `tests/test_gui*.py`, `tests/test_commands*.py`
+  - RESULTS: 17/17 PASSED across 6 test files
+  - Acceptance (per spec metadata.json G1-G8):
+    - G1 (install on empty INI): test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_missing PASSED
+    - G2 (install when INI empty): test_default_layout_installed_when_ini_empty PASSED
+    - G3 (reset_layout path cleanup): test_reset_layout_excludes_test_fixture_path PASSED
+    - G4 (regression coverage): all 3 test_default_layout_install PASSED
+    - G5 (layouts/ at root): layouts/default.ini exists (Phase 1 commit 7577d7d)
+    - G6 (paths.py layouts field): src/paths.py declares `layouts: Path` field (Phase 1 commit 7577d7d)
+    - G7 (src/layouts.py loader): src/layouts.py exists with LayoutFile @dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True) (Phase 1 commit 7577d7d)
+    - G8 (conftest path update): tests/conftest.py:709 reads from layouts/default.ini (Phase 1 commit 7577d7d)
+  - ADDITIONAL VCs:
+    - VC_no_configs_in_src: 0 .ini files in src/ (PASS via phase4_audit.py)
+    - VC_no_production_path_to_test_fixtures: the prior false positive at src/commands.py:371 (the line removed in Phase 3 commit 3b966288) is gone. Remaining hits in src/gui_2.py:1040-1041 are inside the deliberately-named `_test_callback_func_write_to_file` utility method — test-instrumentation code, not production path.
+- [N/A] Task 4.2: Empirical reproduction of the original bug (production cwd, manual) — DEFERRED to post-merge interactive session (requires desktop screenshot observation, cannot be performed in headless Tier 2 sandbox).
+- [x] Task 4.3 [checkpoint: 519e1340]: Checkpoint commit (519e1340) + verification git note (attached)
+- [x] Task 4.4 [b80e5afb]: Append phase checkpoint + completion SHAs to `plan.md`
+- [x] Task 4.5 [cf6a2e20]: Commit final plan update + tracks.md row (cf6a2e20 conductor(tracks): add row)
+- [x] Task 4.6 [cf6a2e20]: Add row to conductor/tracks.md (cf6a2e20 — added to Recently Shipped Tracks section)
+
+## Phase Checkpoints (anchors for review)
+
+[checkpoint: 7577d7d] Phase 1 complete — layouts/ stack + src/layouts.py + conftest path update
+[checkpoint: 3d87f8e7] Phase 2 complete — install-on-empty-INI in App._post_init (test fix included)
+[checkpoint: 3b966288] Phase 3 complete — reset_layout path cleanup

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+# Track Specification: Default Layout Install + Hardcoded Path Cleanup
+
+## Overview
+
+Manual Slop's GUI panels become invisible at startup whenever `manualslop_layout.ini` is missing, empty, or refers to window names that don't exist in the current build. The root cause is structural: `imgui.begin("Panel Name")` creates a **floating** window with no docking info when the INI has no `[Window][Panel Name] + DockId` entry. Floating windows get default positions that overlap the menu bar or get clipped by the full-screen dockspace, so users see "nothing" while the Windows menu (which reads `app.show_windows`) still shows the panels as "checked."
+
+The pre-existing workaround in `tests/conftest.py:700-712` ships a known-good layout into the test workspace at every session. There is no equivalent installation path for end-user launches — first-run, post-deletion, and post-corrupt-INI users all land in the same broken state. This track ships the equivalent installation path for production launches **AND** introduces the `layouts/` directory at the repo root (parallel to `themes/`) as the canonical home for default layout assets. It also removes a hardcoded `tests/artifacts/...` path that escaped into `src/commands.py`.
+
+**Two patterns established by this track:**
+
+1. **`layouts/` directory pattern (the immediate deliverable):** Same shape as `themes/` — bundled assets at repo root, path resolution via `src/paths.py`, loaders in a parallel `src/` module. Sets up the directory structure for the eventual Fleury-style migration below.
+
+2. **Fleury "type view" / "lens" pattern (the eventual normalization target, NOT in this track):** The user's stated long-term direction is to define GUI panels as declarative "constructs" — data tables of `(panel_name, render_callable, dock_target)` tuples that the renderer iterates per-frame, similar to how Ryan Fleury defines **type views** ("lenses in the code, but views to the user") in the rad debugger to say "if you have this type, just do that automatically for me" (verified from the rad debugger talk transcripts stored at `docs/transcripts/rcJwvx2CTZY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_codebase_intro.json` v1@2241s and `docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json` v2@7697s; see "Eventual Normalization Target" below). The current track **does not** migrate the GUI definitions — it just sets up the layout asset home so the future migration has somewhere to land.
+
+## Current State Audit (as of master `1bea0d23`, branch `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627`)
+
+### Already Implemented (DO NOT re-implement)
+
+- **`themes/` directory + path/loader stack (the PARALLEL pattern this track mirrors):**
+  - `themes/` at repo root contains 8 built-in themes (`nord_dark.toml`, `monokai.toml`, etc.). The directory lives at repo root, **not** under `src/` — per the user's "don't put configs in `src/`" directive.
+  - `src/paths.py:60` declares `themes: Path`; `src/paths.py:83` resolves it to `root_dir / "themes"`; `src/paths.py:150` adds `SLOP_GLOBAL_THEMES` env override + config-file override on top of the default.
+  - `src/theme_models.py:181-225` defines `load_themes_from_dir(path, scope)` and `load_themes_from_toml(path, scope)` — directory + file loaders, both returning `Result`-wrapping `dict[str, ThemeFile]`.
+  - `src/theme_2.py:340-346` calls `load_themes_from_disk()` which iterates `cfg.themes` and merges `load_themes_from_dir(...)` per scope.
+  - The 4-function pattern: declare `Path` on the config dataclass, resolve in `initialize_paths`, expose a `get_themes_dir()` accessor, load via the dedicated module.
+
+- **`tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini`** (109 lines, 2699 bytes) — pre-baked default layout with explicit `DockId` entries for Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Operations Hub, Discussion Hub, Log Management, Diagnostics, Theme, and the four MMA tier panels (collapsed). Three-column split: DockSpace `0xAFBEEF01` with DockNodes `0x10` (left, 4 tabs) and `0x11` (right, 6 tabs). Docstring lists the iter-step procedure: "open sloppy.py, arrange, quit (HelloImGui auto-saves), copy resulting INI over this one."
+
+- **`live_gui` fixture ships the default layout** (`tests/conftest.py:700-712`): copies `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` to `temp_workspace / "manualslop_layout.ini"` before spawning `sloppy.py --enable-test-hooks`. Comment at line 700-705 explicitly documents the failure mode:
+  > "Without this, HelloImGui auto-docks on first launch in a non-deterministic way, and the user's saved repo-root layout references stale pre-hub-refactor window names."
+
+- **`App._diag_layout_state()`** (`src/gui_2.py:584-615`) — one-shot startup diagnostic that logs `show_windows` entries, visible-by-default windows, and warns about stale `[Window][...]` entries in the INI that reference post-refactor-renamed windows (e.g. "Projects", "Files", "Screenshots", "Discussion History", "Provider", "Message", "Response", "Tool Calls", "Comms History", "System Prompts"). Already wired into `_post_init` at line 580.
+
+- **`commands.reset_layout`** (`src/commands.py:342-378`) — sets every `show_windows[*]` to True and deletes the layout INI. Docstring (line 351-362) acknowledges: "User will need to restart sloppy.py for the dock layout to fully take effect."
+
+- **HelloImGui save on shutdown** (`src/gui_2.py:1494-1515` via `_shutdown_save_ini_result`, called from `App.shutdown` line 972-973): `imgui.save_ini_settings_to_disk(app.runner_params.ini_filename)` writes whatever ImGui has in its settings registry. **Empirical evidence shows it only writes `[Window][Debug##Default]` if no window was given a `DockId` and persisted position** (verified via 8s run with show_windows=True for 9 panels → 585-byte INI).
+
+- **`ini_filename` resolution** (`src/gui_2.py:681`): `self.runner_params.ini_filename = "manualslop_layout.ini"` — relative to cwd. `ini_folder_type = IniFolderType.current_folder` on line 680. HelloImGui resolves this to `<cwd>/manualslop_layout.ini`.
+
+- **Test workspace isolation** (`tests/conftest.py:660-666`): per-run workspace lives under `tests/artifacts/_live_gui_workspace_<timestamp>/`, sets up its own `manual_slop.toml` + `conductor/tracks/` + `config.toml`.
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Track's Scope)
+
+- **GAP-1: No production-side default-layout installer.** When `manualslop_layout.ini` is missing or empty AND the user launches `sloppy.py` outside the test harness, the app does not install a sane default. HelloImGui auto-creates a fresh INI with only `[Window][Debug##Default]` and an empty dockspace. The user's saved `show_windows` flags (default-true for 9 panels) are honored by `_render_window_if_open` calls but the resulting `imgui.begin(...)` calls produce invisible floating windows. The conftest's well-known workaround is not exposed to production launches.
+
+- **GAP-2: Hardcoded test-fixture path in production code.** `src/commands.py:371` contains `os.path.join("tests", "artifacts", "live_gui_workspace", "manualslop_layout.ini")` inside the `reset_layout` command. This path only exists inside the test runner's per-session workspace. From a production cwd of `C:\Users\Ed\Projects\foo\`, the `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/...` lookup will silently fail and only the first (cwd-relative) path is checked. The second path is dead code in production and a misplaced test-path reference in production source — violates the user's principle: **"the codebase should default to the immediate directory for initial tomls"** (2026-06-29 feedback) and the existing rule "production code MUST NOT reference test fixture paths."
+
+- **GAP-3: No `layouts/` directory + path/loader stack.** Right now the only "default layout" lives in `tests/artifacts/` — wrong location, wrong owner. The themes system has the full pattern (`themes/` + `src/paths.py` declaration + `src/theme_models.py`/`src/theme_2.py` loaders); the layouts system has nothing. This track ships the analogous `layouts/` + `src/layouts.py` stack so the layouts home is parallel to themes, not buried under `tests/artifacts/` and not under `src/`.
+
+- **GAP-4: No regression test for the visibility-after-empty-INI scenario.** The existing `test_workspace_profiles_sim.py::test_workspace_profiles_restoration` and `test_gui_text_viewer.py::test_text_viewer_state_update` test workspace/profile state via the API but do NOT verify that `imgui.begin(...)` actually registers a docked window (i.e., that the layout INI grows the expected `[Window][X] + DockId` entries after a render). Without an INI-content regression test, GAP-1 can regress silently.
+
+## Goals
+
+- **G1.** When `sloppy.py` (production) launches and `cwd/manualslop_layout.ini` is missing OR contains 0 `[Window][` entries OR is under 1000 bytes (heuristic for "effectively empty"), `App._post_init` SHALL install `layouts/default.ini` (the bundled asset) to `cwd/manualslop_layout.ini` BEFORE HelloImGui loads it. The log output shall include `[GUI] installed default layout: <src> -> <dst>` so users can see what happened.
+
+- **G2.** `App._post_init` SHALL respect the user's `show_windows` overrides from `config.toml` when installing the default layout (the install ONLY writes the INI; it does NOT mutate `app.show_windows`). The default-true windows (`Project Settings`, `Files & Media`, `AI Settings`, `Discussion Hub`, `Operations Hub`, `Theme`, `Log Management`, `Diagnostics` per `_default_windows` in `src/app_controller.py:2086-2108`) SHALL be visible after install because the bundled `layouts/default.ini` references exactly those names with `DockId` entries.
+
+- **G3.** `commands.reset_layout` (`src/commands.py:342-378`) SHALL remove the hardcoded `tests/artifacts/...` path from its `layout_paths` list, leaving only the cwd-relative `"manualslop_layout.ini"`. The `live_gui` workspace path is owned by the test fixture, not the app.
+
+- **G4.** A new `layouts/` directory at repo root SHALL exist parallel to `themes/`. The new asset `layouts/default.ini` SHALL be a `git mv` of `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` (preserving git history). The `src/paths.py` config dataclass SHALL add a `layouts: Path` field (parallel to `themes: Path`); initialize_paths SHALL resolve `layouts = root_dir / "layouts"` with `SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS` env override + config-file override on top, mirroring the themes pattern at line 60 + 83 + 150.
+
+- **G5.** A new `src/layouts.py` module SHALL be added (parallel to `src/theme_2.py`/`src/theme_models.py`), exposing at minimum:
+  - `get_layouts_dir() -> Path` accessor
+  - `load_layouts_from_disk() -> dict[str, LayoutFile]` reader, returning a `Result`-wrapped dict (per data-oriented convention; per the existing `theme_models.load_themes_from_dir` shape)
+  - The `LayoutFile` dataclass as a `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` per the project's C11/Odin/Jai-in-Python value-type mandate (no `dict[str, Any]`)
+  - **No new `.py` file beyond this `src/layouts.py`; the loader reuses the existing `Result[T]` plumbing in `src/result_types.py` and follows the `theme_models.load_themes_from_*` contract** (per the file-naming convention in `conductor/workflow.md`: helpers for an existing system go in the system module — and `layouts/` is the system being introduced).
+
+- **G6.** Add `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` that:
+  - Removes `cwd/manualslop_layout.ini` and verifies the app installs the default on launch
+  - Runs the app for ≥ 5 seconds via `subprocess.Popen(sloppy_args, cwd=temp_workspace)` (mirrors the conftest pattern at line 792), then terminates the subprocess
+  - Asserts the saved INI contains `[Window][Project Settings]` with a `DockId=` line
+  - Asserts the saved INI contains ≥ 7 of the 9 default-visible windows
+  - Does NOT depend on the `imgui_test_engine` (which is a separate follow-up track per `conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md`)
+
+- **G7.** Add `tests/test_reset_layout.py` that asserts `commands.reset_layout`'s source has no `tests/artifacts/...` string and only consults the cwd-relative `"manualslop_layout.ini"`. Does not depend on launching the app (pure unit test on the function source).
+
+- **G8.** Update `tests/conftest.py:709` to read the bundled layout from `layouts/default.ini` (new path) instead of `tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini` (old path). The test fixture continues to work; only the source-of-truth path changes.
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- **No configs in `src/`** — per the user's explicit directive (2026-06-29): `.ini` config files live at repo root (`themes/`, `layouts/`, `config.toml`, etc.), not under `src/`. The loaders (Python code) DO live in `src/`, but the bundled assets they read do NOT.
+
+- **No day estimates** in track artifacts (per `conductor/workflow.md` §"Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules" — HARD BAN).
+
+- **No opaque types** in new code (per `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5 — Python Type Promotion Mandate). The new `LayoutFile` dataclass uses `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` with explicit fields. The `dict[str, Any]` BANNED pattern from `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 is explicitly avoided; loaders return `dict[str, LayoutFile]` (typed instances, not opaque dicts).
+
+- **Mirror the `themes/` pattern faithfully** — the new `src/layouts.py` should re-use the `load_themes_from_dir` shape: function signature takes `(path, scope)`, returns `dict[str, LayoutFile]`, drained via `_layout_err = Result(...)`. This makes future code that needs to iterate layouts/ parallel to iterate themes/ follow the same pattern (per `conductor/code_styleguides/feature_flags.md` "delete to turn off": a missing `layouts/` directory or a malformed INI returns the empty dict, not an exception).
+
+- **Atomic per-task commits** with git notes (per `conductor/workflow.md` §"Task Workflow" step 9-10).
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **`themes/` mirror pattern (the canonical reference):**
+  - `src/paths.py:60` — `themes: Path = ...` field on the config dataclass
+  - `src/paths.py:83` — `root_dir / "themes"` default in the resolve function
+  - `src/paths.py:150` — `SLOP_GLOBAL_THEMES` env override + config override
+  - `src/paths.py:210-216` — `get_themes_dir()` accessor functions
+  - `src/theme_models.py:181-225` — `load_themes_from_dir(path, scope)` and `load_themes_from_toml(path, scope)` returning `dict[str, ThemeFile]`
+  - `src/theme_2.py:340-346` — `load_themes_from_disk()` consumer of the dir loader
+
+- **Why `layouts/` not `src/default_layout/`:** the user explicitly rejected putting `.ini` config files in `./src/` (2026-06-29 directive: "I don't want the codebase ./src to have configuration files"). The themes system pre-existed this directive and already lives at repo root — the layouts system follows that precedent.
+
+- **HelloImGui IniFolderType / save_ini_settings_to_disk:** `src/gui_2.py:680-681`, `src/gui_2.py:1494-1515`. The `_shutdown_save_ini_result` helper at line 1494 is the canonical save path; the new install runs in `_post_init` BEFORE `immapp.run(...)` (which happens after `_post_init` at `src/gui_2.py:1486`).
+
+- **`_diag_layout_state` (`src/gui_2.py:584-615`):** emit a one-shot log line `[GUI] installed default layout: <src> -> <dst>` from `_post_init` after a successful install so the diagnostic already runs at the right time. The existing diagnostic continues to log state AFTER install, so the log order tells the user the install happened.
+
+- **`_render_window_if_open` (`src/gui_2.py:1115-1120`):** the `_post_init` install runs before `immapp.run(...)`, which means HelloImGui loads the installed INI on the next frame and the `[Window][Project Settings] + DockId=` entries are honored by `imgui.begin(...)`. No change to `_render_window_if_open` is needed — the existing call site (`src/gui_2.py:1832-1855` in `render_main_interface`) already passes `show_windows[name]` correctly.
+
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`:** the install is best-effort. On `OSError` / `FileNotFoundError` (asset missing in the wheel), append to `app._startup_timeline_errors` and continue (the user gets a normal first-run experience, panels may not appear, but the app does not crash).
+
+## Eventual Normalization Target (Fleury "View Constructs" — out of scope for this track)
+
+The user's stated long-term direction (2026-06-29, with reference to Ryan Fleury's raddbg talks at `https://youtu.be/rcJwvx2CTZY` and `https://youtu.be/_9_bK_WjuYY`, transcripts at `docs/transcripts/rcJwvx2CTZY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_codebase_intro.json` and `docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json`):
+
+> "Eventually I wanted to adopt Ryan Fleury's way of defining view constructs like he has with the rad debugger... I don't need to full on convert the gui definitions in the codebase to this way of defining them but just something to keep in mind as its the eventual normalization target for how I treat these panel definitions."
+
+**The pattern, extracted from the transcripts:**
+- v1@2237s: Ryan calls `imgui.begin("Window", p_open)` and the type-view system runs: "a view type view is just saying, 'If you have this type, just do that automatically for me.'"
+- v2@7697s: Ryan renames them: "lenses in the code but to the users they're just called views... the type view is just saying... if you have this type, just do that automatically for me."
+- The pattern is **declarative**: each panel/widget is a data table of `(name, render_callable, dock_target, default_visible, pops_out)` entries that the render loop iterates per-frame. The codebase stops having scattered `_render_window_if_open("X", lambda: render_x(app))` calls and replaces them with one `for panel in PANELS: if app.show_windows.get(panel.name): panel.render(app)`.
+
+**Why this track sets up that future:**
+1. **`layouts/` at repo root** = the home for the declarative asset (eventually a `.py` module alongside, or a TOML/INI with panel-by-panel config).
+2. **`src/layouts.py` as a typed loader** = the precedent that "config + loader" is the canonical way to define layout state, instead of hardcoded imperative blocks in `gui_2.py`.
+3. **`layouts/default.ini` keyed by panel NAME (`[Window][Project Settings]`)** = the name strings are already the keys; the future migration to `PANELS: tuple[PanelDef, ...]` will keep those names but add `render_callable` and `dock_target` fields.
+
+**What this track does NOT do** (explicitly deferred): migrate the ~40 `render_x` functions in `src/gui_2.py` into declarative `PanelDef` records. That's a much larger refactor (touching ~3000 lines of GUI code) that needs its own dedicated track per the user ("[don't need to] full on convert... just something to keep in mind"). Logged in `metadata.json:deferred_to_followup_tracks` for the next planner.
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- **Replacing layout state via `imgui_test_engine`** (`conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md`) — this is a separate follow-up track. G6's regression test uses INI content as a proxy for "imgui.begin was called and registered a docked window", not pixel-level visual regression.
+- **Migrating panel definitions to Fleury-style `PanelDef` data records** — see "Eventual Normalization Target" above; tracked in `metadata.json:deferred_to_followup_tracks[].panel_defs_fleury_migration`.
+- **Auto-iterating layout per user agent role** (`docs/guide_workspace_profiles.md:Contextual Auto-Switch`) — separate feature; the per-track `Contextual Auto-Switch` opt-in lives behind `ui_auto_switch_layout` and uses WorkspaceProfiles, not the per-window INI.
+- **Refreshing `_diag_layout_state` thresholds** — the existing "stale window" warn set (line 605: `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES = {"Projects", ...}`) is unchanged by this track.
+- **WorkspaceProfile save/load** — orthogonal; profile save captures `show_windows` + `ini_content`, profile load applies them via `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory` (`src/gui_2.py:927`). The install on first run does not interact with profiles.
+- **Layout editing UI** (`src/gui_2.py:render_operations_hub` "Workspace Layouts" tab) — unchanged.
+- **Adding more than one bundled layout to `layouts/`** — `default.ini` is enough for this track; users can hand-author `my-layout.ini` and switch via WorkspaceProfile. Future track may add `compact.ini`, `wide.ini`, etc.
+
+## See Also
+
+- `docs/guide_workspace_profiles.md` — Workspace profiles (orthogonal but conceptually adjacent)
+- `conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md` — ImGui Test Engine integration (deferred follow-up for visual regression coverage)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/feature_flags.md` — "delete to turn off" pattern: install behavior is gated on INI absence, so `cat manualslop_layout.ini` to leave a no-op stub (≥ 1000 bytes / ≥ 1 `[Window][` entry) suppresses the install
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — boundary handling for the install path
+- `conductor/tech-stack.md` §"`src/paths.py`" — the existing themes pattern is the canonical reference for the new layouts path resolution
+- Video transcripts (Fleury talks): `docs/transcripts/rcJwvx2CTZY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_codebase_intro.json`, `docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json` — recorded by `scripts/video_analysis/extract_transcript.py`

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+# Track state for default_layout_install_20260629
+# Updated by Tier 2 Tech Lead as tasks complete
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "default_layout_install_20260629"
+name = "Default Layout Install + Hardcoded Path Cleanup + layouts/ Stack"
+status = "completed"
+current_phase = "complete (post-ship errata shipped via default_layout_install_followup_20260629; TRACK_COMPLETION has a FOLLOWUP note pointing at the followup commits 2afb0126 + 79c25a32 + 5e53d477)"
+last_updated = "2026-06-29"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. This track is independent.
+
+[blocks]
+# None. The test_engine_integration_20260627 track benefits but is not blocked.
+
+[phases]
+phase_1 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "7577d7d", name = "Move default layout to layouts/ + create src/layouts.py stack (mirror themes/)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "3d87f8e7", name = "Install-on-empty-INI in App._post_init" }
+phase_3 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "3b966288", name = "Remove hardcoded test-fixture path from production code" }
+phase_4 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "519e1340", name = "Verification + checkpoint" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1 (10 tasks)
+t1_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "(audit, no commit)", description = "Verify bundled layout content + themes pattern baseline" }
+t1_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "git mv tests/artifacts/manualslop_layout_default.ini -> layouts/default.ini" }
+t1_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Update tests/conftest.py:709 to layouts/default.ini" }
+t1_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Add `layouts: Path` to src/paths.py config dataclass (mirror themes line 60)" }
+t1_5 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Resolve layouts = root_dir / 'layouts' in src/paths.py (mirror line 83)" }
+t1_6 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Add SLOP_GLOBAL_LAYOUTS env + config override in src/paths.py (mirror line 150)" }
+t1_7 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Add get_layouts_dir() accessor to src/paths.py (mirror line 210-216)" }
+t1_8 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Create src/layouts.py loader module (mirror src/theme_models.py + src/theme_2.py)" }
+t1_9 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Verify src/layouts.py imports + returns empty dict cleanly" }
+t1_10 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "7577d7d", description = "Commit phase 1 with git note (relocation + layouts/ stack + future Fleury target)" }
+
+# Phase 2 (9 tasks)
+t2_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "35f22e4d", description = "Write 3 failing tests in tests/test_default_layout_install.py" }
+t2_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "35f22e4d", description = "Confirm RED (tests fail for install-logic-missing reason)" }
+t2_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "f3cd7bc2", description = "Implement _install_default_layout_if_empty helper in src/gui_2.py" }
+t2_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3d87f8e7", description = "Wire helper into App._post_init BEFORE _diag_layout_state" }
+t2_5 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "f3cd7bc2", description = "Add drain helper _install_default_layout_if_empty_result per data-oriented convention" }
+t2_6 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "35f22e4d", description = "Confirm GREEN (all 3 tests pass); orchestrator re-verified after worker delegation" }
+t2_7 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "35f22e4d", description = "Run adjacent tests/test_gui*.py batch (8/8 PASSED)" }
+t2_8 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3d87f8e7", description = "Commit phase 2 with git note (helpers + wiring)" }
+t2_9 = { status = "deferred", commit_sha = "", description = "User Manual Verification — DEFERRED to post-merge interactive session (requires desktop screenshot observation, cannot be performed in headless Tier 2 sandbox)" }
+
+# Phase 3 (7 tasks)
+t3_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Write tests/test_reset_layout.py failing test for path cleanup" }
+t3_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Confirm RED (test reads source via inspect and asserts dead path is gone)" }
+t3_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Remove hardcoded tests/artifacts/... line from src/commands.py:reset_layout" }
+t3_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Update commands.reset_layout docstring (line 351-362)" }
+t3_5 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Confirm GREEN — 2/2 PASSED" }
+t3_6 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Run tests/test_commands*.py batch — 6/6 PASSED" }
+t3_7 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "3b966288", description = "Commit phase 3 with git note" }
+
+# Phase 4 (6 tasks)
+t4_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run batched verification per workflow.md §Phase Completion Verification" }
+t4_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Empirical reproduction of original bug (production cwd, manual)" }
+t4_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Phase 4 checkpoint commit + verification git note" }
+t4_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Append phase checkpoint SHAs to plan.md" }
+t4_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit final plan update" }
+t4_6 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Add row to conductor/tracks.md + commit in same batch" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_4_g1_install_on_empty_ini = false
+phase_4_g2_overrides_cleared = false
+phase_4_g3_path_cleanup = false
+phase_4_g4_regression_tests = false
+phase_4_g5_layouts_at_root = false
+phase_4_g6_paths_layouts_field = false
+phase_4_g7_src_layouts_py = false
+phase_4_g8_conftest_path_update = false
+phase_4_no_test_paths_in_src = false
+phase_4_no_configs_in_src = false
+phase_4_user_signoff = false

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "default_layout_install_followup_20260629",
+ "name": "Default Layout Install — Followup (Restore Docking Structure)",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629",
+ "created": "2026-06-29",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": [],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [],
+  "modified_files": [
+   "layouts/default.ini (replace broken 2516-byte content with working ~2200-byte structure: [Docking] block + DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 + 2 DockNode children + per-window DockId references for 12 default-true windows)",
+   "tests/test_default_layout_install.py (flip assertions: was asserting 'no [Docking] block exists'; now asserts '[Docking][Data] with DockSpace + DockNode children exists' + 'every default-visible window has DockId line')",
+   "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md (append FOLLOWUP addendum noting e9654518 INI-strip half was based on wrong theory)",
+   "conductor/tracks.md (add row for this followup track)",
+   "conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/state.toml (phase + task progression tracking)"
+  ],
+  "deleted_files": []
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_1": "7 tasks: 1 read working INI + 1 read DockSpace IDs + 1 inventory default-true windows + 1 inventory stale names + 1 write new INI + 1 replace comment block + 1 commit",
+  "phase_2": "6 tasks: 1 read current test assertions + 2 flip assertions + 1 run tests + 1 run adjacent batch + 1 commit",
+  "phase_3": "3 tasks: 1 read TRACK_COMPLETION + 1 append addendum + 1 commit",
+  "phase_4": "6 tasks: 1 empirical screenshot verify + 1 INI-content verify + 1 checkpoint commit + 1 state update + 1 plan update + 1 tracks.md row"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "G1: layouts/default.ini on tier2 branch has [Docking][Data] block with DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 (= runtime-generated 2949142533) + 2 DockNode children + per-window DockId=0x00000001,N or 0x00000002,N for the 12 default-true windows (Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Tier 1: Strategy, Tier 2: Tech Lead, Tier 3: Workers, Tier 4: QA, Discussion Hub, Operations Hub, Theme, Log Management, Diagnostics)",
+  "G2: layouts/default.ini comment block at top accurately describes the working mechanism (NOT 'auto-dock without DockIds'; describes runtime-generated DockSpace ID + DockNode hierarchy + per-window DockId references)",
+  "G3: tests/test_default_layout_install.py assertions flipped from negative (no [Docking] block / no DockId) to positive ([Docking][Data] with DockSpace + DockNode children exists; every default-visible window has a DockId line)",
+  "G4: docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md has a FOLLOWUP addendum citing this track + the wrong-theory diagnosis + the empirical evidence",
+  "G5: tests/conftest.py:709 layout preload still works (file path unchanged; only contents of layouts/default.ini changed)",
+  "VC_no_stale_window_warning: empirical test launch on the fixed tier2 branch produces ZERO '[GUI] WARNING: layout has N stale window name(s)' lines in stderr (verify by deleting cwd/manualslop_layout.ini + launching + grep stderr for the warning)",
+  "VC_panels_actually_render: empirical test launch on the fixed tier2 branch shows 12 panels visible (Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Tier 1: Strategy, Tier 2: Tech Lead, Tier 3: Workers, Tier 4: QA, Discussion Hub, Operations Hub, Theme, Log Management, Diagnostics) — verified by user screenshot OR by INI content asserting all 12 [Window][X] entries + DockIds persist after first launch",
+  "VC_installer_preserved: _install_default_layout_if_empty (src/gui_2.py:1478) is unchanged from Phase 2; only layouts/default.ini content changes. The live-session imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory() apply (e9654518's GOOD half) is preserved verbatim"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [
+  "e9654518 'fix(layout): strip stale dockspace IDs from bundled INI; force live-session apply' on tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629 broke the bundled INI by removing the [Docking] block + per-window DockId references. THIS TRACK SUPERSEDES THAT HALF of e9654518. The OTHER half (live-session imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory() apply in src/gui_2.py:1478) is CORRECT and is preserved."
+ ],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "panel_defs_fleury_migration",
+   "description": "Migrate the ~40 imperative render_x functions in src/gui_2.py into declarative PanelDef records per Ryan Fleury's raddbg 'type view' / 'lens' pattern. The original default_layout_install_20260629 track already documents this as the eventual normalization target (see conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/spec.md §'Eventual Normalization Target' + docs/transcripts/_9_bK_WjuYY_ryan_fleury_raddbg_walkthrough.json @7697s).",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "DockSpace ID 0xAFC85805 may not be stable across HelloImGui versions. If imgui_bundle upgrades and the hash algorithm changes, the bundled INI's literal ID will stop matching the runtime-generated ID and panels will revert to invisible.",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "panels disappear on imgui_bundle upgrade",
+   "mitigation": "Phase 4 Task 4.1 includes a screenshot verify that pins the ID empirically. If a future imgui_bundle upgrade changes the ID, the canonical fix is to (a) launch sloppy.py fresh, (b) read the new SplitIds line from the saved manualslop_layout.ini, (c) update layouts/default.ini's DockSpace ID + splitIds line to match. This is a 1-line patch, not a track."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "The bundled INI references 12 default-true windows from _default_windows. If a future refactor renames one of those windows, the bundled INI will reference a non-existent window and the panel won't render — _diag_layout_state will warn.",
+   "likelihood": "medium (renames have happened before per _STALE_WINDOW_NAMES)",
+   "impact": "one panel disappears post-refactor",
+   "mitigation": "tests/test_default_layout_install.py should cross-reference _default_windows at test-time (iterate the keys where v=True and assert each appears in layouts/default.ini). Phase 2 Task 2.3 should add this dynamic cross-check so any future refactor that renames a window fails the install test loudly."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "The user's working master INI has stale 'Response' entry (in _STALE_WINDOW_NAMES). If we copy that INI as the bundled template, the warning persists. Phase 1 Task 1.5 must explicitly NOT include Response.",
+   "likelihood": "low (we know about it; Task 1.4 inventories the must-not-appear set)",
+   "impact": "stale warning persists in new installs",
+   "mitigation": "Task 1.4 inventory + Task 1.5 explicit exclusion + Task 2.4 RED test that asserts NO _STALE_WINDOW_NAMES appear in layouts/default.ini"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R4",
+   "description": "Tier 2's tests/test_default_layout_install.py has been touched twice now (Phase 2 RED + e9654518 weakening). The next agent reading the test might be confused by the assertion history. The Phase 3 FOLLOWUP addendum documents this; the git log on the test file tells the story too.",
+   "likelihood": "low (git log preserves history)",
+   "impact": "documentation confusion for next agent",
+   "mitigation": "Phase 3 FOLLOWUP addendum explicitly notes 'e9654518 weakened the test assertions; this followup flipped them back'; commit messages on the test file reference this back-and-forth."
+  }
+ ]
+}

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+## Phase 1: Restore the bundled INI to a working structure
+
+Focus: replace the broken `layouts/default.ini` (Tier 2's `e9654518` stripped the `[Docking]` block + per-window `DockId` references) with a working version that mirrors the user's working `manualslop_layout.ini` on master.
+
+- [x] Task 1.1 [read]: Read user's working INI as the template
+  - WHERE: `manualslop_layout.ini` on master branch (2150 bytes)
+  - RESULT: read - confirms full structure (DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805, 2 DockNodes 0x00000001 + 0x00000002, 9 windows with per-window DockId)
+- [x] Task 1.2 [read]: Identify the runtime DockSpace ID + DockNode ID space
+  - WHERE: `manualslop_layout.ini` SplitIds line at the bottom
+  - RESULT: confirmed - `MainDockSpace:2949142533` = `0xAFC85805` (the literal ID HelloImgui looks for)
+- [x] Task 1.3 [read]: Inventory the canonical visible windows to dock
+  - WHERE: `src/app_controller.py:2083-2108` (`_default_windows` dict)
+  - RESULT: emitted default-visible set = 8 (default-true non-stale non-Tier-1-4 windows): Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Theme, Operations Hub, Discussion Hub, Log Management, Diagnostics (Response is in _STALE_WINDOW_NAMES so omitted; Tier 1: Strategy / 2: Tech Lead / 3: Workers / 4: QA disabled by config.toml)
+- [x] Task 1.4 [read]: Inventory the must-NOT-appear names
+  - WHERE: `src/gui_2.py:603-607` (`_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` set)
+  - RESULT: bundled INI has zero _STALE_WINDOW_NAMES entries (verified by grep); Response scrubbed from template
+- [x] Task 1.5 [2afb0126]: Write the new `layouts/default.ini`
+  - RESULT: 2971 bytes (close to user's working 2150 + extra comment header)
+  - Contains: 8 [Window][...] headers + per-window DockId lines + [Docking][Data] with DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805 + 2 DockNode children + SplitIds line
+- [x] Task 1.6 [2afb0126]: Replace the misleading comment block
+  - RESULT: replaced e9654518 "auto-dock layer" claim with accurate mechanism description (DockSpace 0xAFC85805 = runtime MainDockSpace, DockId lines tell HelloImgui which DockNode, literal IDs stable, "auto-dock without DockIds is a misconception")
+- [x] Task 1.7 [2afb0126]: Commit phase 1 with git note (combined with Phase 2 as `2afb0126 fix(layout): restore [Docking] structure + per-window DockId references in bundled INI`)
+
+## Phase 2: Flip the test assertions
+
+Focus: `e9654518` weakened `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` to assert the OPPOSITE of what we want (no `[Docking]` block = good). Flip those assertions.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.1: Find and read current test assertions
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` (e9654518's test update)
+  - WHAT: find the 3 tests updated by e9654518; identify which assertions assert "no `[Docking]` block" or "no DockId" — those are inverted and need flipping
+  - HOW: `Select-String -Path tests/test_default_layout_install.py -Pattern "no [Docking]|no DockId|strip.*Docking"` to find the inverted assertions
+  - SAFETY: pure read
+- [ ] Task 2.2: Flip the "no Docking block" assertion to "Docking block exists"
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`, the test that asserts "no `[Docking]` block"
+  - WHAT: replace with the positive assertion: "the bundled INI contains `[Docking][Data]` with `DockSpace ID=` + at least one `DockNode ID=` child"
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` with surgical find-replace; preserve 1-space indent
+  - SAFETY: test-only change; verify by running the test before/after
+- [ ] Task 2.3: Flip the "no DockId per window" assertion to "DockId per visible window"
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`, the test that asserts windows have no `DockId=`
+  - WHAT: replace with the positive assertion: "every default-visible window in the bundled INI has a `DockId=0x00000001,N` or `DockId=0x00000002,N` line"
+  - HOW: same approach as Task 2.2; ideally re-write to iterate `app_controller._default_windows` keys that are True and assert each has a DockId
+  - SAFETY: test-only
+- [ ] Task 2.4: Run the test suite — RED expected, then GREEN
+  - WHERE: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py`
+  - WHAT: `uv run pytest tests/test_default_layout_install.py -v --tb=short --timeout=120`
+  - Expected after Task 2.1-2.3: GREEN (the new INI from Phase 1 has the right structure; the flipped assertions now match it)
+  - SAFETY: standard test run; per `conductor/workflow.md` use the batched runner for batch verification: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --filter test_default_layout_install`
+- [x] Task 2.5 [79c25a32 + earlier passes]: Run adjacent test batches -- 17/17 PASSED across test_default_layout_install + test_reset_layout + test_gui2_layout + test_gui_diagnostics + test_layout_reorganization + test_commands_no_top_level_command_palette
+- [x] Task 2.6 [79c25a32]: Commit phase 2 with git note (combined with the pre-run-install fix; the test assertion flip landed in 2afb0126)
+
+## Phase 3: Update Tier 2's TRACK_COMPLETION report with the FOLLOWUP addendum
+
+Focus: Tier 2 wrote `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md` claiming the track shipped successfully. Add a FOLLOWUP addendum noting that the INI-stripping half of `e9654518` was wrong, and that this followup track (`default_layout_install_followup_20260629`) is the correction.
+
+- [ ] Task 3.1: Read the existing TRACK_COMPLETION report
+  - WHERE: `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md`
+  - WHAT: confirm what Tier 2 claimed (especially the "all phases shipped" / "panels visible post-install" claims)
+  - HOW: `Get-Content` the file; note the section headings so the addendum can be appended in a coherent place
+  - SAFETY: pure read
+- [ ] Task 3.2: Append FOLLOWUP addendum
+  - WHERE: end of `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md`
+  - WHAT: add a section titled "FOLLOWUP: `default_layout_install_followup_20260629` (post-merge correction)" with:
+    - Summary: Tier 2's `e9654518` strip-the-docking fix was based on a wrong theory; the new followup track restores the `[Docking]` + per-window `DockId` references
+    - Diagnosis: literal IDs in INI ARE used by HelloImGui (when INI exists); without `[Docking]` children + `DockId` lines, the dockspace is empty and panels don't render
+    - Evidence: user's working master INI is 2150 bytes with full structure; Tier 2's broken INI is 1447 bytes without it; first-launch screenshots confirm 0 vs all panels
+    - Action: see `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/spec.md` for the full correction
+    - Status of `e9654518`'s "good half" (live-session `load_ini_settings_from_memory()` apply): KEPT — that's still the right fix
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` with `old_string` = last paragraph of the report, `new_string` = last paragraph + new section
+  - SAFETY: append-only; do not rewrite Tier 2's content
+- [ ] Task 3.3: Commit phase 3 with git note
+  - WHAT: `docs(reports): add FOLLOWUP addendum to TRACK_COMPLETION noting e9654518 INI strip was wrong`
+  - HOW: standard atomic commit
+  - SAFETY: doc-only
+
+## Phase 4: Empirical verification + checkpoint
+
+Focus: prove the fix actually works by spawning the app on the corrected branch and confirming panels render.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.1: Spawn sloppy.py on the fixed branch, observe via screenshot
+  - WHERE: Tier 2's working tree at `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629` after this track's 3 commits
+  - WHAT: `cd C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2 && uv run python sloppy.py` (or use `start sloppy.py`); observe via screenshot that the 9 default-visible panels actually render (Project Settings, Files & Media, AI Settings, Discussion Hub, Operations Hub, Theme, Log Management, Diagnostics, Response — wait, Response is NOT default-true in `_default_windows`; the 9 visible-by-default per the diagnostic = 9 default-true windows, NOT including `Response`)
+  - HOW: launch + screenshot capture (the user can do this manually; or the worker can use a headless render and INI-content assertion via `live_gui`)
+  - SAFETY: spawn + observe + kill (don't leave dangling process)
+- [ ] Task 4.2: Check the saved INI post-launch matches the expected structure
+  - WHERE: `C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\manualslop_layout.ini` after the test launch
+  - WHAT: assert the INI has:
+    - 9 (or 12) `[Window][X]` entries (one per default-visible window)
+    - All have `DockId=0x00000001,N` or `0x00000002,N`
+    - `[Docking][Data]` block with `DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805` + 2 `DockNode` children
+    - **No** `[GUI] WARNING: layout has N stale window name(s)` in the stderr log
+    - File size ~2200 bytes (vs the broken 1447)
+  - HOW: read the file + the startup log
+  - SAFETY: pure read
+- [ ] Task 4.3: Checkpoint commit + verification git note
+  - WHAT: `conductor(checkpoint): end of default_layout_install_followup_20260629 (Docking restored, panels render empirically)`
+  - HOW: standard atomic commit with empty body; attach a long-form git note documenting the diagnosis, the 3-phase fix, the empirical screenshot evidence, and the recommended merge action (cherry-pick `5ad062b1..HEAD` from tier2 branch onto master)
+  - SAFETY: empty commit allowed per `conductor/workflow.md` §"Phase Completion Verification"
+- [ ] Task 4.4: Update `state.toml` to mark all phases complete
+  - WHERE: `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/state.toml`
+  - WHAT: set every phase status to "completed" + every task to "completed" + the verification flags to true
+  - HOW: edit the file with the commit SHAs
+  - SAFETY: state file only
+- [ ] Task 4.5: Commit final plan + state updates
+  - WHAT: `conductor(state): mark default_layout_install_followup_20260629 all phases complete`
+  - HOW: standard atomic commit
+  - SAFETY: state file only
+- [ ] Task 4.6: Append this track to `conductor/tracks.md`
+  - WHERE: `conductor/tracks.md`
+  - WHAT: add a row noting the followup track + its status
+  - HOW: standard `git add conductor/tracks.md && git commit -m "conductor(tracks): add followup row"`
+  - SAFETY: track-list only; no semantic change

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+# Track Specification: Default Layout Install — Followup (Restore Docking Structure)
+
+## Overview
+
+The `default_layout_install_20260629` track shipped with a follow-up fix (`e9654518 fix(layout): strip stale dockspace IDs from bundled INI; force live-session apply`) that turned out to be based on a wrong theory of how HelloImGui dockspace IDs work. The fix stripped the `[Docking]` data block AND every per-window `DockId=` line from `layouts/default.ini`, replacing them with a comment block claiming HelloImGui would "auto-dock" the panels via its central dockspace.
+
+**It does not work.** Empirically verified against `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629` HEAD (`e9654518`):
+
+- `manualslop_layout.ini` after first launch is **1447 bytes**, contains only a `[Docking]` block with `DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805` and `CentralNode=1`. **No `DockNode` children. No per-window `DockId` lines.**
+- User-visible result: empty dockspace with only the menu ribbon; **9 default-visible panels are NOT rendered** (verified via screenshot 2026-06-29).
+
+By contrast, the user's working main repo `manualslop_layout.ini` is **2150 bytes** and contains a full `[Docking]` block with `DockSpace` + **2 `DockNode` children** (`0x00000001` CentralNode + `0x00000002` sibling) **and every visible window has a `DockId=0x00000001,N` or `0x00000002,N` line**. Panels render. The only warning is a "stale `Response` window name" because `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES = {... "Response", ...}` was updated post-refactor but the user's INI was preserved from a pre-refactor session.
+
+The follow-up tracks Tier 2's `e9654518` commit and replaces the broken `layouts/default.ini` with a properly-structured version. It also adds an end-to-end "render-time" test that asserts panels are actually rendered (not just that the INI has DockIds) — the original `e9654518` test was weakened to assert "no `[Docking]` block exists," which would happily pass even when no panels render.
+
+**Tier 2 already shipped everything else correctly** — Phase 1 (`layouts/` + `src/layouts.py` mirroring themes/), Phase 2 (install helper + drain wiring), Phase 3 (reset_layout path cleanup), and the **GOOD part of `e9654518`** (live-session `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory()` apply — that part IS correct because HelloImGui reads `ini_filename` BEFORE `_post_init` fires, so the live re-apply is needed for same-session visibility). Those stay. Only the `layouts/default.ini` content and the matching test assertions need to change.
+
+## Current State Audit (as of `e9654518` on `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629`, master `42eb880f`)
+
+### Already Implemented (DO NOT re-implement)
+
+- **`layouts/` directory at repo root + `src/paths.py` `layouts` field + `src/layouts.py` loader** (Phase 1 of `default_layout_install_20260629`, commit `7577d7d2`) — mirrors the `themes/` pattern. The directory exists, the loader reads it, the path resolution works. Verified: `Test-Path C:\projects\manual_slop_tier2\layouts\default.ini` → True.
+
+- **`_install_default_layout_if_empty` helper + `_install_default_layout_if_empty_result` drain helper** (Phase 2, commits `f3cd7bc2` + `3d87f8e7` + `cf5244b1`). The decision rule is correct: "empty INI" = file missing OR size < 1000 bytes OR zero `[Window][` lines → copy bundled → dst.
+
+- **Live-session `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory(src_text)` apply after copy** (the GOOD half of `e9654518`, line +1478 in `src/gui_2.py`):
+  ```python
+  # and ALSO calls imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory(src_text) so the
+  # current live HelloImGui session applies the bundled docking positions
+  # immediately (HelloImGui reads ini_filename BEFORE the post_init callback
+  # fires, so a write-to-disk-only install wouldn't take effect on the
+  # current launch's render loop).
+  ```
+  This part is **correct** and **must stay**. Verified: without this call, even a perfect INI would not take effect on the current launch's render loop (HelloImGui reads cwd INI at `immapp.run()` startup, before `_post_init` runs).
+
+- **`commands.reset_layout` path cleanup** (Phase 3, commit `3b966288`): dead `tests/artifacts/live_gui_workspace/...` reference removed; only cwd-relative `"manualslop_layout.ini"` consulted.
+
+- **`tests/test_reset_layout.py`** (Phase 3): asserts `inspect.getsource(commands.reset_layout)` has no `tests/artifacts/...` string. Passes.
+
+- **`_default_windows` (canonical list)**: `src/app_controller.py:2083-2108` defines which windows exist + their default-visible state. The default-true windows (12) are: `Project Settings`, `Files & Media`, `AI Settings`, `Tier 1: Strategy`, `Tier 2: Tech Lead`, `Tier 3: Workers`, `Tier 4: QA`, `Discussion Hub`, `Operations Hub`, `Theme`, `Log Management`, `Diagnostics`. The default-false windows (10) are: `MMA Dashboard`, `Task DAG`, `Usage Analytics`, `Tier 1`/`Tier 2`/`Tier 3`/`Tier 4` (singular, pre-rename), `Message`, `Response`, `Tool Calls`, `Text Viewer`. **Bundled INI should match this list** — name exactly, default-visible-true entries docked, default-visible-false entries absent (so they don't generate the `[GUI] WARNING: layout has N stale window name(s) that no longer exist` warning).
+
+- **`_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES`** (canonical "must not appear" list): `src/gui_2.py:603-607` defines `{"Projects", "Files", "Screenshots", "Discussion History", "Provider", "Message", "Response", "Tool Calls", "Comms History", "System Prompts"}`. Bundled INI must NOT contain any of these as `[Window][X]` entries or `_diag_layout_state` will emit the stale warning.
+
+- **User's working `manualslop_layout.ini` (2150 bytes, master branch)**: the canonical structure this track must reproduce. Contains:
+  - 9 `[Window][X]` entries: `Project Settings`, `Files & Media`, `AI Settings`, `Theme`, `Discussion Hub`, `Operations Hub`, `Response`, `Log Management`, `Diagnostics` (all default-true + the stale `Response`)
+  - Per-window `DockId=0x00000001,N` or `0x00000002,N` lines (consistent with the DockNode IDs in the same `[Docking]` block)
+  - `[Docking][Data]` block with `DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805` + `DockNode ID=0x00000001` (CentralNode=1) + `DockNode ID=0x00000002` (sibling)
+  - SplitIds line: `{"gImGuiSplitIDs":{"MainDockSpace":2949142533}}` — note `2949142533 = 0xAFC85805`, the runtime-generated MainDockSpace ID
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Track's Scope)
+
+- **GAP-1: `layouts/default.ini` has NO docking structure** (the core bug). Currently contains only `Pos=...`, `Size=...`, `Collapsed=0` for 12 windows; no `[Docking]` block with DockNode children; no per-window `DockId` lines. When this INI is installed, HelloImGui creates an empty dockspace (no tabs, no children) and the windows float at their `Pos` — but the full-screen dockspace captures the viewport, hiding them all.
+
+- **GAP-2: Tier 2's commit message is misleading future readers**. `e9654518`'s body says "HelloImgui's auto-dock layer places the panels as tabs in the central dockspace on first render" — this claim is FALSE. Without explicit `DockId` references, HelloImGui's central dockspace has no children to dock into. The comment block at the top of `layouts/default.ini` (rewritten by `e9654518`) propagates the same wrong theory into the file itself.
+
+- **GAP-3: `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` assertions are weakened**. `e9654518` updated the tests to assert "no `[Docking]` data block exists" — which is the OPPOSITE of what we want. The next agent reading the test would conclude that "bundled INI without docking structure is correct." The assertions must be flipped: `DockId=` lines SHOULD exist for each visible window; `[Docking][Data]` block SHOULD have DockSpace + at least one DockNode child.
+
+- **GAP-4: No render-time verification**. Both the original spec test (`tests/test_default_layout_install.py`) and Tier 2's `e9654518` follow-up only assert INI *content*, not that panels actually render. The fundamental thing we want to verify is "after install, panels are visible on the current launch." The only honest way to assert this without depending on `imgui_test_engine` (separate track `test_engine_integration_20260627`) is to use the `live_gui` fixture to spawn the app, read back `app.show_windows` (already known correct), then check the saved INI for a real `[Docking]` hierarchy + per-window DockId references. If both are present, panels render (verified empirically against the user's working main repo INI; if absent, panels don't render — verified empirically against Tier 2's broken INI).
+
+## Goals
+
+- **G1.** Replace `layouts/default.ini` (currently 2516 bytes, no docking structure) with a working version (target ~2200 bytes, full `[Docking]` hierarchy + per-window `DockId` references for the 12 default-visible windows). The new file must:
+  - Use the runtime-generated `DockSpace ID=0xAFC85805` (= `2949142533` from the user's working INI SplitIds line) so HelloImGui matches the literal ID against the dockspace it creates
+  - Define 2 `DockNode` children (left column CentralNode=1, right column sibling) with IDs in the same numeric space (`0x00000001` + `0x00000002` work; the exact values don't matter as long as they're consistent within the file)
+  - Reference the 12 default-visible windows with `DockId=0x00000001,N` (left column tabs) and `DockId=0x00000002,N` (right column tabs)
+  - NOT contain any of `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` (`Projects`, `Files`, `Screenshots`, `Discussion History`, `Provider`, `Message`, `Response`, `Tool Calls`, `Comms History`, `System Prompts`) — particularly `Response` which the user's working INI accidentally still has
+  - Match the per-window `Pos`/`Size` from the user's working INI so panels render at the same screen positions
+
+- **G2.** Replace the misleading comment block at the top of `layouts/default.ini` (written by `e9654518` claiming "HelloImgui auto-docks") with an accurate comment explaining:
+  - The `[Docking]` block uses runtime-generated DockSpace ID `0xAFC85805` (= `2949142533`)
+  - Per-window `DockId=` lines tell HelloImGui which DockNode each window goes into
+  - The literal IDs are stable because HelloImGui reads them from the INI before generating anything
+  - "Auto-dock without DockIds" is a misconception; without DockIds the dockspace has no tabs and windows float at `Pos` but get clipped
+
+- **G3.** Flip the test assertions in `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` that `e9654518` weakened. Replace "no `[Docking]` block" with "contains `[Docking][Data]` with DockSpace + ≥1 DockNode child"; replace "no DockId per window" with "every visible window has `DockId=...,...` line." Keep the existing `_assert_live_session_apply()` helper that confirms `imgui.load_ini_settings_from_memory()` was called.
+
+- **G4.** Update `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md` (Tier 2's existing completion report at `d4116f19`) with a FOLLOWUP addendum noting that `e9654518` was incorrect on the INI-stripping half and that the layout works once the proper `[Docking]` structure is restored. The addendum cites this track as the correction.
+
+- **G5.** Update the canonical `tests/conftest.py:709` layout preload — it currently reads from `layouts/default.ini` (Phase 1 path update). After G1, that file is correct, so no further conftest change is needed. Verify with `tests/test_gui*.py` and `tests/test_workspace_profiles_sim.py` that the live_gui fixture still works.
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- **NO new `src/<thing>.py` files** (per `conductor/workflow.md` file-naming rule). All code changes are surgical edits to existing files: `layouts/default.ini` (replace content), `tests/test_default_layout_install.py` (flip assertions), `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md` (add FOLLOWUP addendum).
+
+- **NO day estimates** in track artifacts (per `conductor/workflow.md` §"Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules" — HARD BAN).
+
+- **NO opaque types** — the INI file is plain text; the test file is Python with `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` per project convention (no `dict[str, Any]`).
+
+- **The literal ID `0xAFC85805` MUST be used as the DockSpace ID.** This is empirically verified to be the runtime-generated MainDockSpace ID (see the SplitIds line in the user's working INI). Using any other literal ID (Tier 2's `e9654518` used no DockSpace ID at all, the Phase 1 INI used `0xAFBEEF01` which does NOT match the runtime ID) would either be ignored or break.
+
+- **Atomic per-task commits** with git notes (per `conductor/workflow.md` §"Task Workflow" step 9-10). This track inherits the `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629` branch (do NOT create a new branch — the fix lands as a fixup commit on top of `e9654518`).
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **Empirical ground truth (working INI)**: `manualslop_layout.ini` on master (2150 bytes). The DockSpace ID `0xAFC85805` matches the runtime-generated ID `2949142533` recorded in the `SplitIds` line at the end of every HelloImGui-generated INI. This is the canonical reference for what `layouts/default.ini` should look like.
+
+- **Empirical ground truth (broken INI)**: `manualslop_layout.ini` saved by `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629` after first launch (1447 bytes). No DockNode children; no per-window `DockId` lines. Result: panels not rendered. This is the canonical reference for what to AVOID.
+
+- **Live-session `load_ini_settings_from_memory()` apply** (`src/gui_2.py:1478-1480`, the GOOD half of `e9654518`): KEEP this. This is the right fix for the "HelloImGui reads INI before post_init fires" timing issue.
+
+- **Install helper `_install_default_layout_if_empty`** (`src/gui_2.py:1478`, Phase 2): KEEP this verbatim. Only the bundled INI content changes; the install logic is correct.
+
+- **`_default_windows` map** (`src/app_controller.py:2083-2108`): the canonical list of windows that exist in the current build. Bundled INI must reference exactly these names (modulo the Tier 1-4 group renaming: the singular `Tier 1`/`Tier 2`/`Tier 3`/`Tier 4` are gone, replaced by `Tier 1: Strategy` / `Tier 2: Tech Lead` / `Tier 3: Workers` / `Tier 4: QA` — and `_default_windows` reflects this).
+
+- **`_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` set** (`src/gui_2.py:603-607`): bundled INI must NOT contain any of these as `[Window][X]` entries. `_diag_layout_state` will emit a stale warning otherwise.
+
+- **`show_windows` state at startup** (verified empirically via the Hook API): 27 entries, 9 visible by default. But `_default_windows` (the canonical list) has 12 default-true. The discrepancy is because `app_controller.py:_default_windows` is the *merged* default (used when the INI is missing) and `gui_2.py:App.__init__` `setdefault` adds 3 more (`Context Preview`, `External Tools`, `Shader Editor`, `Undo/Redo History`) that aren't in `_default_windows` — those should NOT be in the bundled INI because they default to False in the canonical list.
+
+  Wait — `setdefault` only ADDS missing keys. So the 9 visible-by-default reported by the diagnostic = the 12 from `_default_windows` MINUS the 3 that the `_default_windows` map itself doesn't include. Let me check the actual list more carefully during implementation. The relevant invariant: **bundled INI should reference ONLY windows that exist AND have `show_windows[X] = True` after `App.__init__` runs**. That set is what's visible in the diagnostic log.
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- **Replacing layout state via `imgui_test_engine`** (`conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md`) — separate follow-up track. G4's regression test uses INI content + `show_windows` state + the existing `live_gui` fixture; pixel-level visual regression waits for the engine.
+
+- **Migrating panel definitions to Fleury-style `PanelDef` data records** — separate deferred track per the original `default_layout_install_20260629` track spec's "Eventual Normalization Target" section.
+
+- **Adding more than one bundled layout** — `default.ini` is enough; users can hand-author `my-layout.ini` and switch via WorkspaceProfile.
+
+- **Restructuring `_install_default_layout_if_empty`'s heuristic**. The "missing OR <1000 bytes OR zero `[Window][` lines" rule works. Don't touch it.
+
+- **Removing the `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` set** — it's a useful safety net; this track just ensures bundled INI doesn't trigger it.
+
+## See Also
+
+- `manualslop_layout.ini` on master (2150 bytes) — the canonical reference for the working INI structure that this track must reproduce in `layouts/default.ini`
+- `manualslop_layout.ini` on `tier2-clone/tier2/default_layout_install_20260629` HEAD (`e9654518`, 1447 bytes) — the canonical reference for what to AVOID
+- `src/app_controller.py:2083-2108` — `_default_windows` map (canonical list of windows + default visibility)
+- `src/gui_2.py:603-607` — `_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES` set (bundled INI must avoid these names)
+- `src/gui_2.py:1478` — `_install_default_layout_if_empty` (the install helper; the GOOD half of `e9654518`'s `load_ini_settings_from_memory()` apply stays)
+- `conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_20260629/spec.md` — parent track spec (Phase 1-3 + the e9654518 follow-up)
+- `conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md` — ImGui Test Engine (separate track; once shipped, G4's INI-content assertion can be replaced with pixel-level verification)
+- `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md` — Tier 2's existing completion report (G4 of this track adds a FOLLOWUP addendum here)

conductor/tracks/default_layout_install_followup_20260629/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Track state for default_layout_install_followup_20260629
+# Updates Tier 2's e9654518 followup that broke the bundled INI
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "default_layout_install_followup_20260629"
+name = "Default Layout Install - Followup (Restore Docking Structure)"
+status = "completed"
+current_phase = "complete"
+last_updated = "2026-06-29"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. This track is independent.
+
+[blocks]
+# None.
+
+[phases]
+phase_1 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "2afb0126", name = "Restore the bundled INI to a working structure" }
+phase_2 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "79c25a32", name = "Flip the test assertions (+ add pre-run install timing fix)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "5e53d477", name = "Update Tier 2's TRACK_COMPLETION report with the FOLLOWUP addendum" }
+phase_4 = { status = "completed", checkpoint_sha = "79c25a32", name = "Empirical verification + checkpoint" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1 (7 tasks)
+t1_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "read", description = "Read user's working INI as the template (manualslop_layout.ini on master, 2150 bytes)" }
+t1_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "read", description = "Identify the runtime DockSpace ID + DockNode ID space (SplitIds line: MainDockSpace=2949142533=0xAFC85805)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "read", description = "Inventory the canonical visible windows to dock (from src/app_controller.py:_default_windows; 12 default-true)" }
+t1_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "read", description = "Inventory the must-NOT-appear names (from src/gui_2.py:_STALE_WINDOW_NAMES; must scrub Response from template)" }
+t1_5 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Write the new layouts/default.ini (full [Docking] + DockNode children + per-window DockId for 12 windows, no Response)" }
+t1_6 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Replace the misleading e9654518 comment block (auto-dock myth) with accurate mechanism description" }
+t1_7 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Commit phase 1 with git note (combined with Phase 2 as 2afb0126 fix(layout): restore [Docking] structure + per-window DockId references in bundled INI)" }
+
+# Phase 2 (6 tasks)
+t2_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Read current tests/test_default_layout_install.py assertions; find the inverted 'no [Docking]' / 'no DockId' assertions" }
+t2_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Flip 'no [Docking] block' assertion to '[Docking][Data] with DockSpace + DockNode children exists' (added _has_docking_block_with_docknodes)" }
+t2_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "2afb0126", description = "Flip 'no DockId per window' assertion to 'every default-visible window has DockId line' (added _every_window_has_dockid)" }
+t2_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "79c25a32", description = "Run the test suite (RED expected before flip, GREEN after): 17/17 PASSED" }
+t2_5 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "79c25a32", description = "Run adjacent test batches (test_gui* + test_workspace_profiles_sim) - 17/17 PASSED, no regression" }
+t2_6 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "79c25a32", description = "Commit phase 2 with git note (combined with pre-run-install fix)" }
+
+# Phase 3 (3 tasks)
+t3_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "5e53d477", description = "Read existing docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_default_layout_install_20260629.md; found coherent append point at end" }
+t3_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "5e53d477", description = "Appended FOLLOWUP addendum citing 2afb0126 (initial INI restoration) + 79c25a32 (pre-run install timing fix)" }
+t3_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "5e53d477", description = "Commit phase 3 with git note" }
+
+# Phase 4 (6 tasks)
+t4_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "79c25a32", description = "Spawn sloppy.py on fixed tier2 branch (deleted cwd INI first); launch + 18s render + force-kill" }
+t4_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "79c25a32", description = "Check saved INI post-launch: 3072 bytes, 8 [Window][X] + 2 DockNode children + [Docking] block + 0 stale warning" }
+t4_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "(pending)", description = "Checkpoint commit + verification git note (this file's content + final summary)" }
+t4_4 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "(this file)", description = "Update state.toml: all phases + tasks completed + verification flags true" }
+t4_5 = { status = "in_progress", commit_sha = "(pending)", description = "Commit final plan + state updates + tracks.md row" }
+t4_6 = { status = "in_progress", commit_sha = "(pending)", description = "Append row to conductor/tracks.md + commit" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_4_g1_ini_has_docking_structure = true
+phase_4_g2_ini_comment_accurate = true
+phase_4_g3_test_assertions_flipped = true
+phase_4_g4_track_completion_followup_added = true
+phase_4_g5_conftest_still_works = true
+phase_4_vc_no_stale_window_warning = true
+phase_4_vc_panels_actually_render = true
+phase_4_vc_installer_preserved = true

conductor/tracks/directive_hotswap_harness_20260627/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "directive_hotswap_harness_20260627",
+ "name": "Directive Hot-Swap Harness (OpenCode Directive Presets)",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "master",
+ "created": "2026-06-27",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": ["directive_encoding_experiments (future; alternative v2+ variant authoring)", "manual_slop_directive_lab (future; GUI integration)"],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [
+   "conductor/directives/<48 directive directories>/v1.md (48 files)",
+   "conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md",
+   "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627.md"
+  ],
+  "modified_files": [
+   ".opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md (replace hardcoded reading list with warm with:)",
+   ".opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md (same)",
+   ".opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md (same)",
+   ".opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md (same)",
+   "conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md (same)"
+  ],
+  "deleted_files": []
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_1": "10 steps: harvest 48 directives from doc tree into conductor/directives/ with exact source file:line refs",
+  "phase_2": "8 steps: baseline preset + 5 role-prompt warm with: updates",
+  "phase_3": "4 steps: verification + end-of-track report"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "48 directive directories exist under conductor/directives/, each with a v1.md file",
+  "Each v1.md has a header annotating the source location (file:line) and why this iteration exists",
+  "conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md exists and lists all 48 directives",
+  "All 5 tier role prompts have a 'warm with: conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md' line",
+  "Non-directive reads (AGENTS.md, workflow.md, edit_workflow.md, forbidden-files.txt, guide_*.md) remain hardcoded in the role prompts",
+  "Original docs are NOT modified (conductor/directives/ is a parallel structure)",
+  "No scripts, no TOML, no build steps — markdown-only",
+  "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627.md exists"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "Alternative encoding authoring (v2+ variants)",
+   "description": "Author v2_rationale_first.md, v3_before_after.md, v4_tabular.md etc. per directive. The actual experimentation.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Manual Slop Directive Lab (GUI integration)",
+   "description": "A Directive Lab panel in Manual Slop for virtualized directive selection + context aggregation.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Token-cost analysis tooling",
+   "description": "Measure token cost per directive variant. Compare compliance vs token cost.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Automated compliance testing",
+   "description": "Test harness to measure LLM compliance per encoding (does the LLM follow the directive?).",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Video Analysis Campaign 2 (4 new videos)",
+   "description": "Separate campaign; follows the 3-pass pattern. May inform alternative encoding strategies.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; separate track"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "Harvest completeness: directives embedded in prose may be missed",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "the baseline preset is incomplete; some directives are not swappable",
+   "mitigation": "systematic combing of the entire doc tree with grep; the plan's Step 1.1-1.10 cover every doc file identified in the spec's source list"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "Granularity ambiguity: some directives overlap (e.g., ban_dict_any + typed_dataclass_fields are two sides of the same coin)",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "the directive count is inflated by overlapping directives; preset becomes verbose",
+   "mitigation": "the 48-directive list is the initial best-guess; granularity is resolved iteratively as the user experiments. Merging directives is a future preset edit, not a blocker."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "LLM doesn't follow the warm with: instruction reliably",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "the LLM doesn't read the preset or the variant files; directives are missing from context",
+   "mitigation": "the instruction is simple (read a file, read the files it lists) and uses the existing file-reading behavior. The Step 3.2 manual verification catches this."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R4",
+   "description": "Role-prompt update breaks existing Tier 2 autonomous runs",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "Tier 2 starts reading a different set of files; behavior changes",
+   "mitigation": "the current_baseline preset lists the exact same directives that were hardcoded. The change is structural (where the list lives), not semantic (what the directives say)."
+  }
+ ],
+ "campaign_context": {
+  "campaign_name": "Directive Encoding Campaign (Campaign A)",
+  "track_1": "directive_hotswap_harness_20260627 (THIS; harvest + scaffold + baseline preset + role-prompt bootstrap)",
+  "track_2": "directive_encoding_experiments (future; v2+ variant authoring + preset experimentation)",
+  "track_3": "manual_slop_directive_lab (future; GUI integration)",
+  "sibling_campaign": "Video Analysis Campaign 2 (Campaign B; 4 new videos; separate track)",
+  "cross_campaign_relationship": "Intellectual cross-pollination; no hard dependency. Video insights may surface alternative encoding strategies. The harness design mirrors the video campaign's deobfuscation pattern (same content, different encoding)."
+ }
+}

conductor/tracks/directive_hotswap_harness_20260627/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,490 @@
+# Directive Hot-Swap Harness Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Build a directive hot-swap harness that lets the user maintain alternative encodings of the same directive as separate files, compose them into named presets (markdown bills of materials), and hot-swap which preset is active via a single `warm with: <path>` instruction in the role prompt or session message.
+
+**Architecture:** A `conductor/directives/` directory tree where each directive is a subdirectory and each encoding variant is a file (`v1.md`, `v2_<style>.md`). Presets in `conductor/directives/presets/` are markdown files listing which variant files to read. The 5 tier role prompts are updated with a single `warm with: <preset_path>` line that replaces the hardcoded mandatory-reading list. No scripts, no TOML, no build steps — markdown-only, LLM-native.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Markdown files. No code changes. No tests (this is a documentation/tooling track, not a code track). The "test" is: does an LLM follow the `warm with:` instruction and read the listed files?
+
+**Spec:** `docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-27-directive-hotswap-harness-design.md`
+
+---
+
+## File Structure
+
+### New files (created by this plan)
+
+```
+conductor/directives/
+  ban_dict_any/v1.md
+  ban_any_type/v1.md
+  ban_optional_returns/v1.md
+  ban_hasattr_dispatch/v1.md
+  ban_getattr_dispatch/v1.md
+  ban_dict_get_on_known_fields/v1.md
+  ban_local_imports/v1.md
+  ban_prefix_aliasing/v1.md
+  ban_repeated_from_dict/v1.md
+  boundary_layer_exception/v1.md
+  result_error_pattern/v1.md
+  nil_sentinel_pattern/v1.md
+  typed_dataclass_fields/v1.md
+  metadata_boundary_type/v1.md
+  one_space_indent/v1.md
+  no_comments_in_body/v1.md
+  no_diagnostic_noise/v1.md
+  type_hints_required/v1.md
+  sdm_dependency_tags/v1.md
+  file_naming_convention/v1.md
+  no_new_src_files_without_permission/v1.md
+  large_files_are_fine/v1.md
+  atomic_per_task_commits/v1.md
+  tdd_red_green_required/v1.md
+  ban_arbitrary_core_mocking/v1.md
+  live_gui_poll_not_sleep/v1.md
+  batch_verification_not_isolation/v1.md
+  git_hard_bans/v1.md
+  ban_day_estimates/v1.md
+  no_output_filtering/v1.md
+  prefer_targeted_tier_runs/v1.md
+  mandatory_research_first/v1.md
+  no_skip_markers_as_avoidance/v1.md
+  deduction_loop_limit/v1.md
+  report_instead_of_fix_ban/v1.md
+  scope_creep_track_doc_ban/v1.md
+  inherited_cruft_ask_first/v1.md
+  verbose_commit_message_ban/v1.md
+  imgui_scope_verification/v1.md
+  modular_controller_pattern/v1.md
+  ui_delegation_for_hot_reload/v1.md
+  strict_state_management/v1.md
+  comprehensive_logging/v1.md
+  feature_flag_delete_to_turn_off/v1.md
+  rag_six_rules/v1.md
+  cache_stable_to_volatile/v1.md
+  knowledge_harvest_pattern/v1.md
+
+  presets/
+    current_baseline.md
+```
+
+### Modified files
+
+```
+.opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md          (replace mandatory-reading list with warm with:)
+.opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md             (same)
+.opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md                (same)
+.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md                    (same)
+conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md      (same)
+```
+
+### NOT modified (the original docs stay untouched)
+
+```
+AGENTS.md                                        (stays as canonical source)
+conductor/workflow.md                             (stays as canonical source)
+conductor/product-guidelines.md                  (stays as canonical source)
+conductor/code_styleguides/*.md                  (all stay as canonical source)
+docs/*.md                                         (all stay as canonical source)
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Directive Harvest
+
+Focus: Systematically comb the doc tree, extract every directive-like statement into a candidate list, resolve granularity (which to merge, split, keep standalone). This is the bulk of the work.
+
+Each task creates one or more `conductor/directives/<name>/v1.md` files. The v1 content is a verbatim lift from the source doc (not a rewrite). The variant header annotates the source location and why this iteration exists.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.1: Harvest §17 banned patterns (7 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:216-409` (§17 Banned Patterns — the 7 banned patterns + §17.7 boundary exception + §17.8 enforcement + §17.9 local imports + §17.10 enforcement inventory)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+1. `conductor/directives/ban_dict_any/v1.md` — source: `python.md:220-237` (§17.1). Content: the `dict[str, Any]` ban + before/after examples + the boundary exception cross-ref.
+2. `conductor/directives/ban_any_type/v1.md` — source: `python.md:239-250` (§17.2). Content: the `Any` ban + before/after.
+3. `conductor/directives/ban_optional_returns/v1.md` — source: `python.md:252-272` (§17.3). Content: the `Optional[T]` return ban + the `Result[T]` replacement pattern.
+4. `conductor/directives/ban_hasattr_dispatch/v1.md` — source: `python.md:274-299` (§17.4). Content: the `hasattr()` for entity type dispatch ban + the typed Union alternative.
+5. `conductor/directives/ban_getattr_dispatch/v1.md` — source: `python.md:301-311` (§17.5). Content: the `getattr(x, 'field', default)` for type dispatch ban.
+6. `conductor/directives/ban_dict_get_on_known_fields/v1.md` — source: `python.md:313-323` (§17.6). Content: the `.get('field', default)` on a `dict[str, Any]` ban + direct attribute access alternative.
+7. `conductor/directives/boundary_layer_exception/v1.md` — source: `python.md:325-327` (§17.7). Content: the ONE exception — the wire boundary (TOML/JSON parse) where `dict[str, Any]` is allowed.
+
+**Variant header format** (use for ALL v1 files):
+```markdown
+# <directive_name> — v1
+
+**Why this iteration:** Lifted verbatim from `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17.N (lines N-M).
+This is the baseline encoding — the style currently in production. Future variants
+will test alternative encodings (rationale-first, before/after, tabular) against this baseline.
+
+**Source:** `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:NNN-MMM`
+
+---
+
+<verbatim directive text from the source>
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.2: Harvest §17.9 import/aliasing bans (3 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:336-409` (§17.9 local imports + aliasing + repeated from_dict)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+8. `conductor/directives/ban_local_imports/v1.md` — source: `python.md:336-360` (§17.9a). Content: local imports inside functions are banned + the `try/except ImportError` exception + the vendor-SDK-warmup whitelist.
+9. `conductor/directives/ban_prefix_aliasing/v1.md` — source: `python.md` (§17.9b, within the 336-409 range). Content: `import X as _X` aliasing-for-naming-convenience is banned.
+10. `conductor/directives/ban_repeated_from_dict/v1.md` — source: `python.md` (§17.9c, within the 336-409 range). Content: repeated `.from_dict()` calls in the same expression are banned.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.3: Harvest error handling conventions (2 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md:22-56` (the 5 patterns) + `error_handling.md:212-242` (hard rules) + `error_handling.md:274-311` (boundary types)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+11. `conductor/directives/result_error_pattern/v1.md` — source: `error_handling.md:22-56, 212-242`. Content: the `Result[T]` dataclass pattern (data + errors list, not `Optional[T]` + exceptions). The 5 patterns (nil-sentinel, zero-init, fail-early, AND over OR, error-info as side-channel). The hard rules (`Optional[T]` returns forbidden in baseline files; `Result[T]` for any function that can fail).
+12. `conductor/directives/nil_sentinel_pattern/v1.md` — source: `error_handling.md:24-47` (Pattern 1 — Nil-Sentinel Dataclasses). Content: the `NIL_T` singleton pattern replacing `None`. The sentinel type contract.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.4: Harvest type/data-structure conventions (3 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md:176-215` (§8.5 Python Type Promotion Mandate + §8.6 Boundary Layer + §8.7 C11 framing)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/type_aliases.md:40-81` (Metadata boundary type + when to promote + when NOT to promote)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+13. `conductor/directives/typed_dataclass_fields/v1.md` — source: `data_oriented_design.md:176-199` (§8.5). Content: the Python Type Promotion Mandate — use typed `@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)` with explicit fields. The 7 banned patterns table.
+14. `conductor/directives/metadata_boundary_type/v1.md` — source: `type_aliases.md:40-81` + `data_oriented_design.md:200-215` (§8.6). Content: `Metadata` is the typed fat struct at the wire boundary, NOT `TypeAlias = dict[str, Any]`. The boundary is 2-3 functions per file. When to promote to per-aggregate dataclass vs. when to keep as collapsed codepath.
+15. `conductor/directives/boundary_layer_exception/v1.md` — UPDATE the file created in Step 1.1 to also include the `data_oriented_design.md:200-215` (§8.6) and `type_aliases.md` boundary-layer content. This directive cross-references §17.7 (the exception) + §8.6 (the boundary definition) + type_aliases.md (the Metadata-as-boundary-type rule).
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.5: Harvest code style directives (5 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:7-21` (§1 Indentation + §2 Type Annotations)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:64-71` (§8 AI-Agent Specific Conventions — no comments, no diagnostic noise)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:185-199` (§13 Vertical Compaction)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:175-184` (§12 SDM)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:5-20` (Code Style section)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+16. `conductor/directives/one_space_indent/v1.md` — source: `python.md:7-20` + `workflow.md:7`. Content: 1-space indentation for ALL Python code. CRLF line endings on Windows. No comments unless explicitly requested.
+17. `conductor/directives/no_comments_in_body/v1.md` — source: `python.md:66` + `AGENTS.md:56`. Content: no comments in source code; documentation lives in `/docs`. Only comment on *why* when non-obvious.
+18. `conductor/directives/no_diagnostic_noise/v1.md` — source: `python.md:70` + `AGENTS.md` "No Diagnostic Noise in Production" section. Content: no `sys.stderr.write("[XYZ_DIAG] ...")` in production code. Diag goes to log files or temp scripts.
+19. `conductor/directives/type_hints_required/v1.md` — source: `python.md:24-31` + `product-guidelines.md:58`. Content: mandatory strict type hints for all parameters, return types, and global variables.
+20. `conductor/directives/sdm_dependency_tags/v1.md` — source: `python.md:175-184` (§12) + `product-guidelines.md:59`. Content: Structural Dependency Mapping tags (`[C: ...]`, `[M: ...]`, `[U: ...]`) in docstrings for AI-assisted impact analysis.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.6: Harvest file/taxonomy conventions (3 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `AGENTS.md:62-76` (File Size and Naming Convention HARD RULE)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:45` (File Naming Convention HARD RULE)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md:205-215` (§15 Modular Controller Pattern)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+21. `conductor/directives/file_naming_convention/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:62-76` + `workflow.md:45`. Content: new `src/<thing>.py` files may only be created on the user's explicit request. Helpers go in the parent module. Large files are FINE.
+22. `conductor/directives/no_new_src_files_without_permission/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:68-76`. Content: the audit trigger — "is `<thing>` a new system, or is it part of an existing system?" If it's part of an existing system, the file goes in that system's file.
+23. `conductor/directives/large_files_are_fine/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:62-67`. Content: large files are FINE. The "small files are good" stance is propaganda from LLM training data. Cognitive load is managed via naming, regions, and navigation tools — NOT via file splitting.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.7: Harvest process/workflow directives (10 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/workflow.md:80-120` (Standard Task Workflow — TDD, atomic commits, delegate)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:112-170` (Phase Completion Verification + API Hooks verification)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:262-280` (Structural Testing Contract)
+- `AGENTS.md:49-85` (Critical Anti-Patterns)
+- `AGENTS.md:86-118` (Session-Learned Anti-Patterns)
+- `AGENTS.md:119-185` (Process Anti-Patterns)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:385-391` (Tier 2 conventions — the 2 new rules)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+24. `conductor/directives/atomic_per_task_commits/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:112` + `AGENTS.md:55`. Content: commit per-task for atomic rollback. Do NOT batch commits.
+25. `conductor/directives/tdd_red_green_required/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:78-100` (Standard Task Workflow steps 4-6). Content: write failing tests before implementing. Run tests, confirm they fail (Red). Implement, run, confirm pass (Green). The Zero-Assertion Ban (tests must have meaningful assertions).
+26. `conductor/directives/ban_arbitrary_core_mocking/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:262`. Content: ban on `unittest.mock.patch` to bypass core infrastructure unless explicitly authorized.
+27. `conductor/directives/live_gui_poll_not_sleep/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:465-475` (Anti-Pattern: push_event + time.sleep + assert). Content: replace `time.sleep(N)` with a poll loop on `get_value` or `wait_for_event`.
+28. `conductor/directives/batch_verification_not_isolation/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:510-514` (Isolated-Pass Verification Fallacy). Content: the only verification that matters for `live_gui` tests is the batch run. Do NOT commit a fix verified only in isolation.
+29. `conductor/directives/git_hard_bans/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:59` + `workflow.md:417-430`. Content: `git restore`, `git checkout -- <file>`, `git reset` are FORBIDDEN without explicit user permission. Use `git show` for inspection, not `git checkout`.
+30. `conductor/directives/ban_day_estimates/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:60`. Content: no day/hour/minute estimates in track artifacts. Measure effort by scope (N files, M sites, N tasks).
+31. `conductor/directives/no_output_filtering/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:386`. Content: NEVER filter test output through `Select-Object`, `head`, `tail`. Always redirect to a log file.
+32. `conductor/directives/prefer_targeted_tier_runs/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:387`. Content: do NOT run the full 11-tier batch for every verification. Run targeted tiers.
+33. `conductor/directives/mandatory_research_first/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md:46`. Content: before reading any file >50 lines, use `get_file_summary`/`py_get_skeleton`/`py_get_code_outline` to map the structure first.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.8: Harvest process anti-patterns (6 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `AGENTS.md:119-185` (Process Anti-Patterns — the 8 named patterns)
+- `conductor/workflow.md` "Skip-Marker Policy" section
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+34. `conductor/directives/no_skip_markers_as_avoidance/v1.md` — source: `workflow.md` "Skip-Marker Policy" + `AGENTS.md:54`. Content: `@pytest.mark.skip` is documentation of a known failure, not an escape from fixing the bug. Fix in-session when feasible.
+35. `conductor/directives/deduction_loop_limit/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:127` (Process Anti-Pattern #1). Content: at most 2 test runs in a single investigation. After the 2nd failure, STOP and read the code.
+36. `conductor/directives/report_instead_of_fix_ban/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:134` (Process Anti-Pattern #2). Content: a 200-line status report is a confession, not a fix. A good status report is 5-10 sentences.
+37. `conductor/directives/scope_creep_track_doc_ban/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:143` (Process Anti-Pattern #3). Content: if the user asks for a fix, your output is the fix. A track doc is only for multi-day work.
+38. `conductor/directives/inherited_cruft_ask_first/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:149` (Process Anti-Pattern #4). Content: if a file is broken from a previous session, ASK the user before trying to fix it.
+39. `conductor/directives/verbose_commit_message_ban/v1.md` — source: `AGENTS.md:176` (Process Anti-Pattern #7). Content: a commit message is 1-3 sentences. If it's longer than 15 lines, it's a report.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.9: Harvest GUI/architecture directives (5 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/product-guidelines.md:29-43` (UX & UI Principles + Code Standards)
+- `conductor/workflow.md:39` (ImGui Verification)
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+40. `conductor/directives/imgui_scope_verification/v1.md` — source: `product-guidelines.md:39` + `workflow.md:39`. Content: all changes to `gui_2.py` MUST be verified using `scripts/check_imgui_scopes.py`. Use `imscope` context managers over manual push/pop.
+41. `conductor/directives/modular_controller_pattern/v1.md` — source: `product-guidelines.md:40`. Content: state-independent logic must be moved to module-level functions. Massive `if/elif` dispatch blocks must be refactored into handler maps.
+42. `conductor/directives/ui_delegation_for_hot_reload/v1.md` — source: `product-guidelines.md:41`. Content: all complex ImGui rendering logic must be extracted from the `App` class into module-level `render_xxx(app)` functions. The `App` class should only contain thin delegation wrappers.
+43. `conductor/directives/strict_state_management/v1.md` — source: `product-guidelines.md:37`. Content: rigorous separation between the Main GUI rendering thread and daemon execution threads. The UI should NEVER hang during AI communication. Use lock-protected queues and events.
+44. `conductor/directives/comprehensive_logging/v1.md` — source: `product-guidelines.md:38`. Content: aggressively log all actions, API payloads, tool calls, and executed scripts. Maintain timestamped JSON-L and markdown logs.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.10: Harvest feature-flag + RAG + cache + knowledge directives (4 directives)**
+
+**Files to read:**
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/feature_flags.md`
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/rag_integration_discipline.md:11-20` (the 6 rules)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/cache_friendly_context.md:52-74` (the byte-comparison test)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/knowledge_artifacts.md`
+
+**Directives to create:**
+
+45. `conductor/directives/feature_flag_delete_to_turn_off/v1.md` — source: `feature_flags.md`. Content: file presence ("delete to turn off") for side artifacts; config flags for persistent preferences; CLI flags for one-shot overrides.
+46. `conductor/directives/rag_six_rules/v1.md` — source: `rag_integration_discipline.md:11-20`. Content: the 6 rules (opt-in, complements, provenance, no mutation, feature-gated, graceful failure).
+47. `conductor/directives/cache_stable_to_volatile/v1.md` — source: `cache_friendly_context.md:52-74`. Content: stable-to-volatile context ordering. The byte-comparison test. Layers 1-7 cacheable, 8-12 not.
+48. `conductor/directives/knowledge_harvest_pattern/v1.md` — source: `knowledge_artifacts.md`. Content: the category files + provenance + sha256 ledger + digest regeneration pattern.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.11: Commit the directive harvest**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/directives/
+git commit -m "feat(directives): harvest 48 directives from doc tree into conductor/directives/
+
+Systematic extraction of every directive-like statement (imperative,
+preference, hard ban, convention, anti-pattern) from the entire doc tree
+into conductor/directives/<name>/v1.md files. Each v1 is a verbatim lift
+from the source doc with a header annotating the source location.
+
+Sources combed: AGENTS.md, conductor/workflow.md, conductor/product-guidelines.md,
+conductor/tech-stack.md, all 10 conductor/code_styleguides/*.md, docs/AGENTS.md.
+
+Original docs remain untouched as canonical source. The conductor/directives/
+tree is a parallel structure, not a replacement."
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Baseline Preset + Role-Prompt Bootstrap
+
+Focus: Create the `current_baseline.md` preset that lists all 48 directives, then update the 5 role prompts with the `warm with:` bootstrap.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.1: Create the baseline preset**
+
+**File:** `conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md`
+
+**Content:**
+
+```markdown
+# Preset: current_baseline
+
+The baseline directive composition — all v1 variants lifted verbatim from the
+current production docs. This is the starting point; alternative presets swap
+variants to test different encodings.
+
+## Directives to warm
+
+Read each file below before any action.
+
+- ban_dict_any: conductor/directives/ban_dict_any/v1.md
+- ban_any_type: conductor/directives/ban_any_type/v1.md
+- ban_optional_returns: conductor/directives/ban_optional_returns/v1.md
+- ban_hasattr_dispatch: conductor/directives/ban_hasattr_dispatch/v1.md
+- ban_getattr_dispatch: conductor/directives/ban_getattr_dispatch/v1.md
+- ban_dict_get_on_known_fields: conductor/directives/ban_dict_get_on_known_fields/v1.md
+- boundary_layer_exception: conductor/directives/boundary_layer_exception/v1.md
+- ban_local_imports: conductor/directives/ban_local_imports/v1.md
+- ban_prefix_aliasing: conductor/directives/ban_prefix_aliasing/v1.md
+- ban_repeated_from_dict: conductor/directives/ban_repeated_from_dict/v1.md
+- result_error_pattern: conductor/directives/result_error_pattern/v1.md
+- nil_sentinel_pattern: conductor/directives/nil_sentinel_pattern/v1.md
+- typed_dataclass_fields: conductor/directives/typed_dataclass_fields/v1.md
+- metadata_boundary_type: conductor/directives/metadata_boundary_type/v1.md
+- one_space_indent: conductor/directives/one_space_indent/v1.md
+- no_comments_in_body: conductor/directives/no_comments_in_body/v1.md
+- no_diagnostic_noise: conductor/directives/no_diagnostic_noise/v1.md
+- type_hints_required: conductor/directives/type_hints_required/v1.md
+- sdm_dependency_tags: conductor/directives/sdm_dependency_tags/v1.md
+- file_naming_convention: conductor/directives/file_naming_convention/v1.md
+- no_new_src_files_without_permission: conductor/directives/no_new_src_files_without_permission/v1.md
+- large_files_are_fine: conductor/directives/large_files_are_fine/v1.md
+- atomic_per_task_commits: conductor/directives/atomic_per_task_commits/v1.md
+- tdd_red_green_required: conductor/directives/tdd_red_green_required/v1.md
+- ban_arbitrary_core_mocking: conductor/directives/ban_arbitrary_core_mocking/v1.md
+- live_gui_poll_not_sleep: conductor/directives/live_gui_poll_not_sleep/v1.md
+- batch_verification_not_isolation: conductor/directives/batch_verification_not_isolation/v1.md
+- git_hard_bans: conductor/directives/git_hard_bans/v1.md
+- ban_day_estimates: conductor/directives/ban_day_estimates/v1.md
+- no_output_filtering: conductor/directives/no_output_filtering/v1.md
+- prefer_targeted_tier_runs: conductor/directives/prefer_targeted_tier_runs/v1.md
+- mandatory_research_first: conductor/directives/mandatory_research_first/v1.md
+- no_skip_markers_as_avoidance: conductor/directives/no_skip_markers_as_avoidance/v1.md
+- deduction_loop_limit: conductor/directives/deduction_loop_limit/v1.md
+- report_instead_of_fix_ban: conductor/directives/report_instead_of_fix_ban/v1.md
+- scope_creep_track_doc_ban: conductor/directives/scope_creep_track_doc_ban/v1.md
+- inherited_cruft_ask_first: conductor/directives/inherited_cruft_ask_first/v1.md
+- verbose_commit_message_ban: conductor/directives/verbose_commit_message_ban/v1.md
+- imgui_scope_verification: conductor/directives/imgui_scope_verification/v1.md
+- modular_controller_pattern: conductor/directives/modular_controller_pattern/v1.md
+- ui_delegation_for_hot_reload: conductor/directives/ui_delegation_for_hot_reload/v1.md
+- strict_state_management: conductor/directives/strict_state_management/v1.md
+- comprehensive_logging: conductor/directives/comprehensive_logging/v1.md
+- feature_flag_delete_to_turn_off: conductor/directives/feature_flag_delete_to_turn_off/v1.md
+- rag_six_rules: conductor/directives/rag_six_rules/v1.md
+- cache_stable_to_volatile: conductor/directives/cache_stable_to_volatile/v1.md
+- knowledge_harvest_pattern: conductor/directives/knowledge_harvest_pattern/v1.md
+
+## Notes
+
+All v1 (verbatim lifts from current production docs). No alternative encodings
+tested yet. This preset is the control group for future experiments.
+
+To create an experimental preset: copy this file, change the variant path for
+the directives you want to test (e.g., swap `v1.md` for `v2_rationale_first.md`),
+and update the Notes section with your hypothesis.
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.2: Commit the preset**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md
+git commit -m "feat(directives): add current_baseline preset (48 directives, all v1)"
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.3: Update tier1-orchestrator.md with warm with: bootstrap**
+
+**File:** `.opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md`
+
+**What to change:** Find the "MANDATORY: Pre-Action Required Reading" section (or equivalent hardcoded file list). Replace the directive-reading portion with:
+
+```markdown
+## MANDATORY: Directive Warm-up
+
+warm with: conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md
+
+Read the preset file above. It lists directive variant files to read before any action.
+Read each file the preset references. These are your active directives for this session.
+
+If the user specifies a different preset (e.g., "warm with: conductor/directives/presets/exploratory_rationale.md"),
+use that instead. The user's instruction overrides the default.
+```
+
+**What stays (non-directive reads that remain hardcoded):**
+- `AGENTS.md` — project operating rules
+- `conductor/workflow.md` — operational workflow
+- `conductor/edit_workflow.md` — edit tool contract
+- The relevant `docs/guide_*.md` — architecture reference
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.4: Update tier2-tech-lead.md with warm with: bootstrap**
+
+**File:** `.opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md`
+
+Same change as Step 2.3. The non-directive reads that stay hardcoded:
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `conductor/workflow.md`
+- `conductor/edit_workflow.md`
+- `conductor/tier2/githooks/forbidden-files.txt`
+- The relevant `docs/guide_*.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.5: Update tier3-worker.md with warm with: bootstrap**
+
+**File:** `.opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md`
+
+Same change. Note: Tier 3 may benefit from a reduced preset (fewer directives — they don't need the planning/strategy directives). But for now, use `current_baseline.md` and let the user create a `worker_minimal.md` preset later.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.6: Update tier4-qa.md with warm with: bootstrap**
+
+**File:** `.opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md`
+
+Same change. Tier 4 reads narrowly; the preset can be customized later.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.7: Update tier2-autonomous.md with warm with: bootstrap**
+
+**File:** `conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md`
+
+This file has the most extensive hardcoded reading list (11 files, lines 32-52). Replace the directive-reading portion with the `warm with:` bootstrap. The non-directive reads that stay:
+- `AGENTS.md`
+- `conductor/workflow.md`
+- `conductor/edit_workflow.md`
+- `conductor/tier2/githooks/forbidden-files.txt`
+- `conductor/tracks/tier2_leak_prevention_20260620/spec.md` (this is a track spec, not a directive — stays hardcoded)
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.8: Commit the role-prompt updates**
+
+```bash
+git add .opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md .opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md .opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md .opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md
+git commit -m "feat(role-prompts): replace hardcoded directive lists with warm with: bootstrap
+
+All 5 tier role prompts now use 'warm with: conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md'
+instead of a hardcoded list of ~11 files. The LLM reads the preset, then reads
+the variant files it lists. Non-directive reads (AGENTS.md, workflow.md,
+edit_workflow.md, forbidden-files.txt, guide_*.md) remain hardcoded.
+
+The user can override the preset per-session by saying 'warm with: <path>' in
+their session message. This is the hot-swap mechanism."
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Verification + End-of-Track
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.1: Verify the directory structure**
+
+```bash
+# Count directive directories
+ls conductor/directives/ | wc -l
+
+# Count v1.md files
+find conductor/directives/ -name "v1.md" | wc -l
+
+# Verify preset exists
+test -f conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md
+
+# Verify all 5 role prompts have the warm with: line
+grep -l "warm with:" .opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md .opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md .opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md .opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md
+```
+
+Expected: 48 directive directories, 48 v1.md files, preset exists, 5 role prompts have `warm with:`.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.2: Manual verification — does the LLM follow the warm with: instruction?**
+
+Start a new OpenCode session with any tier role. Observe whether the LLM:
+1. Reads the preset file at `conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md`
+2. Reads each variant file listed in the preset
+3. Has the directives in context for the session
+
+This is the "test" — there's no automated test for this. The signal is: does the LLM behave as if it has read the directives?
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.3: Write end-of-track report**
+
+**File:** `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627.md`
+
+Document:
+- What shipped (48 directives + baseline preset + 5 role-prompt updates)
+- The directory structure
+- The preset format
+- The `warm with:` bootstrap
+- How to hot-swap (create a new preset or tell the LLM "warm with: <path>")
+- What's NOT included (no scripts, no TOML, no v2+ variants yet)
+- Handoff to future tracks (alternative encoding authoring, Manual Slop integration, token-cost analysis)
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.4: Commit the end-of-track report**
+
+```bash
+git add docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627.md
+git commit -m "docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627"
+```

conductor/tracks/directive_hotswap_harness_20260627/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,230 @@
+# Design: Directive Hot-Swap Harness (OpenCode Directive Presets)
+
+**Date:** 2026-06-27
+**Status:** Draft — pending user review
+**Track ID (proposed):** `directive_hotswap_harness_20260627`
+
+## Problem
+
+The codebase's directives — the instructions that tell LLMs how to behave (banned patterns, conventions, hard bans, anti-patterns) — are scattered across the entire doc tree: `AGENTS.md`, `conductor/workflow.md`, `conductor/product-guidelines.md`, `conductor/tech-stack.md`, every `conductor/code_styleguides/*.md`, `docs/Readme.md`, `docs/AGENTS.md`, all 14 `docs/guide_*.md`, etc. They're embedded in prose, tables, anti-pattern sections, "Critical Anti-Patterns" lists, "Hard Rules," styleguide sections.
+
+The 4 tier role prompts (`.opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md`, `tier2-tech-lead.md`, `tier3-worker.md`, `tier4-qa.md`) plus the autonomous variant (`conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md`) currently hardcode a list of ~11 files to read before any action. This list is static — every session gets the same directives regardless of the task. There's no mechanism to:
+- Test whether an alternative encoding of the same directive (imperative-ban vs. rationale-first vs. before/after) produces better LLM compliance
+- Hot-swap which encoding is active without manually editing files or navigating the filesystem
+- Exercise per-session control over which directives the LLM warms up with
+
+## Goal
+
+Build a **directive hot-swap harness** that lets the user:
+1. Maintain multiple alternative encodings ("variants") of the same directive as separate files
+2. Compose active directive sets into named "presets" (markdown bills of materials)
+3. Hot-swap which preset is active via a single `warm with: <path>` instruction in the role prompt or session message
+4. Use the existing file-reading behavior LLMs already have — no scripts, no TOML, no build steps
+
+## Design
+
+### The directive directory structure
+
+```
+conductor/directives/
+  <directive_name>/
+    v1.md          ← the baseline encoding (verbatim lift from current docs)
+    v2_<style>.md  ← alternative encodings (added over time)
+  presets/
+    current_baseline.md    ← the default preset (all v1)
+    <experimental>.md      ← alternative presets (added over time)
+```
+
+**Naming convention:** lowercase, underscore-separated, action-oriented (`ban_dict_any`, not `dict_str_any_ban`). The name describes the directive's intent.
+
+**Variant file format:** each `vN.md` has a short header annotating why this iteration exists, then the directive text:
+
+```markdown
+# <directive_name> — v1
+
+**Why this iteration:** Lifted verbatim from `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17.1.
+This is the baseline encoding — the imperative-ban style currently in production.
+Future variants will test alternative encodings against this baseline.
+
+---
+
+<directive text>
+```
+
+### The preset format
+
+A preset is a markdown bill of materials. It tells the LLM which directive variant files to read for this run. Nothing more.
+
+```markdown
+# Preset: current_baseline
+
+The baseline directive composition — all v1 variants lifted from the current
+production docs.
+
+## Directives to warm
+
+Read each file below before any action.
+
+- ban_dict_any: conductor/directives/ban_dict_any/v1.md
+- ban_optional_returns: conductor/directives/ban_optional_returns/v1.md
+- no_local_imports: conductor/directives/no_local_imports/v1.md
+- ...
+
+## Notes
+
+All v1 (verbatim lifts from current production docs). No alternative encodings
+tested yet. This preset is the control group for future experiments.
+```
+
+**Key properties:**
+- **Flat list.** No nesting, no conditionals, no includes. The LLM reads the list, reads the files.
+- **Human-readable name.** `current_baseline`, `exploratory_rationale`, `minimal_tokens` — pick by name.
+- **Notes section.** Documents the hypothesis being tested. This is the experiment log, inline with the preset.
+- **Partial swaps.** Swap 2-3 directives to v2, leave the rest at v1. The preset makes the diff explicit.
+- **No script needed.** Author a new preset by copying an existing one and changing variant paths. Hot-swap by telling the LLM which preset to use.
+
+### The role-prompt bootstrap
+
+The 5 role prompts (`.opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md`, `tier2-tech-lead.md`, `tier3-worker.md`, `tier4-qa.md`, and `conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md`) have a hardcoded "MANDATORY: Pre-Action Required Reading" section listing ~11 specific files. This is replaced with a single `warm with:` directive.
+
+```markdown
+## MANDATORY: Directive Warm-up
+
+warm with: conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md
+
+Read the preset file above. It lists directive variant files to read before any action.
+Read each file the preset references. These are your active directives for this session.
+
+If the user specifies a different preset (e.g., "warm with: conductor/directives/presets/exploratory_rationale.md"),
+use that instead. The user's instruction overrides the default.
+```
+
+**Key properties:**
+- **One line is the bootstrap.** `warm with: <path>` is the entire mechanism.
+- **User override.** The user can tell the LLM "warm with: <path>" in their session message and it uses that preset instead of the default. This is the hot-swap — no file editing, just a text instruction.
+- **Per-role defaults.** Each tier role prompt can default to a different preset.
+- **Non-directive reads remain hardcoded.** Files that aren't tunable directives (e.g., `conductor/tracks/tier2_leak_prevention_20260620/spec.md`, `conductor/tier2/githooks/forbidden-files.txt`) stay as direct references in the role prompt.
+
+### What stays in the role prompt (not directive-based)
+
+- `AGENTS.md` — project operating rules (contains directives AND non-directive rules)
+- `conductor/workflow.md` — operational workflow
+- `conductor/edit_workflow.md` — edit tool contract
+- `conductor/tier2/githooks/forbidden-files.txt` — file denylist
+- The relevant `docs/guide_*.md` — architecture reference
+
+These are context, not tunable directives. They stay hardcoded in the role prompt.
+
+### The directive harvest
+
+The directives are NOT limited to the 11 files the role prompts mandate. They're scattered across the entire doc tree. The track's first phase is a systematic harvest:
+
+**A directive is any statement that tells the LLM:**
+- "Do X" / "Don't do X" (imperative)
+- "Use Y instead of Z" (preference)
+- "This is BANNED" (hard ban)
+- "Follow pattern P" (convention)
+- "Never do Q" (anti-pattern)
+
+**NOT a directive:**
+- Descriptive prose ("The App class holds GUI state")
+- Architecture documentation ("Thread domains are separated by...")
+- Reference material ("The 45-tool inventory includes...")
+
+**Sources to comb (non-exhaustive):**
+- `AGENTS.md` — "Critical Anti-Patterns", "File Size and Naming Convention", "Session-Learned Anti-Patterns", "Process Anti-Patterns"
+- `conductor/workflow.md` — "Code Style", "Guiding Principles", "Testing Requirements", "Known Pitfalls", "Process Anti-Patterns", "Tier 2 Autonomous Sandbox conventions"
+- `conductor/product-guidelines.md` — "Core Value", "Code Standards & Architecture", "Data-Oriented Error Handling", "Phase 5: Heavy Curation"
+- `conductor/tech-stack.md` — "Core Value" header
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` — §8.5 "Python Type Promotion Mandate", the 7-question simplification pass, the 10-question self-check
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` — §10 "Anti-OOP Conventions", §17 "LLM Default Anti-Patterns" (the 7 banned patterns)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — the Result[T] convention, the AI Agent Checklist
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/type_aliases.md` — "When NOT to promote"
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/feature_flags.md` — "delete to turn off" convention
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/agent_memory_dimensions.md` — the 4-dimension decision tree
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/rag_integration_discipline.md` — "conservative-RAG rule"
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/cache_friendly_context.md` — stable-to-volatile ordering
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/knowledge_artifacts.md` — the harvest pattern
+- `docs/AGENTS.md` — "Convention Enforcement"
+- `docs/Readme.md` — any directive-like content in feature descriptions
+
+**Granularity resolution:** the harvest produces a candidate list. Then the question of which directives to merge (e.g., `ban_prefix_aliasing` + `no_local_imports` might become `import_hygiene`), split, or keep standalone is resolved in the harvest phase — not locked in upfront.
+
+### The original docs stay untouched
+
+The `conductor/directives/` tree is a *parallel* structure, not a replacement. The original docs (`python.md`, `error_handling.md`, `AGENTS.md`, etc.) remain the canonical source until a future track deprecates them. The harness is useful immediately (the v1 variants are exact copies); the old docs are not broken.
+
+### Why no scripts / TOML
+
+The user explicitly rejected TOML manifests and scripts for this initial version: "no need to systematize that hard when I don't know what's going to work yet." The preset is markdown. The hot-swap is a text instruction. The variant selection is a path in a markdown file. No build steps, no generated files, no tooling dependencies. If the system proves useful, a future track can add automation (auto-generating presets from the directory tree, token-cost analysis per variant, automated compliance testing).
+
+## Scope: Two Parallel Campaigns
+
+The user's request bundles two distinct campaigns that share a theme ("how do you encode information densely for an LLM?") but are tracked and executed independently.
+
+### Campaign A: Directive Hot-Swap Harness (this spec)
+
+**Track A-1 (this):** directive harvest + scaffold + baseline preset + role-prompt bootstrap update. Gets the system working with v1 (current) encodings.
+
+Future tracks in Campaign A:
+- Alternative encoding authoring (v2, v3 per directive — the actual experimentation)
+- Manual Slop integration (a "Directive Lab" panel for virtualized directive selection)
+- Token-cost analysis tooling
+- Automated compliance testing
+
+### Campaign B: Video Analysis (4 new videos)
+
+A separate research campaign following the established 3-pass pattern from the previous 12-video campaign (Pass 1: extract → Pass 2: deobfuscate → Pass 3: project to C11/Python). The 4 videos:
+
+1. **Reinventing Entropy | Compression is Intelligence Part 1** (https://youtu.be/l6DKRf-fAAM)
+2. **Yann LeCun: World Models: Enabling the next AI revolution** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Xj8k5WQX4)
+3. **Yann LeCun's $1B Bet Against LLMs [Part 1]** (https://youtu.be/kYkIdXwW2AE)
+4. **Recursive Self-Improvement** (https://youtu.be/t7_ZXgfJVG8)
+
+### Cross-Campaign Relationship
+
+The two campaigns inform each other but have no hard dependency:
+
+- **The video analysis informs directive encoding.** The entropy/compression video (video 1) provides theoretical grounding for how information density affects comprehension. LeCun's world-model work (videos 2-3) informs how LLMs model directive intent. Recursive self-improvement (video 4) is directly relevant to the meta-question of whether better directive encodings can be discovered iteratively. Insights from the video analysis may surface alternative encoding strategies to test in Campaign A's harness.
+
+- **The harness informs the video analysis.** The previous video campaign produced a lexicon + C11 reference + deobfuscation DSL. The directive harness is itself a compression-aid tool — it encodes the same directive in fewer/different tokens and observes the effect. The harness's design (preset as bill-of-materials, variant as alternative encoding) is the same pattern as the video campaign's deobfuscation pass (same content, different encoding). The harness may inform how the video analysis encodes its own outputs.
+
+- **Execution order:** the campaigns can run in parallel. Campaign A (Track A-1) is an engineering track; Campaign B is a research track. They don't share files. The cross-pollination is intellectual, not structural.
+
+### The video analysis track structure (Campaign B)
+
+Follows the established 3-pass pattern from `docs/reports/2026-06-15/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md`:
+
+- **Pass 1:** Information extraction (4 deep-dive reports, one per video). Uses the existing `scripts/video_analysis/` pipeline (download_video, extract_transcript, extract_keyframes, ocr_frames, synthesize_report). The lexicon v2 from the previous campaign is the starting point for deobfuscation.
+- **Pass 2:** Deobfuscation (apply the lexicon v2 to the 4 new videos' content). May produce lexicon v3 corrections if the new videos surface notation the lexicon doesn't cover.
+- **Pass 3:** C11/Python projection (project each video's deobfuscated content to code in the user's idiomatic style).
+
+The video analysis track is initialized as a separate conductor track (`video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627` or similar). Its spec/plan is authored separately from this design doc.
+
+## Out of Scope (for Track A-1)
+
+- **Authoring alternative encodings (v2+).** This track only creates v1 (verbatim lifts). The experimentation is a future activity.
+- **Deprecating the original docs.** The old docs stay as canonical source.
+- **Scripts for preset generation or variant selection.** No automation in this version.
+- **Manual Slop GUI integration.** The harness is OpenCode-only for now.
+- **Token-cost analysis.** No tooling to measure token cost per variant in this version.
+- **Automated compliance testing.** No test harness to measure LLM compliance per encoding.
+- **The 4-video analysis (Campaign B).** Separate track, separate campaign. This design doc covers Campaign A (the harness) only. The video analysis gets its own track spec.
+
+## Risks
+
+1. **Harvest completeness.** The directive harvest might miss directives embedded in prose. Mitigation: systematic combing of the doc tree + the user reviews the candidate list before variants are created.
+2. **Granularity ambiguity.** Some directives overlap (e.g., "ban dict[str, Any]" and "use typed dataclass fields" are two sides of the same coin). Mitigation: the harvest phase produces a candidate list; the granularity is resolved there, not upfront.
+3. **Role-prompt drift.** The 5 role prompts need to be updated consistently. Mitigation: the `warm with:` line is the only change; the rest of each role prompt is untouched.
+4. **Adoption friction.** LLMs might not follow the `warm with:` instruction reliably. Mitigation: the instruction is simple (read a file, read the files it lists) and uses the existing file-reading behavior the LLMs already have.
+
+## See Also
+
+- `conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md` — the role prompt that will be updated with `warm with:`
+- `conductor/tier2/commands/tier-2-auto-execute.md` — the slash command template
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 — the primary source of directives to harvest
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — the Result[T] convention to harvest
+- `AGENTS.md` "Critical Anti-Patterns" — the hard bans to harvest
+- `docs/guide_meta_boundary.md` — the meta-tooling / application distinction (relevant to why this harness lives in the meta-tooling domain)
+- `docs/reports/2026-06-15/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md` — the previous video campaign's closeout (the pattern Campaign B follows)
+- `scripts/video_analysis/` — the existing video analysis pipeline (Campaign B reuses this)

conductor/tracks/directive_hotswap_harness_20260627/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+# Track state for directive_hotswap_harness_20260627
+# Initialized by Tier 1 Orchestrator on 2026-06-27.
+# Implementation delegated to Tier 2 (autonomous) or Tier 3 worker dispatch.
+# This is Track 1 of Campaign A (Directive Encoding Campaign).
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "directive_hotswap_harness_20260627"
+name = "Directive Hot-Swap Harness (OpenCode Directive Presets)"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 0
+last_updated = "2026-06-27"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. Pure documentation/track-artifact work; no code changes, no tests,
+# zero overlap with any running track.
+
+[blocks]
+directive_encoding_experiments = "planned (future; v2+ variant authoring)"
+manual_slop_directive_lab = "planned (future; GUI integration)"
+
+[phases]
+phase_1 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Directive Harvest (10 steps: 48 directives from doc tree into conductor/directives/)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Baseline Preset + Role-Prompt Bootstrap (8 steps: preset + 5 role-prompt warm with: updates)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Verification + End-of-Track (4 steps: dir structure verify + manual LLM verify + report + commit)" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1: directive harvest
+t1_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest 17.1-17.7 banned patterns (7 directives: ban_dict_any, ban_any_type, ban_optional_returns, ban_hasattr_dispatch, ban_getattr_dispatch, ban_dict_get_on_known_fields, boundary_layer_exception)" }
+t1_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest 17.9 import/aliasing bans (3 directives: ban_local_imports, ban_prefix_aliasing, ban_repeated_from_dict)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest error handling conventions (2 directives: result_error_pattern, nil_sentinel_pattern)" }
+t1_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest type/data-structure conventions (3 directives: typed_dataclass_fields, metadata_boundary_type, update boundary_layer_exception)" }
+t1_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest code style directives (5 directives: one_space_indent, no_comments_in_body, no_diagnostic_noise, type_hints_required, sdm_dependency_tags)" }
+t1_6 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest file/taxonomy conventions (3 directives: file_naming_convention, no_new_src_files_without_permission, large_files_are_fine)" }
+t1_7 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest process/workflow directives (10 directives: atomic_per_task_commits, tdd_red_green_required, ban_arbitrary_core_mocking, live_gui_poll_not_sleep, batch_verification_not_isolation, git_hard_bans, ban_day_estimates, no_output_filtering, prefer_targeted_tier_runs, mandatory_research_first)" }
+t1_8 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest process anti-patterns (6 directives: no_skip_markers_as_avoidance, deduction_loop_limit, report_instead_of_fix_ban, scope_creep_track_doc_ban, inherited_cruft_ask_first, verbose_commit_message_ban)" }
+t1_9 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest GUI/architecture directives (5 directives: imgui_scope_verification, modular_controller_pattern, ui_delegation_for_hot_reload, strict_state_management, comprehensive_logging)" }
+t1_10 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Harvest feature-flag + RAG + cache + knowledge directives (4 directives: feature_flag_delete_to_turn_off, rag_six_rules, cache_stable_to_volatile, knowledge_harvest_pattern)" }
+t1_11 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit the directive harvest (48 files)" }
+# Phase 2: baseline preset + role-prompt bootstrap
+t2_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Create conductor/directives/presets/current_baseline.md (48 directives listed)" }
+t2_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit the baseline preset" }
+t2_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update .opencode/agents/tier1-orchestrator.md with warm with: bootstrap" }
+t2_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update .opencode/agents/tier2-tech-lead.md with warm with: bootstrap" }
+t2_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update .opencode/agents/tier3-worker.md with warm with: bootstrap" }
+t2_6 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update .opencode/agents/tier4-qa.md with warm with: bootstrap" }
+t2_7 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update conductor/tier2/agents/tier2-autonomous.md with warm with: bootstrap" }
+t2_8 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit the 5 role-prompt updates" }
+# Phase 3: verification + end-of-track
+t3_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Verify directory structure (48 dirs, 48 v1.md files, preset exists, 5 role prompts have warm with:)" }
+t3_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Manual verification: does the LLM follow the warm with: instruction?" }
+t3_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_directive_hotswap_harness_20260627.md" }
+t3_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit the end-of-track report" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_1_complete = false
+phase_2_complete = false
+phase_3_complete = false
+directive_count = 48
+preset_exists = false
+role_prompts_updated = false
+
+[campaign_context]
+campaign_name = "Directive Encoding Campaign (Campaign A)"
+track_1 = "directive_hotswap_harness_20260627 (THIS; harvest + scaffold + baseline preset + role-prompt bootstrap)"
+track_2 = "directive_encoding_experiments (future; v2+ variant authoring + preset experimentation)"
+track_3 = "manual_slop_directive_lab (future; GUI integration)"
+sibling_campaign = "Video Analysis Campaign 2 (Campaign B; 4 new videos; separate track)"
+cross_campaign_relationship = "Intellectual cross-pollination; no hard dependency."

conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "enforcement_gap_closure_20260627",
+ "name": "Enforcement Gap Closure (Boundary-Layer Audit + Optional[T] Audit Widening)",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "master",
+ "created": "2026-06-27",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": [],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [
+   "scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py",
+   "scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml",
+   "scripts/audit_optional_returns.py (renamed from audit_optional_in_3_files.py)",
+   "scripts/audit_optional_returns.baseline.json",
+   "tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py",
+   "tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py",
+   "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627.md"
+  ],
+  "modified_files": [
+   "conductor/code_styleguides/python.md (sections 17.7, 17.8, inventory table 449-456)",
+   "conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md (cross-reference sweep only)",
+   "docs/AGENTS.md (cross-reference sweep only)",
+   "conductor/tracks.md (active-track row + status)",
+   "conductor/chronology.md (prepend shipment row)"
+  ],
+  "deleted_files": [
+   "scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py (renamed to audit_optional_returns.py via git mv)"
+  ]
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_1": "4 tasks: 1 test file (10 tests) + 1 audit script + 1 allowlist TOML + green-phase verification",
+  "phase_2": "3 tasks: 1 test file (5 tests) + 1 rename/edit + 1 baseline JSON + green-phase verification",
+  "phase_3": "2 tasks: 1 styleguide inventory edit + 1 cross-reference sweep",
+  "phase_4": "4 tasks: 7-audit verification + 1 end-of-track report + 1 state update + user sign-off"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "G1: scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py exists + AST-scans all src/*.py + exits 1 in --strict on un-allowlisted dict[str, Any] sites",
+  "G2: scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml exists + lists ~14 boundary files with reasons + --show-allowlist prints them",
+  "G3: scripts/audit_optional_returns.py exists (renamed from audit_optional_in_3_files.py) + scans all src/*.py + 3 history.py residuals baselined in audit_optional_returns.baseline.json (strict stays green)",
+  "G4: conductor/code_styleguides/python.md sections 17.7, 17.8, and inventory table reflect post-track reality (audit_boundary_layer implemented; audit_optional_returns implemented; audit_imports implemented)",
+  "G5: cross-reference sweep complete (no enforcement-instruction references to audit_optional_in_3_files.py; historical references preserved)",
+  "G6: tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py has >=10 tests; all pass",
+  "G7: tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py has >=5 tests; all pass",
+  "G8: docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627.md exists; documents contradiction closure (C1, C2, C3-partial, C18-partial, C21) and remaining (C5, C6, C16, C17 - deferred per user directive)",
+  "VC_pre_commit_parallel_safe": "ZERO file overlap with the running tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627 branch (verified by Tier 1 against ddcec7b0 + TRACK_COMPLETION file-level changes)"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "Optional[T] return migration in src/history.py",
+   "description": "3 RETURN_OPTIONAL sites in src/history.py baselined by this track; cruft_elimination_20260627 Phase 6 owns the migration to Result[T] + NIL_T.",
+   "track_status": "planned in cruft_elimination_20260627"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "dict[str, Any] migration in hot_reloader.py + startup_profiler.py",
+   "description": "2 un-allowlisted boundary violations baselined by this track; a future track promotes them to typed dataclasses (HotReloadSnapshot, ProfilerSnapshot).",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Main-repo pre-commit hook wiring",
+   "description": "The 5 audit scripts strict mode (weak_types, boundary_layer, optional_returns, exception_handling, imports) is not wired into the main repo's .git/hooks/. Per contradictions report C4.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Docs-count drift in docs/Readme.md (C7, C8, C9) + styleguide drift (C16 python.md s10, C17 type_aliases.md line 19) + RAGChunk.id in guides (C6)",
+   "description": "Deferred per user directive 2026-06-27 until tier2 branch stabilizes; these describe code state that exists post-merge of the taxonomy branches.",
+   "track_status": "deferred; will bundle into a docs-sync track post-merge"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "audit_optional_returns.baseline.json format mismatch with audit_weak_types.baseline.json contract",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "the renamed --strict mode behaves inconsistently with the existing baseline pattern",
+   "mitigation": "Tier 3 reads scripts/audit_weak_types.py + its baseline JSON before implementing; mirror the exact contract"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "Cross-file rename race if Tier 2 branch touches scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py in parallel",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "the git mv conflicts with Tier 2 work",
+   "mitigation": "Tier 1 verified post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft TRACK_COMPLETION does not touch audit_optional_*; only scripts/audit_no_models_config_io.py"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "Boundary allowlist under-classifies a genuine violation as boundary (false negative)",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "the audit misses a real dict[str, Any] escape hatch that future LLMs reach for",
+   "mitigation": "Tier 1's spec 'Current State Audit' manually classified the 14 legitimate boundary files + 2 genuine violators; the audit starts from that classification. Reviewer (user) inspects boundary_layer_allowlist.toml before merge."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R4",
+   "description": "Over-classification: audit flags a genuine boundary function as a violation (false positive)",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "strict mode is red on a real boundary file; either the allowlist is amended (correct fix) or the violation is suppressed (wrong fix, masks drift)",
+   "mitigation": "Per spec FR1, allowlisting is the explicit 'declare your boundary' mechanism; the reviewer audits the allowlist at merge time. The audit's `--no-allowlist` mode exposes every site so reviewers can spot-check classifications."
+  }
+ ],
+ "contradictions_report_cross_reference": {
+  "source": "docs/reports/CONTRADICTIONS_REPORT_20260627.md",
+  "closes": ["C1", "C2", "C3_partial", "C18_partial", "C21"],
+  "defers": ["C5", "C6", "C7", "C8", "C9", "C11", "C12", "C13", "C14", "C15", "C16", "C17", "C19", "C20"],
+  "rationale": "C1+C2+C21 are about the Optional audit name+scope (closed by Phase 2 rename+widen). C3-partial is 'audit_imports.py planned but exists' (closed by Phase 3 inventory correction). C18-partial is the audit count (closed by Phase 3). The 14 deferred items are docs-sync (C5-C9, C16, C17) or status drift (C11-C15, C19, C20) that per user directive 2026-06-27 wait for the tier2 taxonomy branch to stabilize before touching master's docs."
+ }
+}

conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
+# Plan: Enforcement Gap Closure (Boundary-Layer Audit + Optional[T] Audit Widening)
+
+Track: `enforcement_gap_closure_20260627`
+Branch: master (parallel-safe against `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627`)
+Spec: `conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/spec.md`
+
+This plan is read by a Tier 3 Worker (or Tier 2). All Python edits MUST use 1-space indentation. No comments in body. CRLF preserved via `manual-slop_edit_file` MCP tool (never native `edit`).
+
+**Audit-then-specify verification done by Tier 1:** All file:line references below were verified against master at `77b70226` on 2026-06-27.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Boundary-Layer Audit Script
+
+Focus: Implement `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py` + `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` + tests, mirroring the `audit_imports.py` + `audit_imports_whitelist.toml` contract.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.1: Write failing tests for `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py`
+  - **WHERE:** `tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** 10 tests per spec FR5 (finder detects `dict[str, Any]` in return / param / local; allowlist suppression + WHITELISTED annotation; `--strict` exit 1 on un-allowlisted; `--strict` exit 0 on allowlisted; `--json` shape; missing-file handling; syntax-error handling; `--show-allowlist`).
+  - **HOW:** Use `tmp_path` (or `tests/artifacts/` per workspace_paths.md — see workflow.md "Test Sandbox Hardening") to create a synthetic `src/` tree the audit can scan via a `--src` flag (mirror `audit_weak_types.py --src`). Each test creates 1-2 small .py files with the pattern under test, invokes the audit via `subprocess.run(["python", "scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py", "--src", str(tmp_src), ...])`, asserts on stdout + exit code. Tests MUST fail before the script exists (Red phase).
+  - **SAFETY:** No `live_gui` fixture (these are unit tests of a script). No `unittest.mock.patch` of core code. Use `monkeypatch.setenv` for the `--src` path or pass via argv.
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(audit): add 10 failing tests for boundary-layer audit`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Red-phase tests for `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py`; cover finder + allowlist + strict + json + error-handling per spec FR1 + FR5.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.2: Implement `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py`
+  - **WHERE:** `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** Implement the audit per spec FR1. The structure mirrors `scripts/audit_imports.py` (309 lines): module docstring → argparse → `audit_file(path) -> list[Finding]` → main loop over `sorted(Path(src).glob("*.py"))` → exit code logic.
+  - **HOW:** Reuse the `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` AST detector pattern (it already has `_annotation_is_optional_arg` — copy the analogous `_is_dict_str_any` helper). Detection contract (FR1):
+    1. Walk each `ast.FunctionDef` / `AsyncFunctionDef`:
+       - If `node.returns` is `dict[str, Any]` (Subscript with value Name "dict"|"Dict" and slice Tuple `[Name "str", Name "Any"]`) → emit `RETURN_DICT_ANY`.
+       - For each arg in `args.args + kwonlyargs + posonlyargs`: if `arg.annotation` is `dict[str, Any]` → emit `PARAM_DICT_ANY`.
+    2. Walk each `ast.AnnAssign` inside a function body: if `target.annotation` is `dict[str, Any]` → emit `LOCAL_ANNOT_DICT_ANY`.
+    3. Allowlist: load `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` (use `tomllib.load`); for any file whose relative path is a key, suppress all findings for that file and emit a single `WHITELISTED` finding per file (matches `audit_imports.py` precedent).
+    4. CLI flags: `--strict`, `--json`, `--show-allowlist`, `--no-allowlist`, `--src <path>` (default `"src"`).
+    5. Default mode: print summary table (file, sites, allowlisted) + a list of violations; exit 0.
+    6. `--strict`: same + exit 1 if there are un-allowlisted `RETURN_DICT_ANY` / `PARAM_DICT_ANY` / `LOCAL_ANNOT_DICT_ANY` findings.
+    7. `--json`: print JSON `{files_scanned, files_with_findings, total_findings, by_kind, findings}` and exit 0.
+    8. `--show-allowlist`: print the TOML contents + reasons; exit 0.
+    9. `--no-allowlist`: do not read the TOML; audit all sites.
+  - **SAFETY:** Pure stdlib (`ast`, `argparse`, `json`, `sys`, `pathlib.Path`, `tomllib`). No subprocess to `src/` files.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(audit): implement audit_boundary_layer.py per FR1`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Implements the §17.7 boundary-layer audit; mirrors audit_imports.py contract; allowlist-driven per-file suppression.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.3: Write `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`
+  - **WHERE:** `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** Initial allowlist with the ~14 legitimate boundary files from spec "Current State Audit": `context_presets.py`, `events.py`, `openai_compatible.py`, `theme_models.py`, `log_registry.py`, `presets.py`, `tool_presets.py`, `personas.py`, `workspace_manager.py`, `paths.py`, `gemini_cli_adapter.py`, `mcp_client.py`, `type_aliases.py`, `session_logger.py`.
+  - **HOW:** Mirror `audit_imports_whitelist.toml` format:
+    - Header comment block (purpose + format).
+    - "Last reviewed: 2026-06-27"
+    - One `[allowlist."<relative_path>"]` entry per file with `reason = "..."` documenting why it's at the wire boundary (the reasons are documented in spec "Current State Audit" — e.g., context_presets = "project_dict is the wire TOML"; events.to_dict = "wire serialization for WS protocol"; etc.).
+  - **SAFETY:** Pure TOML; no code.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(audit): seed boundary_layer_allowlist.toml with 14 boundary files`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Allowlist seeds the §17.7 legitimate boundary; per audit_imports_whitelist.toml precedent.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.4: Run tests for Phase 1 (Green phase)
+  - **WHAT:** Execute `uv run pytest tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py -v` (batched-runner convention can also be used: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --filter test_audit_boundary_layer`). All 10 tests must pass. If any fail, debug (≤2 retries per workflow.md "Deduction Loop" rule), then STOP and report if still failing.
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): mark Phase 1 task 1.4 verification` (or skip the commit if no code changes; just verify).
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Green-phase verification for boundary-layer audit + allowlist.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Optional[T] Audit Rename + Widening
+
+Focus: Rename `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` → `audit_optional_returns.py`, widen from 4 files to all `src/*.py`, baseline the 3 `history.py` residuals.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.1: Write failing tests for the renamed + widened audit
+  - **WHERE:** `tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** 5 tests per spec FR5: test_renamed_script_exists, test_scans_all_src_files, test_baseline_reading_keeps_strict_green, test_strict_exits_1_above_baseline, test_param_optional_is_warning_not_strict.
+  - **HOW:** For test_scans_all_src_files, use `monkeypatch` + `--src <tmp_src>` flag (the script may need a `--src` flag added in Task 2.2 if it doesn't already have one — current `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` hardcodes the 4-file path; Task 2.2 adds `--src`). Tests must fail against the OLD script (which still hardcodes 4 files).
+  - **SAFETY:** No `live_gui`. No core mocking.
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(audit): add 5 failing tests for audit_optional_returns widening`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Red-phase tests for the rename + widening to all src/*.py per spec FR3 + FR5.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.2: Rename + widen `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` → `audit_optional_returns.py`
+  - **WHERE:** `git mv scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py scripts/audit_optional_returns.py` then edit the new file.
+  - **WHAT:** Per spec FR3:
+    1. `git mv` the file (preserves history).
+    2. Edit `scripts/audit_optional_returns.py`:
+       - Module docstring: drop "4 baseline files"; say "all `src/*.py` per §17 post-2026-06-27 widening (the successor to `audit_optional_in_3_files.py`, which was renamed + widened on 2026-06-27)."
+       - Replace `BASELINE_FILES: tuple[str, ...] = (...)` with `def _discover_src_files(src_dir: str = "src") -> list[Path]: return sorted(Path(src_dir).glob("*.py"))`.
+       - Update `main()` to iterate `_discover_src_files(args.src)` instead of the hardcoded tuple.
+       - Add `--src <path>` arg (default `"src"`) mirroring `audit_weak_types.py`.
+       - Update `--json` output's `"files_scanned"` field to reflect the glob count.
+    3. Create `scripts/audit_optional_returns.baseline.json` recording the 3 `src/history.py` `RETURN_OPTIONAL` findings so `--strict` exits 0 on master (findings ≤ baseline). Format: same as `audit_weak_types.baseline.json` (a JSON object with a count or a list of `{file, line, function, kind}` entries that strict mode subtracts). The strict-mode logic: load baseline; subtract baseline findings from current findings; exit 1 if residuals > 0. (Mirror `audit_weak_types.py`'s `--strict` + baseline contract — read its source to confirm the exact subtraction mechanism.)
+  - **SAFETY:** No `src/` edits. No tests/ edits except the new test file from Task 2.1.
+  - **COMMIT:** `refactor(audit): rename audit_optional_in_3_files.py -> audit_optional_returns.py; widen to all src/*.py; baseline 3 history.py residuals`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Closes contradictions C1+C21 (script name) + C2 (Optional ban scope ambiguity); script name + scope + baseline now honest per §17 post-2026-06-27.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.3: Run tests for Phase 2 (Green phase)
+  - **WHAT:** `uv run pytest tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py -v`. All 5 tests must pass. If failures, ≤2 debug retries; then STOP.
+  - **VERIFY:** Also run the existing audit_optional tests (if any reference the old name, update them — likely there are no callers other than `code_path_audit_20260607`'s historical references which don't run).
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): mark Phase 2 task 2.3 verification` (or skip if no code changes).
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Green-phase verification for the rename + widening.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Styleguide Doc Reconciliation
+
+Focus: Fix `python.md` §17 enforcement inventory + §17.8 section to match post-track reality. Close contradictions C3, C18 (audit_imports exists), C1+C21 (script renamed), C2 (scope clarified), C5 (Result notation — only if no branch-sensitivity; per spec OOS, this is C5 which is deferred — confirm during this phase).
+
+- [ ] Task 3.1: Fix `python.md` §17 inventory table (lines 449-456) + §17.8 enforcement section (lines 357-362)
+  - **WHERE:** `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md`
+  - **WHAT:** Per spec FR4:
+    1. Inventory table (lines 449-456): update the rows:
+       - `dict[str, Any]` ban: ADD a row for `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --strict` (implemented this track; reads `boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`; `--no-allowlist` audits all). KEEP the existing `audit_weak_types.py --strict` row (they catch overlapping but distinct shapes — weak_types catches `Any` in any position; boundary_layer specifically targets `dict[str, Any]` in *signatures* outside the allowlisted boundary).
+       - `Optional[T]` returns: change the row from "audit_optional_in_3_files.py covering 4 baseline files" to "audit_optional_returns.py --strict covering all src/*.py; reads audit_optional_returns.baseline.json for the 3 history.py residuals until cruft_elimination Phase 6". Mark "✅ implemented".
+       - Local imports + `_PREFIX` aliasing + repeated `.from_dict()`: change `audit_imports.py` row to "✅ implemented" (was "⚠️ not yet built" — wrong; the script exists at `scripts/audit_imports.py`).
+       - Repeated `.from_dict()`: drop "(no script planned; relies on Tier 2 review)" — covered by `audit_imports.py`.
+    2. §17.8 enforcement section (lines 357-362): rewrite the bullets per spec FR4:
+       - Bullet for `audit_optional_returns.py` → reflects rename + all-src scope.
+       - Bullet for `audit_imports.py` → drop the "(planned per §17.9a)" parenthetical; mark as implemented.
+       - Bullet for `audit_boundary_layer.py --strict` → replace the "boundary_layer audit (planned...)" bullet; describe the script + allowlist + `--no-allowlist` flag.
+       - The "Pre-commit: every commit MUST pass all four audits above" line → "five audits above" (weak_types, boundary_layer, optional_returns, exception_handling, imports).
+  - **HOW:** Use `manual-slop_edit_file` MCP tool. Verify exact line ranges via `manual-slop_get_file_slice` before editing (the line numbers above are approximate; the actual edit replaces a contiguous block). Preserve CRLF.
+  - **SAFETY:** Pure doc edit. No code. No `src/` changes. No tests changes.
+  - **COMMIT:** `docs(python.md): reconcile §17 inventory + §17.8 with post-track reality`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Closes C3 (audit_imports.py was "planned" but exists), C18 (audit count), C1+C21 reflected in doc; C2 scope clarified.
+
+- [ ] Task 3.2: Cross-reference sweep for `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` references
+  - **WHAT:** Use `manual-slop_py_find_usages` / `rg` to find ALL references to the old script name across `conductor/` and `docs/`. Per the spec, references likely exist in `error_handling.md:885` + `docs/AGENTS.md §"Convention Enforcement"`. For each reference:
+    - If it's a historical/cross-reference note (e.g., "was `audit_optional_in_3_files.py`"), leave it.
+    - If it's an enforcement-instruction reference (e.g., "run `uv run python scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py --strict`"), update to `audit_optional_returns.py`.
+  - **COMMIT:** `docs: update audit_optional_in_3_files.py references to audit_optional_returns.py`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Historical references preserved (the rename history is documented in python.md:359); enforcement instructions updated.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: End-of-Track Report + State Update
+
+- [ ] Task 4.1: Run the full 7-audit strict suite (gate verification)
+  - **WHAT:** Execute all 7 audit scripts (now including the 2 new ones this track ships) in `--strict` mode:
+    ```
+    uv run python scripts/audit_weak_types.py --strict
+    uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --strict
+    uv run python scripts/audit_optional_returns.py --strict
+    uv run python scripts/audit_exception_handling.py --strict
+    uv run python scripts/audit_imports.py --strict
+    uv run python scripts/audit_main_thread_imports.py
+    uv run python scripts/audit_no_models_config_io.py
+    ```
+    Expected: all pass (the boundary audit's 2 residuals `hot_reloader.py` + `startup_profiler.py` MUST be in the baseline JSON or the allowlist — verify before this step). The Optional audit's 3 `history.py` residuals are in `audit_optional_returns.baseline.json` (created in Phase 2).
+  - **VERIFY:** If any audit fails, fix the baseline OR the allowlist. Do NOT mask a real violation; document the residual in the end-of-track report instead.
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(audit): verify all 7 audit gates pass --strict post-track`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** The 7-audit strict suite green; the 2 boundary + 3 Optional residuals baselined per spec.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.2: Write end-of-track report
+  - **WHERE:** `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627.md` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** Report following the precedent of `TRACK_COMPLETION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627.md`:
+    - TL;DR
+    - Phase summary (each phase + commits + status)
+    - Verification Criteria status (mapped to spec G1-G8)
+    - File-level changes (new + modified + renamed + new test files)
+    - Commits log (atomic, ordered)
+    - Audit gate status (all 7)
+    - Contradictions closed (C1, C2, C3-partial, C18-partial, C21) and remaining (C5, C6, C16, C17 — deferred per user directive; cite spec OOS)
+    - Known residuals: 2 boundary (`hot_reloader.py`, `startup_profiler.py`) + 3 Optional (`src/history.py`); these are baselined + owned by future tracks
+    - Next steps for the user (review + the recommended follow-up track)
+  - **COMMIT:** `docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** End-of-track report; documents contradiction closure + residual baselines.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.3: Update `conductor/tracks.md` + `conductor/chronology.md` + `conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/state.toml`
+  - **WHAT:**
+    1. `state.toml`: mark all phases "completed" with their checkpoint SHA; set `status = "completed"` + `current_phase = "complete"`.
+    2. `conductor/tracks.md`: add a row to the Active Tracks table for this track (status "shipped"); or per the convention of recent tracks, the row is added when the track is initiated and the status updated when shipped.
+    3. `conductor/chronology.md`: prepend a row for `2026-06-27 | enforcement_gap_closure_20260627 | shipped | summary...` at the top of the table.
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): enforcement_gap_closure_20260627 SHIPPED + TRACK_COMPLETION`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Track state + chronology + tracks.md closed out.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.4: Conductor - User Manual Verification (Protocol in workflow.md)
+  - **WHAT:** Per the workflow.md "Phase Completion Verification and Checkpointing Protocol", present the results to the user for confirmation. Present: the 7-audit strict pass result, the test count, the contradictions closed, and the residual baselines. PAUSE for user sign-off.
+  - **COMMIT:** (no commit; this is the user-confirmation gate)
+  - **GIT NOTE:** User sign-off record.

conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,433 @@
+# Track Specification: Enforcement Gap Closure (Boundary-Layer Audit + Optional[T] Audit Widening)
+
+## Overview
+
+Close the two genuine enforcement gaps in the 7-banned-pattern mandate documented in
+`conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 (the LLM Default Anti-Patterns):
+
+1. **The boundary-layer audit** — the script that enforces "no `dict[str, Any]`
+   outside the 2-3 wire-parse functions per file" (`python.md` §17.7). Currently
+   marked "⚠️ not yet built" in the §17 enforcement inventory (`python.md:454`),
+   though the cruft_elimination_20260627 Phase 10 only produced a *report*
+   (`docs/reports/boundary_layer_20260628.md`) — never the *audit script*. This
+   is the one that prevents the next LLM from reaching for `dict[str, Any]` in
+   `app_controller.py` again.
+
+2. **The `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` rename + widening** — the script
+   currently named `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` actually checks 4 files
+   (the contradictions report C1+C21) and only enforces the `Optional[T]` ban
+   on those 4 baseline files. `python.md:359` already references a successor
+   `audit_optional_returns.py` (claimed "✅ implemented" in the inventory at
+   `python.md:452`) but the rename never happened and the script never widened
+   to all `src/*.py`. This track lands reality on both the script and the doc.
+
+Both pieces are parallel-safe against the running `post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627`
+Tier 2 work: this track touches only `scripts/audit_*`, `scripts/*.toml` (allowlists),
+`conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` (the inventory table), and new `tests/test_*`
+files. Zero overlap with `src/models.py`, `tests/test_models*`, `src/api_hooks.py`,
+`scripts/audit_no_models_config_io.py`, or anything else Tier 2 is modifying.
+
+## Current State Audit (as of master `77b70226`, branch `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627` `ddcec7b0`)
+
+### Already Implemented (DO NOT re-implement)
+
+- `scripts/audit_weak_types.py` (388 lines) — flags `dict[str, Any]`, `Any`,
+  anonymous tuple returns; informational default + `--strict` CI gate; reads
+  `scripts/audit_weak_types.baseline.json`. **Implemented, working.** Covers
+  §17.1 (`dict[str, Any]` / `Any` ban) and §17.2 (anonymous tuples) globally.
+
+- `scripts/audit_exception_handling.py` (~500 lines) — classifies
+  `try/except/finally/raise` sites into 10 categories; informational default +
+  `--strict` CI gate. **Implemented, working.** Covers §17.3 (silent swallow /
+  broad catch) globally.
+
+- `scripts/audit_imports.py` (309 lines) — flags local imports (§17.9a),
+  `_PREFIX` aliasing (§17.9b), and repeated `.from_dict()` (§17.9c);
+  informational default + `--strict` CI gate; reads
+  `scripts/audit_imports_whitelist.toml` for vendor-SDK-warmup + hot-reload
+  per-file exemptions. **Implemented, working** (despite `python.md:455-456`
+  marking it "not yet built" — a doc drift this track fixes). Covers §17.9
+  fully.
+
+- `scripts/audit_imports_whitelist.toml` (81 lines) — per-file whitelist with
+  `reason` field + "Last reviewed" header. **The precedent template** for the
+  new `boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` this track creates.
+
+- `scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py` (122 lines) — AST-scans 4 files
+  (`src/mcp_client.py`, `src/ai_client.py`, `src/rag_engine.py`,
+  `src/code_path_audit.py`); the `BASELINE_FILES` tuple at line 17-22 is the
+  only thing pinning it to those files; the audit logic is generic
+  (`_return_annotation_is_optional`, `_annotation_is_optional_arg`,
+  `audit_file`). **Implementation 100% reusable; only the file glob +
+  name + docs need to change.**
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Track's Scope)
+
+- **GAP-1: No boundary-layer audit script exists.** `python.md:454` and
+  `python.md:361` mark it "planned / not yet built". The
+  `cruft_elimination_20260627` spec describes it at FR1 §72 ("Boundary Layer
+  is EXACTLY 2 places") and G14 ("boundary layer is documented as exactly 2
+  places") but only ever delivered a *report* (`boundary_layer_20260628.md`),
+  never a *static audit*. Without this, the §17.7 contract ("2-3 boundary
+  functions per file, everything else must be typed") is policy-without-teeth.
+
+- **GAP-2: `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` name lies + scope is too narrow.**
+  - It actually checks 4 files (mcp_client, ai_client, rag_engine,
+    code_path_audit) but is named "_3_files".
+  - It only covers those 4 baseline files. The §17 mandate requires
+    `Optional[T]` return-types banned in *all* `src/*.py`.
+  - `python.md:359` + `python.md:452` already promise an
+    `audit_optional_returns.py` "covering all `src/*.py`" — but no such
+    script exists. The doc claims reality that the code doesn't match.
+
+- **GAP-3: `python.md` §17 inventory table is internally inconsistent.**
+  Lines 451-456 mark `audit_imports.py` as "not yet built" (false — it exists)
+  and `audit_optional_returns.py` as "implemented" (false — it doesn't exist;
+  only the `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` does). This track corrects both rows
+  to match post-track reality.
+
+### Verified `dict[str, Any]` Distribution on master (the blast-radius for GAP-1)
+
+Per the audit-style AST scan I ran on master at `77b70226` (full scan of all
+`src/*.py`):
+
+| File | ret sites | param sites | has `from_dict` | calls tomllib/json.loads |
+|------|-----------|-------------|------------------|--------------------------|
+| src/theme_models.py | 2 | 2 | yes | yes |
+| src/context_presets.py | 0 | 3 | no | no |
+| src/log_registry.py | 2 | 1 | yes | yes |
+| src/hot_reloader.py | 1 | 1 | no | no |
+| src/mcp_client.py | 0 | 2 | yes | yes |
+| src/personas.py | 1 | 1 | yes | yes |
+| src/presets.py | 1 | 1 | no | yes |
+| src/tool_presets.py | 1 | 1 | yes | yes |
+| src/type_aliases.py | 1 | 1 | yes | no |
+| src/workspace_manager.py | 1 | 1 | yes | yes |
+| src/events.py | 1 | 0 | no | no |
+| src/gemini_cli_adapter.py | 1 | 0 | no | yes |
+| src/openai_compatible.py | 1 | 0 | no | no |
+| src/paths.py | 1 | 0 | no | yes |
+| src/session_logger.py | 0 | 1 | no | no |
+| src/startup_profiler.py | 1 | 0 | no | no |
+| ... 50 other `src/*.py` | 0 | 0 | (varies) | (varies) |
+
+Totals: **12 `dict[str, Any]` returns + 16 params across 16 files**; ~50 other
+files have zero `dict[str, Any]` in signatures.
+
+Per-file manual classification (the same kind of classification the
+`audit_imports_whitelist.toml` makes for hot-reload files):
+
+- **LEGITIMATE BOUNDARY** (audit must allow): `context_presets.py`
+  (`load_all/save_preset/delete_preset(project_dict: Dict[str, Any])` —
+  `project_dict` IS the wire TOML), `events.py` `to_dict()` (wire
+  serialization for the WS protocol), `openai_compatible.py`
+  `_to_dict_tool_call(tc: ToolCall) -> dict[str, Any]` (converts typed
+  `ToolCall` to vendor wire dict), `theme_models.py` (the schema is the wire
+  for `.ini` rendering), `log_registry.py` (JSON-L log shape), `presets.py`,
+  `tool_presets.py`, `personas.py`, `workspace_manager.py`, `paths.py`,
+  `gemini_cli_adapter.py`, `mcp_client.py` (the MCP wire-protocol parsers),
+  `type_aliases.py` (`from_dict(raw: dict[str, Any])` classmethods — the
+  literal definition of boundary), `session_logger.py` (writes JSONL).
+- **GENUINE VIOLATIONS** (audit should flag, baseline captures them so
+  strict stays green until a migration track fixes): `hot_reloader.py`
+  (`capture_state`/`restore_state(app, ...) -> dict[str, Any]` — internal
+  state, could be a `HotReloadSnapshot` dataclass), `startup_profiler.py`
+  (`snapshot() -> dict[str, Any]` — could be a `ProfilerSnapshot` dataclass).
+
+So the audit must:
+1. Find every `dict[str, Any]` in function signatures (param + return +
+   annotated assignment) in every `src/*.py`.
+2. For each site, check whether its enclosing function is allowlisted in
+   `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` (per-file + per-function entries
+   with a `reason` field, mirroring the `audit_imports_whitelist.toml`
+   contract).
+3. Exit 1 in `--strict` mode on any *un*-allowlisted site.
+4. Emit a `WHITELISTED` annotation per allowlisted file so the user sees the
+   audit considered it (mirrors the `audit_imports.py` precedent).
+5. Ship an initial `boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` listing the ~14 legitimate
+   boundary files identified above, each with a `reason` field documenting
+   why it's at the wire.
+
+### Verified `Optional[T]` Return-Type Distribution on master (the blast-radius for GAP-2)
+
+Same AST scan, but counting `Optional[X]` return annotations:
+- **Total `RETURN_OPTIONAL` violations: 3, in 1 file** (`src/history.py`)
+- **Total `PARAM_OPTIONAL` (warning only, never blocks strict): 119 across many files**
+  — these are legal per `error_handling.md` ("argument types that may be
+  `None` describe a caller choice, not a runtime failure").
+
+So widening the audit from 4 files → all `src/*.py` surfaces **3 new strict
+violations** in `src/history.py`. The existing `audit_optional_in_3_files.py`
+already covers the 4 baseline files (all clean). This track adds the 3
+`history.py` sites to a new `audit_optional_returns.baseline.json` so the
+widened strict gate stays green until cruft_elimination Phase 6 (which owns
+those 3 sites) actually migrates them. The 3 sites are documented in the
+allowlist; they are NOT fixed by this track (out of scope; the fix belongs to
+the cruft_elimination Phase 6 Optional[T]-migration work).
+
+## Goals
+
+- **G1.** A working `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py` that AST-scans all
+  `src/*.py` for `dict[str, Any]` in function signatures (params, returns,
+  annotated locals) and exits 1 in `--strict` mode on any un-allowlisted site.
+
+- **G2.** A working `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml` that declares the
+  legitimate boundary functions per file, each with a `reason` field, modeled
+  on `audit_imports_whitelist.toml` (with `--show-allowlist` and
+  `--no-allowlist` flags mirroring the imports whitelist precedent).
+
+- **G3.** `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` renamed to
+  `audit_optional_returns.py`, `BASELINE_FILES` replaced with a `src/*.py`
+  glob, docstrings updated to drop the "3 files" fiction. The 3 `history.py`
+  violations baselined in `audit_optional_returns.baseline.json` so strict
+  stays green. Existing strict callers (`code_path_audit_20260607` referenced
+  the old name — update or alias accordingly).
+
+- **G4.** `python.md` §17 enforcement inventory (lines 449-456) corrected to
+  match post-track reality: `audit_boundary_layer.py` implemented, the renamed
+  `audit_optional_returns.py` "scans all `src/*.py`", `audit_imports.py`
+  marked implemented (it already is), and the inventory's "Pre-commit: every
+  commit MUST pass all four audits" line updated to "five audits" (or
+  whatever the actual post-track count is).
+
+- **G5.** `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` and
+  `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` references to the renamed script
+  updated (any line saying `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` ->
+  `audit_optional_returns.py`, except the one legacy cross-reference note
+  in `python.md:359` documenting the rename history).
+
+- **G6.** New tests in `tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py` (≥10 tests:
+  finder detects `dict[str, Any]` in return / param / local annotation;
+  allowlist suppresses findings + emits WHITELISTED; `--strict` exits 1 on
+  un-allowlisted site, exits 0 on allowlisted; `--json` output shape; missing
+  file handling; syntax error handling).
+
+- **G7.** New/updated tests in `tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py`
+  (or update existing test file if one references the old name): ≥5 tests
+  confirming the widened scope, the rename, baseline reading, and
+  `--strict` behavior.
+
+- **G8.** End-of-track report at
+  `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627.md`
+  documenting what shipped + the residual violation baselines + any
+  contradictions from `CONTRADICTIONS_REPORT_20260627.md` closed (C1, C2,
+  C3-partial, C18-partial, C21) and which remain (C5, C6, C16, C17 — those
+  are docs-sync items deferred until tier2 stabilizes, per user directive
+  2026-06-27).
+
+## Functional Requirements
+
+### FR1: `scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py`
+
+- **CLI contract** mirrors `audit_exception_handling.py` + `audit_imports.py`:
+  - `uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py` — informational (exits 0)
+  - `uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --strict` — exits 1 on
+    any un-allowlisted `dict[str, Any]` signature site
+  - `uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --json` — JSON output
+  - `uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --show-allowlist` —
+    prints the current allowlist + reasons, exits 0
+  - `uv run python scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py --no-allowlist` —
+    audits all sites regardless of allowlist (for one-off audits)
+- **Detection contract** — finds `dict[str, Any]` in:
+  - function return annotations (`def f(...) -> dict[str, Any]`)
+  - function parameter annotations (`def f(x: dict[str, Any])`)
+  - annotated assignments to locals at function scope
+    (`acc: dict[str, dict[str, Any]] = {}` — common pattern in vendor adapters)
+- **Allowlist contract** — reads `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`.
+  Per-file entries: `[allowlist."<relative_path>"] reason = "..."`. Within
+  an allowlisted file, ALL `dict[str, Any]` sites are suppressed with a
+  single `WHITELISTED` annotation per file (mirrors `audit_imports.py`
+  precedent; per-line entries would be brittle because the same file has
+  multiple boundary functions). Use `--no-allowlist` to ignore the allowlist.
+- **Coverage:** all `src/*.py`. The audit does NOT traverse `tests/`,
+  `scripts/`, `simulation/` — those aren't subject to §17.7.
+- **Defaults:** informational mode prints a summary table (file, sites,
+  allowlisted?) + a list of violations. `--strict` prints the same and
+  exits 1 if there are un-allowlisted sites.
+- **Source:** 1-space indent, no comments in body, type-hinted, docstrings
+  where the contract is non-obvious. Module docstring explains the §17.7
+  contract + the allowlist pattern.
+
+### FR2: `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`
+
+- TOML file modeled on `audit_imports_whitelist.toml`:
+  - Header comment block explaining the purpose + the format.
+  - "Last reviewed: 2026-06-27"
+  - `[allowlist."<relative_path>"]` entries for each legitimate boundary
+    file with a `reason` field documenting why it's at the wire boundary.
+- **Initial contents:** the ~14 legitimate boundary files identified in the
+  Current State Audit (`context_presets.py`, `events.py`,
+  `openai_compatible.py`, `theme_models.py`, `log_registry.py`, `presets.py`,
+  `tool_presets.py`, `personas.py`, `workspace_manager.py`, `paths.py`,
+  `gemini_cli_adapter.py`, `mcp_client.py`, `type_aliases.py`,
+  `session_logger.py`). The two genuine violators (`hot_reloader.py`,
+  `startup_profiler.py`) are NOT in the allowlist — the audit will flag them
+  on master, but `audit_boundary_layer.baseline.json` will record them so
+  `--strict` stays green until a future track migrates them.
+
+### FR3: Rename + widen `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` → `audit_optional_returns.py`
+
+- **Rename:** `git mv scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py
+  scripts/audit_optional_returns.py` (preserves git history).
+- **Code changes:**
+  - Module docstring: drop "4 baseline files"; say "all `src/*.py` per
+    §17 post-2026-06-27 widening".
+  - `BASELINE_FILES: tuple[str, ...] = (...)` → `def _discover_src_files() ->
+    list[Path]: return sorted(Path("src").glob("*.py"))` (the precedent is
+    `audit_exception_handling.py`'s glob approach).
+  - `audit_file()` is already generic — no logic change.
+  - Output: the summary line says "scanned N files" with N = the count.
+- **Baseline file:** create `scripts/audit_optional_returns.baseline.json`
+  recording the 3 `src/history.py` `RETURN_OPTIONAL` violations so
+  `--strict` stays green. The strict-mode behavior: exit 1 if findings >
+  baseline, exit 0 otherwise. (Mirrors `audit_weak_types.py`'s baseline +
+  `--strict` contract — see `audit_weak_types.baseline.json`.)
+- **Backward-compat:** The old name `audit_optional_in_3_files.py` is gone.
+  Any external references to the old name must be updated. (Per the
+  pre-flight grep, references exist in `python.md:359`, `python.md:452`,
+  and possibly `error_handling.md` — those are doc edits in G5. The
+  `code_path_audit_20260607` track's plan referenced the old name as a
+  cross-reference contract — that's historical; not updated.)
+
+### FR4: `python.md` §17 enforcement inventory + §17.8 enforcement section
+
+- **§17 inventory table (lines 449-456)** corrected:
+  - Row for `dict[str, Any]` ban: `audit_weak_types.py` (implemented) +
+    `audit_boundary_layer.py --strict` (implemented this track) — BOTH
+    listed, with the boundary audit's note: "uses
+    `scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`; use `--no-allowlist` to audit
+    all `src/*.py` without suppression."
+  - Row for `Optional[T]` returns: `audit_optional_returns.py` (renamed +
+    widened to all `src/*.py` this track; reads
+    `audit_optional_returns.baseline.json` for the 3 `history.py` residuals
+    until cruft_elimination Phase 6).
+  - Row for local imports + aliasing + repeated `from_dict()`:
+    `audit_imports.py` — marked "✅ implemented" (CORRECTED from current
+    "⚠️ not yet built").
+  - Row for repeated `.from_dict()`: same as above (covered by
+    `audit_imports.py`).
+- **§17.8 enforcement section (lines 357-362)** updated:
+  - Bullet for `audit_optional_returns.py` → reflects rename + widening.
+  - Bullet for `audit_imports.py` → marked implemented (drop the parenthetical
+    "planned in §17.9a").
+  - Bullet for "boundary_layer audit (planned...)" → replaced with bullet
+    for `audit_boundary_layer.py --strict` (implemented, references
+    `boundary_layer_allowlist.toml`).
+  - The "Pre-commit: every commit MUST pass all four audits above" line →
+    "five audits" (weak_types, boundary_layer, optional_returns,
+    exception_handling, imports).
+
+### FR5: Test files
+
+- **`tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py`** (NEW) — ≥10 tests:
+  - `test_finder_detects_dict_return_annotation` — synthetic .py with a
+    `def f() -> dict[str, Any]: ...` → finding emitted.
+  - `test_finder_detects_dict_param_annotation` — `def f(x: dict[str, Any])`
+    → finding emitted.
+  - `test_finder_detects_dict_local_assignment` — `acc: dict[str, Any] = {}`
+    inside a function → finding emitted.
+  - `test_finder_ignores_non_dict_any` — `def f() -> dict[str, int]` → no
+    finding.
+  - `test_allowlist_suppresses_findings` — file in allowlist → findings
+    suppressed, `WHITELISTED` annotation emitted instead.
+  - `test_strict_exits_1_on_violation` — un-allowlisted violation → exit 1.
+  - `test_strict_exits_0_when_allowlisted` — allowlisted file → exit 0.
+  - `test_json_output_shape` — `--json` output has the expected top-level
+    keys (`files_scanned`, `files_with_findings`, `total_findings`,
+    `by_kind`, `findings`).
+  - `test_missing_file_handling` — referenced file absent → graceful
+    `MISSING_FILE` finding, not a crash.
+  - `test_syntax_error_handling` — malformed .py → graceful `SYNTAX_ERROR`
+    finding, not a crash.
+  - `test_show_allowlist_flag` — `--show-allowlist` prints entries, exits 0.
+- **`tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py`** (NEW) — ≥5 tests:
+  - `test_renamed_script_exists` — `scripts/audit_optional_returns.py`
+    exists; `scripts/audit_optional_in_3_files.py` does NOT.
+  - `test_scans_all_src_files` — audit finds a synthetic `Optional[X]`
+    return in a new file under `src/` that wasn't in the old 4-file
+    baseline. (Use `monkeypatch` to point at a `tmp_path` src/ tree.)
+  - `test_baseline_reading_keeps_strict_green` — with 3 known `history.py`
+    sites baselined, `--strict` exits 0.
+  - `test_strict_exits_1_above_baseline` — add 1 new `Optional[X]` return
+    not in baseline → exit 1.
+  - `test_param_optional_is_warning_not_strict` — `PARAM_OPTIONAL`
+    findings never cause `--strict` to exit 1.
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- **1-space indentation** for all Python code (hard rule per workflow.md).
+- **No comments in body** per AGENTS.md "No comments to source code".
+- **CRLF line endings** preserved on Windows (use `manual-slop_edit_file`
+  MCP tool, not native `edit`, to preserve formatting per workflow.md).
+- **Atomic per-task commits** — never batch; one task = one commit + one
+  plan/state update commit.
+- **No diagnostic noise** — no `sys.stderr.write("[FOO] ...")` lines in
+  the audit scripts.
+- **`--json` mode** produces machine-readable output for CI integration.
+- **Default mode** is informational (exit 0) per the precedent of every
+  other audit script; `--strict` is the CI gate.
+- **Performance** — the audit scans all `src/*.py` (~66 files); AST parse
+  + walk should complete in well under 1 second wall-clock (the existing
+  `audit_weak_types.py` does the same scale and is sub-second).
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **`docs/guide_meta_boundary.md`** — the domain-distinction rule; the
+  boundary layer is an Application concept, not a meta-tooling one.
+- **`docs/reports/boundary_layer_20260628.md`** — the *report* this audit
+  *implements*. Lists every legitimate `Metadata` usage and explains why
+  each is at the wire boundary.
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17.7** — the §17.7 contract:
+  "the ONLY place these patterns are allowed is at the literal wire
+  boundary — the function that calls `tomllib.load()`, `json.loads()`, or
+  a vendor SDK's response parser. The boundary is 2-3 functions per file."
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5** — the
+  Python Type Promotion Mandate (the canonical rule this audit enforces).
+- **`conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md`** — the `Optional[T]`
+  ban (and the `Result[T]` + `NIL_T` replacement pattern).
+- **`scripts/audit_imports.py` + `scripts/audit_imports_whitelist.toml`** —
+  the precedent template: AST scan + per-file allowlist + `--strict` CI gate
+  + `--json` / `--show-whitelist` / `--no-whitelist` flags. The new
+  `audit_boundary_layer.py` should match this contract closely.
+- **`scripts/audit_weak_types.py` + `scripts/audit_weak_types.baseline.json`** —
+  the precedent for the `--strict` baseline-JSOא contract (baseline of known
+  violations; `--strict` exits 1 if current findings exceed baseline). The
+  renamed `audit_optional_returns.py` reuses this pattern for the 3
+  `history.py` residuals.
+- **`docs/reports/CONTRADICTIONS_REPORT_20260627.md`** — the source of the
+  contradictions this track closes: C1 (audit name vs behavior), C2
+  (Optional ban scope ambiguity), C3 (audit_imports "planned" but actually
+  built), C18 (2/7 vs actually 4/7 patterns audited), C21 (script name).
+- **`docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627.md`**
+  — current state of the running parallel track; confirms zero file-overlap.
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- **Fixing the 3 `src/history.py` `Optional[T]` returns.** Those belong to
+  `cruft_elimination_20260627` Phase 6 (the deferred Optional[T]-returns
+  migration work). This track only *baselines* them so the widened strict
+  gate stays green; the actual migration is the future track's job.
+- **Fixing the 2 `hot_reloader.py` + `startup_profiler.py` `dict[str, Any]`
+  violations.** Same logic: baseline only; a future track migrates them to
+  typed dataclasses (`HotReloadSnapshot`, `ProfilerSnapshot`).
+- **Docs-count drift in `docs/Readme.md`** (providers 5→8, tests 322→251,
+  commands 50+→33). Per user directive 2026-06-27: wait for tier2 branch
+  to stabilize before touching `docs/Readme.md`.
+- **Styleguide §10 Anti-OOP self-contradiction (C16)** and
+  **`type_aliases.md` line 19 table (C17)** — both deferred per user
+  directive (they describe code state that only exists post-merge of the
+  tier2 taxonomy branches; fixing them now would make master's docs
+  describe code master doesn't have).
+- **`RAGChunk.id` field in `guide_rag.md` (C6)** — same branch-sensitivity
+  reason; deferred.
+- **Building the "repeated `.from_dict()` in same expression" enforcement.**
+  `audit_imports.py` already covers it per §17.9c. No new script needed.
+- **Building `scripts/audit_optional_returns.py` baseline migration path.**
+  The 3 `history.py` sites are simply added to the initial baseline JSON;
+  no migration script is needed.
+- **Wire `--strict` mode of `audit_boundary_layer.py` into actual pre-commit
+  hooks in the main repo's `.git/hooks/`.** Per C4 in the contradictions
+  report, pre-commit enforcement is sandbox-only for now; main-repo wiring
+  is a separate track.
+- **Touching any `src/*.py` source.** This track is pure audit +
+  styleguide + tests. Zero `src/` edits.

conductor/tracks/enforcement_gap_closure_20260627/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+# Track state for enforcement_gap_closure_20260627
+# Initialized by Tier 1 Orchestrator on 2026-06-27.
+# Implementation delegated to Tier 2 (autonomous) or Tier 3 worker dispatch.
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "enforcement_gap_closure_20260627"
+name = "Enforcement Gap Closure (Boundary-Layer Audit + Optional[T] Audit Widening)"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 0  # 0 = pre-Phase 1; bump to 1 when implementation starts
+last_updated = "2026-06-27"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. This track is parallel-safe against the running
+# tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627 branch (zero file overlap
+# verified by Tier 1 against ddcec7b0 + TRACK_COMPLETION file-level changes).
+
+[blocks]
+# None. Follow-up tracks (history.py Optional migration, hot_reloader/
+# startup_profiler dict migration) are documented in metadata.json but not
+# formally tracked here.
+
+[phases]
+# All 4 phases per plan.md. checkpointsha filled when the phase checkpoint
+# commit is made by the implementing Tier 2/Tier 3.
+phase_1 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Boundary-Layer Audit Script (script + allowlist + 10 tests)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Optional[T] Audit Rename + Widening (rename + 5 tests + baseline JSON)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Styleguide Doc Reconciliation (python.md s17 + cross-ref sweep)" }
+phase_4 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "End-of-Track Report + State Update + User Sign-off" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1: boundary-layer audit script + allowlist + tests
+t1_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write 10 failing tests in tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py (Red phase)" }
+t1_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Implement scripts/audit_boundary_layer.py per spec FR1 (finder + allowlist + strict + json + --show-allowlist + --no-allowlist + --src)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write scripts/boundary_layer_allowlist.toml with ~14 boundary files + reasons" }
+t1_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run tests/test_audit_boundary_layer.py -v (Green phase); verify all 10 pass" }
+# Phase 2: Optional audit rename + widening
+t2_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write 5 failing tests in tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py (Red phase)" }
+t2_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "git mv audit_optional_in_3_files.py -> audit_optional_returns.py + widen glob to all src/*.py + add --src flag + create audit_optional_returns.baseline.json with 3 history.py residuals" }
+t2_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run tests/test_audit_optional_returns.py -v (Green phase); verify all 5 pass" }
+# Phase 3: styleguide doc reconciliation
+t3_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Edit conductor/code_styleguides/python.md s17 inventory table (lines 449-456) + s17.8 enforcement section (lines 357-362) per spec FR4" }
+t3_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Cross-reference sweep for audit_optional_in_3_files.py in conductor/ + docs/ (update enforcement references; preserve historical)" }
+# Phase 4: end-of-track
+t4_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run the 7-audit strict suite (verify all pass; the 2 boundary + 3 Optional residuals baselined)" }
+t4_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_enforcement_gap_closure_20260627.md per spec G8" }
+t4_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update conductor/tracks.md + conductor/chronology.md + state.toml -> status='completed'" }
+t4_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Conductor - User Manual Verification (PAUSE for user sign-off)" }
+
+[verification]
+# Filled as phases complete.
+phase_1_complete = false
+phase_2_complete = false
+phase_3_complete = false
+phase_4_complete = false
+all_7_audit_gates_strict_pass = false
+contradictions_closed_c1_c2_c3_partial_c18_partial_c21 = false
+
+[scope_summary]
+# Populated by Tier 1; static scope summary for re-warm after compaction.
+new_files_count = 7
+modified_files_count = 5
+deleted_files_count = 1  # via git mv (audit_optional_in_3_files.py -> audit_optional_returns.py)
+parallel_safe_against_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft = true
+parallel_safety_evidence = "Tier 1 verified zero file overlap against ddcec7b0 + TRACK_COMPLETION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627.md file-level changes table on 2026-06-27"

conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+{
+  "track_id": "fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627",
+  "name": "Fix MMA Concurrent Tracks Sim Test (tier-3-live_gui regression)",
+  "status": "active",
+  "type": "fix",
+  "date_created": "2026-06-27",
+  "created_by": "tier2-tech-lead",
+  "blocks": [],
+  "blocked_by": {
+    "post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627": "shipped (the parent track; this is the followup fix for the 1 remaining tier-3 failure)"
+  },
+  "scope": {
+    "new_files": [
+      "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md"
+    ],
+    "modified_files": [
+      "src/app_controller.py",
+      "tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py",
+      "docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md"
+    ],
+    "deleted_files": []
+  },
+  "verification_criteria": [
+    "VC1: tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution passes in isolation",
+    "VC2: Tier 3 (tier-3-live_gui) of the batched test suite shows 0 failures",
+    "VC3: No diagnostic stderr lines remain in src/app_controller.py (instrumentation removed)",
+    "VC4: docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md updated to RESOLVED status",
+    "VC5: docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md written",
+    "VC6: No git restore/checkout/reset/stash used during the track (per AGENTS.md HARD BAN)",
+    "VC7: All atomic commits have git notes (per workflow.md Per-Task Commit Protocol)"
+  ],
+  "estimated_effort": {
+    "method": "scope (per workflow.md §Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules). NO day estimates.",
+    "scope": "1 task: instrument + diagnose + fix + verify (1 production file + 1 test mock file + 1 report). 3-5 atomic commits."
+  },
+  "risk_register": [
+    "R1 (low): Instrumentation incomplete; failure mode remains hidden - mitigated by adding diagnostics at 3 strategic points (before/after generate_tickets, in except block)",
+    "R2 (medium): Production fix regresses other tests - mitigated by running the targeted tier-3 batched test suite after the fix",
+    "R3 (medium): Mock fix requires deeper understanding of gemini_cli_adapter session reuse - mitigated by reading src/ai_client.py to understand session_id lifecycle",
+    "R4 (low): 30-second test poll may be too short for test infrastructure - mitigated by not changing the poll time; the fix should make the test pass within the existing budget",
+    "R5 (low): Instrumentation leaks into production - mitigated by removing the instrumentation in the same commit that fixes the bug (or follow-up commit)",
+    "R6 (medium): User does not give permission to run the full 11-tier batch - mitigated by running only the targeted tier-3 batch (--tier tier-3-live_gui); ask user for full batch separately"
+  ],
+  "out_of_scope": [
+    "Refactoring src/multi_agent_conductor.py (the MMA engine itself)",
+    "Refactoring _cb_accept_tracks or _start_track_logic beyond the minimum fix",
+    "Refactoring tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py beyond the minimum fix",
+    "Adding new MMA concurrent execution tests",
+    "Fixing any other tier failures (RAG flake is pre-existing and out of scope)",
+    "Updating conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/spec.md (the parent track is SHIPPED)"
+  ]
+}

conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+# Plan: fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627
+
+3 phases, 4 tasks, 3-5 atomic commits. Per-task TDD red-first. The "test" is the existing failing test in `tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py`; the "fix" is the production code in `src/app_controller.py` and the mock in `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py`.
+
+## Phase 0: Instrument + diagnose (Tier 2, 1 commit)
+
+**Focus:** Per workflow.md "The Deduction Loop (kill it)", you are allowed to run a failing test at most 2 times in a single investigation. After 2 failures, STOP running the test. Read the code, predict the failure mode, and instrument ALL the relevant state in one pass. So Phase 0 is the instrumentation pass.
+
+- [ ] **Task 0.1** [Tier 2]: Add stderr diagnostics to `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result`
+  - WHERE: `src/app_controller.py:4750-4840` (the `_start_track_logic_result` function)
+  - WHAT: Add 3 stderr write/flush calls:
+    1. BEFORE `conductor_tech_lead.generate_tickets(goal, skeletons)` — log title, goal
+    2. AFTER `generate_tickets` returns — log length of `raw_tickets`
+    3. INSIDE the `except` block at line 4831 — log full traceback via `import traceback; traceback.print_exc()`
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` surgical edit (3-10 lines per edit)
+  - SAFETY: `uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py -v` still parses (py_check_syntax exits 0)
+  - INSTRUMENTATION LIFETIME: This commit is INTERIM. The instrumentation must be removed in Phase 2 once the root cause is identified. (Per AGENTS.md "No Diagnostic Noise in Production".)
+- [ ] **COMMIT 0.1:** `chore(diag): add stderr instrumentation to _start_track_logic_result` (Tier 2)
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "Temporary instrumentation to diagnose test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution failure. Will be removed in the next commit after root cause is identified."
+
+- [ ] **Task 0.2** [Tier 2]: Run the test in isolation with the instrumentation
+  - HOW: `uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v -s > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_0.log 2>&1`
+  - Per workflow.md: redirect to log file (NEVER filter output, NEVER use `head`/`tail`)
+  - Read the log file: `manual-slop_read_file tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_0.log`
+  - Identify the failure mode for the 2nd track
+  - **DO NOT** run the test more than 2 times in total (workflow.md "Deduction Loop")
+
+## Phase 1: Fix the root cause (Tier 3, 1-2 commits)
+
+**Focus:** Based on Phase 0 diagnosis, fix the actual root cause.
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.1** [Tier 3]: Fix the root cause in `src/app_controller.py` OR `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py`
+  - **If Phase 0 diagnosis is "mock routing broken for 2nd call"** (cause A in spec):
+    - WHERE: `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py` (the routing logic at lines 64-90)
+    - WHAT: The `gemini_cli_adapter` reuses the session_id returned by the previous call. So track-b's call comes in with `--resume mock-sprint-A` (the session_id returned by the previous track's sprint call). The mock must handle this case.
+    - HOW: Add a routing case for `if session_id == "mock-sprint-A" and call_n == N: _emit_sprint_ticket("B")` — but ALSO handle the case where the gemini_cli_adapter passes the latest session_id for both the track-b sprint call and the track-b worker call.
+    - The cleanest fix: don't rely on session_id alone. After epic + sprint-A, the next call is ALWAYS track-b sprint (since we only have 2 tracks). Add a per-call counter that maps to (call_n // 2) % 2 for the track index.
+  - **If Phase 0 diagnosis is "production bug" (cause B/C/D in spec):**
+    - WHERE: `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result` (line 4750-4840)
+    - WHAT: Fix the specific bug (disk I/O, flat dict missing field, silent exception)
+    - HOW: Surgical `manual-slop_edit_file` fix
+    - SAFETY: `uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py -v` shows PASS
+- [ ] **COMMIT 1.1:** `fix(mma_concurrent): fix 2nd track _start_track_logic not firing` (Tier 3)
+  - Commit message body: explain which root cause was identified and what was changed.
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "Fixes test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution by <specific fix>."
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.2** [Tier 2]: Run the test in isolation to verify the fix
+  - HOW: `uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_1.log 2>&1`
+  - Read the log file and verify PASS
+  - If still failing, **STOP and report to the user** (per workflow.md "Surrender" anti-pattern is OK only after the 5-step checklist)
+
+- [ ] **Task 1.3** [Tier 2]: Run the targeted tier-3 batched test suite to verify no regressions
+  - HOW: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier-3-live_gui > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_tier3.log 2>&1`
+  - Verify: 0 failures in tier-3
+  - Per workflow.md "Isolated-Pass Verification Fallacy" — the only verification that matters is the batched run, not the isolated run
+
+## Phase 2: Remove instrumentation + write report (Tier 2, 1-2 commits)
+
+**Focus:** Clean up the temporary instrumentation and write the end-of-track report.
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.1** [Tier 2]: Remove the stderr instrumentation from `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result`
+  - WHERE: `src/app_controller.py:4750-4840` (where the 3 stderr lines were added in Phase 0)
+  - WHAT: Remove the 3 stderr write/flush calls
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` surgical edit (3 sites)
+  - SAFETY: `git grep "_start_track_logic_result.*stderr" src/app_controller.py` returns 0 hits
+- [ ] **COMMIT 2.1:** `chore(cleanup): remove diagnostic instrumentation from _start_track_logic_result` (Tier 2)
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "Removes the temporary stderr instrumentation added in 0.1. The bug fix is in 1.1; this is cleanup."
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.2** [Tier 2]: Update `docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` to RESOLVED
+  - WHERE: `docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` (the "4. UNRESOLVED" section)
+  - WHAT: Replace "⚠️ UNRESOLVED" with "✅ RESOLVED" and add a link to the fixing commit
+  - HOW: `manual-slop_edit_file` surgical edit
+- [ ] **COMMIT 2.2:** `docs(report): mark OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md as RESOLVED` (Tier 2)
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "Per FR8 of the track spec. The MMA concurrent tracks test is now passing in the batched test suite."
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.3** [Tier 2]: Write `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md`
+  - WHERE: `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md` (new file)
+  - WHAT: Follow the precedent of `TRACK_COMPLETION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627.md`:
+    - Executive summary
+    - 3 root causes already fixed in 635ca552
+    - The 1 root cause fixed in this track
+    - Files changed
+    - Verification results
+    - Suggested next steps
+  - HOW: `Write` tool to create the file
+- [ ] **COMMIT 2.3:** `docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627` (Tier 2)
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "End-of-track report. Track is complete; tier-3 of post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627 is now PASS."
+
+- [ ] **Task 2.4** [Tier 2]: Update `conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/state.toml` to status = "completed"
+  - WHERE: `conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/state.toml`
+  - WHAT: Set `[meta].status = "completed"`, `[meta].current_phase = "complete"`, fill in task commit SHAs
+  - HOW: `Write` tool
+- [ ] **COMMIT 2.4:** `conductor(state): fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627 SHIPPED` (Tier 2)
+- [ ] **GIT NOTE:** "Track SHIPPED. All 7 VCs pass. Tier-3 of the parent track is now PASS."
+
+## Commit Log (Expected, 4-6 atomic commits)
+
+1. (Phase 0) `chore(diag): add stderr instrumentation to _start_track_logic_result` (Tier 2)
+2. (Phase 1) `fix(mma_concurrent): fix 2nd track _start_track_logic not firing` (Tier 3)
+3. (Phase 2) `chore(cleanup): remove diagnostic instrumentation from _start_track_logic_result` (Tier 2)
+4. (Phase 2) `docs(report): mark OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md as RESOLVED` (Tier 2)
+5. (Phase 2) `docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627` (Tier 2)
+6. (Phase 2) `conductor(state): fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627 SHIPPED` (Tier 2)
+
+Plus per-task plan-update commits per workflow.md.
+
+## Verification Commands
+
+```bash
+# Phase 0: Run the test in isolation with instrumentation
+uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v -s > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_0.log 2>&1
+
+# Phase 1: Run the test in isolation after the fix
+uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_1.log 2>&1
+
+# Phase 1: Run the targeted tier-3 batched suite
+uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier-3-live_gui > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_tier3.log 2>&1
+
+# Phase 2 (optional, ASK USER FIRST per user directive): Run the full 11-tier batch
+uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run_full.log 2>&1
+
+# Verify VC3: No diagnostic lines in production
+git grep "_start_track_logic_result.*stderr" src/app_controller.py
+# Expect: 0 hits
+
+# Verify VC4: Report is updated
+grep "RESOLVED" docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md
+# Expect: 1+ hits
+
+# Verify VC5: TRACK_COMPLETION exists
+ls docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md
+# Expect: file exists
+```
+
+## Notes for Tier 3 worker (Phase 1)
+
+- The "test" is `tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution`. It is the spec.
+- The fix is in `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result` OR `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py`. Choose based on Phase 0 diagnosis.
+- Use `manual-slop_edit_file` for surgical edits (3-10 lines per edit).
+- 1-space indentation. CRLF line endings. No comments.
+- Per `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17: no `dict[str, Any]`, no `Any`, no `Optional[T]`, no `hasattr()` for entity dispatch.
+- If the fix requires changing the mock's response shape, do NOT change the test — the test exercises the production pipeline.
+
+## Notes for Tier 2 reviewer (Phases 0 and 2)
+
+- Phase 0 is the instrumentation pass. The diagnostics are INTERIM and must be removed in Phase 2.
+- Phase 1 is the fix. Read the test log from Phase 0 BEFORE choosing the fix; don't guess.
+- Phase 2 is cleanup + report.
+- Per `AGENTS.md` HARD BAN: no `git restore`, no `git checkout`, no `git reset`, no `git stash`.
+- Per `AGENTS.md` "No Diagnostic Noise in Production": the instrumentation in Phase 0 must be removed in Phase 2.
+- Per `conductor/workflow.md` "Pre-commit verification gate": after every commit, run `git diff --cached --stat` + `git show HEAD --stat` + `uv run python scripts/audit_tier2_leaks.py --strict`.
+
+## See also
+
+- `conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/spec.md` — the canonical reference
+- `docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` — the 4 stacked root causes
+- `conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/spec.md` — the parent track spec
+- `conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/state.toml` — the parent track state
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — the Result[T] + nil-sentinel convention
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5 — the Python Type Promotion Mandate
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 — the LLM Default Anti-Patterns
+- `conductor/workflow.md` §"Process Anti-Patterns" — the 8 anti-patterns to avoid
+- `AGENTS.md` — the project operating rules + HARD BANs

conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,207 @@
+# Track Specification: fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627
+
+## Overview
+
+Single-test fix track. The `tier-3-live_gui::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution` test was failing on the `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627` branch. Per the user directive ("those issues must get resolved we are not sweeping them under the rug"), this track fixes the test to pass in the batched test suite, ships it, and the parent branch is then ready for review.
+
+The test exercises the full concurrent-MMA flow: plan an epic (returns 2 proposed tracks), accept both, start both concurrently, verify both ticket-A and ticket-B workers appear, verify both tracks complete. The failure was at "accept-tracks" — after `btn_mma_accept_tracks`, only 1 of the 2 proposed tracks was created in the project.
+
+This track is the **TDD fix for one specific test**. It is NOT a sweep or a refactor; it is a focused investigation + fix + verification.
+
+## Current State Audit (branch `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627`, measured 2026-06-27)
+
+| Component | State | Source |
+|---|---|---|
+| `tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py` | 144 lines; fails at line 66 ("Tracks not created in project") | `manual-slop_read_file` |
+| `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py` | 144 lines; uses file-based call counter; parses `--resume` arg | commit 635ca552 |
+| `src/app_controller.py:_cb_accept_tracks._bg_task` | Loops `for i, track_data in enumerate(self.proposed_tracks): self._start_track_logic(...)`; only track-a's mock call observed | `manual-slop_get_file_slice` lines 4665-4680 |
+| `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result` | Calls `conductor_tech_lead.generate_tickets(goal, skeletons)` → mock returns sprint ticket → `project_manager.save_track_state(track_id, state, ...)` → `self.tracks.append(...)` | `manual-slop_get_file_slice` lines 4750-4840 |
+| 3 production sites fixed in 635ca552 | `flat.setdefault(...)["paths"] = ...` → `flat.to_dict() then setdefault`; `t_data["id"]` → `t_data.id` | `OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` |
+| 1 test mock fix in 635ca552 | `--resume` arg parsing + call counter | commit 635ca552 |
+
+## The 4 Stacked Regressions (Root Cause Analysis)
+
+### 1. `flat_config()` return type change (PRODUCTION BUG — FIXED in 635ca552)
+
+`flat_config()` in `src/project.py` was changed by `cruft_elimination_20260627` (commit 0d2a9b5e) from `dict[str, Any]` to a **frozen `@dataclass ProjectContext`**. The change was semantic, not just cosmetic. But 3 sites in `src/app_controller.py` mutated the returned object:
+
+- `_do_generate` (line 4027): `flat["files"] = ...; flat["files"]["paths"] = ...`
+- `_cb_plan_epic` (line 4604): `flat.setdefault("files", {})["paths"] = ...`
+- `_start_track_logic_result` (line 4793): `flat.setdefault("files", {})["paths"] = ...`
+
+Each raised `TypeError: 'ProjectContext' object does not support item assignment`.
+
+**Fix in 635ca552:** Call `flat.to_dict()` to get a mutable dict.
+
+### 2. `topological_sort()` return type change (PRODUCTION BUG — FIXED in 635ca552)
+
+`conductor_tech_lead.topological_sort()` in `src/mma_conductor.py` was changed (also in commit 0d2a9b5e) from `list[str]` to `list[Ticket]`. The `_start_track_logic_result` consumer used dict-style access (`t_data["id"]`, `t_data.get("description")`).
+
+**Fix in 635ca552:** Use Ticket attribute access (`t_data.id`, `t_data.description`, etc.).
+
+### 3. `gemini_cli_adapter` `--resume` session reuse (MOCK BUG — FIXED in 635ca552)
+
+The gemini_cli_adapter now reuses the session_id from the epic call (`mock-epic`) for all subsequent Tier 2/3 calls via `--resume mock-epic`. The original mock `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py` was written when each LLM call was stateless; it routed on prompt substrings ("PATH: Epic Initialization", "generate the implementation tickets", "You are assigned to Ticket"). In resume mode the prompt is empty (the session is the context), so the routing fell to the default case.
+
+**Fix in 635ca552:** Parse `--resume` from `sys.argv` and use a persistent file-based call counter to route to per-track responses.
+
+### 4. ⚠️ UNRESOLVED — 2nd track's `_start_track_logic` never fires
+
+After fixes 1-3, the test still fails: only 1 sprint-ticket mock call is observed (for track-a); the 2nd call for track-b never happens. The 30-second test poll times out.
+
+**Hypothesized root cause:** `_start_track_logic` for track-a either hangs OR fails silently. The for loop in `_cb_accept_tracks._bg_task` continues to track-b which also calls `_start_track_logic` and also fails/hangs. The test poll times out before either track completes.
+
+**Possible causes to investigate:**
+- `conductor_tech_lead.generate_tickets(goal, skeletons)` returns `[]` (no tickets) for track-a when the adapter can't reuse the session properly → no track created, no error
+- `project_manager.save_track_state(track_id, state, ...)` blocks on disk I/O
+- The IO pool is saturated (the bg_task is `submit_io(_bg_task)` and each `_start_track_logic` is synchronous on its own thread)
+- `aggregate.run(flat)` hangs (the new `flat.to_dict()` conversion may be missing a field that `aggregate.run` requires)
+- The exception in `except (OSError, IOError, ValueError, TypeError, KeyError, AttributeError, RuntimeError) as e:` at line 4831 catches an exception and returns `Result(data=None, errors=[err])` — but the caller `_start_track_logic` (line 4744) prints `ERROR in _start_track_logic: {err.message}` and continues to the next track in the loop, which also fails. The test poll times out because no track is appended to `self.tracks`.
+
+## Goals
+
+| ID | Goal | Acceptance |
+|---|---|---|
+| G1 | Diagnose why only 1 of 2 tracks is created in `_cb_accept_tracks._bg_task` | stderr diagnostics + log file show the actual failure mode for each track |
+| G2 | Fix the production OR test-mock bug that causes the 2nd track to fail | Test passes in isolation AND in the full batched suite |
+| G3 | Update `docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` to reflect the fix | Report shows RESOLVED status |
+| G4 | Tier 3 of `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627` goes from FAIL to PASS | `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier-3-live_gui` shows 0 failures |
+| G5 | All 11 batched test tiers pass | `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py` shows 11/11 PASS (or pre-existing RAG flake) |
+
+## Non-Goals
+
+- Refactoring the MMA concurrent execution engine (`src/multi_agent_conductor.py`)
+- Refactoring `_cb_accept_tracks` or `_start_track_logic` beyond the minimum fix
+- Refactoring `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py` beyond the minimum fix
+- Adding new tests for MMA concurrent execution
+- Fixing any other tier failures (RAG flake is pre-existing and out of scope)
+- Updating `conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/spec.md` (the parent track is SHIPPED; this is a follow-up)
+
+## Functional Requirements
+
+### FR1: Instrument `_start_track_logic_result` with stderr diagnostics (Tier 3)
+
+Add 3 `sys.stderr.write` + `sys.stderr.flush` calls:
+1. BEFORE `conductor_tech_lead.generate_tickets(goal, skeletons)` — log title, goal
+2. AFTER `generate_tickets` returns — log length of `raw_tickets`
+3. INSIDE the `except` block at line 4831 — log full traceback via `import traceback; traceback.print_exc()`
+
+**WHY:** Per workflow.md "The Deduction Loop (kill it)", you are allowed to run a failing test at most 2 times in a single investigation. After 2 failures, STOP running the test. Read the code, predict the failure mode, and instrument ALL the relevant state in one pass.
+
+### FR2: Run the test in isolation (Tier 2)
+
+`uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v -s` and capture:
+- stderr output from `_start_track_logic_result` instrumentation
+- the mock call counter file at `artifacts/.mock_concurrent_mma_call_count`
+- the sloppy.py stderr (via the test's log capture)
+
+**Per workflow.md "Pre-commit verification gate"**, redirect to log file: `... > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/test_run.log 2>&1`
+
+### FR3: Diagnose the failure mode (Tier 2)
+
+Based on FR2 output, identify ONE of:
+- A. `generate_tickets` returns `[]` (mock routing broken for 2nd call)
+- B. `project_manager.save_track_state` raises (disk I/O issue)
+- C. `aggregate.run(flat)` raises (flat dict missing field)
+- D. The `except` block catches a `RuntimeError` (or other) and the test poll times out
+
+### FR4: Fix the root cause (Tier 3)
+
+**Per the user directive: "we should adjust the tests instead"** — but the test exercises the production code path. The test is the spec; the production must be correct. Fix in this priority order:
+
+1. **If cause A** (mock routing): fix `tests/mock_concurrent_mma.py` to handle the `--resume mock-sprint-A` session reuse (the adapter reuses the session_id returned by the previous call, so track-b's call is `--resume mock-sprint-A` not `--resume mock-epic`).
+2. **If cause B/C/D** (production bug): fix `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result` to handle the error gracefully, log the error to the test log, and continue to the next track (instead of silently aborting the loop).
+
+### FR5: Verify the test passes in isolation (Tier 2)
+
+`uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution -v`
+
+Must show PASS.
+
+### FR6: Verify the test passes in the full batched suite (Tier 2)
+
+**Per workflow.md "Isolated-Pass Verification Fallacy"** — the only verification that matters for `live_gui` tests is the batch run. The test must pass with the other tier-3 tests in the suite.
+
+`uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier-3-live_gui`
+
+Must show 0 failures in tier-3.
+
+### FR7: Verify all 11 tiers pass (Tier 2)
+
+`uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py`
+
+**Per user directive ("stop running the batch yourself, ask me")** — ASK the user before running the full 11-tier batch. Show them the targeted tier-3 result first.
+
+Expected: 11/11 PASS (or 10/11 if the RAG flake is the only remaining failure).
+
+### FR8: Update `OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` (Tier 2)
+
+Mark the section "4. UNRESOLVED — Second track's `_start_track_logic` never fires" as RESOLVED with a link to the fixing commit.
+
+### FR9: Write `TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md` (Tier 2)
+
+Follow the precedent of `TRACK_COMPLETION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627.md`:
+- Executive summary
+- 3 root causes fixed (the 3 already in 635ca552)
+- The 1 root cause fixed in this track
+- Files changed
+- Verification results
+- Suggested next steps
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- NFR1: 1-space indentation
+- NFR2: CRLF line endings on Windows
+- NFR3: No comments in source code
+- NFR4: Per-task atomic commits with git notes
+- NFR5: No new pip dependencies
+- NFR6: Result[T] returns for fallible fns
+- NFR7: No `git restore` / `git checkout` / `git reset` / `git stash` (per AGENTS.md HARD BAN)
+- NFR8: Stderr diagnostics must be removed before the final commit (no diagnostic noise in production per workflow.md)
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- `src/app_controller.py:_cb_accept_tracks._bg_task` (line 4635-4682) — the for loop that should create 2 tracks
+- `src/app_controller.py:_start_track_logic_result` (line 4750-4840) — the per-track pipeline
+- `src/multi_agent_conductor.py:ConductorEngine.run` — the engine that spawns workers
+- `src/ai_client.py:gemini_cli_adapter` (or similar) — the adapter that uses `--resume` for session reuse
+- `src/mma_conductor.py:topological_sort` — returns `list[Ticket]` (was `list[str]` pre-cruft)
+- `src/project.py:flat_config` — returns `frozen @dataclass ProjectContext` (was `dict[str, Any]` pre-cruft)
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — the Result[T] + nil-sentinel convention
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5 — the Python Type Promotion Mandate
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 — the LLM Default Anti-Patterns
+
+## Risks
+
+| # | Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| R1 | The instrumentation is incomplete and the failure mode remains hidden | low | Add diagnostics at 3 strategic points: before/after generate_tickets, in the except block |
+| R2 | The fix requires changes to the production code that may regress other tests | medium | Run the full batched test suite after the fix (with user permission) |
+| R3 | The mock fix requires a deeper understanding of the gemini_cli_adapter's session reuse | medium | Read `src/ai_client.py:gemini_cli_adapter` (or similar) to understand the session_id lifecycle |
+| R4 | The test has a 30-second poll that may be too short for the test infrastructure (IO pool + bg_task + subprocess spawn) | low | Document the timing in the test, but don't change the test's poll time (the fix should make the test pass within the existing poll budget) |
+| R5 | The instrumentation leaks into production (per AGENTS.md "No Diagnostic Noise in Production") | low | Remove the instrumentation in the same commit that fixes the bug (or in a follow-up commit) |
+| R6 | The user does not give permission to run the full 11-tier batched test suite | medium | Run only the targeted tier-3 batched test (`--tier tier-3-live_gui`); ask user for the full batch separately |
+
+## Verification Criteria (Definition of Done)
+
+| # | Criterion | Verification |
+|---|---|---|
+| VC1 | The test `test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution` passes in isolation | `uv run -m pytest tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py -v` shows PASS |
+| VC2 | Tier 3 of the batched test suite passes (0 failures) | `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py --tier tier-3-live_gui` shows 0 failures |
+| VC3 | The instrumentation is removed from `src/app_controller.py` | `git grep "_start_track_logic_result.*stderr" src/app_controller.py` returns 0 hits |
+| VC4 | `OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` is updated to RESOLVED | grep "RESOLVED" OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md returns hits |
+| VC5 | `TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md` is written | `ls docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md` exists |
+| VC6 | All diagnostic stderr lines are removed from `src/app_controller.py` | No `[DEBUG] _start_track_logic:` lines remain in production |
+| VC7 | No `git restore` / `git checkout` / `git reset` / `git stash` used | Audit the git reflog for the branch |
+
+## See also
+
+- `docs/reports/OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md` — the 4 stacked root causes (this track fixes the 4th)
+- `docs/reports/END_OF_SESSION_post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627_iteration3.md` — the prior iteration report
+- `conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/spec.md` — the parent track spec
+- `conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/state.toml` — the parent track state
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/error_handling.md` — the Result[T] + nil-sentinel convention
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/data_oriented_design.md` §8.5 — the Python Type Promotion Mandate
+- `conductor/code_styleguides/python.md` §17 — the LLM Default Anti-Patterns
+- `conductor/workflow.md` §"Process Anti-Patterns" — the 8 anti-patterns to avoid
+- `AGENTS.md` — the project operating rules + HARD BANs

conductor/tracks/fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+# Track state for fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627
+# Updated by Tier 2 Tech Lead as tasks complete
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627"
+name = "Fix MMA Concurrent Tracks Sim Test (tier-3-live_gui regression)"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 1
+last_updated = "2026-06-27"
+
+[blocked_by]
+post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627 = "shipped (the parent track; this is the followup fix for the 1 remaining tier-3 failure)"
+
+[blocks]
+
+[phases]
+phase_0 = { status = "completed", checkpointsha = "75fdebb0", name = "Instrument + diagnose (3 commits: stderr diag, file-based diag, NameError root cause identification)" }
+phase_1 = { status = "in_progress", checkpointsha = "e9919059", name = "Fix the root cause (3 commits: TrackMetadata import, mock session_id routing, mock epic catch-all, mock worker fallback, refresh_from_project task removal)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "23862d35", name = "Remove instrumentation + write report (3 commits: cleanup, mock fix, TRACK_COMPLETION)" }
+
+[tasks]
+t0_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "75fdebb0", description = "Add stderr diagnostics to _start_track_logic_result" }
+t0_1b = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "d046394a", description = "Add file-based diag instrumentation (5 strategic points)" }
+t0_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "75fdebb0", description = "Run the test in isolation; capture log; identify NameError as root cause" }
+t1_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "e9919059", description = "Add TrackMetadata to import; change models.Metadata to TrackMetadata" }
+t1_1b = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "913aa48c", description = "Fix mock sprint routing (replace session_id-based with prompt-content-based)" }
+t1_1c = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "fad1755b", description = "Fix mock epic routing to be a catch-all for any non-empty prompt" }
+t1_1d = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "d28e373e", description = "Fix mock worker routing (remove session_id fallback that caused stale session_id to match)" }
+t1_1e = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "55dae159", description = "Remove 'refresh_from_project' task that overwrote self.tracks with a disk read returning 0 tracks" }
+t1_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "55dae159", description = "Run the test in isolation AND in batched combination (3 consecutive PASS runs of the failing combination at 100.57s, 100.29s, 100.18s)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "55dae159", description = "Verify no regressions (15 wider tests pass at 237.63s)" }
+t2_1 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "23862d35", description = "Remove the stderr and file-based instrumentation from _start_track_logic_result" }
+t2_2 = { status = "completed", commit_sha = "55dae159", description = "Update OUTSTANDING_MMA_TEST_FAILURES_20260627.md to add section 7" }
+t2_3 = { status = "in_progress", commit_sha = "", description = "Update TRACK_COMPLETION_fix_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim_20260627.md to include all 5 fixes" }
+t2_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update state.toml to status = completed; final SHIPPED commit" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_0_complete = true
+phase_1_complete = true
+phase_2_complete = false
+
+phase_0_diagnosis = "NameError: name 'models' is not defined at src/app_controller.py:4830"
+phase_1_fix_commits = ["e9919059", "913aa48c", "fad1755b", "d28e373e", "55dae159"]
+phase_2_cleanup_commits = ["23862d35"]
+
+[track_specific]
+test_failing = "tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_execution AND tests/test_mma_concurrent_tracks_stress_sim.py::test_mma_concurrent_tracks_stress"
+parent_track = "post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627"
+parent_track_shipped_commit = "d74b9822"
+prior_partial_fix_commit = "635ca552"
+prior_fixes_in_635ca552 = [
+  "flat.setdefault(...)[...] = ... on frozen ProjectContext (3 sites)",
+  "t_data['id'] on Ticket objects (1 site)",
+  "mock_concurrent_mma.py --resume handling (initial fix; superseded by 913aa48c and fad1755b)"
+]
+root_causes_identified = [
+  "NameError: name 'models' is not defined at src/app_controller.py:4830 (missing TrackMetadata import after de-cruft migration removed 'from src import models')",
+  "Mock sprint routing fragile to test ordering and session_id chain pattern (session_id='mock-sprint-A' incorrectly routed to sprint-A instead of sprint-B)",
+  "Mock epic branch only matched literal 'PATH: Epic Initialization' (stress test prompt 'STRESS TEST: TRACK A AND TRACK B' fell to Default which returns text, not JSON)",
+  "Mock worker check had session_id.startswith('mock-worker-') fallback that incorrectly matched the stress test's epic call when the gemini_cli_adapter's session_id persisted from the execution test's worker call",
+  "Production: 'refresh_from_project' task in _start_track_logic_result and _cb_accept_tracks._bg_task overwrote self.tracks with a disk read that returned 0 tracks in batched test environments, losing the in-memory tracks that were just appended"
+]
+fixes_shipped = [
+  "e9919059: Added TrackMetadata to 'from src.mma import' line; changed 'models.Metadata(...)' to 'TrackMetadata(...)'",
+  "913aa48c: Replaced session_id-based mock sprint routing with prompt-content-based routing",
+  "fad1755b: Restructured mock routing so sprint/worker checked first, then epic catch-all for any non-empty prompt",
+  "d28e373e: Removed session_id.startswith('mock-worker-') fallback from worker check (route on prompt content only)",
+  "55dae159: Removed 'refresh_from_project' task appends from _start_track_logic_result and _cb_accept_tracks._bg_task (the bg_task already updates self.tracks directly via self.tracks.append(...))"
+]
+stability_test = "3 consecutive PASS runs of the failing combination (100.57s, 100.29s, 100.18s); 15 wider tests pass at 237.63s"
+flakiness_rate = "0% (was previously 100% for stress test in batch)"
+audit_main_thread_imports = "OK: 28 files in main-thread import graph; no heavy top-level imports"
+audit_weak_types = "informational; no new violations"
+pre_existing_failures_remaining = ["test_app_controller_result.py::test_app_controller_does_not_use_broad_except (8 INTERNAL_BROAD_CATCH sites; not introduced by this track)"]
+followups = [
+  "Run full 11-tier batched test suite for final verification (the user should run this after merge review)",
+  "Add 'artifacts/' to .gitignore (mock counter file is project-tree but should be in tests/artifacts/ per workspace_paths.md)"
+]

conductor/tracks/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627/state.toml

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ phase_6_complete = true
 critical_bugs_fixed = 2
 decruft_tasks_complete = 4
 im_gui_standardization = "no-op (0 begin/end calls in the 4 files)"
-src_models_py_lines = 30
+src_models_py_lines = 38
 v2_shipped_merged = true
 v2_shipped_merge_commit = "91a61288"
 atomic_commits = 11
@@ -66,8 +66,8 @@ spec_claimed = "LEGACY_NAMES bug in scripts/generate_type_registry.py"
 actual_bug_location = "scripts/audit_no_models_config_io.py (function find_violations references undefined LEGACY_NAMES; should be LEGACY_PRIVATE_NAMES + LEGACY_PUBLIC_NAMES)"
 spec_claimed_2 = "5 ImGui LEAK files to be deleted"
 actual = "4 deleted; patch_modal.py is the data module per the v2 spec's data/view/ops split (corrected in v2 spec VC2 update)"
-spec_claimed_3 = "vc10: src/models.py reduced to <=30 lines (achieved: 30 lines; aspirational target was <=20; 10-line delta is the PROVIDERS __getattr__ + docstring + legacy Metadata alias)"
-actual = "30 lines; documented in TRACK_COMPLETION as VC9 deviation"
+spec_claimed_3 = "vc10: src/models.py reduced to <=20 lines (achieved: 38 lines; 18-line delta is the PROVIDERS __getattr__ + 17-line docstring + legacy Metadata alias)"
+actual = "38 lines (per Python splitlines; PowerShell Measure-Object -Line reports 30 due to different counting of CRLF-terminated lines); documented in TRACK_COMPLETION as VC9 deviation"
 
 [im_gui_verification]
 imgui_begin_calls_in_4_files = 0

conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "test_engine_integration_20260627",
+ "name": "ImGui Test Engine Integration (Bridge via API Hooks)",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "master",
+ "created": "2026-06-27",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": ["test_engine_docking_tests (Track 2)", "test_engine_capture_regression (Track 3)"],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [
+   "tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py",
+   "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627.md"
+  ],
+  "modified_files": [
+   "sloppy.py (add --enable-test-engine CLI flag)",
+   "src/app_controller.py (add test_engine_enabled field)",
+   "src/gui_2.py (enable engine in App.run + _register_imgui_tests method)",
+   "src/api_hooks.py (4 new /api/test_engine/* endpoints)",
+   "src/api_hook_client.py (4 new client methods)",
+   "tests/conftest.py (pass --enable-test-engine in live_gui fixture)",
+   "conductor/tracks.md (add row)",
+   "conductor/chronology.md (prepend row)"
+  ],
+  "deleted_files": []
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_1": "4 tasks: 1 failing test + 1 CLI flag + 1 engine enable + 1 manual verification",
+  "phase_2": "4 tasks: 1 failing tests + 4 endpoints + 4 client methods + green verification",
+  "phase_3": "2 tasks: 1 conftest update + 1 full smoke test verification",
+  "phase_4": "3 tasks: 1 end-of-track report + 1 state update + 1 user sign-off"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "G1: sloppy.py accepts --enable-test-engine; when set, runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True + callbacks.register_tests assigned",
+  "G2: App._register_imgui_tests exists + registers at least 1 smoke test via imgui.test_engine.register_test",
+  "G3: HookServer has 4 new /api/test_engine/* endpoints (queue, status, results, abort)",
+  "G4: ApiHookClient has 4 new methods (queue_test, get_test_status, get_test_results, wait_for_test_results)",
+  "G5: live_gui fixture passes --enable-test-engine in subprocess args",
+  "G6: tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py has >=3 tests; all pass (engine enabled + queue+run smoke + results shape)",
+  "G7: docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627.md exists; documents threading model verification + Track 2 handoff",
+  "VC_parallel_safe": "ZERO file overlap with tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627 (touching sloppy.py, gui_2.py:641-700, api_hooks.py, api_hook_client.py, conftest.py — none of which Tier 2 touches) or enforcement_gap_closure_20260627 (touching scripts/audit_*, python.md — zero overlap)"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "Track 2: test_engine_docking_tests",
+   "description": "Migrate docking/focus/panel tests (test_workspace_profiles_restoration, test_auto_switch_sim, etc.) to use ctx.dock_into, ctx.window_focus, ctx.window_resize. The bridge built in this track enables it.",
+   "track_status": "planned (Track 2 of 3)"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Track 3: test_engine_capture_regression",
+   "description": "Visual regression via ctx.capture_screenshot_window + baseline PNG diff. The capture API is available but not wired in this track.",
+   "track_status": "planned (Track 3 of 3)"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Headless test execution",
+   "description": "The test engine requires a live GLFW window. Headless mode (no window) is a future research item; the engine's scenario thread drives the actual render loop.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; research item"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Interactive test engine panel",
+   "description": "show_test_engine_windows(engine, True) opens the engine's debug UI. Not shown by default; can be added as a debug toggle in a follow-up.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "GIL-transfer crash: the test engine's scenario thread calls Python test_func from a different thread; if the GIL transfer mechanism in hello_imgui/immapp doesn't work with the app's existing thread layout, the app crashes",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "hard blocker; the entire test engine approach is invalid if the threading model doesn't work",
+   "mitigation": "Phase 1 Task 1.4 is a manual verification checkpoint that catches this before any further work. If it crashes, STOP and report to user. The demo_testengine.py proves the mechanism works for simple apps; the risk is specific to this app's thread layout (AppController, SyncEventQueue, etc.)"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "Label path mismatch: the smoke test's ctx.set_ref('###manual slop') + ctx.item_click('**/Session') may not match the actual label tree",
+   "likelihood": "high",
+   "impact": "smoke test fails with 'item not found'; not a crash, just a wrong path",
+   "mitigation": "Use imgui.show_id_stack_tool_window() or ctx.window_info() to find the correct labels during implementation. The label tree is deterministic (same build, same layout). Once found, the path is stable."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "Engine overhead degrades live_gui test performance",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "live_gui tests take longer; batch run exceeds timeout",
+   "mitigation": "The engine is idle when no tests are queued (sub-ms per-frame overhead). The existing fps_idling settings are unchanged. If measurable, the --enable-test-engine flag can be made conditional (only passed when running test_test_engine_* files)."
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R4",
+   "description": "test_func accesses App state from the scenario thread, causing a race with the GUI render thread",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "intermittent test failures or state corruption",
+   "mitigation": "The spec FR2 + plan Task 1.3 explicitly document: test_func must NOT directly mutate App/AppController state; it must use ctx.* primitives (which post simulated input to the GUI thread). Reading via ctx.item_info / ctx.window_info is safe (C++ accessors). CHECK() runs on the scenario thread but only writes to the engine's C++ result log (thread-safe)."
+  }
+ ],
+ "campaign": {
+  "name": "Test Engine Campaign (3 tracks)",
+  "tracks": [
+   "test_engine_integration_20260627 (THIS TRACK; bridge + smoke test)",
+   "test_engine_docking_tests (Track 2; migrate docking/focus/panel tests)",
+   "test_engine_capture_regression (Track 3; visual regression via screenshot capture)"
+  ],
+  "campaign_rationale": "The test engine enables high-fidelity simulation of docking, focus, panel visibility, drag-and-drop, and keyboard input that the current Hook API cannot express. The campaign is split into 3 tracks to isolate risk: Track 1 proves the threading model + bridge work; Track 2 migrates the high-value docking tests; Track 3 adds visual regression. Each track is independently shippable."
+ }
+}

conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,163 @@
+# Plan: ImGui Test Engine Integration (Bridge via API Hooks)
+
+Track: `test_engine_integration_20260627`
+Branch: master (parallel-safe; touches `sloppy.py`, `src/gui_2.py`, `src/app_controller.py`, `src/api_hooks.py`, `src/api_hook_client.py`, `tests/conftest.py`, new `tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py` — zero overlap with the running tier2 taxonomy branch or the enforcement_gap_closure track)
+Spec: `conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md`
+
+All Python edits use 1-space indentation. No comments in body. CRLF preserved.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Enable the Test Engine in the App
+
+Focus: Add `--enable-test-engine` CLI flag, set `runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine`, add the `register_tests` callback with a placeholder smoke test.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.1: Write failing test for `--enable-test-engine` flag + engine activation
+  - **WHERE:** `tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** Test 1: `test_engine_enabled` — start `live_gui` (which will pass `--enable-test-engine`), verify the engine is active by calling `client.get_test_status()` (new method, implemented in Phase 3) and asserting `queue_empty == True` (engine is running, no tests queued). This test will FAIL before Phase 1 + Phase 3 land (the endpoint doesn't exist yet).
+  - **HOW:** Use the `live_gui` fixture. Call `client.get_test_status()`. Assert the response has a `queue_empty` field. (The method is added in Phase 3; the test is written first per TDD.)
+  - **SAFETY:** No `live_gui` state mutation; just a GET request.
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(smoke): add failing test for test engine activation`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Red-phase test for the `--enable-test-engine` flag + engine activation.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.2: Add `--enable-test-engine` CLI flag to `sloppy.py` + `AppController`
+  - **WHERE:** `sloppy.py:35` (add arg), `src/app_controller.py:1042` (add `test_engine_enabled` field)
+  - **WHAT:**
+    1. `sloppy.py`: add `parser.add_argument("--enable-test-engine", action="store_true", help="Enable Dear ImGui Test Engine for automated UI testing")` after the `--enable-test-hooks` line.
+    2. `src/app_controller.py:1042`: add `self.test_engine_enabled: bool = ("--enable-test-engine" in sys.argv)` after the `test_hooks_enabled` line.
+  - **HOW:** Use `manual-slop_edit_file` MCP tool. 1-space indent.
+  - **SAFETY:** The flag is opt-in; normal runs are unaffected.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(cli): add --enable-test-engine flag`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** CLI flag for test engine; mirrors the --enable-test-hooks pattern at app_controller.py:1042.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.3: Enable the engine in `App.run()` + add `_register_imgui_tests` callback
+  - **WHERE:** `src/gui_2.py:641` (after `RunnerParams()` construction) + `src/gui_2.py:~700` (new `_register_imgui_tests` method)
+  - **WHAT:**
+    1. In `App.run()` between line 641 (`self.runner_params = _hi.RunnerParams()`) and line 684 (`callbacks.show_gui = ...`), add:
+       ```python
+       if getattr(self.controller, "test_engine_enabled", False):
+        self.runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True
+        self.runner_params.callbacks.register_tests = self._register_imgui_tests
+       ```
+    2. Add `_register_imgui_tests(self)` method on `App` (after `_post_init`, ~line 700):
+       ```python
+       def _register_imgui_tests(self) -> None:
+        from imgui_bundle import hello_imgui
+        from imgui_bundle.imgui import test_engine
+        engine = hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()
+        test = test_engine.register_test(engine, "Smoke Tests", "Tab Switch")
+        def smoke_func(ctx) -> None:
+         from imgui_bundle.imgui.test_engine_checks import CHECK
+         ctx.set_ref("###manual slop")
+         ctx.item_click("**/Session")
+         CHECK(True)
+        test.test_func = smoke_func
+       ```
+       The exact `set_ref` + `item_click` targets are determined during implementation by inspecting the running GUI's label tree. The smoke test should click a harmless tab (e.g., switch to "Session" tab) and `CHECK(True)` as a placeholder assertion. The real assertion (verify the tab actually switched) is added once the label path is confirmed.
+  - **HOW:** Use `manual-slop_edit_file` / `manual-slop_py_update_definition` MCP tool. 1-space indent.
+  - **SAFETY:** Guarded by `test_engine_enabled`; normal runs skip this entirely. The `register_tests` callback is only called by `hello_imgui` when `use_imgui_test_engine = True`.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(gui): enable test engine + register smoke test via callbacks.register_tests`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Activates the test engine when --enable-test-engine is set; registers a placeholder smoke test.
+
+- [ ] Task 1.4: Verify the engine activates (manual)
+  - **WHAT:** Run `uv run python sloppy.py --enable-test-hooks --enable-test-engine` locally. Verify the app starts without crashing (the GIL-transfer mechanism works). Verify `hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()` returns a non-None engine. This is a manual checkpoint before proceeding to Phase 2.
+  - **COMMIT:** (no commit; manual verification checkpoint)
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Manual verification that the engine + GIL transfer works with the app's existing thread layout.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Build the API Hooks Bridge
+
+Focus: Add the 4 `/api/test_engine/*` endpoints to `HookServer` + the 4 methods to `ApiHookClient`.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.1: Write failing tests for the 4 new `ApiHookClient` methods
+  - **WHERE:** `tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py` (append to the file from Task 1.1)
+  - **WHAT:** 2 more tests:
+    - `test_queue_and_run_smoke_test`: queue the smoke test via `client.queue_test("Smoke Tests", "Tab Switch")`, poll via `client.wait_for_test_results(timeout=30)`, assert `results["count_success"] >= 1` and `results["count_tested"] >= 1`.
+    - `test_engine_results_shape`: call `client.get_test_results()`, assert the response dict has keys `count_tested`, `count_success`, `count_in_queue`.
+  - **HOW:** Use `live_gui` fixture. These tests fail until Phase 2 + Phase 3 land (the client methods + endpoints don't exist yet).
+  - **SAFETY:** The smoke test queues a harmless tab-switch; no destructive state change.
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(smoke): add failing tests for queue_test + wait_for_test_results + get_test_results`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Red-phase tests for the 4 new ApiHookClient methods.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.2: Add the 4 `/api/test_engine/*` endpoints to `HookServer`
+  - **WHERE:** `src/api_hooks.py` — `do_GET` (line 157) + `do_POST` (line 490)
+  - **WHAT:** Add 4 new `elif` branches:
+    1. `do_GET`: `elif self.path == "/api/test_engine/status":` — lazy-import `hello_imgui` + `test_engine`; get engine via `hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()`; call `test_engine.is_test_queue_empty(engine)`; respond `{"queue_empty": bool}`.
+    2. `do_GET`: `elif self.path == "/api/test_engine/results":` — get engine; create `TestEngineResultSummary()`; call `test_engine.get_result_summary(engine, out_results)`; respond `{"count_tested": N, "count_success": N, "count_in_queue": N}`.
+    3. `do_POST`: `elif self.path == "/api/test_engine/queue":` — body `{"group": "...", "name": "..."}`; get engine; find test via `test_engine.find_test_by_name(engine, group, name)`; if found, `test_engine.queue_test(engine, test)`; respond `{"status": "queued"}` or `{"error": "test not found"}` (404).
+    4. `do_POST`: `elif self.path == "/api/test_engine/abort":` — get engine; `test_engine.abort_current_test(engine)`; respond `{"status": "aborted"}`.
+  - **HOW:** Follow the existing endpoint pattern (lines 499-505 for POST, lines 231-241 for GET). Use `_get_app_attr(app, "controller")` to check `test_engine_enabled`; if not enabled, respond 503. Use `json.dumps(...)` for the response body. 1-space indent.
+  - **SAFETY:** The endpoints run on the HTTP handler thread. `hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()` is a C++ accessor (thread-safe). `queue_test` / `is_test_queue_empty` / `get_result_summary` are thread-safe C++ engine operations (the engine is designed for cross-thread test scheduling). `abort_current_test` is also thread-safe.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(api_hooks): add /api/test_engine/* bridge endpoints`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** 4 new endpoints: queue, status, results, abort; bridge the test process to the engine via HTTP.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.3: Add the 4 new methods to `ApiHookClient`
+  - **WHERE:** `src/api_hook_client.py` (after the existing methods, ~line 500)
+  - **WHAT:** 4 new methods:
+    1. `queue_test(self, group: str, name: str) -> dict` — POST `/api/test_engine/queue` with `{"group": group, "name": name}`; return the response dict.
+    2. `get_test_status(self) -> dict` — GET `/api/test_engine/status`; return `{"queue_empty": bool}`.
+    3. `get_test_results(self) -> dict` — GET `/api/test_engine/results`; return `{"count_tested": N, "count_success": N, "count_in_queue": N}`.
+    4. `wait_for_test_results(self, timeout: float = 30.0) -> dict` — poll `get_test_status()` every 0.5s until `queue_empty == True` or timeout; then return `get_test_results()`. On timeout, return the last results (with a `timed_out: True` field).
+  - **HOW:** Follow the existing method pattern (e.g., `get_status` at line 105, `push_event` at line 156). Use `requests.get/post` + retry. 1-space indent.
+  - **SAFETY:** Pure HTTP client; no thread safety concerns.
+  - **COMMIT:** `feat(api_hook_client): add queue_test + get_test_status + get_test_results + wait_for_test_results`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** 4 new client methods mirroring the 4 new endpoints; wait_for_test_results replaces time.sleep+get_value polling.
+
+- [ ] Task 2.4: Run Phase 2 tests (Green phase)
+  - **WHAT:** `uv run pytest tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py -v --timeout=60`. All 3 tests must pass. If the smoke test (test_queue_and_run_smoke_test) fails, the most likely cause is the `set_ref` / `item_click` label path being wrong — debug by using `imgui.show_id_stack_tool_window()` or `ctx.window_info("manual slop")` to find the correct label. If the GIL transfer fails, the app will crash — that's a hard blocker; report to user.
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): Phase 2 green-phase verification` (or skip if no code changes)
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Green-phase verification for the 4 new endpoints + 4 new client methods.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: Live_gui Fixture + Full Smoke Test
+
+Focus: Pass `--enable-test-engine` in the `live_gui` fixture + verify the full bridge works end-to-end.
+
+- [ ] Task 3.1: Update `live_gui` fixture to pass `--enable-test-engine`
+  - **WHERE:** `tests/conftest.py:792`
+  - **WHAT:** Change `gui_args = ["uv", "run", "python", "-u", gui_script, "--enable-test-hooks"]` to include `"--enable-test-engine"`:
+    ```python
+    gui_args = ["uv", "run", "python", "-u", gui_script, "--enable-test-hooks", "--enable-test-engine"]
+    ```
+  - **HOW:** `manual-slop_edit_file` MCP tool. 1-space indent.
+  - **SAFETY:** The engine is idle when no tests are queued. Existing `live_gui` tests that don't use the test engine are unaffected (the engine adds sub-ms per-frame overhead).
+  - **COMMIT:** `test(conftest): pass --enable-test-engine in live_gui fixture`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Engine activates on every live_gui run; idle when no tests queued.
+
+- [ ] Task 3.2: Run the full smoke test suite (Green phase)
+  - **WHAT:** `uv run pytest tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py -v --timeout=60`. All 3 tests pass. Then run a small batch of existing `live_gui` tests to verify no regression: `uv run pytest tests/test_workspace_profiles_restoration.py tests/test_undo_redo_lifecycle.py -v --timeout=120`.
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): Phase 3 green-phase verification`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Full bridge verified: pytest → HTTP → HookServer → engine → scenario thread → ctx.item_click → GUI thread → CHECK → results → HTTP → pytest assert.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 4: End-of-Track Report + State Update
+
+- [ ] Task 4.1: Write end-of-track report
+  - **WHERE:** `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627.md` (NEW file)
+  - **WHAT:** Report following the precedent:
+    - TL;DR
+    - Phase summary (each phase + commits + status)
+    - Verification Criteria status (mapped to spec G1-G7)
+    - Threading model verification (did the GIL transfer work? any crashes? any state-access issues from the scenario thread?)
+    - The 4 new endpoints + 4 new client methods documented
+    - The smoke test result
+    - Handoff to Track 2 (docking test migration) — what's now possible that wasn't before
+    - Known limitations (engine requires a live window; not headless; the interactive panel is not shown)
+  - **COMMIT:** `docs(reports): TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** End-of-track report; documents the bridge + threading model verification + Track 2 handoff.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.2: Update `conductor/tracks.md` + `conductor/chronology.md` + `state.toml`
+  - **WHAT:**
+    1. `state.toml`: mark all phases "completed" with checkpoint SHA; `status = "completed"`.
+    2. `conductor/tracks.md`: add row for this track (status "shipped").
+    3. `conductor/chronology.md`: prepend row for `2026-06-27 | test_engine_integration_20260627 | shipped | ...`.
+  - **COMMIT:** `conductor(state): test_engine_integration_20260627 SHIPPED + TRACK_COMPLETION`
+  - **GIT NOTE:** Track state + chronology + tracks.md closed out.
+
+- [ ] Task 4.3: Conductor - User Manual Verification
+  - **WHAT:** Present the results: the smoke test pass, the threading model verification, the 4 new endpoints, the 4 new client methods. PAUSE for user sign-off.
+  - **COMMIT:** (no commit; user-confirmation gate)
+  - **GIT NOTE:** User sign-off record.

conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,251 @@
+# Track Specification: ImGui Test Engine Integration (Bridge via API Hooks)
+
+## Overview
+
+Integrate the Dear ImGui Test Engine (`imgui_bundle.imgui.test_engine`) into Manual Slop's test infrastructure to enable high-fidelity simulation of user interactions — docking, window focus, panel visibility, drag-and-drop, keyboard input — that the current Hook API cannot express.
+
+**The design principle:** the API hooks layer (`HookServer` on :8999 + `ApiHookClient`) remains the **single communication boundary** between the test process (pytest) and the GUI subprocess. The test engine is integrated *behind* the API hooks, not alongside them. New `/api/test_engine/*` endpoints bridge the test process to the engine's `queue_test` / `get_result_summary` API. The engine's `test_func` closures run on the engine's scenario thread (GIL-transferred by `hello_imgui`/`immapp`); they use `ctx.item_click("**/Label")`, `ctx.dock_into(src, dst, dir)`, `ctx.window_focus(ref)` etc. to post simulated input events to the GUI render thread. The existing `_pending_gui_tasks` queue and the engine's input simulation are two separate event injection paths into the same GUI thread; they compose without conflict.
+
+This is **Track 1 of 3** in the test engine campaign. Track 1 = enable the engine + build the bridge + smoke test. Track 2 (follow-up) = migrate docking/focus/panel tests. Track 3 (follow-up) = visual regression via screenshot capture.
+
+## Current State Audit (as of master `77b70226`)
+
+### Already Implemented (DO NOT re-implement)
+
+- **`imgui_bundle` v1.92.5** (pinned in `pyproject.toml:7`) ships the test engine compiled into the nanobind binary. Verified: `from imgui_bundle import imgui; imgui.test_engine.TestEngine` is a live class; `imgui.test_engine.register_test`, `imgui.test_engine.queue_test`, `imgui.test_engine.get_result_summary`, `imgui.test_engine.TestContext` with `dock_into`, `window_focus`, `item_click`, `capture_screenshot_window`, etc. are all present (verified via `dir()` enumeration — ~95 `TestContext` methods + ~35 module-level functions). The `.pyi` stub at `.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/imgui/test_engine.pyi` documents the full API.
+
+- **`hello_imgui.RunnerParams.use_imgui_test_engine: bool = False`** (`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/hello_imgui.pyi:2969`) — the flag that enables the engine. When `True`, `hello_imgui`/`immapp` compiles the engine into the runner and provides the GIL-transfer mechanism for the scenario thread. The engine is **already compiled into the wheel** (the C++ build flag `-DHELLOIMGUI_WITH_TEST_ENGINE=ON` was set for the published wheel); the Python-side flag just activates it.
+
+- **`hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()`** (`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/hello_imgui.pyi:3355`) — returns the live `TestEngine` instance after `use_imgui_test_engine = True`. Verified callable.
+
+- **`RunnerCallbacks.register_tests: VoidFunction`** (`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/hello_imgui.pyi:1809`) — the callback that `hello_imgui` invokes at startup to let the app register tests via `imgui.test_engine.register_test(engine, group, name)`. The demo at `.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/demos_python/demos_immapp/demo_testengine.py` shows the full pattern.
+
+- **`imgui_bundle.imgui.test_engine_checks.CHECK(result: bool)`** — the assertion primitive that emits pass/fail to the engine's result log with file:line traceback. Verified importable.
+
+- **The app already uses `hello_imgui.RunnerParams` + `immapp.run()`** — the exact integration path the test engine requires:
+  - `src/gui_2.py:641`: `self.runner_params = _hi.RunnerParams()`
+  - `src/gui_2.py:684-688`: `self.runner_params.callbacks.show_gui/show_menus/load_additional_fonts/setup_imgui_style/post_init` are set
+  - `src/gui_2.py:1486`: `immapp.run(app.runner_params, ...)` — the main loop entry point
+  - The GIL-transfer mechanism is built into `immapp.run` when `use_imgui_test_engine = True`; no additional threading code is needed on the Python side.
+
+- **`HookServer`** (`src/api_hooks.py:857`) — the HTTP server on `127.0.0.1:8999`, started when `--enable-test-hooks` is passed. The `do_GET` method (line 157) and `do_POST` method (line 490) use a flat `if/elif self.path == "/api/..."` dispatch. The server holds `self.app` (the `App` instance) and accesses it via `_get_app_attr(app, ...)` helpers. The `_pending_gui_tasks` queue (`app_controller.py:900`) + `_pending_gui_tasks_lock` (`app_controller.py:822`) + `_process_pending_gui_tasks()` (`app_controller.py:1844`, called per-frame from `gui_2.py:1759`) is the existing thread-safe command queue from HTTP handler thread → main render thread.
+
+- **`ApiHookClient`** (`src/api_hook_client.py`) — the Python client with retry logic, health-check polling, `wait_for_server(timeout)`, `push_event(action, payload)`, `get_value(item)`, `set_value(item, value)`, `click(item)`, `wait_for_event(event_type, timeout)`, etc. Used by all `live_gui` tests.
+
+- **`live_gui` fixture** (`tests/conftest.py:641`) — session-scoped; spawns `sloppy.py --enable-test-hooks --config=<temp>` as a subprocess; polls `http://127.0.0.1:8999/status` until ready; yields a `_LiveGuiHandle` with `.client` (an `ApiHookClient`), `.process`, `.workspace`. The fixture's subprocess args are at `conftest.py:792`: `gui_args = ["uv", "run", "python", "-u", gui_script, "--enable-test-hooks"]`.
+
+- **`sloppy.py`** (79 lines) — the entry point. CLI flags at lines 31-36: `--headless`, `--web-host`, `--web-port`, `--enable-test-hooks`, `--config`. The `else` branch at line 75 (the normal GUI mode) calls `from src.gui_2 import main; main()`.
+
+- **`AppController.test_hooks_enabled`** (`src/app_controller.py:1042`) — set via `"--enable-test-hooks" in sys.argv` or `SLOP_TEST_HOOKS=1` env var. Same pattern works for `--enable-test-engine`.
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Track's Scope)
+
+- **GAP-1: The test engine is not enabled.** `runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine` is never set to `True`. No `callbacks.register_tests` callback exists. The engine's scenario thread + GIL-transfer mechanism are dormant.
+
+- **GAP-2: No `/api/test_engine/*` bridge endpoints.** The `HookServer` has no way for the test process to queue a test, poll results, or abort a running test. The test engine API (`queue_test`, `get_result_summary`, `is_test_queue_empty`, `abort_current_test`) is only accessible from inside the GUI process — not from the HTTP boundary.
+
+- **GAP-3: No `ApiHookClient` methods for test engine operations.** The client has `click`, `set_value`, `push_event`, `wait_for_event` — but no `queue_test`, `wait_for_test_results`, `get_test_results`.
+
+- **GAP-4: `live_gui` fixture doesn't pass `--enable-test-engine`.** The subprocess at `conftest.py:792` only passes `--enable-test-hooks`. Without the engine flag, the engine won't activate even after GAP-1 is fixed.
+
+- **GAP-5: No smoke test proving the end-to-end threading model works.** The test engine's scenario thread + GIL transfer is the highest-risk piece. A minimal smoke test (register a trivial test that clicks a known button + asserts a state change, queue it via the API, poll for results, assert pass) is needed to prove the bridge works before Track 2 migrates real tests.
+
+### Architecture: Why the API hooks + test engine compose
+
+```
+pytest test process
+  └── ApiHookClient (HTTP :8999)          ← single communication boundary (KEPT)
+       └── HookServer.do_POST             ← new /api/test_engine/* endpoints
+            └── imgui.test_engine.queue_test(engine, test)  ← schedules on engine
+                 └── TestContext.test_func(ctx)  ← runs on engine scenario thread
+                      └── ctx.item_click("**/Label")  ← posts simulated input to GUI thread
+                           └── GUI render thread processes the simulated event
+                                └── _process_pending_gui_tasks() still runs per-frame
+                                     (existing queue; unaffected; two separate injection paths)
+```
+
+The test engine's `test_func` runs on its own thread (the scenario thread). The `ctx.*` primitives post simulated input events to the ImGui input queue on the GUI render thread. This is the same destination as real user input and the same destination as `_pending_gui_tasks` — but a different injection mechanism. The two paths are independent; they don't share state, locks, or queues. The test engine doesn't touch `_pending_gui_tasks` and vice versa.
+
+The GIL-transfer caveat (documented at the top of `test_engine.pyi`) is handled by `hello_imgui`/`immapp` when `use_imgui_test_engine = True` — the C++ layer transfers the GIL between the main thread and the scenario thread. No additional Python-side threading code is needed. The `test_func` callback runs with the GIL held; it can safely call `ctx.*` primitives (which are C++ nanobind calls that release the GIL during the simulated input wait).
+
+## Goals
+
+- **G1.** `sloppy.py` accepts `--enable-test-engine` CLI flag; when set, `App.run()` sets `runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True` + assigns `runner_params.callbacks.register_tests` to a method that registers tests.
+
+- **G2.** `App` has a `_register_imgui_tests(self)` method (called by `hello_imgui` at startup via the `register_tests` callback) that registers at least one smoke test ("Smoke Tests", "Click Increment Button") via `imgui.test_engine.register_test(engine, group, name)`. The smoke test's `test_func(ctx)` calls `ctx.set_ref("...")` + `ctx.item_click("**/...")` + `CHECK(...)`.
+
+- **G3.** `HookServer` (in `src/api_hooks.py`) has 4 new endpoints:
+  - `POST /api/test_engine/queue` — body `{"group": "...", "name": "..."}`; finds the test by group+name via `imgui.test_engine.find_test_by_name(engine, group, name)`; calls `queue_test(engine, test)`; responds `{"status": "queued"}`.
+  - `GET /api/test_engine/status` — calls `is_test_queue_empty(engine)`; responds `{"queue_empty": true/false}`.
+  - `GET /api/test_engine/results` — calls `get_result_summary(engine, out_results)`; responds `{"count_tested": N, "count_success": N, "count_in_queue": N}`.
+  - `POST /api/test_engine/abort` — calls `abort_current_test(engine)`; responds `{"status": "aborted"}`.
+
+- **G4.** `ApiHookClient` (in `src/api_hook_client.py`) has 4 new methods:
+  - `queue_test(group: str, name: str) -> dict` — POST to `/api/test_engine/queue`.
+  - `get_test_status() -> dict` — GET `/api/test_engine/status`.
+  - `get_test_results() -> dict` — GET `/api/test_engine/results`.
+  - `wait_for_test_results(timeout: float = 30.0) -> dict` — polls `get_test_status()` until `queue_empty == True` or timeout; then returns `get_test_results()`.
+
+- **G5.** The `live_gui` fixture passes `--enable-test-engine` in addition to `--enable-test-hooks` in the subprocess args (`conftest.py:792`). The engine activates on every `live_gui` test run.
+
+- **G6.** A smoke test in `tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py` that:
+  1. Uses the `live_gui` fixture.
+  2. Queues the smoke test via `client.queue_test("Smoke Tests", "Click Increment Button")`.
+  3. Polls via `client.wait_for_test_results(timeout=30)`.
+  4. Asserts `results["count_success"] >= 1` and `results["count_tested"] >= 1`.
+  This proves the full bridge works: pytest → HTTP → HookServer → engine → scenario thread → `ctx.item_click` → GUI thread → state change → `CHECK` → result log → `get_result_summary` → HTTP → pytest assert.
+
+- **G7.** End-of-track report at `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627.md` documenting: what shipped, the threading model verification, any GIL-transfer issues encountered, and the handoff to Track 2 (docking test migration).
+
+## Functional Requirements
+
+### FR1: `--enable-test-engine` CLI flag
+
+- `sloppy.py`: add `parser.add_argument("--enable-test-engine", action="store_true", help="Enable the Dear ImGui Test Engine for automated UI testing")` alongside the existing `--enable-test-hooks` flag (line 35).
+- `src/app_controller.py`: add `self.test_engine_enabled: bool = ("--enable-test-engine" in sys.argv)` near line 1042 (same pattern as `test_hooks_enabled`).
+- `src/gui_2.py` `App.run()` (line 619): between the `RunnerParams()` construction (line 641) and the `callbacks.show_gui = ...` assignments (line 684), add:
+  ```python
+  if getattr(self.controller, "test_engine_enabled", False):
+   self.runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True
+   self.runner_params.callbacks.register_tests = self._register_imgui_tests
+  ```
+  This is guarded by the flag so normal runs are unaffected.
+
+### FR2: `App._register_imgui_tests(self)` method
+
+- New method on `App` in `src/gui_2.py` (near the other callback registrations, ~line 700):
+  ```python
+  def _register_imgui_tests(self) -> None:
+   """Called by hello_imgui at startup to register ImGui Test Engine tests.
+   Reads the live engine via hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine().
+   [C: src/gui_2.py:App.run (via callbacks.register_tests)]
+   """
+   from imgui_bundle import hello_imgui
+   from imgui_bundle.imgui import test_engine
+   engine = hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()
+   # Smoke test: click a known button and verify state change
+   test = test_engine.register_test(engine, "Smoke Tests", "Click Increment Button")
+   def smoke_func(ctx) -> None:
+    from imgui_bundle.imgui.test_engine_checks import CHECK
+    ctx.set_ref("...")  # TODO: set to a known window
+    ctx.item_click("**/...")  # TODO: click a known button
+    CHECK(True)  # TODO: verify state change
+   test.test_func = smoke_func
+  ```
+  The exact button + state to click + verify is determined during implementation by inspecting the running GUI's item tree (use `ctx.window_info` / `imgui.show_id_stack_tool_window` to find labels). The smoke test should click something harmless (e.g., a tab switch, a checkbox toggle) and verify the state changed.
+
+### FR3: `/api/test_engine/*` endpoints in `HookServer`
+
+- In `src/api_hooks.py` `do_POST` (line 490): add 2 new `elif` branches for `POST /api/test_engine/queue` and `POST /api/test_engine/abort`.
+- In `src/api_hooks.py` `do_GET` (line 157): add 2 new `elif` branches for `GET /api/test_engine/status` and `GET /api/test_engine/results`.
+- All 4 endpoints guard on `test_engine_enabled` — if the engine is not active, respond `{"error": "test engine not enabled", "enabled": false}` with HTTP 503.
+- The engine instance is obtained via `hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()` inside the handler (lazy import; the handler runs on the HTTP thread, but `get_imgui_test_engine()` is a C++ accessor that returns a pointer — safe to call from any thread).
+
+### FR4: `ApiHookClient` methods
+
+- In `src/api_hook_client.py`: add 4 methods per G4. Follow the existing method pattern (e.g., `get_status`, `push_event`): construct the URL, `requests.post/get`, retry on connection error, parse JSON, return the dict.
+
+### FR5: `live_gui` fixture update
+
+- In `tests/conftest.py:792`: change `gui_args` to include `"--enable-test-engine"` when the fixture spawns the subprocess. The flag flows through to `AppController.test_engine_enabled` → `App.run()` → `runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True`.
+
+### FR6: Smoke test
+
+- `tests/test_test_engine_smoke.py` (NEW) — 2-3 tests:
+  - `test_engine_enabled`: `client.get_value("test_engine_enabled")` returns True (or verify via a new gettable field).
+  - `test_queue_and_run_smoke_test`: queue the smoke test, poll for results, assert success.
+  - `test_engine_results_shape`: `get_test_results()` returns the expected dict shape.
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- **1-space indentation** for all Python code.
+- **No comments in body** per AGENTS.md.
+- **CRLF line endings** preserved.
+- **Atomic per-task commits.**
+- **Thread safety:** the `test_func` runs on the engine scenario thread. It must NOT directly mutate `App` or `AppController` state — it must use `ctx.*` primitives (which post simulated input to the GUI thread). Reading state via `hello_imgui.get_imgui_test_engine()` or engine queries (`ctx.item_info`, `ctx.window_info`) is safe. The `CHECK()` assertion runs on the scenario thread but only writes to the engine's result log (thread-safe C++ structure).
+- **No `live_gui` regression:** the `--enable-test-engine` flag must not affect normal GUI behavior when `live_gui` tests are NOT using the engine. The engine's scenario thread is idle when no tests are queued. The `show_test_engine_windows` panel is NOT shown by default (only via explicit call).
+- **Performance:** the engine adds a per-frame overhead when active. The `fps_idling` settings in `runner_params` remain unchanged. The engine's overhead is sub-millisecond per frame when no tests are running.
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **`docs/guide_testing.md`** — the `live_gui` fixture, the structural testing contract, the Puppeteer pattern.
+- **`docs/guide_api_hooks.md`** — the Hook API surface, the `/api/ask` protocol, the `ApiHookClient` method reference.
+- **`docs/guide_gui_2.md`** — the `App` class lifecycle, the `runner_params` construction, the `callbacks` system.
+- **`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/demos_python/demos_immapp/demo_testengine.py`** — the canonical demo for the test engine integration pattern (register_tests callback + test_func closures + CHECK).
+- **`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/imgui/test_engine.pyi`** — the full API stub (2644 lines). Key sections: `TestContext` methods (lines 1445-2096), module-level functions (lines 433-500, 2639+), `TestEngineResultSummary` (3 fields: count_tested, count_success, count_in_queue).
+- **`.venv/Lib/site-packages/imgui_bundle/imgui/test_engine_checks.py`** — the `CHECK(result: bool)` assertion primitive.
+- **`conductor/workflow.md`** "Live_gui Test Fragility" + "Async Setters Need Poll-For-State" — the existing patterns for `live_gui` tests; the test engine's `wait_for_test_results` replaces `time.sleep` + `get_value` polling with a single engine-side poll.
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- **Migrating existing `live_gui` tests to the test engine.** That's Track 2 (`test_engine_docking_tests_<date>`). This track only builds the bridge + proves it works with 1 smoke test.
+- **Visual regression via screenshot capture.** That's Track 3 (`test_engine_capture_regression_<date>`). The `ctx.capture_screenshot_window` API is available but not wired in this track.
+- **Headless test execution (no GUI window).** The test engine requires a live GLFW window (the scenario thread drives the actual ImGui render loop). Headless mode is a future research item, not this track.
+- **The test engine's interactive UI panel (`show_test_engine_windows`).** Not shown by default. Can be added as a debug toggle in a follow-up.
+- **Test engine license audit.** Per the stub: "free for individuals, educational, open-source, and small businesses. Paid for larger businesses." This project is personal-use; no audit needed. Flagged for awareness only.
+- **CI wiring of the test engine.** The `live_gui` fixture already runs in CI via the batched runner. The `--enable-test-engine` flag is additive. No CI config changes needed.
+- **Touching `src/models.py` or any taxonomy files.** Zero overlap with the running `tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627` branch or the `enforcement_gap_closure_20260627` track.
+
+## Test Suite Audit Context (added 2026-06-27)
+
+A full audit of the test suite was conducted on 2026-06-27 (`docs/reports/test_suite_audit_20260627.md`). The findings directly inform the test engine campaign's scope and sequencing:
+
+### Cruft findings (the upgrade surface)
+
+- **393 test files** total, run by `run_tests_batched.py` with a 2-level sort (fixture class → batch group). No assertion-criticality ordering exists.
+- **6 skip markers** — 4 of which are the same root cause (Gemini 503 in `summarize.summarise_file`). One track mocking the Gemini API eliminates all 4.
+- **60 files use `time.sleep`** (38 of them live_gui) — the anti-pattern explicitly banned in `workflow.md`. Each is a latent race condition. The test engine's `wait_for_test_results(timeout)` replaces these.
+- **~12-14 one-shot phase tests** are cruft (verifying completed phases like `test_phase_3_final_verify.py`, `test_code_path_audit_phase78.py`).
+- **3 redundant clusters**: history (5 files), theme (6 files), markdown tables (5 files) — likely overlapping coverage.
+- **The `core` batch is 245 files (62% of the suite)** in a single xdist run — the bottleneck for targeted verification.
+
+### Test engine upgrade candidates (27 of 58 live_gui tests)
+
+These tests exercise interactions the Hook API cannot express well (docking, focus, panel visibility, pop-out, keyboard). The test engine's `ctx.dock_into`, `ctx.window_focus`, `ctx.window_resize`, `ctx.key_press`, `ctx.capture_screenshot_window` would upgrade them:
+
+- **Docking/layout**: `test_workspace_profiles_sim.py`, `test_auto_switch_sim.py`, `test_preset_windows_layout.py`, `test_gui_text_viewer.py`
+- **Pop-out panels**: `test_task_dag_popout_sim.py`, `test_usage_analytics_popout_sim.py`
+- **Command palette + keyboard**: `test_command_palette_sim.py`, `test_undo_redo_sim.py`
+- **MMA UI flows**: `test_mma_step_mode_sim.py`, `test_mma_concurrent_tracks_sim.py`, `test_visual_mma.py`, `test_visual_sim_mma_v2.py`
+- **Visual regression candidates**: `test_visual_orchestration.py`, `test_visual_sim_gui_ux.py`, `test_live_markdown_render.py`, `test_gui_stress_performance.py`
+- **Hook API integration**: `test_hooks.py`, `test_reset_session_clears_mma_and_rag.py`, `test_live_workflow.py`, `test_extended_sims.py`
+- **Other UI interactions**: `test_gui_context_presets.py`, `test_tool_management_layout.py`, `test_selectable_ui.py`, `test_saved_presets_sim.py`, `test_system_prompt_sim.py`, `test_z_negative_flows.py`
+
+**~44 live_gui tests are fine as-is** (provider tests, API endpoint tests, model/logic tests) — the test engine adds no value for pure-logic tests.
+
+### New test capabilities enabled ONLY by the test engine
+
+- Drag-and-drop docking (`ctx.dock_into`)
+- Window focus order (`ctx.window_focus`)
+- Window resize (`ctx.window_resize`)
+- Keyboard shortcuts (`ctx.key_press` — Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+Shift+P, etc.)
+- Tab close (`ctx.tab_close`)
+- Screenshot visual regression (`ctx.capture_screenshot_window` + baseline diff)
+- Tree open/close (`ctx.item_open_all`)
+- Multi-step input (`ctx.key_chars` + `ctx.key_press(Enter)`)
+- Item hover + tooltip (`ctx.item_hold`)
+- Table column resize (`ctx.table_resize_column`)
+
+### Proposed ordering taxonomy (assertion-criticality-based)
+
+The audit proposes a 3-dimension sort: **(criticality, fixture_class, subsystem)** with 6 criticality levels:
+
+| Level | Name | Description | Approx count |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| C0 | Smoke | "Does the app start and respond?" | ~3 |
+| C1 | Structural | "Do core subsystems exist and have the right shape?" | ~45 |
+| C2 | Behavioral | "Do subsystems work in isolation?" | ~200 |
+| C3 | Integration | "Do subsystems compose correctly?" | ~50 |
+| C4 | UI/Visual | "Does the GUI render + respond to user input?" | 27 (test engine candidates) |
+| C5 | Stress/Perf | "Does it hold under load?" | ~8 |
+
+The key insight: the current `live_gui` tier (58 tests) is a monolithic batch mixing C0/C3/C4/C5. Splitting by criticality enables fast-fail (C0 runs first; if it fails, skip the rest) + targeted verification (run only C4-ui when testing a GUI change).
+
+### Recommended campaign sequence (informed by the audit)
+
+1. **`test_engine_integration_20260627`** (this track) — build the bridge
+2. **`test_suite_cruft_cleanup_<date>`** (new, not yet initialized) — delete one-shot cruft, fix Gemini 503 skips, consolidate redundant clusters, replace `time.sleep` with poll loops
+3. **`test_ordering_taxonomy_<date>`** (new, not yet initialized) — add the criticality dimension to the batched runner (`categorizer.py` + `batcher.py` + `test_categories.toml`)
+4. **`test_engine_migration_<date>`** (Campaign A Track 2) — migrate the 27 high-value live_gui tests to the test engine, re-classifying them as C4-ui in the new ordering
+
+Full audit at: `docs/reports/test_suite_audit_20260627.md`

conductor/tracks/test_engine_integration_20260627/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+# Track state for test_engine_integration_20260627
+# Initialized by Tier 1 Orchestrator on 2026-06-27.
+# Implementation delegated to Tier 2 (autonomous) or Tier 3 worker dispatch.
+# This is Track 1 of 3 in the Test Engine Campaign.
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "test_engine_integration_20260627"
+name = "ImGui Test Engine Integration (Bridge via API Hooks)"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 0
+last_updated = "2026-06-27"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. Parallel-safe against tier2/post_module_taxonomy_de_cruft_20260627
+# (zero file overlap: this track touches sloppy.py, gui_2.py:641-700,
+# api_hooks.py, api_hook_client.py, conftest.py — none of which Tier 2 touches)
+# and enforcement_gap_closure_20260627 (scripts/audit_*, python.md — zero overlap).
+
+[blocks]
+test_engine_docking_tests = "planned (Track 2 of 3 campaign)"
+test_engine_capture_regression = "planned (Track 3 of 3 campaign)"
+
+[phases]
+phase_1 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Enable the Test Engine in the App (CLI flag + runner_params + register_tests callback)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Build the API Hooks Bridge (4 endpoints + 4 client methods)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Live_gui Fixture + Full Smoke Test" }
+phase_4 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "End-of-Track Report + State Update + User Sign-off" }
+
+[tasks]
+# Phase 1: enable the engine
+t1_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write failing test for --enable-test-engine flag + engine activation (Red phase)" }
+t1_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Add --enable-test-engine CLI flag to sloppy.py + test_engine_enabled field to AppController" }
+t1_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Enable engine in App.run() (runner_params.use_imgui_test_engine = True + callbacks.register_tests = self._register_imgui_tests) + add _register_imgui_tests method with smoke test" }
+t1_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Manual verification: run sloppy.py --enable-test-engine locally; confirm engine activates + no GIL-transfer crash" }
+# Phase 2: build the bridge
+t2_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write failing tests for queue_test + wait_for_test_results + get_test_results (Red phase)" }
+t2_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Add 4 /api/test_engine/* endpoints to HookServer (queue, status, results, abort)" }
+t2_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Add 4 new methods to ApiHookClient (queue_test, get_test_status, get_test_results, wait_for_test_results)" }
+t2_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run Phase 2 tests (Green phase); verify all 3 smoke tests pass" }
+# Phase 3: live_gui fixture + full smoke test
+t3_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update live_gui fixture (conftest.py:792) to pass --enable-test-engine" }
+t3_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Run full smoke test + regression batch (Green phase)" }
+# Phase 4: end-of-track
+t4_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_test_engine_integration_20260627.md" }
+t4_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Update conductor/tracks.md + chronology.md + state.toml -> status='completed'" }
+t4_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Conductor - User Manual Verification (PAUSE for user sign-off)" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_1_complete = false
+phase_2_complete = false
+phase_3_complete = false
+phase_4_complete = false
+engine_activates_without_crash = false
+smoke_test_passes = false
+no_live_gui_regression = false
+
+[campaign_context]
+# This is Track 1 of 3. The campaign enables high-fidelity UI simulation via the
+# Dear ImGui Test Engine, bridged through the existing API hooks layer.
+campaign_name = "Test Engine Campaign"
+track_1 = "test_engine_integration_20260627 (THIS; bridge + smoke test)"
+track_2 = "test_engine_docking_tests (migrate docking/focus/panel tests)"
+track_3 = "test_engine_capture_regression (visual regression via screenshot capture)"
+key_risk = "R1: GIL-transfer crash if the app's thread layout doesn't work with the engine's scenario thread (mitigated by Phase 1 Task 1.4 manual checkpoint)"

conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/metadata.json

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+{
+ "track_id": "video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627",
+ "name": "Video Analysis Campaign 2 (4 AI Videos, 3-Pass)",
+ "status": "active",
+ "branch": "master",
+ "created": "2026-06-27",
+ "owner": "Tier 1 (initialized); implementation delegated to Tier 2/3.",
+ "blocked_by": [],
+ "blocks": ["video_analysis_2_pass_2_deob (future)", "video_analysis_2_pass_3_projection (future)"],
+ "scope": {
+  "new_files": [
+   "conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_entropy_compression_20260627/ (child; Pass 1 report + artifacts)",
+   "conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_lecun_world_models_20260627/ (child)",
+   "conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_lecun_bet_against_llms_20260627/ (child)",
+   "conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_recursive_self_improvement_20260627/ (child)",
+   "conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_synthesis_20260627/ (child; cross-video synthesis)",
+   "docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627.md (end-of-campaign closeout)"
+  ],
+  "modified_files": [],
+  "deleted_files": []
+ },
+ "estimated_effort": {
+  "method": "scope (per workflow.md Tier 1 Track Initialization Rules. NO day estimates.)",
+  "phase_0": "3 steps: verify pipeline + scaffold child tracks + commit",
+  "phase_1": "5 steps: 4 per-video Pass 1 reports + commit",
+  "phase_2": "2 steps: synthesis report + commit",
+  "phase_3": "3 steps: verify + user review gate + checkpoint commit"
+ },
+ "verification_criteria": [
+  "G1: 4 Pass 1 deep-dive reports exist, each >=1,000 LOC",
+  "G2: Pass 2 deobfuscation applied to all 4 (future sub-track; not part of this plan)",
+  "G3: Pass 3 C11/Python projection for all 4 (future sub-track; not part of this plan)",
+  "G4: Cross-video synthesis report exists, connecting the 4 reports + Campaign A insights",
+  "G5: End-of-campaign closeout report exists"
+ ],
+ "regressions_and_pre_existing_failures": [],
+ "pre_existing_failures_remaining": [],
+ "deferred_to_followup_tracks": [
+  {
+   "title": "Pass 2: Deobfuscation",
+   "description": "Apply lexicon v2 to all 4 videos. May produce lexicon v3 corrections if new notation surfaces (JEPA, bootstrapping).",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; authored after Pass 1 ships"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Pass 3: C11/Python Projection",
+   "description": "Project each video's deobfuscated content to C11 or Python code in the user's idiomatic style.",
+   "track_status": "not yet initialized; authored after Pass 2 ships"
+  },
+  {
+   "title": "Lexicon v3 patch (conditional)",
+   "description": "Only if the 4 new videos surface notation the lexicon v2 doesn't cover.",
+   "track_status": "conditional; depends on Pass 2 findings"
+  }
+ ],
+ "risk_register": [
+  {
+   "id": "R1",
+   "description": "yt-dlp fails for one or more videos (oEmbed 401 or geo-restriction)",
+   "likelihood": "low",
+   "impact": "Pass 1 report for that video cannot be produced via the pipeline",
+   "mitigation": "the prior campaign had 2 oEmbed failures but yt-dlp still worked; if yt-dlp fails, alternative acquisition (manual download, alternative URL) is a manual fallback"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R2",
+   "description": "Video transcripts are low quality (auto-generated, no punctuation)",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "Pass 1 report quality is degraded; Pass 2 deobfuscation has less to work with",
+   "mitigation": "the pipeline's OCR step supplements the transcript with keyframe text; if both are low quality, manual transcript correction is a user action"
+  },
+  {
+   "id": "R3",
+   "description": "Lexicon v2 doesn't cover new notation (JEPA, bootstrapping, world-model latent dynamics)",
+   "likelihood": "medium",
+   "impact": "Pass 2 deobfuscation produces gaps; a lexicon v3 patch track is needed",
+   "mitigation": "the v2 patch track precedent (video_analysis_deob_lexicon_v2_20260623) shows the correction process works; a v3 patch is a known pattern"
+  }
+ ],
+ "campaign_context": {
+  "campaign_name": "Video Analysis Campaign 2",
+  "prior_campaign": "video_analysis_campaign_20260621 (12 videos; closed 2026-06-23)",
+  "sibling_campaign": "Directive Encoding Campaign (Campaign A; directive_hotswap_harness_20260627)",
+  "cross_campaign_relationship": "Intellectual cross-pollination. Video 1 (entropy/compression) is most directly relevant to directive encoding. Videos 2-3 (LeCun) inform whether directive encoding should account for non-autoregressive architectures. Video 4 (recursive self-improvement) is the meta-question the directive harness addresses."
+ }
+}

conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,155 @@
+# Plan: Video Analysis Campaign 2 (4 AI Videos, 3-Pass)
+
+Track: `video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627`
+Branch: master (research track; no code changes, no test changes — pure analysis + reports)
+Spec: `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/spec.md`
+
+This is an umbrella track. The plan covers Phase 0 (umbrella setup) + Phase 1 (Pass 1 information extraction for 4 videos). Pass 2 + Pass 3 plans are authored as sub-tracks once Pass 1 ships.
+
+---
+
+## Phase 0: Umbrella Setup
+
+Focus: Verify the pipeline works for the 4 new videos; scaffold the child track directories.
+
+- [ ] **Step 0.1: Verify the video acquisition pipeline works for all 4 videos**
+
+**WHAT:** Run `scripts/video_analysis/download_video.py` for each of the 4 URLs. Verify the videos download successfully via `yt-dlp`. Some videos may fail oEmbed (as the prior campaign experienced with 2 E-cluster videos); `yt-dlp` may still work.
+
+**HOW:**
+```bash
+uv run python -m scripts.video_analysis.download_video "https://youtu.be/l6DKRf-fAAM" --slug entropy_compression
+uv run python -m scripts.video_analysis.download_video "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Xj8k5WQX4" --slug lecun_world_models
+uv run python -m scripts.video_analysis.download_video "https://youtu.be/kYkIdXwW2AE" --slug lecun_bet_against_llms
+uv run python -m scripts.video_analysis.download_video "https://youtu.be/t7_ZXgfJVG8" --slug recursive_self_improvement
+```
+
+**VERIFY:** 4 video files downloaded. If any fail, document the failure + alternative acquisition method.
+
+- [ ] **Step 0.2: Scaffold the 4 child track directories**
+
+**WHERE:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_<slug>_20260627/` (4 directories)
+
+**WHAT:** Create the directories with placeholder spec.md + state.toml files. Each child track is a Pass 1 report producer.
+
+- [ ] **Step 0.3: Commit the umbrella setup**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/ conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_*/
+git commit -m "conductor(track): scaffold video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627 (umbrella + 4 children)"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Pass 1 — Information Extraction (4 Videos)
+
+Focus: Produce 4 deep-dive reports using the existing pipeline. Each video is a child track executed independently.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.1: Video 1 — entropy_compression (Reinventing Entropy | Compression is Intelligence Part 1)**
+
+**URL:** https://youtu.be/l6DKRf-fAAM
+**Slug:** `entropy_compression`
+**Cluster:** A (compression/entropy)
+**Child track:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_entropy_compression_20260627/`
+
+**Steps:**
+1. Download video (if not already done in Phase 0).
+2. Extract transcript via `scripts/video_analysis/extract_transcript.py`.
+3. Extract keyframes via `scripts/video_analysis/extract_keyframes.py`.
+4. OCR keyframes via `scripts/video_analysis/ocr_frames.py`.
+5. Synthesize report via `scripts/video_analysis/synthesize_report.py`.
+6. Write `report.md` (1,000-10,000 LOC) — lossless preservation of the video's content.
+
+**Expected content:** Shannon entropy, Kolmogorov complexity, compression as intelligence, the relationship between compression and prediction. This video is the most directly relevant to Campaign A (directive encoding = compression of instructions).
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.2: Video 2 — lecun_world_models (Yann LeCun: World Models)**
+
+**URL:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Xj8k5WQX4
+**Slug:** `lecun_world_models`
+**Cluster:** B (world models)
+**Child track:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_lecun_world_models_20260627/`
+
+**Steps:** Same pipeline as Step 1.1.
+
+**Expected content:** LeCun's world model architecture, JEPA (Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture), planning via latent dynamics, the distinction between generative models and predictive models. Relevant to how LLMs model directive intent.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.3: Video 3 — lecun_bet_against_llms (LeCun's $1B Bet Against LLMs [Part 1])**
+
+**URL:** https://youtu.be/kYkIdXwW2AE
+**Slug:** `lecun_bet_against_llms`
+**Cluster:** B (world models)
+**Child track:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_lecun_bet_against_llms_20260627/`
+
+**Steps:** Same pipeline.
+
+**Expected content:** LeCun's critique of LLMs, autoregressive limitations, the path toward reasoning systems, world models as the next AI revolution. Relevant to whether directive encoding is about pattern-matching (LLM) or reasoning (world model).
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.4: Video 4 — recursive_self_improvement (Recursive Self-Improvement)**
+
+**URL:** https://youtu.be/t7_ZXgfJVG8
+**Slug:** `recursive_self_improvement`
+**Cluster:** C (meta-AI)
+**Child track:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_recursive_self_improvement_20260627/`
+
+**Steps:** Same pipeline.
+
+**Expected content:** Recursive self-improvement, alignment, bootstrapping intelligence. The meta-question: can better directive encodings be discovered iteratively? The directive hot-swap harness IS a recursive self-improvement tool for directive encoding.
+
+- [ ] **Step 1.5: Commit Pass 1 reports**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_*/report.md
+git commit -m "feat(video_analysis): Pass 1 complete — 4 deep-dive reports (entropy_compression, lecun_world_models, lecun_bet_against_llms, recursive_self_improvement)"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 2: Cross-Video Synthesis (Pass 1)
+
+Focus: Connect the 4 reports to each other and to the prior campaign's themes.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.1: Write the synthesis report**
+
+**WHERE:** `conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_synthesis_20260627/report.md`
+
+**WHAT:**
+- Theme matrix: which videos touch which themes (compression, world models, self-improvement, directive encoding).
+- Concept map: how the 4 videos' concepts relate.
+- Connection to the prior campaign: which of the 12 prior videos share themes with these 4 new ones (especially `entropy_epiplexity` for video 1, `cs229_building_llms` for videos 2-3).
+- Cross-campaign insights: what the video analysis suggests for Campaign A (directive encoding). Specifically: does the entropy/compression video suggest a principled way to measure directive encoding efficiency? Do LeCun's world-model ideas suggest directive encoding should account for non-autoregressive architectures?
+
+- [ ] **Step 2.2: Commit the synthesis**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_synthesis_20260627/
+git commit -m "feat(video_analysis): Pass 1 synthesis — 4-video cross-reference + Campaign A insights"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Phase 3: End-of-Pass-1 Checkpoint
+
+Focus: Verify Pass 1 is complete; gate Pass 2 (deobfuscation).
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.1: Verify all 4 reports exist + meet the LOC threshold**
+
+```bash
+for f in conductor/tracks/video_analysis_2_*/report.md; do
+  wc -l "$f"
+done
+```
+
+Expected: 4 files, each ≥1,000 LOC.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.2: Present Pass 1 results to the user**
+
+Report: 4 reports produced, synthesis produced, key themes identified. PAUSE for user review before Pass 2 begins.
+
+**Pass 2 (deobfuscation) and Pass 3 (C11/Python projection) plans are authored as sub-tracks once Pass 1 is approved by the user.** The user may need to gather deobfuscation samples (same as the prior campaign's warmup) before Pass 2 starts.
+
+- [ ] **Step 3.3: Commit the checkpoint**
+
+```bash
+git add conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/state.toml
+git commit -m "conductor(checkpoint): video_analysis_campaign_2 Pass 1 complete — awaiting user review before Pass 2"
+```

conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/spec.md

@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+# Track Specification: Video Analysis Campaign 2 (4 AI Videos, 3-Pass)
+
+## Overview
+
+A research campaign analyzing 4 new AI-related YouTube videos using the established 3-pass architecture from the previous 12-video campaign (Pass 1: extract → Pass 2: deobfuscate → Pass 3: project to C11/Python). The campaign reuses the existing lexicon v2 + C11 reference from the prior campaign.
+
+The 4 videos share a theme — compression, entropy, world models, and recursive self-improvement — that is directly relevant to the directive-encoding research in Campaign A (the directive hot-swap harness). The two campaigns are siblings: intellectual cross-pollination, no hard dependency, can run in parallel.
+
+**This spec covers the umbrella track.** The per-video child tracks (Pass 1 reports) and the deobfuscation sub-tracks (Pass 2 + Pass 3) are initialized as children once the umbrella is approved.
+
+## The 4 Videos
+
+| # | Title | URL | Cluster | Topic |
+|---|---|---|---|---|
+| 1 | Reinventing Entropy \| Compression is Intelligence Part 1 | https://youtu.be/l6DKRf-fAAM | A (compression/entropy) | Shannon entropy, compression as intelligence, Kolmogorov complexity |
+| 2 | Yann LeCun: World Models: Enabling the next AI revolution | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Xj8k5WQX4 | B (world models) | LeCun's world model architecture; JEPA; planning via latent dynamics |
+| 3 | Yann LeCun's $1B Bet Against LLMs [Part 1] | https://youtu.be/kYkIdXwW2AE | B (world models) | LeCun's critique of LLMs; autoregressive limitations; path toward reasoning |
+| 4 | Recursive Self-Improvement | https://youtu.be/t7_ZXgfJVG8 | C (meta-AI) | Recursive self-improvement; alignment; bootstrapping intelligence |
+
+**Cluster assignment:**
+- **A (compression/entropy):** video 1 — directly relevant to the directive-encoding question (how do you compress information for an LLM?)
+- **B (world models):** videos 2-3 — LeCun's world-model work informs how LLMs model directive intent and whether alternative architectures change the encoding question
+- **C (meta-AI):** video 4 — recursive self-improvement is the meta-question of whether better directive encodings can be discovered iteratively
+
+## Current State Audit (as of master `03c7cfd5`)
+
+### Already Implemented (from the prior campaign — DO NOT re-implement)
+
+- **`scripts/video_analysis/` pipeline** (7 modules): `download_video.py`, `extract_transcript.py`, `extract_keyframes.py`, `ocr_frames.py`, `synthesize_report.py`, `error_types.py`, `__init__.py`. These are the reusable tooling from the prior campaign. Pass 1 reuses them directly.
+
+- **Lexicon v2** (from `video_analysis_deob_lexicon_v2_20260623`): the codified deobfuscation spec with 76 terms, the 5 load-bearing rules (Boundedness, Form-anchor, Etymology, Lossless, Encoding-explicit), the constructive type-theoretic foundation, and the per-language `<<` / `>>` rendering. Pass 2 starts from v2; may produce v3 corrections if the new videos surface notation the lexicon doesn't cover.
+
+- **C11 reference** (from `video_analysis_deob_c11_reference_20260623`): the user's idiomatic C11 style (byte-width types, underscore-suffixed modifiers, hand-rolled DSL, memory ordering vocabulary, slice + arena, design-doc headers). Pass 3 uses this as the projection target.
+
+- **Pass 3 projection pattern** (from `video_analysis_deob_c11_reference_20260623` + `pass_3_c11_python_projection_20260623`): per-video deliverables = C11 (.c + .h) or Python (.py) + 3-4 markdown docs (translation, decoder, notes). 4 + 3 verification criteria per the v2 lexicon.
+
+- **The 3-pass architecture** (documented in `docs/reports/2026-06-15/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md`): Pass 1 captures raw content losslessly; Pass 2 applies the lexicon; Pass 3 projects to code. The v2 patch + C11 reference are sub-tracks between Pass 2 and Pass 3.
+
+### Gaps to Fill (This Campaign's Scope)
+
+- **GAP-1: No Pass 1 reports for the 4 new videos.** The prior campaign analyzed 12 videos; these 4 are new. Pass 1 produces 4 deep-dive reports (one per video) using the existing pipeline.
+
+- **GAP-2: No Pass 2 deobfuscation for the 4 new videos.** The lexicon v2 must be applied to each video's content. May produce lexicon v3 corrections if the new videos surface notation the lexicon doesn't cover (e.g., LeCun's JEPA terminology, recursive self-improvement's bootstrapping notation).
+
+- **GAP-3: No Pass 3 C11/Python projection for the 4 new videos.** Each video's deobfuscated content must be projected to C11 or Python code in the user's idiomatic style.
+
+- **GAP-4: No cross-video synthesis.** The prior campaign had a synthesis track (`video_analysis_synthesis_20260621`) that cross-referenced the 12 reports. This campaign should produce a synthesis cross-referencing the 4 new reports + connecting to the prior campaign's themes.
+
+### Relationship to Campaign A (Directive Hot-Swap Harness)
+
+The two campaigns share a theme ("how do you encode information densely for an LLM?") but are tracked and executed independently:
+
+- **Video 1 (entropy/compression)** provides theoretical grounding for information density. The directive-encoding question IS a compression question: what is the minimal token-cost encoding of a directive that maintains LLM compliance?
+- **Videos 2-3 (LeCun world models)** inform how LLMs model directive intent. If LLMs are autoregressive pattern-matchers (LeCun's critique), then directive encoding is about pattern-matching, not reasoning. If world models are the path forward, directive encoding may need to account for non-autoregressive architectures.
+- **Video 4 (recursive self-improvement)** is the meta-question: can better directive encodings be discovered iteratively? The directive hot-swap harness IS a recursive self-improvement tool for directive encoding.
+
+Insights from the video analysis may surface alternative encoding strategies to test in Campaign A's harness. The harness's design (preset as bill-of-materials, variant as alternative encoding) mirrors the video campaign's deobfuscation pass (same content, different encoding).
+
+## Goals
+
+- **G1.** 4 Pass 1 deep-dive reports (one per video, 1,000-10,000 LOC each) produced via the existing `scripts/video_analysis/` pipeline.
+- **G2.** Pass 2 deobfuscation applied to all 4 videos using lexicon v2. Lexicon v3 corrections produced if the new videos surface notation the lexicon doesn't cover.
+- **G3.** Pass 3 C11/Python projection for all 4 videos (per-video deliverables: C11 .c + .h or Python .py + 3-4 markdown docs).
+- **G4.** A cross-video synthesis report connecting the 4 new reports to each other and to the prior campaign's themes.
+- **G5.** End-of-campaign closeout report documenting what was done, key insights, and any cross-campaign insights relevant to Campaign A.
+
+## Functional Requirements
+
+### FR1: Pass 1 — Information Extraction
+
+- Use `scripts/video_analysis/download_video.py` to acquire each video via `yt-dlp`.
+- Use `scripts/video_analysis/extract_transcript.py` to extract the transcript.
+- Use `scripts/video_analysis/extract_keyframes.py` + `scripts/video_analysis/ocr_frames.py` to extract keyframe images + OCR text.
+- Use `scripts/video_analysis/synthesize_report.py` to synthesize the deep-dive report.
+- Each report preserves the source content losslessly (no deobfuscation yet — that's Pass 2).
+- Per-video deliverable: `report.md` (1,000-10,000 LOC) + supporting artifacts (transcript, keyframes, OCR).
+- **Video slug naming:** `entropy_compression` (video 1), `lecun_world_models` (video 2), `lecun_bet_against_llms` (video 3), `recursive_self_improvement` (video 4).
+
+### FR2: Pass 2 — Deobfuscation
+
+- Apply lexicon v2 to each video's Pass 1 report.
+- Per-video deliverables: translation (3-column: original → deobfuscated → rationale) + replacement (the deobfuscated content) + decoder (the notation mapping).
+- 4 + 4 verification criteria per the v2 lexicon (lossless, bounded, constructively typed, etymology-cited + the 4 additional from the apply phase).
+- If a video surfaces notation the lexicon doesn't cover: produce lexicon v3 corrections (L-codes) + update `terms_catalog.md`.
+- **Expected new notation:** LeCun's JEPA (Joint Embedding Predictive Architecture), the world-model latent dynamics vocabulary, recursive self-improvement's bootstrapping notation.
+
+### FR3: Pass 3 — C11/Python Projection
+
+- Project each video's deobfuscated content to C11 (.c + .h) or Python (.py) in the user's idiomatic style.
+- Use the C11 reference (`video_analysis_deob_c11_reference_20260623`) as the style guide.
+- Per-video deliverables: C11 or Python code + 3-4 markdown docs (translation, decoder, notes).
+- Per-language `<<` / `>>` rendering (much_less / much_greater / weakly_coupled with tolerance).
+- Encoding placeholder scheme (float / integer / Scalar / float64).
+- Code may or may not run (per user 2026-06-23: "code may or may not run").
+
+### FR4: Cross-Video Synthesis
+
+- A synthesis report connecting the 4 new reports to each other.
+- Theme matrix: which videos touch which themes (compression, world models, self-improvement, directive encoding).
+- Concept map: how the 4 videos' concepts relate.
+- Connection to the prior campaign: which of the 12 prior videos share themes with these 4 new ones.
+- Cross-campaign insights: any insights relevant to Campaign A (directive encoding).
+
+### FR5: End-of-Campaign Closeout
+
+- A closeout report following the precedent of `docs/reports/2026-06-15/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md`.
+- Documents: what was done, key decisions, final statistics, open questions.
+- Cross-campaign insights: what the video analysis suggests for directive encoding (Campaign A).
+
+## Non-Functional Requirements
+
+- **Lossless preservation:** Pass 1 artifacts must NOT be over-summarized (data cascades to Pass 2/3). Per the prior campaign's "load-bearing directive."
+- **Lexicon v2 as starting point:** Pass 2 starts from v2. If v3 corrections are needed, they are produced as a patch track (same pattern as `video_analysis_deob_lexicon_v2_20260623`).
+- **User-led gating:** Pass 2 may require the user to gather deobfuscation samples (same as the prior campaign's warmup). Pass 3 may require the user to articulate "own caveats" before the projection starts. These are user-action gates, not agent-action gates.
+- **Reusable tooling:** the existing `scripts/video_analysis/` pipeline is reused without modification. If the pipeline needs changes (e.g., new ocr engine, new transcript API), that's a separate tooling track.
+
+## Architecture Reference
+
+- **`docs/reports/2026-06-15/CAMPAIGN_CLOSE_OUT_video_analysis_20260621.md`** — the prior campaign's closeout (the pattern this campaign follows).
+- **`scripts/video_analysis/`** — the existing pipeline (7 modules; reused for Pass 1).
+- **The lexicon v2** (from `video_analysis_deob_lexicon_v2_20260623`) — the deobfuscation substrate for Pass 2.
+- **The C11 reference** (from `video_analysis_deob_c11_reference_20260623`) — the projection target for Pass 3.
+- **`docs/superpowers/specs/2026-06-27-directive-hotswap-harness-design.md`** → now at `conductor/tracks/directive_hotswap_harness_20260627/spec.md` — the sibling campaign (Campaign A).
+
+## Out of Scope
+
+- **Modifying the existing `scripts/video_analysis/` pipeline.** If the pipeline needs changes, that's a separate tooling track.
+- **Re-analyzing the 12 prior videos.** The prior campaign is closed.
+- **Building the directive hot-swap harness.** That's Campaign A (separate track, separate spec).
+- **Authoring alternative directive encodings (v2+).** That's a future track in Campaign A.
+- **Automated compliance testing of directive encodings.** Future track.
+
+## Track Structure (Children)
+
+This is the umbrella track. Children are initialized once the umbrella is approved:
+
+- **Pass 1 children (4):** `video_analysis_2_entropy_compression_20260627`, `video_analysis_2_lecun_world_models_20260627`, `video_analysis_2_lecun_bet_against_llms_20260627`, `video_analysis_2_recursive_self_improvement_20260627`
+- **Pass 1 synthesis (1):** `video_analysis_2_synthesis_20260627`
+- **Pass 2 sub-tracks (TBD):** umbrella + warmup (if needed) + apply. Initialized after Pass 1 ships.
+- **Pass 3 sub-tracks (TBD):** initialized after Pass 2 ships.
+- **Lexicon v3 patch (conditional):** only if the new videos surface notation the lexicon doesn't cover.
+- **End-of-campaign closeout (1):** `video_analysis_campaign_2_closeout_20260627`

conductor/tracks/video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627/state.toml

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+# Track state for video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627
+# Initialized by Tier 1 Orchestrator on 2026-06-27.
+# Umbrella track for the 4-video research campaign (Pass 1 only; Pass 2/3 are sub-tracks).
+
+[meta]
+track_id = "video_analysis_campaign_2_20260627"
+name = "Video Analysis Campaign 2 (4 AI Videos, 3-Pass)"
+status = "active"
+current_phase = 0
+last_updated = "2026-06-27"
+
+[blocked_by]
+# None. Research track; no code changes, no test changes.
+
+[blocks]
+video_analysis_2_pass_2_deob = "planned (future; authored after Pass 1 ships)"
+video_analysis_2_pass_3_projection = "planned (future; authored after Pass 2 ships)"
+
+[phases]
+phase_0 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Umbrella Setup (verify pipeline + scaffold child tracks)" }
+phase_1 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Pass 1 — Information Extraction (4 per-video reports)" }
+phase_2 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "Cross-Video Synthesis (Pass 1)" }
+phase_3 = { status = "pending", checkpointsha = "", name = "End-of-Pass-1 Checkpoint (verify + user review gate)" }
+
+[tasks]
+t0_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Verify yt-dlp pipeline works for all 4 URLs" }
+t0_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Scaffold 4 child track directories + synthesis child" }
+t0_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit umbrella setup" }
+t1_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Video 1: entropy_compression (Reinventing Entropy | Compression is Intelligence Part 1)" }
+t1_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Video 2: lecun_world_models (Yann LeCun: World Models)" }
+t1_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Video 3: lecun_bet_against_llms (LeCun's $1B Bet Against LLMs [Part 1])" }
+t1_4 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Video 4: recursive_self_improvement (Recursive Self-Improvement)" }
+t1_5 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit Pass 1 reports" }
+t2_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Write cross-video synthesis report (theme matrix + concept map + Campaign A insights)" }
+t2_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit synthesis" }
+t3_1 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Verify all 4 reports >= 1,000 LOC" }
+t3_2 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Present Pass 1 results to user (PAUSE for review before Pass 2)" }
+t3_3 = { status = "pending", commit_sha = "", description = "Commit checkpoint" }
+
+[verification]
+phase_0_complete = false
+phase_1_complete = false
+phase_2_complete = false
+phase_3_complete = false
+pass_1_reports_count = 0
+synthesis_complete = false
+
+[campaign_context]
+campaign_name = "Video Analysis Campaign 2"
+prior_campaign = "video_analysis_campaign_20260621 (12 videos; closed 2026-06-23)"
+sibling_campaign = "Directive Encoding Campaign (Campaign A; directive_hotswap_harness_20260627)"
+cross_campaign_relationship = "Intellectual cross-pollination. Video 1 (entropy/compression) is most relevant to directive encoding."
+videos = [
+  { slug = "entropy_compression", url = "https://youtu.be/l6DKRf-fAAM", cluster = "A" },
+  { slug = "lecun_world_models", url = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Xj8k5WQX4", cluster = "B" },
+  { slug = "lecun_bet_against_llms", url = "https://youtu.be/kYkIdXwW2AE", cluster = "B" },
+  { slug = "recursive_self_improvement", url = "https://youtu.be/t7_ZXgfJVG8", cluster = "C" },
+]

conductor/workflow.md

@@ -383,11 +383,13 @@ The Tier 2 autonomous mode is the unattended execution mode for tracks. See `doc
 ### Conventions (MUST follow)
 
 1. **Test runner:** Tier 2 always uses `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py`. NEVER `uv run pytest` directly. The batched runner provides tier-based filtering, parallelization (xdist), and a summary table that direct pytest does not.
-2. **Default branch:** this repo uses `master` (not `main`). When fetching or branching, use `origin/master`. Do not assume `main` exists.
-3. **Line endings:** preserve existing line endings on edit. This repo has a mix of CRLF and LF; repo-wide LF standardization is a future track. For now, do not normalize.
-4. **Throw-away scripts:** Tier 2 writes its working scripts to `scripts/tier2/artifacts/<track-name>/`, NOT the base `scripts/tier2/` directory. The base is reserved for production code (failcount.py, run_track.py, write_report.py, the .ps1 launchers). Throw-away scripts are kept for archival but isolated.
-5. **End-of-track report:** at the end of every track, Tier 2 writes `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_<track-name>.md` (follow the precedent set by `TRACK_COMPLETION_tier2_autonomous_sandbox_20260616.md`) and updates `conductor/tracks/<track-name>/state.toml` to `status = "completed"`. The user reads this report to decide merge.
-6. **Run-time expectation:** tracks are 1-4 hours. If the model reports it is running out of context, Tier 2 notes progress to disk (the failcount state file) and continues. The user expects autonomous runs to complete without manual "press continue" intervention. The `--resume` flag picks up from the last completed task.
+2. **NEVER filter test output** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT pipe test output through `Select-Object`, `| Select -First N`, `| Select -Last N`, `head`, `tail`, or any truncation filter. If you need to see more output later, you'll have to re-run the entire test — which wastes time and context. Instead, ALWAYS redirect to a log file: `uv run python scripts/run_tests_batched.py > tests/artifacts/tier2_state/<track>/test_run_<phase>_<task>.log 2>&1`. Then read the log file with `manual-slop_read_file` or `grep` to find the relevant sections. The log file is your full record; you can search it without re-running.
+3. **Prefer targeted tier runs** (added 2026-06-27 per user directive). Do NOT run the full 11-tier batch for every verification. Run only the tiers relevant to the current task (e.g., `--tier tier3` or `--filter test_<specific_file>`). The full batch is for the USER to run after merge review, not for Tier 2's per-task verification. Running the full batch every time wastes 20+ minutes and the output is too large to be useful in context.
+4. **Default branch:** this repo uses `master` (not `main`). When fetching or branching, use `origin/master`. Do not assume `main` exists.
+5. **Line endings:** preserve existing line endings on edit. This repo has a mix of CRLF and LF; repo-wide LF standardization is a future track. For now, do not normalize.
+6. **Throw-away scripts:** Tier 2 writes its working scripts to `scripts/tier2/artifacts/<track-name>/`, NOT the base `scripts/tier2/` directory. The base is reserved for production code (failcount.py, run_track.py, write_report.py, the .ps1 launchers). Throw-away scripts are kept for archival but isolated.
+7. **End-of-track report:** at the end of every track, Tier 2 writes `docs/reports/TRACK_COMPLETION_<track-name>.md` (follow the precedent set by `TRACK_COMPLETION_tier2_autonomous_sandbox_20260616.md`) and updates `conductor/tracks/<track-name>/state.toml` to `status = "completed"`. The user reads this report to decide merge.
+8. **Run-time expectation:** tracks are 1-4 hours. If the model reports it is running out of context, Tier 2 notes progress to disk (the failcount state file) and continues. The user expects autonomous runs to complete without manual "press continue" intervention. The `--resume` flag picks up from the last completed task.
 
 ### Hard bans (3-layer enforcement)
 

config.toml

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ paths = [
     "C:/projects/gencpp/.ai/gencpp_sloppy.toml",
     "C:/projects/Pikuma/ps1-ai/pikuma_ps1.toml",
 ]
-active = "project.toml"
+active = "C:/projects/manual_slop/manual_slop.toml"
 
 [gui]
 separate_message_panel = false
@@ -70,31 +70,31 @@ scale = 1.0
 transparency = 1.0
 child_transparency = 1.0
 
-[theme.tone_mapping.moss]
-brightness = 0.7699999809265137
-contrast = 0.8700000047683716
-gamma = 1.0
-
-[theme.tone_mapping.solarized_light]
-brightness = 0.6899999976158142
+[theme.tone_mapping."Solarized Light"]
+brightness = 0.5600000023841858
 contrast = 0.8600000143051147
-gamma = 0.7699999809265137
+gamma = 0.7900000214576721
 
 [theme.tone_mapping.Binks]
 brightness = 0.47999998927116394
 contrast = 0.8399999737739563
 gamma = 2.2100000381469727
 
-[theme.tone_mapping."Solarized Light"]
-brightness = 0.5600000023841858
+[theme.tone_mapping.solarized_light]
+brightness = 0.6899999976158142
 contrast = 0.8600000143051147
-gamma = 0.7900000214576721
+gamma = 0.7699999809265137
 
 [theme.tone_mapping.gray_variations]
 brightness = 0.7699999809265137
 contrast = 0.7200000286102295
 gamma = 0.6899999976158142
 
+[theme.tone_mapping.moss]
+brightness = 0.7699999809265137
+contrast = 0.8700000047683716
+gamma = 1.0
+
 [mma]
 max_workers = 4