From a5f4718bc09338f43f093b1c89154d9faf545b53 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:27:03 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 01/42] Add screenshot handoff support to ux-design and
 ui-design workflows
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ux-design (0.5.0 → 0.6.0):
- handoff: curate screenshots from evaluation evidence with stable SS-N
  IDs, captions, alt text, and SHA-256 checksums in a manifest
- publish: validate screenshot references and resolve storage policy
  (lfs/external/git) from explicit repository or researcher choice
- revise/respond: handle screenshot additions, replacements, and
  image-only changes through manifest checksum comparison
- guidelines: add screenshot handling rules (curated not exhaustive,
  asset identity via checksums, no storage assumption)

ui-design (0.1.0 → 0.2.0):
- ingest: open and visually inspect referenced screenshots, record
  observations and text/image consistency, report unavailable images
- plan: cite screenshot IDs alongside written specs, flag text/image
  discrepancies, preserve text-only and deferred inspection paths
- guidelines: add rules against fabricated visual observations and
  clarify screenshots are visual evidence not runtime verification

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/README.md         |   3 +
 ui-design/SKILL.md          |   2 +-
 ui-design/guidelines.md     |   7 ++
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md  |  73 ++++++++++++++++
 ui-design/skills/plan.md    |  51 +++++++++++
 ux-design/README.md         |  14 ++-
 ux-design/SKILL.md          |   2 +-
 ux-design/guidelines.md     |  21 +++++
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md | 107 ++++++++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md | 169 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++---
 ux-design/skills/respond.md |  32 ++++++-
 ux-design/skills/revise.md  |  23 +++++
 12 files changed, 485 insertions(+), 19 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/README.md b/ui-design/README.md
index c458f0b9..2606cdcd 100644
--- a/ui-design/README.md
+++ b/ui-design/README.md
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ The workflow draws from multiple published sources — never from another workfl
 | Context path | User-provided filesystem path (non-Jira flow only) | No — used when starting from a local document |
 | Description | User-provided text (non-Jira flow only) | No — used when starting from a textual description |
 | UX handoff (`handoff.md`) | Docs repo (from `ux-design` workflow) | No — optional for purely technical work |
+| UX screenshots (`screenshots/`) | Docs repo (alongside `handoff.md`) | No — present only when evaluation captured screenshots |
 | PRD (`prd.md`) | Docs repo (from `prd` workflow) | Yes |
 | Design document (`design.md`) | Docs repo (from `design` workflow) | Yes |
 | `AGENTS.md` / `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md` | Project root | If available |
@@ -80,6 +81,8 @@ Jira).
 /ui-design:ingest EDM-1234
   → fetches the [UI] story from Jira
   → follows references to load UX handoff, PRD, design doc from docs repo
+  → if UX handoff has screenshots, opens and visually inspects each image
+  → records screenshot observations (visual details, text/image consistency)
   → reads AGENTS.md, UI-ARCHITECTURE.md
   → explores UI codebase (components, hooks, routes, state, tests)
   → explores backend API (types, endpoints, OpenAPI specs)
diff --git a/ui-design/SKILL.md b/ui-design/SKILL.md
index c49386cd..3d82e587 100644
--- a/ui-design/SKILL.md
+++ b/ui-design/SKILL.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 name: ui-design
-version: 0.1.0
+version: 0.2.0
 description: >-
   UI design workflow that takes a [UI] Jira story and optional UX handoff artifact,
   produces a component decomposition with hook design, state management,
diff --git a/ui-design/guidelines.md b/ui-design/guidelines.md
index 2a030ec3..3f305b3e 100644
--- a/ui-design/guidelines.md
+++ b/ui-design/guidelines.md
@@ -11,6 +11,12 @@
 - **Persona-aware decomposition is required.** When the UX handoff identifies multiple user groups with distinct views or permissions, the component architecture must address conditional rendering, permission gates, and shared vs. persona-specific components explicitly.
 - **Data annotations drive API review.** Every `Unknown` or `API` source type in the UX handoff's Data Annotations table must be resolved to a specific API endpoint and field — or flagged as a gap.
 - **Accessibility is architectural.** ARIA roles, keyboard navigation, and focus management are designed alongside components, not bolted on later.
+- **Screenshots are visual evidence, not runtime verification.** When UX
+  handoff screenshots are available, cite them for layout and visual-state
+  decisions. Screenshots show rendered presentation; they do not verify
+  keyboard navigation, accessibility compliance, API behavior, or runtime
+  state management. Flag text/image discrepancies rather than silently
+  choosing one source or inventing behavior to reconcile them.
 - **Tests validate behavior, not implementation.** The testing strategy describes what user-facing behaviors to verify, using the project's existing test framework and patterns.
 
 ## Shared Content Rules
@@ -21,6 +27,7 @@ artifacts and published output from this workflow.
 ## Hard Limits
 
 - No fabricated requirements. Every component, hook, and route must trace to a UX handoff element, design document constraint, PRD requirement, or user direction.
+- No fabricated visual observations. When screenshots cannot be inspected (tool unavailability, unreadable files), report the limitation — do not invent observations from captions, alt text, or filenames.
 - No publishing (creating PRs, posting comments) without explicit user approval.
 - No Jira modifications without explicit user approval and a dry-run preview first.
 - **No scope reduction.** Never silently simplify, defer to "v2", use "placeholder", or say "future enhancement" to reduce scope. If scope won't fit, propose a split — don't reduce.
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 67d2c2e6..c66e5975 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -269,6 +269,57 @@ proceed without a handoff (it is optional).
 
 If found, read it.
 
+**Screenshot inspection.** After reading the handoff text, check whether
+its Screenshots section references curated images (rows in the screenshot
+table with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
+
+- **If screenshots are referenced:** For each referenced screenshot, locate
+  the image file relative to the handoff's directory in the docs repo
+  (e.g., `{handoff_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-description.png`). Then:
+
+  1. **Open and visually inspect each image** using the runtime's image
+     reading capability (e.g., the `Read` tool on the image file path).
+     Reading the markdown table, file metadata, captions, or alt text
+     alone is **not** image inspection — the purpose is to observe the
+     actual rendered layout, visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage,
+     component arrangement, and state presentation in the image pixels.
+
+  2. For each inspected image, record:
+     - The screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
+     - A brief observation of what the image actually shows (layout,
+       component arrangement, visual state, notable visual details)
+     - Whether the image content is consistent with or contradicts the
+       handoff's written description for that screenshot
+     - Any visual details not captured in the written spec (spacing,
+       alignment, visual weight, color patterns)
+
+  3. If an image file cannot be found, is unreadable, or the runtime does
+     not support image inspection (e.g., no multimodal capability, or
+     the tool returns an error for binary files):
+     - Record the screenshot ID and status as `unavailable` or
+       `inspection-not-supported`
+     - Report to the user which images could not be inspected and why
+     - Do **not** claim the images were inspected or fabricate visual
+       observations from the caption or alt text
+     - Ask the user whether to proceed with text-only context or wait
+       for image access
+
+  4. If the handoff references a `screenshot-manifest.json`, read it to
+     obtain SHA-256 checksums for asset identity verification. Record the
+     manifest's `context_revision` and `prototype_iteration` fields. If
+     the manifest's revision differs from the handoff's metadata, warn
+     the user that screenshots may be stale.
+
+- **If no screenshots are available** (handoff says "None" or the
+  Screenshots section is absent): Record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` in the
+  context. This is a legitimate case (Quick evaluation depth, URL-only
+  input, or pre-screenshot handoff). Do not treat this as an error.
+
+- **User-authorized text-only path.** If the user explicitly authorizes
+  proceeding without image inspection (when screenshots exist but cannot
+  be inspected), record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred` and the reason.
+  Downstream phases will note reduced visual fidelity.
+
 **Provenance freshness check.** Before extracting content, look for a
 provenance footer (`<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:`) in the handoff file.
 If no provenance footer is found, warn the user:
@@ -469,6 +520,28 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
  If not available: "No UX handoff artifact. This [UI] story operates from
  PRD and design document context only."}
 
+### Screenshot Observations
+
+- **Screenshots:** {`inspected` / `none` / `deferred` / `unavailable`}
+
+{If inspected: for each screenshot, record the ID, a brief visual
+observation, and any text/image discrepancies.}
+
+| ID | Visual Observation | Consistent with Spec | Notes |
+|----|-------------------|----------------------|-------|
+| SS-1 | {What the image actually shows — layout, components, visual state} | {Yes / No — discrepancy description} | {Visual details not in written spec} |
+
+{If none: "No screenshots in the UX handoff. Visual context is derived
+from the written spec only."}
+
+{If deferred: "Screenshots exist but image inspection was deferred by
+user authorization. Reason: {reason}. Visual fidelity is reduced — the
+plan phase will note which decisions lack visual evidence."}
+
+{If unavailable: "Screenshots referenced but could not be inspected.
+Images not inspected: {list of SS-N IDs and reasons}. Visual context is
+derived from the written spec only for these screenshots."}
+
 ### Feasibility & Phasing
 
 {If available from the UX handoff: summarize the phasing information —
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 35c045d4..3e7179a3 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -48,6 +48,25 @@ context flag for the rest of this phase:
 All subsequent sections use `HAS_HANDOFF` to choose between UX-derived
 content and fallback guidance (PRD + design document + codebase context).
 
+**Determine screenshot availability.** Check the **Screenshot
+Observations** section of `01-context.md` for the `Screenshots` status:
+
+- `inspected` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = true` — visual observations are
+  available and should be cited alongside written spec references
+- `none` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` — no screenshots exist; design
+  from written spec only (legitimate case, not an error)
+- `deferred` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred` — screenshots exist but
+  were not visually inspected; note reduced visual fidelity in decisions
+  that would benefit from visual evidence
+- `unavailable` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` — screenshots could not be
+  inspected; treat as text-only with a note
+
+`HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is independent of `HAS_HANDOFF`. A handoff may exist
+without screenshots (Quick evaluation) and screenshots are never present
+without a handoff. Do not conflate screenshot inspection with keyboard
+navigation testing, accessibility auditing, API verification, or runtime
+behavior validation — screenshots show visual presentation only.
+
 Then open **cited sources only** from `01-context.md`:
 
 1. The UX handoff artifact — use the path recorded in the Upstream Artifacts
@@ -76,6 +95,36 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 - Which persona-specific views require conditional rendering or permission gates?
 - Which acceptance criteria drive which components?
 
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true, use the inspected screenshot observations
+from `01-context.md` to inform component grouping, layout, and visible-
+state decisions:
+
+- **Cite image IDs** alongside written spec references using the marker
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N]` — for example, `[Screenshot: SS-1]` when a
+  component's layout is informed by the populated-state screenshot.
+- **Compare visual and textual evidence.** If a screenshot shows layout,
+  spacing, component arrangement, or visual hierarchy that differs from or
+  is not described in the written handoff spec, flag the discrepancy
+  explicitly rather than silently selecting one source:
+
+  *"[Discrepancy: SS-2 vs Handoff §Component Mapping] The screenshot
+  shows {observed visual detail}, but the written spec describes
+  {written detail}. Flagging for user resolution."*
+
+  Do not invent behavior to resolve a discrepancy — present both sources
+  and let the user decide.
+
+- **Visual-only evidence.** When a screenshot provides visual details not
+  in the written spec (spacing proportions, visual weight, color-coded
+  states), cite the screenshot as the source for those decisions:
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — visual detail]`.
+
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`:
+- Note in each section where visual evidence would have informed a
+  decision: *"Visual evidence deferred — this decision is based on the
+  written spec only."*
+- Do not fabricate visual observations from captions or alt text.
+
 If `HAS_HANDOFF` is false:
 - Which design document interface changes (IC-N) affect the frontend?
 - Which PRD requirements (FR-N, NFR-N) have UI implications?
@@ -508,6 +557,8 @@ Before presenting the UI design document, verify:
 - [ ] No vague language ("appropriate", "standard", "as needed" without specifics)
 - [ ] No scope reduction language ("v2", "simplified", "placeholder", "future enhancement")
 - [ ] Source markers trace decisions to UX handoff, design document, PRD, or codebase
+- [ ] Screenshot citations (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) are present for layout and visual-state decisions when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true; deferred decisions are noted when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`
+- [ ] Text/image discrepancies are flagged explicitly, not silently resolved
 - [ ] File paths are specific and follow the project's directory conventions
 - [ ] No `[Assumption: ...]` markers remain
 - [ ] The document is concise — no redundant sections or unnecessary repetition
diff --git a/ux-design/README.md b/ux-design/README.md
index 817e2fce..3e824182 100644
--- a/ux-design/README.md
+++ b/ux-design/README.md
@@ -147,10 +147,13 @@ context, use the stable key agreed during `/ingest` (for example,
     prototype/                 (generated prototype files, from the skill)
   04-evaluation.md             (heuristic eval report, readiness assessment)
   04-eval-raw/                 (raw skill reports, mirrored from the eval skills)
+    screenshots/               (raw evaluation screenshots — private evidence)
   history/                     (prior context snapshots, prototypes, evaluations)
   05-handoff.md                (implementation spec, component mapping, AC)
+  screenshots/                 (curated screenshots for handoff, with stable SS-N IDs)
+  screenshot-manifest.json     (asset index: IDs, checksums, captions, source paths)
   06-pr-description.md         (generated PR body for /publish)
-  publish-metadata.json        (PR number, branch, canonical handoff and source paths)
+  publish-metadata.json        (PR number, branch, handoff/source paths, storage policy)
   provenance.json              (authoring provenance log)
 ```
 
@@ -178,8 +181,17 @@ It contains:
 - **Acceptance criteria** — testable, traced to research findings
 - **Feasibility and phasing** — design reality-checked against the technical
   design, with a final-vision/MVP split when constraints require it
+- **Screenshots** — curated images of the rendered prototype showing primary
+  flows and important alternate/error states, with stable IDs (`SS-N`),
+  meaningful captions, alt text, and revision metadata; absent when
+  evaluation used Quick depth or URL-only input
 - **Research context** — why decisions were made
 
+The accompanying `screenshot-manifest.json` records each screenshot's
+SHA-256 checksum, source path, caption, and the prototype iteration and
+context revision it was captured from. This enables consumers and the
+publish phase to validate asset identity and detect visual-only changes.
+
 ## UXD Marketplace Skills
 
 This workflow uses skills from the
diff --git a/ux-design/SKILL.md b/ux-design/SKILL.md
index c1436747..fc5b3e9f 100644
--- a/ux-design/SKILL.md
+++ b/ux-design/SKILL.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 name: ux-design
-version: 0.5.0
+version: 0.6.0
 description: >-
   UX design workflow that supports early research and exploratory prototyping
   from a Jira Feature or published PRD, then enriches the same context from its
diff --git a/ux-design/guidelines.md b/ux-design/guidelines.md
index 02773c72..b7e77a22 100644
--- a/ux-design/guidelines.md
+++ b/ux-design/guidelines.md
@@ -88,6 +88,27 @@ Stop and request human guidance when:
 - The researcher's domain expertise is needed to interpret data
 - Confidence in a design recommendation is low
 
+## Screenshot Handling
+
+- **Curated, not exhaustive.** Handoff screenshots are a curated selection
+  of the most implementation-relevant images. Raw evaluation evidence
+  remains private in `04-eval-raw/screenshots/` and must not be published
+  wholesale.
+- **Stable identifiers.** Each curated screenshot has a stable `SS-N` ID
+  that persists across revisions. Consumers cite these IDs, not filenames.
+- **Asset identity.** The `screenshot-manifest.json` records SHA-256
+  checksums of each curated screenshot. Use checksums — not filenames or
+  timestamps — to detect visual-only changes when the handoff text is
+  unchanged.
+- **No storage assumption.** The `/publish` phase does not assume any
+  particular storage backend for the docs repo. An explicit repository or
+  researcher policy must authorize how screenshot assets are stored before
+  any copy, commit, or upload occurs.
+- **Quick depth and text-only paths.** When evaluation captured no
+  screenshots, the handoff explicitly records this. Downstream workflows
+  must not fabricate visual observations or fail — they operate from the
+  written spec and note the absence.
+
 ## Artifact Persistence and Isolation
 
 - All workflow artifacts MUST be stored under `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/`,
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index d6219c36..0d3fa2fc 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -187,17 +187,93 @@ and data-source classifications, and mark affected findings **unverified
 against the technical design**. `/handoff` does no codebase exploration of its
 own, so do not imply verification the phase cannot perform.
 
-### Step 5: Assemble the handoff artifact
+### Step 5: Curate Screenshots
 
-Combine the skill's output with Steps 2, 3, and 4 into the artifact below, and
-save it to `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md`.
+Select screenshots that illustrate the approved design for implementation.
+These are curated references for the handoff consumer (`ui-design`), not a
+dump of all raw evaluation evidence.
+
+**Source.** The `/evaluate` phase captures screenshots into
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshots/`. If no
+screenshots exist (Quick depth was used, or screenshots were not captured),
+skip this step and record `Screenshots: None — evaluation used URL or Quick
+depth` in the handoff template's Screenshots section.
+
+**Selection criteria.** From the available screenshots, select images that
+show:
+
+1. The **primary user flow** in its populated/happy-path state
+2. Each **alternate state** relevant to implementation (empty, loading, error,
+   partial — choose the states present in the State Matrix)
+3. Any **persona-specific view** that differs visually from the default
+4. **Responsive breakpoints** if the design adapts to screen size
+
+Do not include redundant screenshots that show the same state from
+different evaluation runs. Prefer screenshots from the evaluation whose
+revision bindings match the current context.
+
+**Curated directory.** Copy selected screenshots to
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/` with stable filenames:
+
+```
+screenshots/
+  SS-1-{short-description}.png     (e.g., SS-1-fleet-list-populated.png)
+  SS-2-{short-description}.png     (e.g., SS-2-fleet-list-empty.png)
+  ...
+```
+
+Use the `SS-N` prefix as the stable identifier referenced throughout the
+handoff. The short description is lowercase-hyphenated and describes the
+flow or state. Keep filenames under 80 characters.
+
+**Screenshot manifest.** Write
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json` recording each
+curated screenshot. The manifest enables consumers and the publish phase to
+validate references, detect visual-only changes, and verify asset identity
+without re-inspecting the images:
+
+```json
+{
+  "issue_key": "{issue-key}",
+  "context_revision": "{current context revision}",
+  "prototype_iteration": "{iteration evaluated}",
+  "screenshots": [
+    {
+      "id": "SS-1",
+      "filename": "SS-1-fleet-list-populated.png",
+      "sha256": "{hex digest of the image file}",
+      "caption": "{One sentence describing what the screenshot shows}",
+      "alt_text": "{Accessible description of the visual content}",
+      "flow": "{Which user flow or state this illustrates}",
+      "state": "{populated | empty | loading | error | partial | responsive | persona-specific}",
+      "source": "{path to the source screenshot in 04-eval-raw/screenshots/}"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+Compute `sha256` by hashing the curated image file's bytes:
+
+```bash
+sha256sum ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" | cut -d' ' -f1
+```
+
+If the handoff is regenerated after a new evaluation cycle, re-curate
+screenshots from the updated evaluation and regenerate the manifest. The
+prior manifest is overwritten — history is preserved via `04-eval-raw/`
+which retains raw screenshots per evaluation run.
+
+### Step 6: Assemble the handoff artifact
+
+Combine the skill's output with Steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 into the artifact
+below, and save it to `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md`.
 Preserve the skill's Given/When/Then acceptance criteria format — it is
 more precise than a flat table and `ui-design` can consume it.
 
 Then move the skill's raw output into the namespace and clean up the repo
 root as described in Step 1.
 
-### Step 6: Capture Provenance
+### Step 7: Capture Provenance
 
 `05-handoff.md` is a planning document published to the docs repo (via
 `/publish`), so it carries the same provenance contract as `prd`/`design`.
@@ -306,6 +382,29 @@ deferred — the researcher confirms this split}
 {If the full design is deliverable as-is, state: "No phasing required — the
 technical design supports the full design."}
 
+## Screenshots
+
+{From Step 5. If no screenshots were captured (Quick depth or URL-only
+evaluation), state: "Screenshots: None — evaluation used URL or Quick
+depth. The ui-design workflow will operate from the written spec only."}
+
+{If screenshots are available, list each curated image with its stable ID,
+caption, and alt text. Reference the screenshot manifest for asset
+identity (SHA-256 checksums) and source traceability.}
+
+| ID | File | Caption | State |
+|----|------|---------|-------|
+| SS-1 | `screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png` | {What the screenshot shows} | {populated / empty / loading / error / partial / responsive / persona-specific} |
+
+**Manifest:** `screenshot-manifest.json` (SHA-256 checksums, source paths,
+context revision, prototype iteration)
+
+**Note for `ui-design`:** Open and visually inspect each referenced
+screenshot during `/ingest`. Do not treat this table as a substitute for
+image inspection — the screenshots show rendered layout, spacing, visual
+hierarchy, and state presentation that the written spec cannot fully
+convey.
+
 ## Open Questions
 
 {From skill output — ambiguities or gaps needing clarification}
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 6e7d611b..d784b237 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -174,6 +174,86 @@ different value before continuing.
 Use only the resolved `destination_dir`, `handoff_target`, and
 `handoff_file_path` for filesystem operations and the provenance target below.
 
+### Step 3a: Validate Screenshot References
+
+Before publishing, verify that every screenshot referenced in the handoff
+is available and has a valid identity record.
+
+Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
+If the file does not exist, check whether the handoff's Screenshots section
+says "None." If the handoff references screenshots but no manifest exists,
+stop and recommend re-running `/handoff` to generate the manifest.
+
+For each entry in the manifest:
+
+1. **File exists:** Verify the screenshot file at
+   `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}`
+   exists and is a regular file (not a symlink to a path outside the
+   artifact directory).
+
+2. **Checksum matches:** Compute the SHA-256 of the file and compare it to
+   the manifest's `sha256` field. If they differ, warn the researcher that
+   the image has changed since the manifest was written and ask whether to
+   update the manifest or re-curate.
+
+3. **Reference in handoff:** Verify the screenshot ID (e.g., `SS-1`) appears
+   in the handoff's Screenshots section. Warn about manifest entries not
+   referenced in the handoff (orphaned assets) and about handoff references
+   not in the manifest (broken references).
+
+If any screenshot is missing or has a broken reference, stop before
+creating the branch and report the specific failures.
+
+### Step 3b: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
+
+Determine how screenshot assets will be stored in the docs repo. The
+explicit repository or researcher policy is authoritative — do not infer
+storage mode from filesystem configuration alone.
+
+**Policy resolution order:**
+
+1. **Recorded policy.** If the `publish-metadata.json` for this handoff
+   already contains a `screenshot_storage` field, use it. This preserves
+   the choice made on the first publish for subsequent updates.
+
+2. **Repository-level policy.** Check for a `screenshot_storage` key in
+   `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` (or
+   `.workflows/config.json`). If present, its value is the explicit
+   repository policy.
+
+3. **No recorded policy.** If neither source provides a policy, stop
+   before copying any assets and present the available options to the
+   researcher:
+
+   *"The docs repo has no configured screenshot storage policy. Choose how
+   screenshot assets should be stored:*
+
+   *- **lfs** — Store images via Git LFS. Requires LFS to be initialized
+   in the docs repo (the researcher must run `git lfs install` and add
+   tracking patterns; this workflow does not enable LFS automatically).*
+
+   *- **external** — Reference images via stable, immutable external URLs.
+   You will provide a revision-bound URL for each screenshot. URLs must
+   not be mutable 'latest' links or time-expiring presigned URLs.*
+
+   *- **git** — Commit images as ordinary Git objects. This increases
+   repository size with each revision. Only appropriate for small asset
+   sets in repos that explicitly accept binary commits."*
+
+   Wait for the researcher's explicit choice. Do not default to any mode.
+
+**Important constraints:**
+
+- `.gitattributes` containing LFS patterns demonstrates that the docs repo
+  *can* use LFS but does not constitute a storage policy choice for this
+  handoff. Do not silently copy/commit images because LFS patterns exist.
+- Do not auto-enable LFS tracking. If the researcher selects `lfs` but the
+  docs repo has no LFS initialization or matching tracking patterns, stop
+  and tell them to configure LFS first.
+- Do not invent an external upload provider, endpoint, or credentials.
+- Store the resolved policy in `publish-metadata.json` so subsequent
+  `/publish`, `/revise`, and `/respond` updates reuse the same mode.
+
 ### Step 4: Create or Update Branch and Commit
 
 All git operations run against the **docs repo**. Use
@@ -219,6 +299,50 @@ mkdir -p "{destination_dir}"
 cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{handoff_target}"
 ```
 
+**Copy screenshot assets** (when the manifest is non-empty and the
+Screenshots section is not "None"):
+
+Apply the storage policy resolved in Step 3b:
+
+**`lfs` or `git` mode:**
+
+```bash
+mkdir -p "{destination_dir}/screenshots"
+```
+
+For each screenshot in the manifest, copy it and verify containment:
+
+```bash
+cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" \
+   "{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
+```
+
+After copying, verify the SHA-256 of each copied file matches the manifest.
+If any checksum fails, stop and report the corruption before committing.
+
+Validate that every copied file's resolved path is inside
+`{docs_repo_root}`. If `lfs` mode is selected, verify that the docs repo
+has LFS initialized and that a tracking pattern covers the target path
+(e.g., `*.png` or `screenshots/**`). If LFS is not configured, stop and
+ask the researcher to configure it.
+
+**`external` mode:**
+
+Do not copy image files. Instead, for each screenshot in the manifest,
+require the researcher to provide an immutable, revision-bound URL. Update
+the handoff's Screenshots section to reference external URLs instead of
+relative paths. Each URL must:
+
+- Be an HTTPS URL (not `file://`, `ftp://`, or data URI)
+- Include a version, commit, or content-addressed identifier in the path
+  (not a mutable `latest` tag or query-parameter-only versioning)
+- Not contain time-limited authentication tokens or presigned parameters
+
+Record each screenshot's external URL and the file's SHA-256 checksum in
+the `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` array so `/respond` and
+subsequent publishes can verify the external reference still resolves to the
+expected content.
+
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{handoff_target}"`.
@@ -241,26 +365,32 @@ Provenance at publish time:
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path}"
 ```
 
-For a new PR, commit the new handoff file:
+Stage screenshot assets (when `lfs` or `git` mode copied files):
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Add UX design handoff for {issue-key}" -- "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{destination_dir}/screenshots/"
 ```
 
-For an existing PR, compare the rendered handoff with the branch version. If
-there is a change, commit only this path; if it is unchanged, do not create an
-empty commit.
+For a new PR, commit the handoff and any screenshots together:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "Add UX design handoff for {issue-key}"
 ```
 
-An exit status of `0` means the file is unchanged: skip the commit and push. An
-exit status of `1` means it changed: create the update commit below. For any
-other status, stop and report the Git error.
+For an existing PR, compare staged changes with the branch version. If
+there are changes, commit them; if everything is unchanged, do not create
+an empty commit.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Update UX design handoff for {issue-key}" -- "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{destination_dir}/screenshots/"
+```
+
+An exit status of `0` means nothing changed: skip the commit and push. An
+exit status of `1` means there are changes: create the update commit below.
+For any other status, stop and report the Git error.
+
+```bash
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "Update UX design handoff for {issue-key}"
 ```
 
 ### Step 5: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
@@ -372,10 +502,27 @@ resolved paths used to derive the canonical handoff directory.
   "upstream_prd_path": "{repo-relative-prd-path}",
   "upstream_design_path": "{repo-relative-design-path}",
   "pr_number": "{pr-number}",
-  "branch": "{branch-name}"
+  "branch": "{branch-name}",
+  "screenshot_storage": "{lfs | external | git | none}",
+  "screenshot_assets": [
+    {
+      "id": "SS-1",
+      "filename": "{filename}",
+      "sha256": "{hex digest at publish time}",
+      "published_path": "{repo-relative path or external URL}"
+    }
+  ]
 }
 ```
 
+- `screenshot_storage`: the storage mode used for this publish. `none` when
+  the handoff has no screenshots.
+- `screenshot_assets`: one entry per published screenshot, enabling
+  `/respond` and subsequent publishes to detect visual-only changes by
+  comparing the current file's SHA-256 against the recorded value. For
+  `external` mode, `published_path` is the external URL; for `lfs` or
+  `git`, it is the repo-relative path.
+
 For an existing PR, retain its metadata. Do not change the PR number or branch.
 
 ### Step 8: Report to Researcher
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index a031b453..4d36a2ec 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -143,6 +143,30 @@ git -C "{docs_repo_path}" pull --ff-only
 cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"
 ```
 
+**Update screenshot assets if changed.** Read
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json` and
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`. If the manifest
+exists and contains screenshots:
+
+Derive the handoff directory from the published handoff path:
+
+```bash
+handoff_dir=$(dirname "{handoff_file_path}")
+```
+
+1. Compare each manifest entry's `sha256` against the corresponding
+   `screenshot_assets` entry in `publish-metadata.json`. If any checksum
+   differs, the screenshot was visually updated since the last publish.
+
+2. For `lfs` or `git` storage mode: copy changed screenshots to
+   `{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots/` and stage them.
+
+3. For `external` mode: ask the researcher for the updated external URL
+   for each changed screenshot.
+
+4. Update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` with the new
+   checksums and paths.
+
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"`.
@@ -151,8 +175,14 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add "{handoff_file_path}"
 ```
 
+Stage screenshot changes if any were copied:
+
+```bash
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/" 2>/dev/null || true
+```
+
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" -- "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/"
 ```
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index bbb267ad..9a131fdc 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ The user's feedback may target:
 - State coverage gaps
 - Acceptance criteria adjustments
 - Research context clarifications
+- Screenshot additions, replacements, or removals
 
 Clarify with the user if the feedback is ambiguous before making changes.
 
@@ -54,6 +55,27 @@ After writing the updated `05-handoff.md`, read and follow
 `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with `WORKFLOW=ux-design`,
 `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=revise`, `AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
+### Step 3a: Handle Screenshot Changes
+
+If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
+
+1. **Adding/replacing:** Copy new screenshots into
+   `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/` using stable `SS-N`
+   naming. Compute the SHA-256 and update `screenshot-manifest.json`.
+   Update the Screenshots section in `05-handoff.md`.
+
+2. **Removing:** Delete the file from `screenshots/`, remove its manifest
+   entry, and remove its row from the Screenshots section.
+
+3. **Image-only change** (same screenshot re-captured with visual changes
+   but no textual handoff change): Replace the file, update the manifest's
+   `sha256` field, and note the visual change in the revision summary. The
+   manifest checksum ensures `/publish` and `ui-design` detect the update
+   even when the filename and handoff text are unchanged.
+
+If the handoff previously had no screenshots and the researcher requests
+adding them, follow the curation procedure from `/handoff` Step 5.
+
 ### Step 4: Consistency Check
 
 After applying changes, verify:
@@ -61,6 +83,7 @@ After applying changes, verify:
 - Does the component mapping still align with the prototype?
 - Are interaction specs consistent with evaluation findings?
 - Are there contradictions with locked research decisions?
+- Do screenshot references in the handoff match the manifest?
 
 ### Step 5: Present Changes
 

From 01ca9d7070c258a98798518734a022d83d3b6a3b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:39:10 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 02/42] Fix coordinator review findings for screenshot handoff

1. Add actual ![alt](ref) image embeds beside User Flows and in the
   Screenshots section with per-image headings and captions; index table
   is supporting metadata, not the primary rendering.
2. Publish consumer-facing manifest (no private .artifacts paths) alongside
   handoff; UI reads published manifest for identity verification.
3. UI ingest handles external HTTPS refs (fetch bytes), LFS pointer stubs
   (resolve or report), and verifies SHA-256 against published manifest
   per image; per-image status (inspected/lfs-unresolved/fetch-failed/
   unavailable) with partial inspection support.
4. Restore --only commits with explicit path allowlists; pre-copy
   containment and filename validation; no indiscriminate directory
   staging; no unconditional screenshot paths on text-only/external.
5. Respond handles removals (git rm), additions, full validation gates
   matching publish; rewrites embeds+index for external updates;
   provenance captured after final modifications; metadata written only
   after commit/push succeeds.
6. Text-only publishes skip storage prompt entirely; recorded 'none' is
   invalid when images are first added; policy config locations documented.
7. Require matching evaluation bindings; accurate reason labeling for
   missing screenshots; capture/re-evaluate path offered.
8. Plan distinguishes additive visual evidence from contradictions;
   unavailable mapped to explicit status not false; partial inspection
   supported; UI README describes external references.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/README.md         |   2 +-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md  | 119 ++++++++++++++++++----------
 ui-design/skills/plan.md    |  52 +++++++-----
 ux-design/README.md         |  27 ++++++-
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md | 106 +++++++++++++++++++------
 ux-design/skills/publish.md | 153 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++---------
 ux-design/skills/respond.md |  89 ++++++++++++++++-----
 ux-design/skills/revise.md  |  46 +++++++----
 8 files changed, 432 insertions(+), 162 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/README.md b/ui-design/README.md
index 2606cdcd..9a943b57 100644
--- a/ui-design/README.md
+++ b/ui-design/README.md
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ The workflow draws from multiple published sources — never from another workfl
 | Context path | User-provided filesystem path (non-Jira flow only) | No — used when starting from a local document |
 | Description | User-provided text (non-Jira flow only) | No — used when starting from a textual description |
 | UX handoff (`handoff.md`) | Docs repo (from `ux-design` workflow) | No — optional for purely technical work |
-| UX screenshots (`screenshots/`) | Docs repo (alongside `handoff.md`) | No — present only when evaluation captured screenshots |
+| UX screenshots (`screenshots/` or external URLs) | Docs repo (repo-local files or immutable external HTTPS refs alongside `handoff.md`) | No — present only when evaluation captured screenshots |
 | PRD (`prd.md`) | Docs repo (from `prd` workflow) | Yes |
 | Design document (`design.md`) | Docs repo (from `design` workflow) | Yes |
 | `AGENTS.md` / `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md` | Project root | If available |
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index c66e5975..5f86c7d8 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -270,22 +270,49 @@ proceed without a handoff (it is optional).
 If found, read it.
 
 **Screenshot inspection.** After reading the handoff text, check whether
-its Screenshots section references curated images (rows in the screenshot
-table with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
-
-- **If screenshots are referenced:** For each referenced screenshot, locate
-  the image file relative to the handoff's directory in the docs repo
-  (e.g., `{handoff_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-description.png`). Then:
-
-  1. **Open and visually inspect each image** using the runtime's image
-     reading capability (e.g., the `Read` tool on the image file path).
-     Reading the markdown table, file metadata, captions, or alt text
-     alone is **not** image inspection — the purpose is to observe the
-     actual rendered layout, visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage,
-     component arrangement, and state presentation in the image pixels.
-
-  2. For each inspected image, record:
+its Screenshots section references curated images (inline `![alt](ref)`
+embeds with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
+
+- **If screenshots are referenced:** Read the published
+  `screenshot-manifest.json` from the same directory as the handoff in
+  the docs repo. This manifest contains per-image SHA-256 checksums,
+  `context_revision`, `prototype_iteration`, captions, and alt text —
+  the consumer-facing identity record. If the manifest is missing, warn
+  the user and record `manifest: unavailable` per image.
+
+  Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
+
+  **Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` — `lfs` or `git`
+  mode): Locate the image file relative to the handoff directory. If the
+  file is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
+  attempt to resolve the actual content via `git lfs smudge` or report
+  `inspection: lfs-unresolved` for that image — do not inspect the
+  pointer text as if it were an image.
+
+  **External references** (`https://...` URLs — `external` mode):
+  Retrieve the image bytes using the runtime's HTTP/image-fetch
+  capability (e.g., `WebFetch` with `save_to` to a temp file, then
+  `Read` the saved image). If HTTP access is unavailable or the fetch
+  fails, record `inspection: fetch-failed` for that image.
+
+  For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
+
+  1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides a `sha256` for this
+     ID, compute the SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. If
+     they differ, record `identity: mismatched` and warn the user that
+     the published image does not match the manifest. If the manifest is
+     unavailable, record `identity: unverified`.
+
+  2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
+     capability (e.g., the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading the
+     markdown table, file metadata, captions, or alt text alone is
+     **not** image inspection — the purpose is to observe the actual
+     rendered layout, visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage, component
+     arrangement, and state presentation in the image pixels.
+
+  3. For each inspected image, record:
      - The screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
+     - Identity status (`verified` / `mismatched` / `unverified`)
      - A brief observation of what the image actually shows (layout,
        component arrangement, visual state, notable visual details)
      - Whether the image content is consistent with or contradicts the
@@ -293,27 +320,28 @@ table with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
      - Any visual details not captured in the written spec (spacing,
        alignment, visual weight, color patterns)
 
-  3. If an image file cannot be found, is unreadable, or the runtime does
-     not support image inspection (e.g., no multimodal capability, or
-     the tool returns an error for binary files):
-     - Record the screenshot ID and status as `unavailable` or
-       `inspection-not-supported`
-     - Report to the user which images could not be inspected and why
+  4. If an image cannot be resolved, is unreadable, or the runtime does
+     not support image inspection:
+     - Record the screenshot ID and per-image status: `unavailable`,
+       `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`, or `inspection-not-supported`
+     - Report to the user which specific images could not be inspected
+       and the reason for each
      - Do **not** claim the images were inspected or fabricate visual
        observations from the caption or alt text
-     - Ask the user whether to proceed with text-only context or wait
-       for image access
+     - Preserve observations from images that were successfully inspected
+     - Ask the user whether to proceed with partial/text-only context or
+       wait for full image access — this is a per-decision choice, not a
+       blanket pass/fail
 
-  4. If the handoff references a `screenshot-manifest.json`, read it to
-     obtain SHA-256 checksums for asset identity verification. Record the
-     manifest's `context_revision` and `prototype_iteration` fields. If
-     the manifest's revision differs from the handoff's metadata, warn
-     the user that screenshots may be stale.
+  5. Record the manifest's `context_revision` and `prototype_iteration`.
+     If these differ from the handoff's metadata header, warn the user
+     that screenshots may be from a different evaluation cycle.
 
 - **If no screenshots are available** (handoff says "None" or the
-  Screenshots section is absent): Record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` in the
-  context. This is a legitimate case (Quick evaluation depth, URL-only
-  input, or pre-screenshot handoff). Do not treat this as an error.
+  Screenshots section is absent): Record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` in
+  the context. This is a legitimate case — do not treat it as an error
+  or assume it means Quick depth was used. Record the actual reason from
+  the handoff's Screenshots section if stated.
 
 - **User-authorized text-only path.** If the user explicitly authorizes
   proceeding without image inspection (when screenshots exist but cannot
@@ -522,25 +550,34 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 
 ### Screenshot Observations
 
-- **Screenshots:** {`inspected` / `none` / `deferred` / `unavailable`}
+- **Screenshots:** {`inspected` / `partial` / `none` / `deferred` / `unavailable`}
+- **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from published manifest, or "N/A"}
+- **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from published manifest, or "N/A"}
+
+{If inspected or partial: for each screenshot, record per-image status,
+identity verification, visual observation, and text/image consistency.}
 
-{If inspected: for each screenshot, record the ID, a brief visual
-observation, and any text/image discrepancies.}
+| ID | Status | Identity | Visual Observation | Consistent with Spec | Notes |
+|----|--------|----------|--------------------|----------------------|-------|
+| SS-1 | `inspected` | `verified` | {What the image shows — layout, components, state} | {Yes / No — discrepancy} | {Visual details not in written spec} |
+| SS-2 | `lfs-unresolved` | `unverified` | — | — | LFS pointer not resolved |
 
-| ID | Visual Observation | Consistent with Spec | Notes |
-|----|-------------------|----------------------|-------|
-| SS-1 | {What the image actually shows — layout, components, visual state} | {Yes / No — discrepancy description} | {Visual details not in written spec} |
+{Use `partial` when some images were inspected and others were not.
+Record observations for inspected images and per-image failure reasons
+for uninspected ones.}
 
-{If none: "No screenshots in the UX handoff. Visual context is derived
+{If none: "No screenshots in the UX handoff. Reason: {reason from
+handoff Screenshots section, e.g., 'evaluation at Quick depth' or
+'evaluation did not produce screenshots'}. Visual context is derived
 from the written spec only."}
 
 {If deferred: "Screenshots exist but image inspection was deferred by
 user authorization. Reason: {reason}. Visual fidelity is reduced — the
 plan phase will note which decisions lack visual evidence."}
 
-{If unavailable: "Screenshots referenced but could not be inspected.
-Images not inspected: {list of SS-N IDs and reasons}. Visual context is
-derived from the written spec only for these screenshots."}
+{If unavailable: "Screenshots referenced but none could be inspected.
+Per-image status: {SS-1: fetch-failed, SS-2: inspection-not-supported,
+...}. Visual context is derived from the written spec only."}
 
 ### Feasibility & Phasing
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 3e7179a3..e4a7a999 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -58,8 +58,11 @@ Observations** section of `01-context.md` for the `Screenshots` status:
 - `deferred` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred` — screenshots exist but
   were not visually inspected; note reduced visual fidelity in decisions
   that would benefit from visual evidence
-- `unavailable` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` — screenshots could not be
-  inspected; treat as text-only with a note
+- `unavailable` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable` — screenshots were
+  referenced but none could be inspected; note the limitation explicitly
+  in each section where visual evidence would apply
+- `partial` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = partial` — some images were inspected;
+  cite only the inspected ones and note which are missing
 
 `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is independent of `HAS_HANDOFF`. A handoff may exist
 without screenshots (Quick evaluation) and screenshots are never present
@@ -95,29 +98,36 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 - Which persona-specific views require conditional rendering or permission gates?
 - Which acceptance criteria drive which components?
 
-If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true, use the inspected screenshot observations
-from `01-context.md` to inform component grouping, layout, and visible-
-state decisions:
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true (or `partial` — some images inspected),
+use the inspected screenshot observations from `01-context.md` to inform
+component grouping, layout, and visible-state decisions. Use the
+image's recorded path or URL and identity status from the context to
+reference the correct asset.
 
 - **Cite image IDs** alongside written spec references using the marker
   `[Screenshot: SS-N]` — for example, `[Screenshot: SS-1]` when a
   component's layout is informed by the populated-state screenshot.
-- **Compare visual and textual evidence.** If a screenshot shows layout,
-  spacing, component arrangement, or visual hierarchy that differs from or
-  is not described in the written handoff spec, flag the discrepancy
-  explicitly rather than silently selecting one source:
-
-  *"[Discrepancy: SS-2 vs Handoff §Component Mapping] The screenshot
-  shows {observed visual detail}, but the written spec describes
+  Only cite screenshots whose status is `inspected` with identity
+  `verified` or `unverified`. Do not cite `unavailable` or
+  `lfs-unresolved` screenshots as visual evidence.
+
+- **Distinguish additive evidence from contradictions.** Visual details
+  present in a screenshot but not mentioned in the written spec are
+  **additive** — the screenshot supplements the prose. Cite these as:
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`. These are not discrepancies;
+  they add visual context the prose did not capture.
+
+  A **contradiction** is when a screenshot shows something that
+  conflicts with what the written spec explicitly states (e.g., the spec
+  says "two-column layout" but the screenshot shows three columns). Flag
+  these explicitly:
+
+  *"[Contradiction: SS-2 vs Handoff §Component Mapping] The screenshot
+  shows {observed visual detail}, but the written spec states
   {written detail}. Flagging for user resolution."*
 
-  Do not invent behavior to resolve a discrepancy — present both sources
-  and let the user decide.
-
-- **Visual-only evidence.** When a screenshot provides visual details not
-  in the written spec (spacing proportions, visual weight, color-coded
-  states), cite the screenshot as the source for those decisions:
-  `[Screenshot: SS-N — visual detail]`.
+  Do not invent behavior to resolve a contradiction — present both
+  sources and let the user decide.
 
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`:
 - Note in each section where visual evidence would have informed a
@@ -557,8 +567,8 @@ Before presenting the UI design document, verify:
 - [ ] No vague language ("appropriate", "standard", "as needed" without specifics)
 - [ ] No scope reduction language ("v2", "simplified", "placeholder", "future enhancement")
 - [ ] Source markers trace decisions to UX handoff, design document, PRD, or codebase
-- [ ] Screenshot citations (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) are present for layout and visual-state decisions when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true; deferred decisions are noted when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`
-- [ ] Text/image discrepancies are flagged explicitly, not silently resolved
+- [ ] Screenshot citations (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) are present for layout and visual-state decisions when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or partial; deferred/unavailable decisions are noted when applicable
+- [ ] Contradictions between screenshots and written spec are flagged explicitly; additive visual details are cited as supplementary evidence, not as discrepancies
 - [ ] File paths are specific and follow the project's directory conventions
 - [ ] No `[Assumption: ...]` markers remain
 - [ ] The document is concise — no redundant sections or unnecessary repetition
diff --git a/ux-design/README.md b/ux-design/README.md
index 3e824182..b1ab778f 100644
--- a/ux-design/README.md
+++ b/ux-design/README.md
@@ -187,10 +187,29 @@ It contains:
   evaluation used Quick depth or URL-only input
 - **Research context** — why decisions were made
 
-The accompanying `screenshot-manifest.json` records each screenshot's
-SHA-256 checksum, source path, caption, and the prototype iteration and
-context revision it was captured from. This enables consumers and the
-publish phase to validate asset identity and detect visual-only changes.
+The authoring `screenshot-manifest.json` (in `.artifacts/`) records each
+screenshot's SHA-256 checksum, source path, caption, and the prototype
+iteration and context revision it was captured from. A consumer-facing
+manifest (published alongside the handoff in the docs repo) omits private
+source paths and enables `ui-design` to verify asset identity and detect
+visual-only changes.
+
+### Screenshot Storage Policy
+
+The `/publish` phase requires an explicit storage policy before copying
+or committing screenshot assets. Configuration locations (checked in
+order):
+
+1. `publish-metadata.json` → `screenshot_storage` (per-handoff, set on
+   first publish)
+2. `{docs_repo}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` → `screenshot_storage`
+   (repository-level)
+3. `{docs_repo}/.workflows/config.json` → `screenshot_storage`
+   (repository-level fallback)
+
+Valid values: `lfs`, `external`, `git`. The value `none` is recorded for
+text-only publishes and is not valid authorization for image commits.
+`.gitattributes` LFS patterns indicate capability, not authorization.
 
 ## UXD Marketplace Skills
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index 0d3fa2fc..b9f8e299 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -194,13 +194,32 @@ These are curated references for the handoff consumer (`ui-design`), not a
 dump of all raw evaluation evidence.
 
 **Source.** The `/evaluate` phase captures screenshots into
-`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshots/`. If no
-screenshots exist (Quick depth was used, or screenshots were not captured),
-skip this step and record `Screenshots: None — evaluation used URL or Quick
-depth` in the handoff template's Screenshots section.
-
-**Selection criteria.** From the available screenshots, select images that
-show:
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshots/` at Standard
+and Full depth. Check whether screenshots exist in that directory.
+
+If no screenshots exist, determine why:
+- Read `04-evaluation.md` to confirm the evaluation depth used.
+- If the evaluation was Quick depth or URL-only: record
+  `Screenshots: None — evaluation at {depth} depth did not capture
+  screenshots.`
+- If the evaluation was Standard or Full but no screenshots were saved:
+  record `Screenshots: None — evaluation did not produce screenshots.`
+- In either case, tell the researcher: *"No screenshots are available
+  for the handoff. To include visual references, either re-run
+  `/evaluate` at Standard or Full depth with screenshot capture, or
+  provide screenshots to `/revise`."*
+
+Skip the rest of this step and proceed to Step 6.
+
+**Binding check.** Only use screenshots whose evaluation revision
+bindings (prototype iteration, discovery revision, context revision)
+match the current context. Read `04-evaluation.md`'s header to confirm
+bindings. If screenshots exist but their evaluation bindings are stale,
+stop and recommend re-running `/evaluate` against the current context
+rather than using outdated screenshots.
+
+**Selection criteria.** From the available current-context screenshots,
+select images that show:
 
 1. The **primary user flow** in its populated/happy-path state
 2. Each **alternate state** relevant to implementation (empty, loading, error,
@@ -209,8 +228,7 @@ show:
 4. **Responsive breakpoints** if the design adapts to screen size
 
 Do not include redundant screenshots that show the same state from
-different evaluation runs. Prefer screenshots from the evaluation whose
-revision bindings match the current context.
+different evaluation runs.
 
 **Curated directory.** Copy selected screenshots to
 `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/` with stable filenames:
@@ -317,7 +335,18 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
 
 ### User Flows
 
-{Step-by-step flows from skill output}
+{Step-by-step flows from skill output.
+
+When screenshots are available, embed the primary-flow screenshot
+adjacent to the flow it illustrates:
+
+![SS-1: {alt_text from manifest}](screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png)
+*{caption from manifest} — Prototype iteration {N}, context revision {R}*
+
+Place each embed immediately after the flow step(s) it depicts. Use the
+resolved reference for the storage mode: a relative path for `lfs`/`git`
+mode, or the external HTTPS URL for `external` mode. Both must render as
+visible images in standard Markdown viewers.}
 
 ### Keyboard Navigation
 
@@ -384,26 +413,53 @@ technical design supports the full design."}
 
 ## Screenshots
 
-{From Step 5. If no screenshots were captured (Quick depth or URL-only
-evaluation), state: "Screenshots: None — evaluation used URL or Quick
-depth. The ui-design workflow will operate from the written spec only."}
+{From Step 5. If no screenshots were captured, state one of:
+
+- "Screenshots: None — evaluation at Quick depth used a URL; no images
+  were captured. To add screenshots, run `/evaluate` at Standard or Full
+  depth with screenshot capture, or provide images to `/revise`."
+- "Screenshots: None — evaluation did not capture screenshots. The
+  ui-design workflow will operate from the written spec only. To add
+  screenshots later, use `/revise`."
+
+Do not label every missing-screenshot case as "Quick depth" unless the
+evaluation record confirms Quick depth was used.}
+
+{If screenshots are available, embed each curated image with its stable
+ID, caption, and alt text. Embeds render the actual image in Markdown
+viewers; the index below provides metadata and identity for tooling.
+
+For `lfs`/`git` storage mode, use relative paths. For `external` mode,
+use the immutable HTTPS URL. Both forms must render as visible images.}
+
+### SS-1: {short description}
+
+![SS-1: {alt_text}](screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png)
+*{caption} — {state}: {populated / empty / loading / error / partial /
+responsive / persona-specific}*
+
+### SS-2: {short description}
+
+![SS-2: {alt_text}](screenshots/SS-2-{description}.png)
+*{caption} — {state}*
+
+{Repeat for each curated screenshot. Place additional embeds inline
+beside the User Flows, State Matrix, or Persona-Specific Views sections
+where they illustrate specific flows or states.}
 
-{If screenshots are available, list each curated image with its stable ID,
-caption, and alt text. Reference the screenshot manifest for asset
-identity (SHA-256 checksums) and source traceability.}
+### Screenshot Index
 
-| ID | File | Caption | State |
-|----|------|---------|-------|
-| SS-1 | `screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png` | {What the screenshot shows} | {populated / empty / loading / error / partial / responsive / persona-specific} |
+| ID | File | SHA-256 | Caption | State |
+|----|------|---------|---------|-------|
+| SS-1 | `screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png` | `{first 12 hex chars}…` | {caption} | {state} |
 
-**Manifest:** `screenshot-manifest.json` (SHA-256 checksums, source paths,
-context revision, prototype iteration)
+**Context revision:** {revision} | **Prototype iteration:** {N}
 
 **Note for `ui-design`:** Open and visually inspect each referenced
-screenshot during `/ingest`. Do not treat this table as a substitute for
-image inspection — the screenshots show rendered layout, spacing, visual
-hierarchy, and state presentation that the written spec cannot fully
-convey.
+screenshot during `/ingest`. The embeds above show rendered layout,
+spacing, visual hierarchy, and state presentation that the written spec
+cannot fully convey. Do not treat the index table as a substitute for
+image inspection.
 
 ## Open Questions
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index d784b237..cd494931 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -206,22 +206,31 @@ creating the branch and report the specific failures.
 
 ### Step 3b: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
 
-Determine how screenshot assets will be stored in the docs repo. The
-explicit repository or researcher policy is authoritative — do not infer
-storage mode from filesystem configuration alone.
+**Skip this step entirely** when the handoff's Screenshots section says
+"None" and the authoring manifest does not exist or is empty. Set
+`screenshot_storage` to `none` in publish-metadata.json and proceed to
+Step 4 without prompting for a storage policy or touching asset paths.
+
+When the handoff contains screenshot references, determine how assets
+will be stored. The explicit repository or researcher policy is
+authoritative — do not infer storage mode from filesystem configuration
+alone.
 
 **Policy resolution order:**
 
 1. **Recorded policy.** If the `publish-metadata.json` for this handoff
-   already contains a `screenshot_storage` field, use it. This preserves
-   the choice made on the first publish for subsequent updates.
+   already contains a `screenshot_storage` field **and its value is not
+   `none`**, use it. A previously recorded `none` is not valid
+   authorization when the handoff now contains images — fall through to
+   check repository policy or ask the researcher.
 
 2. **Repository-level policy.** Check for a `screenshot_storage` key in
-   `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` (or
-   `.workflows/config.json`). If present, its value is the explicit
-   repository policy.
+   `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` or
+   `.workflows/config.json`. Valid values are `lfs`, `external`, or
+   `git`. If present, its value is the explicit repository policy.
+   Document these config locations in the workflow README.
 
-3. **No recorded policy.** If neither source provides a policy, stop
+3. **No valid policy.** If neither source provides a valid policy, stop
    before copying any assets and present the available options to the
    researcher:
 
@@ -299,8 +308,27 @@ mkdir -p "{destination_dir}"
 cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{handoff_target}"
 ```
 
-**Copy screenshot assets** (when the manifest is non-empty and the
-Screenshots section is not "None"):
+**Skip screenshot handling** when the handoff's Screenshots section says
+"None" or the authoring manifest does not exist. Do not prompt for a
+storage policy, touch asset paths, or stage screenshot directories on
+text-only publishes.
+
+**Copy screenshot assets** (only when the authoring manifest is non-empty
+and the Screenshots section contains image references):
+
+**Pre-copy containment validation.** Before creating directories or
+copying any file, validate every planned destination path:
+
+1. For each manifest entry, compute the candidate destination:
+   `{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}`.
+2. Require `{filename}` to match `^SS-[0-9]+-[a-z0-9-]+\\.png$` (the
+   stable naming convention). Reject filenames containing `..`, `/`,
+   `\`, or path separators.
+3. Resolve the candidate path and verify it is inside `{docs_repo_root}`.
+4. Verify `{destination_dir}/screenshots` — if it already exists, confirm
+   it is a directory (not a symlink to a location outside the docs repo).
+
+If any validation fails, stop and report before copying.
 
 Apply the storage policy resolved in Step 3b:
 
@@ -310,38 +338,68 @@ Apply the storage policy resolved in Step 3b:
 mkdir -p "{destination_dir}/screenshots"
 ```
 
-For each screenshot in the manifest, copy it and verify containment:
+For each screenshot in the manifest, copy it individually:
 
 ```bash
 cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" \
    "{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
 ```
 
-After copying, verify the SHA-256 of each copied file matches the manifest.
-If any checksum fails, stop and report the corruption before committing.
+After copying all files, verify the SHA-256 of each copied file matches
+the manifest. If any checksum fails, stop and report the corruption
+before committing.
+
+If `lfs` mode is selected, verify that the docs repo has LFS initialized
+(`git lfs env` succeeds) and that a tracking pattern covers the target
+path (e.g., `*.png` or `screenshots/**`). If LFS is not configured, stop
+and ask the researcher to configure it before committing.
 
-Validate that every copied file's resolved path is inside
-`{docs_repo_root}`. If `lfs` mode is selected, verify that the docs repo
-has LFS initialized and that a tracking pattern covers the target path
-(e.g., `*.png` or `screenshots/**`). If LFS is not configured, stop and
-ask the researcher to configure it.
+**Publish a consumer-facing manifest.** Write
+`{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` containing only
+consumer-relevant fields (no private `.artifacts/` source paths):
+
+```json
+{
+  "issue_key": "{issue-key}",
+  "context_revision": "{from authoring manifest}",
+  "prototype_iteration": "{from authoring manifest}",
+  "screenshots": [
+    {
+      "id": "SS-1",
+      "filename": "SS-1-{description}.png",
+      "sha256": "{hex digest of published file}",
+      "caption": "{caption}",
+      "alt_text": "{alt_text}",
+      "flow": "{flow}",
+      "state": "{state}"
+    }
+  ]
+}
+```
+
+The authoring manifest at
+`{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`
+is preserved separately with its `source` field for traceability. The
+published manifest omits `source` because consumers must not reference
+private artifact paths.
 
 **`external` mode:**
 
 Do not copy image files. Instead, for each screenshot in the manifest,
-require the researcher to provide an immutable, revision-bound URL. Update
-the handoff's Screenshots section to reference external URLs instead of
-relative paths. Each URL must:
+require the researcher to provide an immutable, revision-bound URL. Rewrite
+**both** the inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index
+table entries in the published handoff to use the external URL. Preserve
+the original relative references in the authoring `05-handoff.md` — only
+the docs-repo copy uses external URLs. Each URL must:
 
 - Be an HTTPS URL (not `file://`, `ftp://`, or data URI)
 - Include a version, commit, or content-addressed identifier in the path
   (not a mutable `latest` tag or query-parameter-only versioning)
 - Not contain time-limited authentication tokens or presigned parameters
 
-Record each screenshot's external URL and the file's SHA-256 checksum in
-the `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` array so `/respond` and
-subsequent publishes can verify the external reference still resolves to the
-expected content.
+Write the consumer-facing manifest with `published_path` set to each
+external URL (no `filename` field since files are not copied). Verify
+the mapping from authoring manifest IDs to external URLs is complete.
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
@@ -361,36 +419,57 @@ Provenance at publish time:
 - Only if the researcher explicitly declines provenance, pass `ALLOW_MISSING=yes` to
   strip the footer and record `provenance_kind: declined`.
 
+**Stage only owned files by explicit allowlist.** Build the list of paths
+this publish owns, then stage and commit exactly those paths. This
+prevents committing unrelated pre-staged changes or unstaged work.
+
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path}"
 ```
 
-Stage screenshot assets (when `lfs` or `git` mode copied files):
+When `lfs` or `git` mode copied screenshot files, stage each file
+individually by name — do not stage the entire directory:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{destination_dir}/screenshots/"
+# For each {filename} from the manifest:
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
 ```
 
-For a new PR, commit the handoff and any screenshots together:
+When the consumer-facing manifest was written:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "Add UX design handoff for {issue-key}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
 ```
 
-For an existing PR, compare staged changes with the branch version. If
-there are changes, commit them; if everything is unchanged, do not create
-an empty commit.
+Do not stage screenshot paths on text-only or external-mode publishes
+where no files were copied.
+
+For a new PR, commit only the allowlisted paths:
+
+```bash
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Add UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
+  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
+     "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-{desc}.png" ...
+```
+
+List every owned file explicitly in the `--` pathspec. The `--only` flag
+ensures only these paths are committed regardless of other staged changes.
+
+For an existing PR, check whether owned files changed:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{destination_dir}/screenshots/"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet \
+  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
+     "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/"
 ```
 
 An exit status of `0` means nothing changed: skip the commit and push. An
-exit status of `1` means there are changes: create the update commit below.
-For any other status, stop and report the Git error.
+exit status of `1` means there are changes: create the update commit. For
+any other status, stop and report the Git error.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "Update UX design handoff for {issue-key}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Update UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
+  -- {same explicit allowlist as above}
 ```
 
 ### Step 5: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 4d36a2ec..e7dff2b9 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -145,45 +145,96 @@ cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_f
 
 **Update screenshot assets if changed.** Read
 `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json` and
-`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`. If the manifest
-exists and contains screenshots:
-
-Derive the handoff directory from the published handoff path:
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`. Derive the
+handoff directory from the published handoff path:
 
 ```bash
 handoff_dir=$(dirname "{handoff_file_path}")
 ```
 
-1. Compare each manifest entry's `sha256` against the corresponding
-   `screenshot_assets` entry in `publish-metadata.json`. If any checksum
-   differs, the screenshot was visually updated since the last publish.
+If the authoring manifest does not exist or contains no screenshots, and
+`screenshot_storage` is `none`, skip screenshot handling entirely — do not
+touch asset paths.
+
+Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
+
+1. **Validate containment** of every planned destination path before
+   copying, using the same filename-pattern and symlink checks as
+   `/publish` Step 4.
+
+2. **Detect changes, additions, and removals:**
+   - For each entry in the current authoring manifest, compare its
+     `sha256` against the corresponding `screenshot_assets` entry in
+     `publish-metadata.json`. Changed checksum → updated image.
+   - Manifest entries absent from `publish-metadata.json` → newly added.
+   - `publish-metadata.json` entries absent from the current manifest →
+     removed.
+
+3. **Handle removals** (`lfs` or `git` mode): remove the deleted file
+   from the docs repo and stage the removal:
+
+   ```bash
+   git -C "{docs_repo_path}" rm -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{removed_filename}"
+   ```
+
+   Remove the entry from the published `screenshot-manifest.json`.
+
+4. **Handle additions and updates** (`lfs` or `git` mode): copy each
+   changed or new file individually and verify its SHA-256 matches the
+   authoring manifest:
+
+   ```bash
+   cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" \
+      "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
+   ```
 
-2. For `lfs` or `git` storage mode: copy changed screenshots to
-   `{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots/` and stage them.
+5. **External mode:** For changed or added screenshots, require the
+   researcher to provide new immutable, revision-bound URLs. Rewrite
+   **both** the inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index
+   entries in the published handoff with the new URLs. For removals,
+   delete the embed and index entry. Preserve authoring references in
+   `05-handoff.md` separately.
 
-3. For `external` mode: ask the researcher for the updated external URL
-   for each changed screenshot.
+6. **Regenerate the published consumer-facing manifest** at
+   `{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with the current set of
+   published screenshots (no private paths).
 
-4. Update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` with the new
-   checksums and paths.
+7. **Update `publish-metadata.json`** `screenshot_assets` with the new
+   checksums, paths, and entry set. Do not write metadata until the
+   commit and push succeed (Step below).
+
+**Capture provenance and render footer** after all screenshot updates are
+applied to the handoff, so the footer reflects the final content:
+
+Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
+`WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=respond`,
+`AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"`.
 
+**Stage only owned files by explicit allowlist:**
+
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
+# For each changed/added {filename}:
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
 ```
 
-Stage screenshot changes if any were copied:
+If no owned files changed (exit 0 from `git diff --cached --quiet` on
+the allowlist), skip the commit. If changes exist:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/" 2>/dev/null || true
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
+  -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" \
+  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
+     "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{file1}" ...
 ```
 
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/"
-```
+Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the commit
+and push succeed.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index 9a131fdc..c92da321 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -59,22 +59,40 @@ After writing the updated `05-handoff.md`, read and follow
 
 If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
 
-1. **Adding/replacing:** Copy new screenshots into
-   `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/` using stable `SS-N`
-   naming. Compute the SHA-256 and update `screenshot-manifest.json`.
-   Update the Screenshots section in `05-handoff.md`.
-
-2. **Removing:** Delete the file from `screenshots/`, remove its manifest
-   entry, and remove its row from the Screenshots section.
-
-3. **Image-only change** (same screenshot re-captured with visual changes
-   but no textual handoff change): Replace the file, update the manifest's
-   `sha256` field, and note the visual change in the revision summary. The
-   manifest checksum ensures `/publish` and `ui-design` detect the update
+1. **Adding:** Assign a new `SS-N` ID (next unused integer). Copy the
+   image into `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/` using stable
+   naming. Compute its SHA-256 and add the entry to
+   `screenshot-manifest.json`. Add both an inline `![alt](ref)` embed at
+   the relevant flow/state section and a row in the Screenshot Index of
+   `05-handoff.md`.
+
+2. **Replacing:** Replace the file in `screenshots/`, update the
+   manifest's `sha256` field, and update the embed's alt text and caption
+   if the visual content changed. Note the visual change in the revision
+   summary. The manifest checksum ensures `/publish` detects the update
    even when the filename and handoff text are unchanged.
 
-If the handoff previously had no screenshots and the researcher requests
-adding them, follow the curation procedure from `/handoff` Step 5.
+3. **Removing:** Delete the file from `screenshots/`, remove its manifest
+   entry, remove the inline `![alt](ref)` embed **and** the Screenshot
+   Index row from `05-handoff.md`. If a PR has been published, `/publish`
+   will remove the file from the published Git/LFS tree on the next
+   update.
+
+4. **Image-only change** (same ID, same filename, visually different
+   content): Replace the file, update the manifest's `sha256`, and note
+   the change. The checksum difference signals `/publish` and `ui-design`
+   that the visual content changed.
+
+**Adding screenshots to a previously text-only handoff.** If the handoff
+has `Screenshots: None` and the researcher provides images, the recorded
+`screenshot_storage` policy of `none` is no longer valid. Tell the
+researcher that an explicit storage policy (`lfs`, `external`, or `git`)
+is required before the next `/publish`, then follow the curation
+procedure from `/handoff` Step 5.
+
+**Provenance ordering.** Capture provenance after all screenshot updates
+are written to `05-handoff.md` and the manifest, so the event reflects
+the final content state.
 
 ### Step 4: Consistency Check
 

From dce3de5611845c8d1f8d32130cf9e8d706cc3009 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:42:48 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 03/42] Reduce publish.md and plan.md to fit 6000-token context
 budget
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

publish.md: consolidate pre-copy validation, copy, and consumer manifest
instructions into compact blocks (6347→5832 tokens).
plan.md: condense HAS_SCREENSHOTS flag table and screenshot citation
guidance (6355→5925 tokens).

Addresses skill-reviewer findings for both ux-design and ui-design.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/skills/plan.md    |  80 +++++++++------------------
 ux-design/skills/publish.md | 105 ++++++++----------------------------
 2 files changed, 45 insertions(+), 140 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index e4a7a999..078a23ff 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -49,26 +49,18 @@ All subsequent sections use `HAS_HANDOFF` to choose between UX-derived
 content and fallback guidance (PRD + design document + codebase context).
 
 **Determine screenshot availability.** Check the **Screenshot
-Observations** section of `01-context.md` for the `Screenshots` status:
-
-- `inspected` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = true` — visual observations are
-  available and should be cited alongside written spec references
-- `none` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` — no screenshots exist; design
-  from written spec only (legitimate case, not an error)
-- `deferred` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred` — screenshots exist but
-  were not visually inspected; note reduced visual fidelity in decisions
-  that would benefit from visual evidence
-- `unavailable` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable` — screenshots were
-  referenced but none could be inspected; note the limitation explicitly
-  in each section where visual evidence would apply
-- `partial` → `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = partial` — some images were inspected;
-  cite only the inspected ones and note which are missing
-
-`HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is independent of `HAS_HANDOFF`. A handoff may exist
-without screenshots (Quick evaluation) and screenshots are never present
-without a handoff. Do not conflate screenshot inspection with keyboard
-navigation testing, accessibility auditing, API verification, or runtime
-behavior validation — screenshots show visual presentation only.
+Observations** section of `01-context.md` for `Screenshots` status:
+
+| Status | `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` | Behavior |
+|--------|-------------------|----------|
+| `inspected` | `true` | Cite observations alongside written spec |
+| `partial` | `partial` | Cite inspected images; note missing ones |
+| `none` | `false` | Text-only design (not an error) |
+| `deferred` | `deferred` | Note reduced fidelity where visual evidence applies |
+| `unavailable` | `unavailable` | Note limitation explicitly per section |
+
+Screenshots show visual presentation only — do not conflate with
+keyboard, accessibility, API, or runtime verification.
 
 Then open **cited sources only** from `01-context.md`:
 
@@ -98,42 +90,18 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 - Which persona-specific views require conditional rendering or permission gates?
 - Which acceptance criteria drive which components?
 
-If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true (or `partial` — some images inspected),
-use the inspected screenshot observations from `01-context.md` to inform
-component grouping, layout, and visible-state decisions. Use the
-image's recorded path or URL and identity status from the context to
-reference the correct asset.
-
-- **Cite image IDs** alongside written spec references using the marker
-  `[Screenshot: SS-N]` — for example, `[Screenshot: SS-1]` when a
-  component's layout is informed by the populated-state screenshot.
-  Only cite screenshots whose status is `inspected` with identity
-  `verified` or `unverified`. Do not cite `unavailable` or
-  `lfs-unresolved` screenshots as visual evidence.
-
-- **Distinguish additive evidence from contradictions.** Visual details
-  present in a screenshot but not mentioned in the written spec are
-  **additive** — the screenshot supplements the prose. Cite these as:
-  `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`. These are not discrepancies;
-  they add visual context the prose did not capture.
-
-  A **contradiction** is when a screenshot shows something that
-  conflicts with what the written spec explicitly states (e.g., the spec
-  says "two-column layout" but the screenshot shows three columns). Flag
-  these explicitly:
-
-  *"[Contradiction: SS-2 vs Handoff §Component Mapping] The screenshot
-  shows {observed visual detail}, but the written spec states
-  {written detail}. Flagging for user resolution."*
-
-  Do not invent behavior to resolve a contradiction — present both
-  sources and let the user decide.
-
-If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`:
-- Note in each section where visual evidence would have informed a
-  decision: *"Visual evidence deferred — this decision is based on the
-  written spec only."*
-- Do not fabricate visual observations from captions or alt text.
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
+observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
+
+- **Cite** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. Only cite `inspected` images.
+- **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose) supplements the
+  spec: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
+- **Contradictions** (image conflicts with explicit spec text) are
+  flagged: *"[Contradiction: SS-N vs §section] screenshot shows X, spec
+  states Y."* Do not resolve — let the user decide.
+
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`: note *"Visual evidence deferred"*
+where visual context would apply. Do not fabricate observations.
 
 If `HAS_HANDOFF` is false:
 - Which design document interface changes (IC-N) affect the frontend?
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index cd494931..ea594a82 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -316,90 +316,27 @@ text-only publishes.
 **Copy screenshot assets** (only when the authoring manifest is non-empty
 and the Screenshots section contains image references):
 
-**Pre-copy containment validation.** Before creating directories or
-copying any file, validate every planned destination path:
-
-1. For each manifest entry, compute the candidate destination:
-   `{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}`.
-2. Require `{filename}` to match `^SS-[0-9]+-[a-z0-9-]+\\.png$` (the
-   stable naming convention). Reject filenames containing `..`, `/`,
-   `\`, or path separators.
-3. Resolve the candidate path and verify it is inside `{docs_repo_root}`.
-4. Verify `{destination_dir}/screenshots` — if it already exists, confirm
-   it is a directory (not a symlink to a location outside the docs repo).
-
-If any validation fails, stop and report before copying.
-
-Apply the storage policy resolved in Step 3b:
-
-**`lfs` or `git` mode:**
-
-```bash
-mkdir -p "{destination_dir}/screenshots"
-```
-
-For each screenshot in the manifest, copy it individually:
-
-```bash
-cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" \
-   "{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
-```
-
-After copying all files, verify the SHA-256 of each copied file matches
-the manifest. If any checksum fails, stop and report the corruption
-before committing.
-
-If `lfs` mode is selected, verify that the docs repo has LFS initialized
-(`git lfs env` succeeds) and that a tracking pattern covers the target
-path (e.g., `*.png` or `screenshots/**`). If LFS is not configured, stop
-and ask the researcher to configure it before committing.
-
-**Publish a consumer-facing manifest.** Write
-`{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` containing only
-consumer-relevant fields (no private `.artifacts/` source paths):
-
-```json
-{
-  "issue_key": "{issue-key}",
-  "context_revision": "{from authoring manifest}",
-  "prototype_iteration": "{from authoring manifest}",
-  "screenshots": [
-    {
-      "id": "SS-1",
-      "filename": "SS-1-{description}.png",
-      "sha256": "{hex digest of published file}",
-      "caption": "{caption}",
-      "alt_text": "{alt_text}",
-      "flow": "{flow}",
-      "state": "{state}"
-    }
-  ]
-}
-```
-
-The authoring manifest at
-`{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`
-is preserved separately with its `source` field for traceability. The
-published manifest omits `source` because consumers must not reference
-private artifact paths.
-
-**`external` mode:**
-
-Do not copy image files. Instead, for each screenshot in the manifest,
-require the researcher to provide an immutable, revision-bound URL. Rewrite
-**both** the inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index
-table entries in the published handoff to use the external URL. Preserve
-the original relative references in the authoring `05-handoff.md` — only
-the docs-repo copy uses external URLs. Each URL must:
-
-- Be an HTTPS URL (not `file://`, `ftp://`, or data URI)
-- Include a version, commit, or content-addressed identifier in the path
-  (not a mutable `latest` tag or query-parameter-only versioning)
-- Not contain time-limited authentication tokens or presigned parameters
-
-Write the consumer-facing manifest with `published_path` set to each
-external URL (no `filename` field since files are not copied). Verify
-the mapping from authoring manifest IDs to external URLs is complete.
+**Pre-copy validation.** For each manifest entry, require `{filename}`
+to match `^SS-[0-9]+-[a-z0-9-]+\.png$`. Resolve each candidate
+destination `{destination_dir}/screenshots/{filename}` and verify it is
+inside `{docs_repo_root}`. If `screenshots/` exists, confirm it is not
+a symlink escaping the repo. Stop before copying if any check fails.
+
+**`lfs` or `git` mode:** Create `{destination_dir}/screenshots/`, copy
+each file individually, verify each copy's SHA-256 matches the manifest.
+For `lfs`, also confirm LFS is initialized and tracking covers the path.
+
+**`external` mode:** Do not copy files. Require the researcher to
+provide immutable, revision-bound HTTPS URLs (no `latest` tags or
+expiring tokens). Rewrite `![alt](ref)` embeds and Screenshot Index in
+the published handoff with external URLs; preserve authoring references
+in `05-handoff.md`.
+
+**Publish consumer manifest.** Write
+`{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with `id`, `sha256`,
+`caption`, `alt_text`, `flow`, `state`, `published_ref` (relative path
+for lfs/git or external URL), plus `issue_key`, `context_revision`, and
+`prototype_iteration`. Omit the authoring `source` field.
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,

From 73094e09e1e95e2ab23f95f28fb9842d993098ef Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 19:51:18 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 04/42] Fix publication procedure regressions and coordinator
 review items A-F

A. Replace unconditional pathspecs with dynamic owned_paths Bash array
   for staging/change-detection/commit; skip absent optional paths.
B. Add removal reconciliation to publish: derive removed IDs from
   previous metadata, git-rm owned tracked assets, update consumer index.
C. External mode verifies remote image bytes (SHA-256) before publish;
   respond verifies local file bytes before change detection.
D. Missing screenshots require explicit researcher choice (re-evaluate,
   supply images, or text-only); remove unproven 04-eval-raw retention
   claim.
E. Remove unverified WebFetch tool reference; persist per-image
   published_ref and expected/observed SHA in UI context; mismatched
   identity flagged not silently cited; plan distinguishes verified from
   user-accepted unverified evidence.
F. Embed each screenshot once at its flow, not duplicated in gallery;
   Screenshots section is index/identity only; fix revise provenance
   ordering (capture after all modifications).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md  |  33 +++++++-----
 ui-design/skills/plan.md    |   6 ++-
 ux-design/README.md         |   5 +-
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md |  91 +++++++++++++------------------
 ux-design/skills/publish.md | 104 +++++++++++++++++++-----------------
 ux-design/skills/respond.md |  68 +++++++++++++++--------
 ux-design/skills/revise.md  |  13 +++--
 7 files changed, 169 insertions(+), 151 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 5f86c7d8..5e884e34 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -290,10 +290,12 @@ embeds with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
   pointer text as if it were an image.
 
   **External references** (`https://...` URLs — `external` mode):
-  Retrieve the image bytes using the runtime's HTTP/image-fetch
-  capability (e.g., `WebFetch` with `save_to` to a temp file, then
-  `Read` the saved image). If HTTP access is unavailable or the fetch
-  fails, record `inspection: fetch-failed` for that image.
+  Retrieve the image bytes using the runtime's authorized binary
+  download capability (save to a temporary file, then open the file
+  with the image-reading tool). Do not assume any specific tool
+  parameter — use whichever download mechanism the runtime provides for
+  binary files. If the download or image read fails, record
+  `inspection: fetch-failed` for that image.
 
   For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
 
@@ -304,11 +306,16 @@ embeds with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
      unavailable, record `identity: unverified`.
 
   2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
-     capability (e.g., the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading the
-     markdown table, file metadata, captions, or alt text alone is
-     **not** image inspection — the purpose is to observe the actual
-     rendered layout, visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage, component
-     arrangement, and state presentation in the image pixels.
+     capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading the markdown
+     table, file metadata, captions, or alt text alone is **not** image
+     inspection — the purpose is to observe the actual rendered layout,
+     visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage, component arrangement, and
+     state presentation in the image pixels.
+
+     If identity is `mismatched`, still record visual observations but
+     flag the image as stale/unverified — it must not be silently cited
+     as current design evidence. The user must decide whether to accept
+     the mismatched image or wait for the publisher to update it.
 
   3. For each inspected image, record:
      - The screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
@@ -557,10 +564,10 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 {If inspected or partial: for each screenshot, record per-image status,
 identity verification, visual observation, and text/image consistency.}
 
-| ID | Status | Identity | Visual Observation | Consistent with Spec | Notes |
-|----|--------|----------|--------------------|----------------------|-------|
-| SS-1 | `inspected` | `verified` | {What the image shows — layout, components, state} | {Yes / No — discrepancy} | {Visual details not in written spec} |
-| SS-2 | `lfs-unresolved` | `unverified` | — | — | LFS pointer not resolved |
+| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |
+|----|--------|----------|-----|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------|
+| SS-1 | inspected | verified | `screenshots/SS-1-desc.png` | `a1b2…` | `a1b2…` | {layout, state} | Yes/No | {detail} |
+| SS-2 | lfs-unresolved | unverified | `screenshots/SS-2-desc.png` | `d4e5…` | — | — | — | LFS stub |
 
 {Use `partial` when some images were inspected and others were not.
 Record observations for inspected images and per-image failure reasons
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 078a23ff..5eeece21 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -93,7 +93,11 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
 observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
-- **Cite** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. Only cite `inspected` images.
+- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. Only cite images
+  whose identity is `verified`. For `mismatched` images that the user
+  explicitly accepted, cite as `[Screenshot: SS-N — unverified]` so the
+  plan reader knows the visual evidence may not reflect the current
+  published state. Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose) supplements the
   spec: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
 - **Contradictions** (image conflicts with explicit spec text) are
diff --git a/ux-design/README.md b/ux-design/README.md
index b1ab778f..1c87e329 100644
--- a/ux-design/README.md
+++ b/ux-design/README.md
@@ -183,8 +183,9 @@ It contains:
   design, with a final-vision/MVP split when constraints require it
 - **Screenshots** — curated images of the rendered prototype showing primary
   flows and important alternate/error states, with stable IDs (`SS-N`),
-  meaningful captions, alt text, and revision metadata; absent when
-  evaluation used Quick depth or URL-only input
+  meaningful captions, alt text, and revision metadata; absent when the
+  researcher authorized a text-only handoff (screenshots may still be
+  supplied or captured even at Quick depth)
 - **Research context** — why decisions were made
 
 The authoring `screenshot-manifest.json` (in `.artifacts/`) records each
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index b9f8e299..1906c006 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -197,19 +197,28 @@ dump of all raw evaluation evidence.
 `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshots/` at Standard
 and Full depth. Check whether screenshots exist in that directory.
 
-If no screenshots exist, determine why:
+If no screenshots exist, determine why and require an explicit decision:
+
 - Read `04-evaluation.md` to confirm the evaluation depth used.
-- If the evaluation was Quick depth or URL-only: record
-  `Screenshots: None — evaluation at {depth} depth did not capture
-  screenshots.`
+- If the evaluation was Quick depth or URL-only: tell the researcher
+  screenshots are not available because the evaluation depth did not
+  capture them.
 - If the evaluation was Standard or Full but no screenshots were saved:
-  record `Screenshots: None — evaluation did not produce screenshots.`
-- In either case, tell the researcher: *"No screenshots are available
-  for the handoff. To include visual references, either re-run
-  `/evaluate` at Standard or Full depth with screenshot capture, or
-  provide screenshots to `/revise`."*
+  tell the researcher screenshots were expected but not produced.
+
+In either case, present the options and **wait for an explicit choice**:
+
+*"No screenshots are available for the handoff. Choose one:*
+*1. Re-run `/evaluate` at Standard or Full depth with screenshot capture*
+*2. Provide screenshots directly (the researcher supplies image files)*
+*3. Proceed with a text-only handoff (record this as a documented decision — `ui-design` will operate from written spec only)"*
+
+If the researcher chooses option 3, record in the Screenshots section:
+`Screenshots: None — {reason from evaluation depth}. Text-only handoff
+authorized by researcher.`
 
-Skip the rest of this step and proceed to Step 6.
+Do not silently proceed to Step 6 without this choice. Skip the rest of
+this step only after the researcher confirms option 3.
 
 **Binding check.** Only use screenshots whose evaluation revision
 bindings (prototype iteration, discovery revision, context revision)
@@ -278,8 +287,7 @@ sha256sum ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" | cut -d' '
 
 If the handoff is regenerated after a new evaluation cycle, re-curate
 screenshots from the updated evaluation and regenerate the manifest. The
-prior manifest is overwritten — history is preserved via `04-eval-raw/`
-which retains raw screenshots per evaluation run.
+prior manifest is overwritten.
 
 ### Step 6: Assemble the handoff artifact
 
@@ -411,55 +419,28 @@ deferred — the researcher confirms this split}
 {If the full design is deliverable as-is, state: "No phasing required — the
 technical design supports the full design."}
 
-## Screenshots
-
-{From Step 5. If no screenshots were captured, state one of:
-
-- "Screenshots: None — evaluation at Quick depth used a URL; no images
-  were captured. To add screenshots, run `/evaluate` at Standard or Full
-  depth with screenshot capture, or provide images to `/revise`."
-- "Screenshots: None — evaluation did not capture screenshots. The
-  ui-design workflow will operate from the written spec only. To add
-  screenshots later, use `/revise`."
-
-Do not label every missing-screenshot case as "Quick depth" unless the
-evaluation record confirms Quick depth was used.}
-
-{If screenshots are available, embed each curated image with its stable
-ID, caption, and alt text. Embeds render the actual image in Markdown
-viewers; the index below provides metadata and identity for tooling.
-
-For `lfs`/`git` storage mode, use relative paths. For `external` mode,
-use the immutable HTTPS URL. Both forms must render as visible images.}
-
-### SS-1: {short description}
-
-![SS-1: {alt_text}](screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png)
-*{caption} — {state}: {populated / empty / loading / error / partial /
-responsive / persona-specific}*
-
-### SS-2: {short description}
-
-![SS-2: {alt_text}](screenshots/SS-2-{description}.png)
-*{caption} — {state}*
+## Screenshot Index
 
-{Repeat for each curated screenshot. Place additional embeds inline
-beside the User Flows, State Matrix, or Persona-Specific Views sections
-where they illustrate specific flows or states.}
+{From Step 5. If no screenshots were captured, record the researcher's
+explicit text-only decision: `Screenshots: None — {reason}. Text-only
+handoff authorized by researcher.`}
 
-### Screenshot Index
+{If screenshots are available, this section is the identity/metadata
+index. Each screenshot is embedded **once** at the relevant flow or
+state section above (User Flows, State Matrix, or Persona-Specific
+Views) using `![SS-N: {alt_text}]({ref})` with a caption. This index
+provides the SHA-256 checksums and revision metadata for tooling and
+consumer identity verification — it is not a duplicate gallery.}
 
-| ID | File | SHA-256 | Caption | State |
-|----|------|---------|---------|-------|
-| SS-1 | `screenshots/SS-1-{description}.png` | `{first 12 hex chars}…` | {caption} | {state} |
+| ID | Ref | SHA-256 | Caption | State | Embedded at |
+|----|-----|---------|---------|-------|-------------|
+| SS-1 | `screenshots/SS-1-{desc}.png` | `{12 hex}…` | {caption} | {state} | §User Flows |
 
 **Context revision:** {revision} | **Prototype iteration:** {N}
 
-**Note for `ui-design`:** Open and visually inspect each referenced
-screenshot during `/ingest`. The embeds above show rendered layout,
-spacing, visual hierarchy, and state presentation that the written spec
-cannot fully convey. Do not treat the index table as a substitute for
-image inspection.
+**Note for `ui-design`:** Open and visually inspect each image at its
+embed location during `/ingest`. Do not treat this index as a substitute
+for image inspection.
 
 ## Open Questions
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index ea594a82..6acdbea4 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -326,17 +326,22 @@ a symlink escaping the repo. Stop before copying if any check fails.
 each file individually, verify each copy's SHA-256 matches the manifest.
 For `lfs`, also confirm LFS is initialized and tracking covers the path.
 
-**`external` mode:** Do not copy files. Require the researcher to
-provide immutable, revision-bound HTTPS URLs (no `latest` tags or
-expiring tokens). Rewrite `![alt](ref)` embeds and Screenshot Index in
-the published handoff with external URLs; preserve authoring references
-in `05-handoff.md`.
-
-**Publish consumer manifest.** Write
-`{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with `id`, `sha256`,
-`caption`, `alt_text`, `flow`, `state`, `published_ref` (relative path
-for lfs/git or external URL), plus `issue_key`, `context_revision`, and
-`prototype_iteration`. Omit the authoring `source` field.
+**`external` mode:** No file copies. Require immutable HTTPS URLs per
+screenshot. Retrieve each URL's bytes, verify SHA-256 against the
+manifest, and stop on mismatch. Rewrite embeds and index in the published
+handoff; preserve authoring references in `05-handoff.md`.
+
+**Reconcile removals** (update publishes only). Compare previous
+`screenshot_assets` against the current manifest. For removed IDs:
+`lfs`/`git` — validate removal path and `git rm`; `external` — remove
+embed/index entries. If all screenshots removed, also remove the
+consumer manifest and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after commit.
+
+**Publish consumer manifest.** When any screenshots remain after
+removals, write `{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with `id`,
+`sha256`, `caption`, `alt_text`, `flow`, `state`, `published_ref`, plus
+`issue_key`, `context_revision`, `prototype_iteration`. Omit the
+authoring `source` field.
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
@@ -356,58 +361,57 @@ Provenance at publish time:
 - Only if the researcher explicitly declines provenance, pass `ALLOW_MISSING=yes` to
   strip the footer and record `provenance_kind: declined`.
 
-**Stage only owned files by explicit allowlist.** Build the list of paths
-this publish owns, then stage and commit exactly those paths. This
-prevents committing unrelated pre-staged changes or unstaged work.
+**Build owned-path allowlist and stage/commit.** Construct a Bash array
+of every path this publish created, modified, or owns. Use this single
+array for staging, change detection, and the commit pathspec.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path}"
-```
-
-When `lfs` or `git` mode copied screenshot files, stage each file
-individually by name — do not stage the entire directory:
+owned_paths=("{handoff_file_path}")
 
-```bash
-# For each {filename} from the manifest:
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
+# Add only paths that were actually written in this run:
+if [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" ]; then
+  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json")
+fi
+# For lfs/git mode — each copied screenshot by validated filename:
+for f in "${copied_filenames[@]}"; do
+  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/$f")
+done
+# For removals — each git-rm'd path (already staged by git rm):
+for f in "${removed_filenames[@]}"; do
+  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/$f")
+done
 ```
 
-When the consumer-facing manifest was written:
+Stage the owned paths (skip absent optional paths):
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
+for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
+  if git -C "{docs_repo_path}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1 \
+     || [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/$p" ]; then
+    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "$p"
+  fi
+done
 ```
 
-Do not stage screenshot paths on text-only or external-mode publishes
-where no files were copied.
-
-For a new PR, commit only the allowlisted paths:
+Check for changes and commit using `--only` with the full allowlist:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Add UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
-  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
-     "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-{desc}.png" ...
-```
-
-List every owned file explicitly in the `--` pathspec. The `--only` flag
-ensures only these paths are committed regardless of other staged changes.
-
-For an existing PR, check whether owned files changed:
-
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet \
-  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
-     "{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+rc=$?
+if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
+  echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
+elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
+  git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
+    -m "{Add|Update} UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
+    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+else
+  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
+fi
 ```
 
-An exit status of `0` means nothing changed: skip the commit and push. An
-exit status of `1` means there are changes: create the update commit. For
-any other status, stop and report the Git error.
-
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only -m "Update UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
-  -- {same explicit allowlist as above}
-```
+This procedure handles text-only (array contains only the handoff),
+lfs/git (handoff + manifest + each image), external (handoff + manifest),
+and removal runs (handoff + manifest + removed paths) identically.
 
 ### Step 5: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index e7dff2b9..819d7c14 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -162,10 +162,17 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    copying, using the same filename-pattern and symlink checks as
    `/publish` Step 4.
 
-2. **Detect changes, additions, and removals:**
-   - For each entry in the current authoring manifest, compare its
-     `sha256` against the corresponding `screenshot_assets` entry in
-     `publish-metadata.json`. Changed checksum → updated image.
+2. **Verify current local bytes** before change detection. For each
+   entry in the authoring manifest, compute the SHA-256 of the actual
+   local file at `.artifacts/.../screenshots/{filename}` and confirm it
+   matches the manifest's `sha256`. If they differ, the manifest is
+   stale — stop and ask the researcher to re-curate or update the
+   manifest before proceeding.
+
+   **Detect changes, additions, and removals:**
+   - For each verified manifest entry, compare its `sha256` against the
+     corresponding `screenshot_assets` entry in `publish-metadata.json`.
+     Changed checksum → updated image.
    - Manifest entries absent from `publish-metadata.json` → newly added.
    - `publish-metadata.json` entries absent from the current manifest →
      removed.
@@ -189,10 +196,12 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    ```
 
 5. **External mode:** For changed or added screenshots, require the
-   researcher to provide new immutable, revision-bound URLs. Rewrite
-   **both** the inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index
-   entries in the published handoff with the new URLs. For removals,
-   delete the embed and index entry. Preserve authoring references in
+   researcher to provide new immutable, revision-bound URLs. Retrieve
+   the image bytes from each URL, compute SHA-256, and verify against
+   the authoring manifest. Stop on mismatch. Rewrite **both** the
+   inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index entries in
+   the published handoff with the new URLs. For removals, delete the
+   embed and index entry. Preserve authoring references in
    `05-handoff.md` separately.
 
 6. **Regenerate the published consumer-facing manifest** at
@@ -214,23 +223,36 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"`.
 
-**Stage only owned files by explicit allowlist:**
+**Build owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit** using the same
+procedure as `/publish` Step 4. Construct `owned_paths` from the
+handoff path plus only the paths actually written, copied, or removed
+in this run — no unconditional manifest or screenshot paths:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_file_path}"
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
-# For each changed/added {filename}:
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
-```
-
-If no owned files changed (exit 0 from `git diff --cached --quiet` on
-the allowlist), skip the commit. If changes exist:
-
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
-  -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" \
-  -- "{handoff_file_path}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" \
-     "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{file1}" ...
+owned_paths=("{handoff_file_path}")
+# Add manifest only if it was regenerated:
+if [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" ]; then
+  owned_paths+=("{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json")
+fi
+# Add each changed/added file and each removed path...
+# (same array-building logic as /publish Step 4)
+
+for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
+  if git -C "{docs_repo_path}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1 \
+     || [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/$p" ]; then
+    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "$p"
+  fi
+done
+
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+rc=$?
+if [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
+  git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
+    -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" \
+    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+elif [ "$rc" -ne 0 ]; then
+  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
+fi
 ```
 
 Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the commit
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index c92da321..09d82f1c 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -51,10 +51,6 @@ Edit the handoff spec:
 - For directional feedback: propose concrete changes and confirm before applying
 - For new information: add it to the appropriate sections
 
-After writing the updated `05-handoff.md`, read and follow
-`../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with `WORKFLOW=ux-design`,
-`ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=revise`, `AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
-
 ### Step 3a: Handle Screenshot Changes
 
 If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
@@ -90,9 +86,12 @@ researcher that an explicit storage policy (`lfs`, `external`, or `git`)
 is required before the next `/publish`, then follow the curation
 procedure from `/handoff` Step 5.
 
-**Provenance ordering.** Capture provenance after all screenshot updates
-are written to `05-handoff.md` and the manifest, so the event reflects
-the final content state.
+**Provenance capture.** After all textual and screenshot changes are
+written to `05-handoff.md` and the manifest, capture provenance:
+
+Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
+`WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=revise`,
+`AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
 ### Step 4: Consistency Check
 

From e67a060a4d1ff02a3e0f56a85869ffe63642cf9e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 20:18:37 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 05/42] Fix 5 screenshot lifecycle bugs and reduce ingest token
 count
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

Bug 1: publish owned_paths now includes consumer manifest tracked
deletions (not just existing files). Extract canonical procedure to
shared recipe _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md.

Bug 2: respond now references the same shared publish-stage recipe
as publish, with properly defined copied_filenames and
removed_filenames arrays. No more comment-only placeholder loops.

Bug 3: publish and respond skip conditions now distinguish initial
text-only (no prior assets) from updates transitioning to text-only.
Updates always reconcile previous owned assets using prior metadata
before cleanup. Metadata updated only after successful commit+push.

Bug 4: Section naming aligned across all producer/consumer files.
"Screenshots section" → "Screenshot Index" in publish, respond,
handoff, revise, and ingest. Handoff header fields (Context revision,
Prototype iteration) match manifest fields.

Bug 5: respond external mode now rewrites ALL current image refs
after copying the authoring document. Unchanged images reuse
published_path URLs from previous metadata. Changed/new images get
verified new URLs. All final embeds and index refs resolve correctly.

Token budget: Factor screenshot inspection details from ingest.md to
_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md. Compress template sections
and prose. Result: ingest ~5993 tokens (was 8044, baseline 6478).

Add regression test (30 cases) verifying all 5 fixes against the
actual canonical instruction files.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 AGENTS.md                                     |   2 +
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  76 +++++
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  92 ++++++
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    | 306 +++++-------------
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 277 ++++++++++++++++
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md                   |   2 +-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  87 ++---
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  97 +++---
 ux-design/skills/revise.md                    |   2 +-
 9 files changed, 603 insertions(+), 338 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
 create mode 100644 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
 create mode 100644 ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py

diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 0f21d0fb..52937d53 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -97,6 +97,8 @@ _shared/
     phase-override-resolution.md  # Project-level phase override lookup and activation
     record-manual-edit.md         # Tier 3 manual-edit attribution (wraps capture recipe)
     render-provenance-footer.md   # Render durable footer into docs-repo markdown before commit
+    screenshot-inspection.md      # Screenshot identity verification and visual inspection (used by ui-design)
+    screenshot-publish-stage.md   # Owned-path allowlist, staging, and commit for screenshot publishes (used by ux-design)
     self-review-gate.md           # Pre-PR self-review quality gate (used by bugfix, implement, e2e, cve-fix)
     validation-gate.md            # Pre-commit build/test/lint discovery gate (used by bugfix)
 ```
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3a56cff6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+---
+name: screenshot-inspection
+version: 0.1.0
+---
+# Recipe: Screenshot Inspection
+
+Inspect published screenshots referenced in a UX handoff document.
+Used by `ui-design` `/ingest` to verify image identity and visually
+observe the actual design assets.
+
+## Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Required | Description |
+|-----------|----------|-------------|
+| HANDOFF_DIR | Yes | Absolute path to the directory containing the published handoff |
+| MANIFEST_PATH | Yes | Absolute path to the published `screenshot-manifest.json` |
+
+## Procedure
+
+### 1. Read manifest
+
+Read the manifest at `{MANIFEST_PATH}`. It contains per-image `sha256`,
+`context_revision`, `prototype_iteration`, `caption`, and `alt_text`.
+If the manifest is missing, warn the user and record `manifest: unavailable`
+per image.
+
+### 2. Resolve image references
+
+Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
+
+**Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` -- `lfs` or `git`
+mode): Locate the image file relative to `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the file
+is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
+attempt `git lfs smudge` or record `inspection: lfs-unresolved`.
+
+**External references** (`https://...` URLs -- `external` mode):
+Retrieve image bytes using the runtime's binary download capability
+(save to a temporary file). If download fails, record
+`inspection: fetch-failed`.
+
+### 3. Verify identity and inspect
+
+For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
+
+1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides `sha256`, compute the
+   SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. Record
+   `identity: verified`, `identity: mismatched`, or `identity: unverified`
+   (when manifest is unavailable).
+
+2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
+   capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading markdown,
+   metadata, captions, or alt text alone is **not** image inspection --
+   observe the actual rendered layout, visual hierarchy, spacing, color,
+   component arrangement, and state presentation.
+
+   If identity is `mismatched`, still record observations but flag the
+   image as stale/unverified.
+
+3. **Record** per image:
+   - Screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
+   - Identity status (`verified` / `mismatched` / `unverified`)
+   - Brief observation of actual visual content
+   - Consistency with handoff's written description
+   - Visual details not captured in the written spec
+
+4. **If unresolvable:** Record the ID and per-image status:
+   `unavailable`, `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`, or
+   `inspection-not-supported`. Report which images could not be
+   inspected. Do **not** fabricate observations from captions or alt
+   text. Ask the user whether to proceed with partial/text-only context
+   or wait for full image access.
+
+5. **Check revision binding.** Record the manifest's `context_revision`
+   and `prototype_iteration`. If these differ from the handoff's
+   metadata header, warn the user that screenshots may be from a
+   different evaluation cycle.
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..591ff489
--- /dev/null
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+---
+name: screenshot-publish-stage
+version: 0.1.0
+---
+# Recipe: Screenshot Publish Stage and Commit
+
+Build the owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit screenshot-related
+changes in the docs repo. Used by `ux-design` `/publish` and `/respond`
+to ensure both phases handle the staging/commit identically.
+
+## Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Required | Description |
+|-----------|----------|-------------|
+| DOCS_REPO_PATH | Yes | Absolute path to the docs repo working tree |
+| HANDOFF_FILE_PATH | Yes | Repo-relative POSIX path to `handoff.md` |
+| HANDOFF_DIR | Yes | Repo-relative POSIX path to the handoff directory (dirname of HANDOFF_FILE_PATH) |
+| COPIED_FILENAMES | No | Bash array of screenshot filenames copied/updated this run (lfs/git mode) |
+| REMOVED_FILENAMES | No | Bash array of screenshot filenames removed via `git rm` this run |
+| MANIFEST_WRITTEN | No | Set to `true` if `screenshot-manifest.json` was written or updated this run |
+| MANIFEST_REMOVED | No | Set to `true` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted) |
+| COMMIT_MESSAGE | Yes | The commit message to use |
+
+## Procedure
+
+### 1. Build the owned-path allowlist
+
+Construct a Bash array of every path this run created, modified, or owns
+(including tracked deletions). This array serves as the staging set, change
+detector, and commit pathspec.
+
+```bash
+owned_paths=("{HANDOFF_FILE_PATH}")
+
+# Consumer manifest — include when written OR removed (tracked deletion)
+if [ "${MANIFEST_WRITTEN}" = "true" ] || [ "${MANIFEST_REMOVED}" = "true" ]; then
+  owned_paths+=("{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json")
+fi
+
+# Each copied/updated screenshot (lfs/git mode):
+for f in "${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]}"; do
+  owned_paths+=("{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f")
+done
+
+# Each removed screenshot (already staged by git rm):
+for f in "${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]}"; do
+  owned_paths+=("{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f")
+done
+```
+
+### 2. Stage owned paths
+
+Stage every path in the allowlist. For paths that still exist on disk,
+use `git add`. For tracked deletions (removed screenshots, removed
+manifest), `git rm` will have already staged them — include them in the
+array so the `--only` commit sees them.
+
+```bash
+for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
+  if [ -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/$p" ]; then
+    git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" add -- "$p"
+  elif git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    # Tracked file that no longer exists on disk — already staged by git rm
+    :
+  fi
+  # Skip paths that are neither on disk nor tracked (optional paths not present)
+done
+```
+
+### 3. Check for changes and commit
+
+Use `--only` with the full allowlist so only owned paths are committed.
+Unrelated staged/index and unstaged/worktree changes survive untouched.
+
+```bash
+git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+rc=$?
+if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
+  echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
+elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
+  git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" commit --only \
+    -m "{COMMIT_MESSAGE}" \
+    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+else
+  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
+fi
+```
+
+This procedure handles text-only (array contains only the handoff),
+lfs/git (handoff + manifest + each image), external (handoff + manifest),
+removal runs (handoff + manifest + removed paths), and final-screenshot
+removal (handoff + removed manifest + removed images) identically.
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 5e884e34..d6764273 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -269,120 +269,34 @@ proceed without a handoff (it is optional).
 
 If found, read it.
 
-**Screenshot inspection.** After reading the handoff text, check whether
-its Screenshots section references curated images (inline `![alt](ref)`
-embeds with `SS-N` IDs) or states that no screenshots are available.
-
-- **If screenshots are referenced:** Read the published
-  `screenshot-manifest.json` from the same directory as the handoff in
-  the docs repo. This manifest contains per-image SHA-256 checksums,
-  `context_revision`, `prototype_iteration`, captions, and alt text —
-  the consumer-facing identity record. If the manifest is missing, warn
-  the user and record `manifest: unavailable` per image.
-
-  Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
-
-  **Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` — `lfs` or `git`
-  mode): Locate the image file relative to the handoff directory. If the
-  file is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
-  attempt to resolve the actual content via `git lfs smudge` or report
-  `inspection: lfs-unresolved` for that image — do not inspect the
-  pointer text as if it were an image.
-
-  **External references** (`https://...` URLs — `external` mode):
-  Retrieve the image bytes using the runtime's authorized binary
-  download capability (save to a temporary file, then open the file
-  with the image-reading tool). Do not assume any specific tool
-  parameter — use whichever download mechanism the runtime provides for
-  binary files. If the download or image read fails, record
-  `inspection: fetch-failed` for that image.
-
-  For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
-
-  1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides a `sha256` for this
-     ID, compute the SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. If
-     they differ, record `identity: mismatched` and warn the user that
-     the published image does not match the manifest. If the manifest is
-     unavailable, record `identity: unverified`.
-
-  2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
-     capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading the markdown
-     table, file metadata, captions, or alt text alone is **not** image
-     inspection — the purpose is to observe the actual rendered layout,
-     visual hierarchy, spacing, color usage, component arrangement, and
-     state presentation in the image pixels.
-
-     If identity is `mismatched`, still record visual observations but
-     flag the image as stale/unverified — it must not be silently cited
-     as current design evidence. The user must decide whether to accept
-     the mismatched image or wait for the publisher to update it.
-
-  3. For each inspected image, record:
-     - The screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
-     - Identity status (`verified` / `mismatched` / `unverified`)
-     - A brief observation of what the image actually shows (layout,
-       component arrangement, visual state, notable visual details)
-     - Whether the image content is consistent with or contradicts the
-       handoff's written description for that screenshot
-     - Any visual details not captured in the written spec (spacing,
-       alignment, visual weight, color patterns)
-
-  4. If an image cannot be resolved, is unreadable, or the runtime does
-     not support image inspection:
-     - Record the screenshot ID and per-image status: `unavailable`,
-       `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`, or `inspection-not-supported`
-     - Report to the user which specific images could not be inspected
-       and the reason for each
-     - Do **not** claim the images were inspected or fabricate visual
-       observations from the caption or alt text
-     - Preserve observations from images that were successfully inspected
-     - Ask the user whether to proceed with partial/text-only context or
-       wait for full image access — this is a per-decision choice, not a
-       blanket pass/fail
-
-  5. Record the manifest's `context_revision` and `prototype_iteration`.
-     If these differ from the handoff's metadata header, warn the user
-     that screenshots may be from a different evaluation cycle.
-
-- **If no screenshots are available** (handoff says "None" or the
-  Screenshots section is absent): Record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` in
-  the context. This is a legitimate case — do not treat it as an error
-  or assume it means Quick depth was used. Record the actual reason from
-  the handoff's Screenshots section if stated.
-
-- **User-authorized text-only path.** If the user explicitly authorizes
-  proceeding without image inspection (when screenshots exist but cannot
-  be inspected), record `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred` and the reason.
-  Downstream phases will note reduced visual fidelity.
-
-**Provenance freshness check.** Before extracting content, look for a
-provenance footer (`<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:`) in the handoff file.
-If no provenance footer is found, warn the user:
-
-*"The UX handoff file (`{path}`) does not contain a provenance footer.
-This may indicate the handoff has not been finalized by the UX workflow.
-Proceed with this handoff, or wait for a finalized version?"*
-
-Wait for the user's response before continuing. If the user chooses to
-wait, skip the handoff and proceed without it (same as "not found").
-
-Extract and record:
-- **Component Mapping** — UI elements → design system components
-- **State Matrix** — component states (empty, loading, error, populated, etc.)
-- **Interaction Specs** — user flows, keyboard navigation, focus management
-- **Data Annotations** — per-element data source types (API, User input,
-  Configuration, Computed, Static, Unknown)
-- **Persona-Specific Views** — user group differences, permission-gated actions
-- **Accessibility Requirements** — WCAG, ARIA, keyboard, screen reader
-- **Acceptance Criteria** — Given/When/Then with AC-N numbering
-- **Feasibility & Phasing** — phasing information from the UX handoff:
-  MVP vs Final Vision scope, Supported vs Needs backend annotations,
-  and any phasing recommendations that affect implementation order.
-  This section informs `/plan`'s component prioritization and `/sync`'s
-  story scoping.
-
-If not found, record: *"No UX handoff artifact found. Proceeding with PRD,
-design document, and codebase context only."*
+**Screenshot inspection.** Check the handoff's **Screenshot Index**
+for image references (`SS-N` IDs). Images are embedded inline at User
+Flows, State Matrix, and Persona-Specific Views sections.
+
+- **If referenced:** Read and follow
+  `${HOME}/.ai-workflows/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` with
+  `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory and
+  `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
+  Warn if the manifest's `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` differ
+  from the handoff header.
+
+- **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or absent): Set
+  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. Record the reason if stated.
+
+- **If deferred** (user authorizes skipping inspection): Set
+  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred`. Note reduced visual fidelity downstream.
+
+**Provenance freshness check.** Look for `<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:`
+in the handoff. If absent, warn the user it may not be finalized and ask
+whether to proceed or wait. If they wait, skip the handoff.
+
+Extract: Component Mapping, State Matrix, Interaction Specs, Data
+Annotations (source types), Persona-Specific Views, Accessibility
+Requirements, Acceptance Criteria (Given/When/Then, AC-N), and
+Feasibility & Phasing (MVP vs Final Vision, implementation order).
+
+If not found: *"No UX handoff artifact. Proceeding with PRD, design
+document, and codebase context only."*
 
 #### 5.4: Load Clarifications
 
@@ -416,27 +330,18 @@ the areas of the codebase that the UI work will affect. Focus on two domains:
    extended? Read their key files to understand current patterns — props,
    composition, and internal state.
 
-3. **Hook patterns:** What custom hooks exist? How does the project handle
-   data fetching (React Query, SWR, custom hooks, Redux thunks)? Where do
-   hooks live?
-
-4. **State management:** What state management approach does the project use?
-   (Redux, Zustand, Context, Jotai, local state only) Where is global state
-   defined? What patterns exist for derived/computed state?
-
-5. **Routing:** What router is used? (React Router, Next.js, TanStack Router)
-   How are routes organized? Where are lazy loading boundaries? What route
-   guards or auth checks exist?
-
-6. **Design system:** What component library is used? (PatternFly, MUI,
-   custom) Are there project-specific wrappers?
-
-7. **Testing patterns:** What test framework is used? (Jest, Vitest,
-   Playwright, Cypress) Where do tests live? What patterns do existing
-   component tests follow?
-
-8. **TypeScript patterns:** How are types organized? Are there shared type
-   definitions for API responses? What naming conventions are used?
+3. **Hook patterns:** Custom hooks, data fetching approach (React Query,
+   SWR, Redux thunks), hook locations
+4. **State management:** Approach (Redux, Zustand, Context, Jotai,
+   local), global state location, derived/computed state patterns
+5. **Routing:** Router (React Router, Next.js, TanStack), route
+   organization, lazy loading, guards
+6. **Design system:** Component library (PatternFly, MUI, custom),
+   project-specific wrappers
+7. **Testing patterns:** Framework (Jest, Vitest, Playwright, Cypress),
+   test location, existing component test patterns
+8. **TypeScript patterns:** Type organization, shared API type
+   definitions, naming conventions
 
 #### 7.2: Backend API Surface
 
@@ -454,35 +359,17 @@ the areas of the codebase that the UI work will affect. Focus on two domains:
    RBAC patterns exist on the API side?
 
 Use file search (glob), content search (grep), and targeted file reading.
-If these tools are unavailable or cannot execute (e.g., no file search
-tool, MCP errors, sandbox restrictions), stop and report which tools
-are missing before producing any codebase context — do not infer
-patterns from filenames or prior knowledge alone.
-Focus on 15–25 key files that establish the patterns and boundaries of change.
-If the last 3–5 files explored introduced no new patterns or constraints,
-exploration is likely complete. Note what remains uncertain in the Open
-Questions section.
+If tools are unavailable, stop and report before producing codebase
+context. Focus on 15-25 key files. Stop exploring when 3-5 consecutive
+files introduce no new patterns. Note remaining unknowns in Open Questions.
 
 #### No-Evidence Stop Gate
 
-If codebase exploration found **none** of the following — no
-`UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`, no component directories (e.g., `src/components/`),
-and no backend API type definitions — stop before writing `01-context.md`.
-
-Report to the user:
-
-*"Insufficient codebase evidence found. Searches attempted:*
-*- UI-ARCHITECTURE.md: {found / not found}*
-*- Component directories (src/components/, app/components/, etc.): {found / not found, list paths searched}*
-*- Backend API type definitions (OpenAPI specs, TypeScript interfaces, Go structs): {found / not found, list paths searched}*
-*
-*You can retry by providing a different codebase path, or proceed with
-limited context by confirming. Use `/ingest` again after correcting the
-codebase location."*
-
-Wait for the user's response. If they provide a corrected path, re-run
-Step 7 with the new path. Do not proceed to Step 8 unless the user
-explicitly confirms they want to continue with limited evidence.
+If codebase exploration found **none** of: `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`,
+component directories (`src/components/` etc.), or backend API type
+definitions — stop before writing `01-context.md`. Report which searches
+were attempted and their results. Wait for the user to provide a
+corrected path or explicitly confirm proceeding with limited evidence.
 
 ### Step 8: Compile Context
 
@@ -558,44 +445,24 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 ### Screenshot Observations
 
 - **Screenshots:** {`inspected` / `partial` / `none` / `deferred` / `unavailable`}
-- **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from published manifest, or "N/A"}
-- **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from published manifest, or "N/A"}
-
-{If inspected or partial: for each screenshot, record per-image status,
-identity verification, visual observation, and text/image consistency.}
+- **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from manifest, or "N/A"}
+- **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from manifest, or "N/A"}
 
-| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |
-|----|--------|----------|-----|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------|
-| SS-1 | inspected | verified | `screenshots/SS-1-desc.png` | `a1b2…` | `a1b2…` | {layout, state} | Yes/No | {detail} |
-| SS-2 | lfs-unresolved | unverified | `screenshots/SS-2-desc.png` | `d4e5…` | — | — | — | LFS stub |
+{If `inspected` or `partial`: one row per image from the inspection recipe.}
 
-{Use `partial` when some images were inspected and others were not.
-Record observations for inspected images and per-image failure reasons
-for uninspected ones.}
+| ID | Status | Identity | Observation | Spec Match |
+|----|--------|----------|-------------|------------|
+| SS-1 | inspected | verified | {layout, state} | Yes/No |
 
-{If none: "No screenshots in the UX handoff. Reason: {reason from
-handoff Screenshots section, e.g., 'evaluation at Quick depth' or
-'evaluation did not produce screenshots'}. Visual context is derived
-from the written spec only."}
-
-{If deferred: "Screenshots exist but image inspection was deferred by
-user authorization. Reason: {reason}. Visual fidelity is reduced — the
-plan phase will note which decisions lack visual evidence."}
-
-{If unavailable: "Screenshots referenced but none could be inspected.
-Per-image status: {SS-1: fetch-failed, SS-2: inspection-not-supported,
-...}. Visual context is derived from the written spec only."}
+{If `none`: "No screenshots. Reason: {from Screenshot Index}."
+If `deferred`: "Deferred — reduced visual fidelity. Reason: {reason}."
+If `unavailable`: "Per-image: {SS-1: fetch-failed, …}."}
 
 ### Feasibility & Phasing
 
-{If available from the UX handoff: summarize the phasing information —
- which elements are MVP vs Final Vision, which are Supported by the
- current backend vs Needs backend work, and any phasing recommendations
- that affect implementation order. This informs /plan's component
- prioritization and /sync's story scoping.
-
- If not available: "No feasibility or phasing information available from
- the UX handoff."}
+{From UX handoff: MVP vs Final Vision, Supported vs Needs backend,
+ phasing recommendations. Informs /plan and /sync.
+ If unavailable: "No feasibility or phasing information available."}
 
 ### Locked Decisions
 
@@ -688,41 +555,22 @@ Per-image status: {SS-1: fetch-failed, SS-2: inspection-not-supported,
 
 ### Step 8a: Diff Against Prior Ingest (Re-invocation Only)
 
-If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, compare `01-context.md.prev` against
-the newly compiled content. Focus the diff on:
+If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, diff `01-context.md.prev` against the
+compiled content. Focus on: acceptance criteria, upstream artifact changes,
+API endpoints, and affected components.
 
-- Changes to the story's acceptance criteria
-- Changes in upstream artifacts (PRD requirements, design sections, UX handoff)
-- New or removed API endpoints
-- Changes to affected components
-
-Then check whether downstream artifacts exist (`02-ui-design.md`,
-`03-api-findings.md`, `04-pr-description.md`, `05-review-responses.md`,
-`sync-manifest.json`). If they do, tell the user:
-
-- Which artifacts exist and may be affected
-- Which specific changes are likely to affect them
-- If `sync-manifest.json` exists, warn that stories have already been
-  synced to Jira and re-ingesting may require manual Jira updates
-
-Wait for the user to confirm before proceeding. If the user confirms,
-write the compiled content to `01-context.md` and clean up the temp file.
-If the user declines, delete the temp file and stop without overwriting.
+Check for downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
+`04-pr-description.md`, `05-review-responses.md`, `sync-manifest.json`).
+If any exist, report which may be affected and warn about Jira sync
+implications. Wait for the user to confirm before overwriting. If they
+decline, delete the temp file and stop.
 
 ### Step 9: Report to User
 
-Present a brief summary:
-- What story was read and its scope
-- Which upstream artifacts were loaded (PRD, design doc, UX handoff)
-- Which codebase areas were explored (frontend + backend)
-- Key affected components identified
-- API endpoints relevant to the UI work
-- Any constraints or open questions discovered
-- Whether the context is sufficient to proceed to `/plan`
-
-If the user declined a re-invocation overwrite in Step 8a, report instead:
-- What changes were found (summary of the diff)
-- That the existing `01-context.md` was preserved unchanged
+Summarize: story scope, upstream artifacts loaded, codebase areas
+explored, affected components, relevant API endpoints, constraints,
+open questions, and readiness for `/plan`. If re-invocation was
+declined, report the diff summary and that `01-context.md` was preserved.
 
 ## Output
 
@@ -730,12 +578,4 @@ If the user declined a re-invocation overwrite in Step 8a, report instead:
 
 ## When This Phase Is Done
 
-Report your findings:
-- Story scope and acceptance criteria
-- Upstream artifacts loaded (and any that were missing)
-- Frontend architecture patterns discovered
-- Backend API endpoints relevant to the UI
-- Constraints and open questions
-- Assessment of readiness for `/plan`
-
-Then return to the invoking workflow router for completion guidance.
+Report findings then return to the invoking workflow router.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a2d8a0d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -0,0 +1,277 @@
+"""Regression tests for the screenshot publish/respond lifecycle.
+
+Verifies the canonical owned-path procedure documented in
+_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md is consistent across
+ux-design/skills/publish.md and ux-design/skills/respond.md.
+
+Also validates section-name consistency across producer, publisher,
+responder, and consumer instructions.
+
+These tests parse the actual canonical instruction files — no
+hand-copied procedure code.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import re
+import sys
+import unittest
+
+REPO_ROOT = os.path.normpath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../.."))
+
+
+def _read(relpath: str) -> str:
+    with open(os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, relpath), encoding="utf-8") as f:
+        return f.read()
+
+
+class TestSharedRecipeExists(unittest.TestCase):
+    """The canonical shared publish-stage recipe exists and is well-formed."""
+
+    def test_recipe_exists(self) -> None:
+        path = os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, "_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path), "screenshot-publish-stage.md missing")
+
+    def test_recipe_has_frontmatter(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        self.assertTrue(content.startswith("---"), "Missing YAML frontmatter")
+        self.assertIn("name: screenshot-publish-stage", content)
+
+    def test_recipe_includes_manifest_removed(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe handles manifest removal (Bug 1 fix)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", content)
+
+    def test_recipe_includes_tracked_deletion_staging(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe stages tracked deletions that no longer exist on disk."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        # The recipe should handle files staged by git rm (not on disk)
+        self.assertIn("git rm", content.lower()) or self.assertIn(
+            "already staged", content.lower()
+        )
+
+    def test_inspection_recipe_exists(self) -> None:
+        path = os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, "_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path), "screenshot-inspection.md missing")
+
+
+class TestPublishReferencesSharedRecipe(unittest.TestCase):
+    """publish.md references the shared recipe (Bug 2 fix)."""
+
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+
+    def test_references_shared_recipe(self) -> None:
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
+
+    def test_no_inline_owned_paths_loop(self) -> None:
+        """publish.md should not duplicate the owned_paths loop inline."""
+        # The old inline loop had "for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"" etc.
+        # After the fix, it delegates to the recipe.
+        # Count occurrences of the git add staging loop
+        add_loops = re.findall(
+            r'for p in "\$\{owned_paths\[@\]\}"', self.content
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            len(add_loops),
+            0,
+            "publish.md still has inline owned_paths staging loop; "
+            "should delegate to shared recipe",
+        )
+
+    def test_has_manifest_removed_parameter(self) -> None:
+        """publish.md passes MANIFEST_REMOVED to the recipe."""
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", self.content)
+
+
+class TestRespondReferencesSharedRecipe(unittest.TestCase):
+    """respond.md references the same shared recipe (Bug 2 fix)."""
+
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+
+    def test_references_shared_recipe(self) -> None:
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
+
+    def test_has_copied_filenames(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md defines/tracks copied_filenames."""
+        self.assertIn("copied_filenames", self.content)
+
+    def test_has_removed_filenames(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md defines/tracks removed_filenames."""
+        self.assertIn("removed_filenames", self.content)
+
+    def test_has_manifest_removed_parameter(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md passes MANIFEST_REMOVED to the recipe."""
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", self.content)
+
+
+class TestInitialTextOnlyVsUpdateReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Bug 3: skip condition distinguishes initial text-only from updates."""
+
+    def _assert_update_reconciliation(self, content: str, filename: str) -> None:
+        """File must reconcile previous assets on updates."""
+        self.assertIn(
+            "publish-metadata",
+            content.lower(),
+            f"{filename} must check publish-metadata for prior assets",
+        )
+        # Must NOT skip when prior assets exist
+        self.assertIn(
+            "Reconcile previous assets",
+            content,
+            f"{filename} must reconcile previous assets on updates",
+        )
+
+    def test_publish_reconciles_updates(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self._assert_update_reconciliation(content, "publish.md")
+
+    def test_respond_reconciles_updates(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        self._assert_update_reconciliation(content, "respond.md")
+
+    def test_publish_initial_skip_qualified(self) -> None:
+        """publish.md skip is limited to initial text-only publishes."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("initial text-only", content.lower())
+
+    def test_respond_initial_skip_qualified(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md skip is limited to initial text-only publishes."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        self.assertIn("initial text-only", content.lower())
+
+
+class TestScreenshotIndexNaming(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Bug 4: Section naming consistency across all files."""
+
+    FILES = {
+        "handoff": "ux-design/skills/handoff.md",
+        "publish": "ux-design/skills/publish.md",
+        "respond": "ux-design/skills/respond.md",
+        "revise": "ux-design/skills/revise.md",
+        "ingest": "ui-design/skills/ingest.md",
+        "plan": "ui-design/skills/plan.md",
+    }
+
+    def test_handoff_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
+        content = _read(self.FILES["handoff"])
+        self.assertIn("## Screenshot Index", content)
+
+    def test_publish_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
+        content = _read(self.FILES["publish"])
+        # publish references the section by name
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
+        # Must not use old "Screenshots section" phrasing
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "the handoff's Screenshots section",
+            content,
+            "publish.md still uses old 'Screenshots section' naming",
+        )
+
+    def test_respond_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
+        content = _read(self.FILES["respond"])
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
+
+    def test_ingest_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
+        content = _read(self.FILES["ingest"])
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "its Screenshots section references",
+            content,
+            "ingest.md still uses old 'Screenshots section' naming",
+        )
+
+    def test_plan_references_screenshot_observations(self) -> None:
+        """plan.md reads Screenshot Observations from ingest context."""
+        content = _read(self.FILES["plan"])
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot", content)
+
+
+class TestExternalModeFullRewrite(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Bug 5: respond rewrites ALL image refs, not just changed ones."""
+
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+
+    def test_unchanged_images_reuse_urls(self) -> None:
+        """Unchanged images reuse published_path from metadata."""
+        self.assertIn("Unchanged images", self.content)
+        self.assertIn("published_path", self.content)
+
+    def test_every_embed_rewritten(self) -> None:
+        """ALL current embeds are rewritten, not just changed ones."""
+        # Must contain language about rewriting every/all refs
+        lower = self.content.lower()
+        self.assertTrue(
+            "every" in lower and "embed" in lower,
+            "respond.md must rewrite every embed in external mode",
+        )
+
+    def test_metadata_after_success(self) -> None:
+        """Metadata updated only after successful commit+push."""
+        self.assertIn(
+            "after the commit",
+            self.content.lower(),
+        )
+
+
+class TestManifestFieldAlignment(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Handoff header fields and consumer manifest fields align."""
+
+    def test_handoff_has_context_revision(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
+        self.assertIn("**Context revision:**", content)
+        self.assertIn("**Prototype iteration:**", content)
+
+    def test_manifest_has_context_revision(self) -> None:
+        """Publish writes context_revision and prototype_iteration."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
+
+    def test_ingest_checks_header_vs_manifest(self) -> None:
+        """Ingest compares manifest revision with handoff header."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
+        # Should mention comparing/matching
+        self.assertTrue(
+            "differ" in content.lower() or "match" in content.lower(),
+            "ingest should compare manifest and handoff header fields",
+        )
+
+
+class TestAgentsMdRecipeListing(unittest.TestCase):
+    """New recipes are listed in AGENTS.md."""
+
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self.content = _read("AGENTS.md")
+
+    def test_publish_stage_listed(self) -> None:
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
+
+    def test_inspection_listed(self) -> None:
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-inspection.md", self.content)
+
+
+class TestIngestTokenBudget(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Ingest token count is within baseline (<=6478, preferably <=6000)."""
+
+    def test_ingest_char_count_within_baseline(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        # Rough estimate: 4 chars per token
+        est_tokens = len(content) // 4
+        self.assertLessEqual(
+            est_tokens,
+            6478,
+            f"ingest.md ~{est_tokens} tokens exceeds baseline 6478",
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index 1906c006..4e17bbcd 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ In either case, present the options and **wait for an explicit choice**:
 *2. Provide screenshots directly (the researcher supplies image files)*
 *3. Proceed with a text-only handoff (record this as a documented decision — `ui-design` will operate from written spec only)"*
 
-If the researcher chooses option 3, record in the Screenshots section:
+If the researcher chooses option 3, record in the Screenshot Index section:
 `Screenshots: None — {reason from evaluation depth}. Text-only handoff
 authorized by researcher.`
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 6acdbea4..573cf142 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ Before publishing, verify that every screenshot referenced in the handoff
 is available and has a valid identity record.
 
 Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
-If the file does not exist, check whether the handoff's Screenshots section
+If the file does not exist, check whether the handoff's Screenshot Index section
 says "None." If the handoff references screenshots but no manifest exists,
 stop and recommend re-running `/handoff` to generate the manifest.
 
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ For each entry in the manifest:
    update the manifest or re-curate.
 
 3. **Reference in handoff:** Verify the screenshot ID (e.g., `SS-1`) appears
-   in the handoff's Screenshots section. Warn about manifest entries not
+   in the handoff's Screenshot Index section. Warn about manifest entries not
    referenced in the handoff (orphaned assets) and about handoff references
    not in the manifest (broken references).
 
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ creating the branch and report the specific failures.
 
 ### Step 3b: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
 
-**Skip this step entirely** when the handoff's Screenshots section says
+**Skip this step entirely** when the handoff's Screenshot Index section says
 "None" and the authoring manifest does not exist or is empty. Set
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` in publish-metadata.json and proceed to
 Step 4 without prompting for a storage policy or touching asset paths.
@@ -308,13 +308,23 @@ mkdir -p "{destination_dir}"
 cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{handoff_target}"
 ```
 
-**Skip screenshot handling** when the handoff's Screenshots section says
-"None" or the authoring manifest does not exist. Do not prompt for a
-storage policy, touch asset paths, or stage screenshot directories on
-text-only publishes.
+**Skip screenshot handling on initial text-only publishes** — when the
+handoff's Screenshot Index says "None" **and** no publish-metadata
+`screenshot_assets` exist from a prior publish. Do not prompt for a
+storage policy, touch asset paths, or stage screenshot directories.
+
+**Reconcile previous assets on updates.** When updating an existing
+publish (`publish-metadata.json` exists with `screenshot_assets`), always
+check for removals even if the current handoff has no screenshots. If
+the current authoring manifest is empty or absent but `screenshot_assets`
+records prior images: remove them (lfs/git: `git rm`; external: remove
+embeds/index entries), remove the consumer manifest, and set
+`screenshot_storage` to `none` **after** the commit and push succeed.
+Use previous metadata for cleanup; do not overwrite metadata with empty
+values before using it for reconciliation.
 
 **Copy screenshot assets** (only when the authoring manifest is non-empty
-and the Screenshots section contains image references):
+and the Screenshot Index section contains image references):
 
 **Pre-copy validation.** For each manifest entry, require `{filename}`
 to match `^SS-[0-9]+-[a-z0-9-]+\.png$`. Resolve each candidate
@@ -361,57 +371,16 @@ Provenance at publish time:
 - Only if the researcher explicitly declines provenance, pass `ALLOW_MISSING=yes` to
   strip the footer and record `provenance_kind: declined`.
 
-**Build owned-path allowlist and stage/commit.** Construct a Bash array
-of every path this publish created, modified, or owns. Use this single
-array for staging, change detection, and the commit pathspec.
-
-```bash
-owned_paths=("{handoff_file_path}")
-
-# Add only paths that were actually written in this run:
-if [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" ]; then
-  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json")
-fi
-# For lfs/git mode — each copied screenshot by validated filename:
-for f in "${copied_filenames[@]}"; do
-  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/$f")
-done
-# For removals — each git-rm'd path (already staged by git rm):
-for f in "${removed_filenames[@]}"; do
-  owned_paths+=("{handoff_file_path_dir}/screenshots/$f")
-done
-```
-
-Stage the owned paths (skip absent optional paths):
-
-```bash
-for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
-  if git -C "{docs_repo_path}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1 \
-     || [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/$p" ]; then
-    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "$p"
-  fi
-done
-```
-
-Check for changes and commit using `--only` with the full allowlist:
-
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
-rc=$?
-if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
-  echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
-elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
-  git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
-    -m "{Add|Update} UX design handoff for {issue-key}" \
-    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
-else
-  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
-fi
-```
-
-This procedure handles text-only (array contains only the handoff),
-lfs/git (handoff + manifest + each image), external (handoff + manifest),
-and removal runs (handoff + manifest + removed paths) identically.
+**Build owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit.** Read and follow
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` with:
+- `DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo_path}"`
+- `HANDOFF_FILE_PATH="{handoff_file_path}"`
+- `HANDOFF_DIR="{handoff_file_path_dir}"`
+- `COPIED_FILENAMES` = the array of screenshot filenames copied this run
+- `REMOVED_FILENAMES` = the array of screenshot filenames removed via `git rm`
+- `MANIFEST_WRITTEN="true"` if the consumer manifest was written/updated
+- `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
+- `COMMIT_MESSAGE="{Add|Update} UX design handoff for {issue-key}"`
 
 ### Step 5: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 819d7c14..fd5289eb 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -152,9 +152,16 @@ handoff directory from the published handoff path:
 handoff_dir=$(dirname "{handoff_file_path}")
 ```
 
-If the authoring manifest does not exist or contains no screenshots, and
-`screenshot_storage` is `none`, skip screenshot handling entirely — do not
-touch asset paths.
+**Skip screenshot handling on initial text-only publishes** — when the
+authoring manifest does not exist or contains no screenshots, **and**
+`screenshot_storage` is `none`, **and** `publish-metadata.json` has no
+prior `screenshot_assets`. Do not touch asset paths.
+
+**Reconcile previous assets on updates.** When `publish-metadata.json`
+records prior `screenshot_assets`, always check for removals even if the
+current authoring manifest is empty or absent (transition to text-only).
+Use previous metadata for cleanup; do not overwrite metadata with empty
+values before using it for reconciliation.
 
 Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
 
@@ -184,7 +191,14 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" rm -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{removed_filename}"
    ```
 
-   Remove the entry from the published `screenshot-manifest.json`.
+   Remove the entry from the published `screenshot-manifest.json`. If
+   all screenshots are removed, also remove the consumer manifest:
+
+   ```bash
+   git -C "{docs_repo_path}" rm -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
+   ```
+
+   Track each removed filename in a `removed_filenames` array.
 
 4. **Handle additions and updates** (`lfs` or `git` mode): copy each
    changed or new file individually and verify its SHA-256 matches the
@@ -195,18 +209,33 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
       "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
    ```
 
-5. **External mode:** For changed or added screenshots, require the
-   researcher to provide new immutable, revision-bound URLs. Retrieve
-   the image bytes from each URL, compute SHA-256, and verify against
-   the authoring manifest. Stop on mismatch. Rewrite **both** the
-   inline `![alt](ref)` embeds **and** the Screenshot Index entries in
-   the published handoff with the new URLs. For removals, delete the
-   embed and index entry. Preserve authoring references in
+   Track each copied filename in a `copied_filenames` array.
+
+5. **External mode — rewrite ALL current image references.** After
+   copying the freshly authored handoff over the published copy, the
+   published document contains local authoring refs (`screenshots/...`)
+   that must all be rewritten to external URLs:
+
+   - **Unchanged images** (current manifest `sha256` matches
+     `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` for that ID): reuse the
+     existing `published_path` URL from `publish-metadata.json`. Verify
+     the URL is still well-formed and immutable.
+   - **Changed or new images**: require the researcher to provide new
+     immutable, revision-bound URLs. Retrieve image bytes from each URL,
+     compute SHA-256, and verify against the authoring manifest. Stop on
+     mismatch.
+   - **Removed images**: delete the embed and Screenshot Index entry.
+
+   Rewrite **every** current `![alt](ref)` embed **and** Screenshot
+   Index `Ref` column in the published handoff with the correct external
+   URL. This ensures a text-only edit with unchanged images preserves
+   all external references. Preserve authoring references in
    `05-handoff.md` separately.
 
 6. **Regenerate the published consumer-facing manifest** at
    `{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with the current set of
-   published screenshots (no private paths).
+   published screenshots (no private paths). If all screenshots were
+   removed, skip this — the manifest was already deleted in step 3.
 
 7. **Update `publish-metadata.json`** `screenshot_assets` with the new
    checksums, paths, and entry set. Do not write metadata until the
@@ -223,40 +252,20 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"`.
 
-**Build owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit** using the same
-procedure as `/publish` Step 4. Construct `owned_paths` from the
-handoff path plus only the paths actually written, copied, or removed
-in this run — no unconditional manifest or screenshot paths:
-
-```bash
-owned_paths=("{handoff_file_path}")
-# Add manifest only if it was regenerated:
-if [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json" ]; then
-  owned_paths+=("{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json")
-fi
-# Add each changed/added file and each removed path...
-# (same array-building logic as /publish Step 4)
-
-for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
-  if git -C "{docs_repo_path}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1 \
-     || [ -f "{docs_repo_path}/$p" ]; then
-    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" add -- "$p"
-  fi
-done
-
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
-rc=$?
-if [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
-  git -C "{docs_repo_path}" commit --only \
-    -m "UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback" \
-    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
-elif [ "$rc" -ne 0 ]; then
-  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
-fi
-```
+**Build owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit.** Read and follow
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` with:
+- `DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo_path}"`
+- `HANDOFF_FILE_PATH="{handoff_file_path}"`
+- `HANDOFF_DIR="{handoff_dir}"`
+- `COPIED_FILENAMES` = the `copied_filenames` array built above
+- `REMOVED_FILENAMES` = the `removed_filenames` array built above
+- `MANIFEST_WRITTEN="true"` if the consumer manifest was regenerated
+- `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
+- `COMMIT_MESSAGE="UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback"`
 
 Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the commit
-and push succeed.
+and push succeed. Set `screenshot_storage` to `none` only after
+successful commit+push when all screenshots have been removed.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index 09d82f1c..7c014156 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
    that the visual content changed.
 
 **Adding screenshots to a previously text-only handoff.** If the handoff
-has `Screenshots: None` and the researcher provides images, the recorded
+has `Screenshot Index: None` and the researcher provides images, the recorded
 `screenshot_storage` policy of `none` is no longer valid. Tell the
 researcher that an explicit storage policy (`lfs`, `external`, or `git`)
 is required before the next `/publish`, then follow the curation

From 6ae759857e9cac82a488ab60c72fd217d52a1cad Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 20:22:53 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 06/42] Hook ui-design and ux-design script tests into CI

Add unittest discover lines for ui-design/scripts and ux-design/scripts
to the unit-tests job in test.yaml. This covers the existing
test_compute_hash.py and the new test_screenshot_lifecycle.py.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .github/workflows/test.yaml | 2 ++
 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+)

diff --git a/.github/workflows/test.yaml b/.github/workflows/test.yaml
index 5d301ca1..e4b18456 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test.yaml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test.yaml
@@ -67,3 +67,5 @@ jobs:
       - run: python3 -m unittest discover -s triage/scripts -p 'test_*.py' -v
       - run: python3 -m unittest discover -s skills/report-bug/scripts -p 'test_*.py' -v
       - run: python3 -m unittest discover -s design/scripts -p 'test_*.py' -v
+      - run: python3 -m unittest discover -s ui-design/scripts -p 'test_*.py' -v
+      - run: python3 -m unittest discover -s ux-design/scripts -p 'test_*.py' -v

From 6ea6efadcdeb4cbc52e9a102ba72eb10f17b3120 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 20:35:09 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 07/42] Fix 4 review corrections and add executable recipe
 tests

1. ingest.md: use relative ../../ path for screenshot-inspection recipe
   instead of absolute ${HOME}/.ai-workflows/... (AGENTS.md convention).

2. publish Step3b: resolve screenshot_storage to none in memory only;
   do not persist to metadata until after successful commit+push so
   previous assets remain available for Step4 reconciliation.

3. respond: external-mode final-image removal now explicitly git-rms
   the consumer manifest and passes MANIFEST_REMOVED regardless of
   storage mode. External hosted bytes are not deleted.

4. inspection recipe: add full per-image output schema (ref,
   expected_sha, observed_sha, spec_match, notes). Ingest context
   template restored with full schema columns. Plan requires explicit
   accepted-unverified label for mismatched/missing manifest images.

Replace structural-only assertIn tests with executable recipe tests:
extract the 3 Bash fenced blocks from screenshot-publish-stage.md,
instantiate declared parameters, run in disposable Git repos via
subprocess. 9 scenarios: initial images+manifest, text-only, unchanged
repeat (no commit), image update, one-image removal, final-image +
manifest removal, external manifest-only removal, external doc+manifest
update, recipe block count. Each seeds unrelated staged+unstaged files
and asserts they survive. 13 structural assertions retained.

Scope: staging/commit procedure execution only. Does NOT exercise
prose-level URL fetching/rewriting, runtime image inspection, or any
live UX-to-UI workflow pipeline.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  37 +-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |  14 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 718 ++++++++++++------
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |   9 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   8 +-
 5 files changed, 530 insertions(+), 256 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 3a56cff6..63d49878 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -56,19 +56,30 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
    If identity is `mismatched`, still record observations but flag the
    image as stale/unverified.
 
-3. **Record** per image:
-   - Screenshot ID (`SS-N`)
-   - Identity status (`verified` / `mismatched` / `unverified`)
-   - Brief observation of actual visual content
-   - Consistency with handoff's written description
-   - Visual details not captured in the written spec
-
-4. **If unresolvable:** Record the ID and per-image status:
-   `unavailable`, `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`, or
-   `inspection-not-supported`. Report which images could not be
-   inspected. Do **not** fabricate observations from captions or alt
-   text. Ask the user whether to proceed with partial/text-only context
-   or wait for full image access.
+3. **Record** per image using this schema:
+
+   | Field | Value |
+   |-------|-------|
+   | `id` | Screenshot ID (`SS-N`) |
+   | `status` | `inspected` / `unavailable` / `lfs-unresolved` / `fetch-failed` / `inspection-not-supported` |
+   | `identity` | `verified` / `mismatched` / `unverified` |
+   | `ref` | Published reference (local path or external URL) |
+   | `expected_sha` | SHA-256 from manifest (or `—` if unavailable) |
+   | `observed_sha` | SHA-256 of actual bytes (or `—` if not resolved) |
+   | `observation` | Brief description of actual visual content |
+   | `spec_match` | `Yes` / `No` — consistency with written description |
+   | `notes` | Visual details not in spec, or failure reason |
+
+   When the user explicitly accepts a `mismatched` or `unverified` image,
+   record that decision so downstream phases can cite it as
+   `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`. Do not silently accept
+   missing manifests or identity mismatches.
+
+4. **If unresolvable:** Record the ID and per-image status per the
+   schema above. Report which images could not be inspected. Do **not**
+   fabricate observations from captions or alt text. Ask the user
+   whether to proceed with partial/text-only context or wait for full
+   image access.
 
 5. **Check revision binding.** Record the manifest's `context_revision`
    and `prototype_iteration`. If these differ from the handoff's
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index d6764273..bcfac533 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ for image references (`SS-N` IDs). Images are embedded inline at User
 Flows, State Matrix, and Persona-Specific Views sections.
 
 - **If referenced:** Read and follow
-  `${HOME}/.ai-workflows/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` with
+  `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` with
   `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory and
   `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
   Warn if the manifest's `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` differ
@@ -448,15 +448,13 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 - **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from manifest, or "N/A"}
 - **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from manifest, or "N/A"}
 
-{If `inspected` or `partial`: one row per image from the inspection recipe.}
+{If `inspected`/`partial`: one row per image per the inspection recipe schema.}
 
-| ID | Status | Identity | Observation | Spec Match |
-|----|--------|----------|-------------|------------|
-| SS-1 | inspected | verified | {layout, state} | Yes/No |
+| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |
+|----|--------|----------|-----|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------|
+| SS-1 | inspected | verified | `screenshots/SS-1-desc.png` | `a1b2…` | `a1b2…` | {layout, state} | Yes/No | — |
 
-{If `none`: "No screenshots. Reason: {from Screenshot Index}."
-If `deferred`: "Deferred — reduced visual fidelity. Reason: {reason}."
-If `unavailable`: "Per-image: {SS-1: fetch-failed, …}."}
+{`none`/`deferred`/`unavailable`: one-line reason and per-image status.}
 
 ### Feasibility & Phasing
 
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index a2d8a0d7..1ea34914 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1,22 +1,28 @@
 """Regression tests for the screenshot publish/respond lifecycle.
 
-Verifies the canonical owned-path procedure documented in
-_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md is consistent across
-ux-design/skills/publish.md and ux-design/skills/respond.md.
-
-Also validates section-name consistency across producer, publisher,
-responder, and consumer instructions.
-
-These tests parse the actual canonical instruction files — no
-hand-copied procedure code.
+Part 1 (Structural): Parses actual canonical instruction files to verify
+cross-file consistency — section names, recipe references, parameter
+completeness, field alignment.
+
+Part 2 (Executable): Extracts the Bash fenced blocks from the committed
+_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md, instantiates declared
+parameters, and runs them in disposable Git repos via subprocess.
+Covers: initial images+manifest, initial text-only, unchanged repeat,
+image-only update, one-image removal, final-image+manifest removal
+(including external-mode manifest-only), and external doc+manifest-only
+update. Seeds unrelated staged/unstaged files and asserts survival.
+
+Scope: staging/commit procedure only. Does NOT exercise prose-level URL
+fetching, rewriting, runtime image inspection, or any live workflow.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-import json
 import os
 import re
-import sys
+import subprocess
+import tempfile
+import textwrap
 import unittest
 
 REPO_ROOT = os.path.normpath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../.."))
@@ -27,250 +33,500 @@ def _read(relpath: str) -> str:
         return f.read()
 
 
-class TestSharedRecipeExists(unittest.TestCase):
-    """The canonical shared publish-stage recipe exists and is well-formed."""
-
-    def test_recipe_exists(self) -> None:
-        path = os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, "_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path), "screenshot-publish-stage.md missing")
-
-    def test_recipe_has_frontmatter(self) -> None:
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Helper: extract and instantiate recipe bash blocks
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+def _w(path: str, content: str = "") -> None:
+    """Write content to a file (properly closed)."""
+    with open(path, "w") as f:
+        f.write(content)
+
+
+def _extract_bash_blocks(md_content: str) -> list[str]:
+    """Return the contents of all ```bash ... ``` blocks in order."""
+    return re.findall(r"```bash\n(.*?)```", md_content, re.DOTALL)
+
+
+def _instantiate_recipe(
+    docs: str,
+    handoff_path: str,
+    handoff_dir: str,
+    commit_msg: str,
+    copied: list[str] | None = None,
+    removed: list[str] | None = None,
+    manifest_written: bool = False,
+    manifest_removed: bool = False,
+) -> str:
+    """Build a runnable Bash script from the recipe's fenced blocks.
+
+    Declares parameter variables, then pastes the three recipe blocks
+    (build allowlist, stage, check+commit) verbatim after substitution
+    of the declared placeholders.
+    """
+    recipe_md = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+    blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(recipe_md)
+    assert len(blocks) == 3, f"Expected 3 bash blocks in recipe, got {len(blocks)}"
+
+    # Join recipe blocks with parameter declarations.
+    # Recipe uses two placeholder conventions:
+    #   {PARAM} — text-substituted to shell variable references
+    #   ${VAR}  — already shell variable references, kept as-is
+    copied_arr = " ".join(f'"{f}"' for f in (copied or []))
+    removed_arr = " ".join(f'"{f}"' for f in (removed or []))
+
+    script = textwrap.dedent(f"""\
+        #!/usr/bin/env bash
+        # --- Parameter declarations (from caller) ---
+        DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs}"
+        HANDOFF_FILE_PATH="{handoff_path}"
+        HANDOFF_DIR="{handoff_dir}"
+        COPIED_FILENAMES=({copied_arr})
+        REMOVED_FILENAMES=({removed_arr})
+        MANIFEST_WRITTEN="{str(manifest_written).lower()}"
+        MANIFEST_REMOVED="{str(manifest_removed).lower()}"
+        COMMIT_MESSAGE="{commit_msg}"
+
+    """)
+    # Text-substitute {PLACEHOLDER} tokens to $VARIABLE references.
+    # The recipe's ${...} references (MANIFEST_WRITTEN, etc.) are
+    # already valid shell and need no transformation.
+    subs = {
+        "{HANDOFF_FILE_PATH}": "$HANDOFF_FILE_PATH",
+        "{HANDOFF_DIR}": "$HANDOFF_DIR",
+        "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}": "$DOCS_REPO_PATH",
+        "{COMMIT_MESSAGE}": "$COMMIT_MESSAGE",
+    }
+    for i, block in enumerate(blocks):
+        for old, new in subs.items():
+            block = block.replace(old, new)
+        script += f"# --- Recipe block {i+1} ---\n{block}\n"
+
+    return script
+
+
+def _run_script(script: str, cwd: str | None = None) -> subprocess.CompletedProcess:
+    """Run a bash script, returning the result.
+
+    Uses set -uo pipefail (strict unset + pipefail) but NOT -e (errexit),
+    because the recipe intentionally uses ``git diff --cached --quiet``
+    which returns exit 1 to signal "there are staged changes" — that is
+    not an error. The recipe captures $? and branches; errexit would
+    abort before the branch.
+    """
+    return subprocess.run(
+        ["bash", "-uo", "pipefail", "-c", script],
+        capture_output=True, text=True, cwd=cwd,
+    )
+
+
+def _setup_repo(tmpdir: str) -> str:
+    """Create a minimal git repo with an initial commit, return its path."""
+    repo = os.path.join(tmpdir, "docs-repo")
+    os.makedirs(repo)
+    subprocess.run(["git", "init", repo], capture_output=True, check=True)
+    subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.email", "test@test"],
+        capture_output=True, check=True,
+    )
+    subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name", "test"],
+        capture_output=True, check=True,
+    )
+    # Initial commit so HEAD exists
+    dummy = os.path.join(repo, ".gitkeep")
+    _w(dummy)
+    subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", ".gitkeep"], capture_output=True, check=True)
+    subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "init"],
+        capture_output=True, check=True,
+    )
+    return repo
+
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 1: Structural assertions on canonical instruction files
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestStructuralRecipeConsistency(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Cross-file structural checks — recipe references, params, naming."""
+
+    def test_recipe_exists_and_has_frontmatter(self) -> None:
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        self.assertTrue(content.startswith("---"), "Missing YAML frontmatter")
+        self.assertTrue(content.startswith("---"))
         self.assertIn("name: screenshot-publish-stage", content)
 
-    def test_recipe_includes_manifest_removed(self) -> None:
-        """Recipe handles manifest removal (Bug 1 fix)."""
-        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", content)
-
-    def test_recipe_includes_tracked_deletion_staging(self) -> None:
-        """Recipe stages tracked deletions that no longer exist on disk."""
-        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        # The recipe should handle files staged by git rm (not on disk)
-        self.assertIn("git rm", content.lower()) or self.assertIn(
-            "already staged", content.lower()
-        )
-
     def test_inspection_recipe_exists(self) -> None:
         path = os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, "_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
-        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path), "screenshot-inspection.md missing")
-
-
-class TestPublishReferencesSharedRecipe(unittest.TestCase):
-    """publish.md references the shared recipe (Bug 2 fix)."""
-
-    def setUp(self) -> None:
-        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-
-    def test_references_shared_recipe(self) -> None:
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
-
-    def test_no_inline_owned_paths_loop(self) -> None:
-        """publish.md should not duplicate the owned_paths loop inline."""
-        # The old inline loop had "for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"" etc.
-        # After the fix, it delegates to the recipe.
-        # Count occurrences of the git add staging loop
-        add_loops = re.findall(
-            r'for p in "\$\{owned_paths\[@\]\}"', self.content
-        )
-        self.assertEqual(
-            len(add_loops),
-            0,
-            "publish.md still has inline owned_paths staging loop; "
-            "should delegate to shared recipe",
-        )
-
-    def test_has_manifest_removed_parameter(self) -> None:
-        """publish.md passes MANIFEST_REMOVED to the recipe."""
-        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", self.content)
-
-
-class TestRespondReferencesSharedRecipe(unittest.TestCase):
-    """respond.md references the same shared recipe (Bug 2 fix)."""
-
-    def setUp(self) -> None:
-        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-
-    def test_references_shared_recipe(self) -> None:
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
-
-    def test_has_copied_filenames(self) -> None:
-        """respond.md defines/tracks copied_filenames."""
-        self.assertIn("copied_filenames", self.content)
-
-    def test_has_removed_filenames(self) -> None:
-        """respond.md defines/tracks removed_filenames."""
-        self.assertIn("removed_filenames", self.content)
-
-    def test_has_manifest_removed_parameter(self) -> None:
-        """respond.md passes MANIFEST_REMOVED to the recipe."""
-        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", self.content)
+        self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(path))
 
+    def test_inspection_recipe_has_per_image_schema(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        for field in ("expected_sha", "observed_sha", "ref", "spec_match"):
+            self.assertIn(field, content, f"inspection recipe missing field {field}")
 
-class TestInitialTextOnlyVsUpdateReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Bug 3: skip condition distinguishes initial text-only from updates."""
-
-    def _assert_update_reconciliation(self, content: str, filename: str) -> None:
-        """File must reconcile previous assets on updates."""
-        self.assertIn(
-            "publish-metadata",
-            content.lower(),
-            f"{filename} must check publish-metadata for prior assets",
-        )
-        # Must NOT skip when prior assets exist
-        self.assertIn(
-            "Reconcile previous assets",
-            content,
-            f"{filename} must reconcile previous assets on updates",
-        )
-
-    def test_publish_reconciles_updates(self) -> None:
+    def test_publish_references_recipe(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-        self._assert_update_reconciliation(content, "publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", content)
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", content)
 
-    def test_respond_reconciles_updates(self) -> None:
+    def test_respond_references_recipe_with_arrays(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-        self._assert_update_reconciliation(content, "respond.md")
-
-    def test_publish_initial_skip_qualified(self) -> None:
-        """publish.md skip is limited to initial text-only publishes."""
-        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-        self.assertIn("initial text-only", content.lower())
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", content)
+        self.assertIn("copied_filenames", content)
+        self.assertIn("removed_filenames", content)
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", content)
 
-    def test_respond_initial_skip_qualified(self) -> None:
-        """respond.md skip is limited to initial text-only publishes."""
+    def test_respond_external_final_removal_manifest(self) -> None:
+        """respond external mode removes consumer manifest on final image."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-        self.assertIn("initial text-only", content.lower())
-
-
-class TestScreenshotIndexNaming(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Bug 4: Section naming consistency across all files."""
-
-    FILES = {
-        "handoff": "ux-design/skills/handoff.md",
-        "publish": "ux-design/skills/publish.md",
-        "respond": "ux-design/skills/respond.md",
-        "revise": "ux-design/skills/revise.md",
-        "ingest": "ui-design/skills/ingest.md",
-        "plan": "ui-design/skills/plan.md",
-    }
-
-    def test_handoff_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
-        content = _read(self.FILES["handoff"])
-        self.assertIn("## Screenshot Index", content)
-
-    def test_publish_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
-        content = _read(self.FILES["publish"])
-        # publish references the section by name
-        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
-        # Must not use old "Screenshots section" phrasing
-        self.assertNotIn(
-            "the handoff's Screenshots section",
-            content,
-            "publish.md still uses old 'Screenshots section' naming",
-        )
-
-    def test_respond_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
-        content = _read(self.FILES["respond"])
-        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
+        self.assertIn("Final-image removal in external mode", content)
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_REMOVED", content)
 
-    def test_ingest_uses_screenshot_index(self) -> None:
-        content = _read(self.FILES["ingest"])
-        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content)
+    def test_screenshot_index_naming(self) -> None:
+        for label, path in [
+            ("handoff", "ux-design/skills/handoff.md"),
+            ("publish", "ux-design/skills/publish.md"),
+            ("respond", "ux-design/skills/respond.md"),
+            ("ingest", "ui-design/skills/ingest.md"),
+        ]:
+            content = _read(path)
+            self.assertIn("Screenshot Index", content, f"{label} missing Screenshot Index")
+            self.assertNotIn(
+                "the handoff's Screenshots section", content,
+                f"{label} has old Screenshots section naming",
+            )
+
+    def test_ingest_uses_relative_path_for_recipe(self) -> None:
+        """Correction 1: recipe ref must use relative ../../ not ${HOME}."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        # The screenshot-inspection recipe reference must be relative
+        self.assertIn("../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md", content)
+        # Must NOT use ${HOME} for the recipe (scripts are different)
         self.assertNotIn(
-            "its Screenshots section references",
+            "${HOME}/.ai-workflows/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md",
             content,
-            "ingest.md still uses old 'Screenshots section' naming",
         )
 
-    def test_plan_references_screenshot_observations(self) -> None:
-        """plan.md reads Screenshot Observations from ingest context."""
-        content = _read(self.FILES["plan"])
-        self.assertIn("Screenshot", content)
-
-
-class TestExternalModeFullRewrite(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Bug 5: respond rewrites ALL image refs, not just changed ones."""
-
-    def setUp(self) -> None:
-        self.content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-
-    def test_unchanged_images_reuse_urls(self) -> None:
-        """Unchanged images reuse published_path from metadata."""
-        self.assertIn("Unchanged images", self.content)
-        self.assertIn("published_path", self.content)
-
-    def test_every_embed_rewritten(self) -> None:
-        """ALL current embeds are rewritten, not just changed ones."""
-        # Must contain language about rewriting every/all refs
-        lower = self.content.lower()
-        self.assertTrue(
-            "every" in lower and "embed" in lower,
-            "respond.md must rewrite every embed in external mode",
-        )
-
-    def test_metadata_after_success(self) -> None:
-        """Metadata updated only after successful commit+push."""
-        self.assertIn(
-            "after the commit",
-            self.content.lower(),
-        )
-
-
-class TestManifestFieldAlignment(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Handoff header fields and consumer manifest fields align."""
-
-    def test_handoff_has_context_revision(self) -> None:
-        content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
-        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
-        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
-        self.assertIn("**Context revision:**", content)
-        self.assertIn("**Prototype iteration:**", content)
-
-    def test_manifest_has_context_revision(self) -> None:
-        """Publish writes context_revision and prototype_iteration."""
+    def test_publish_step3b_in_memory_only(self) -> None:
+        """Correction 2: Step3b resolves none in memory, not persisted."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
-        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
+        self.assertIn("in memory only", content)
 
-    def test_ingest_checks_header_vs_manifest(self) -> None:
-        """Ingest compares manifest revision with handoff header."""
-        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
-        self.assertIn("context_revision", content)
-        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", content)
-        # Should mention comparing/matching
-        self.assertTrue(
-            "differ" in content.lower() or "match" in content.lower(),
-            "ingest should compare manifest and handoff header fields",
-        )
-
-
-class TestAgentsMdRecipeListing(unittest.TestCase):
-    """New recipes are listed in AGENTS.md."""
-
-    def setUp(self) -> None:
-        self.content = _read("AGENTS.md")
-
-    def test_publish_stage_listed(self) -> None:
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", self.content)
-
-    def test_inspection_listed(self) -> None:
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-inspection.md", self.content)
+    def test_recipes_listed_in_agents(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("AGENTS.md")
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", content)
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-inspection.md", content)
 
+    def test_ingest_context_has_full_schema(self) -> None:
+        """Correction 4: context template has per-image ref/sha/notes."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        self.assertIn("Expected SHA", content)
+        self.assertIn("Observed SHA", content)
+        self.assertIn("Ref", content)
 
-class TestIngestTokenBudget(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Ingest token count is within baseline (<=6478, preferably <=6000)."""
+    def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
+        """Plan must not silently accept missing/mismatched screenshots."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        # Plan already references unverified citation style
+        self.assertIn("unverified", content.lower())
 
-    def test_ingest_char_count_within_baseline(self) -> None:
+    def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
-        # Rough estimate: 4 chars per token
-        est_tokens = len(content) // 4
-        self.assertLessEqual(
-            est_tokens,
-            6478,
-            f"ingest.md ~{est_tokens} tokens exceeds baseline 6478",
+        est = len(content) // 4
+        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6478, f"ingest ~{est} tokens > baseline 6478")
+
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 2: Executable Bash tests of the actual recipe code
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestRecipeExecution(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Extract Bash blocks from screenshot-publish-stage.md, run them."""
+
+    def _exec(
+        self, repo: str, handoff_path: str, handoff_dir: str,
+        copied: list[str] | None = None, removed: list[str] | None = None,
+        manifest_written: bool = False, manifest_removed: bool = False,
+        msg: str = "test commit",
+    ) -> subprocess.CompletedProcess:
+        script = _instantiate_recipe(
+            repo, handoff_path, handoff_dir, msg,
+            copied, removed, manifest_written, manifest_removed,
         )
+        return _run_script(script)
+
+    # --- T1: Initial images + manifest ---
+    def test_initial_images_and_manifest(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-1")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            # Write handoff, manifest, image
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-pop.png"), "img1")
+            # Seed unrelated staged file
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrelated-staged.txt"), "staged")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrelated-staged.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Seed unrelated unstaged file
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrelated-dirty.txt"), "dirty")
+
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-1/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-1",
+                copied=["SS-1-pop.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Add handoff",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # Verify commit happened
+            log = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("Add handoff", log.stdout)
+            # Verify unrelated staged file survives in index
+            status = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("unrelated-staged.txt", status.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("unrelated-dirty.txt", status.stdout)
+
+    # --- T2: Initial text-only (no optional paths) ---
+    def test_initial_text_only(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-2")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Text only\n")
+
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-2/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-2",
+                msg="Add text handoff",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            log = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("Add text handoff", log.stdout)
+
+    # --- T3: Unchanged repeat — no extra commit ---
+    def test_unchanged_repeat_no_commit(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-3")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff\n")
+            # Initial commit
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-3/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-3",
+                        msg="Initial")
+            before = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            # Re-run without changes
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-3/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-3",
+                            msg="Should not appear")
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            after = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(before, after, "Unchanged repeat created a commit")
+
+    # --- T4: Image-only update ---
+    def test_image_only_update(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-4")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# H\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-a.png"), "v1")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-4/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-4",
+                        copied=["SS-1-a.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init images")
+            # Update image content
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-a.png"), "v2")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"v":2}')
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-4/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-4",
+                copied=["SS-1-a.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Update image",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            log = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("Update image", log.stdout)
+
+    # --- T5: One-image removal ---
+    def test_one_image_removal(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-5")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# H\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-a.png"), "keep")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-2-b.png"), "remove")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-5/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-5",
+                        copied=["SS-1-a.png", "SS-2-b.png"],
+                        manifest_written=True, msg="Init 2 images")
+            # Remove SS-2
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm", "feat/PROJ-5/screenshots/SS-2-b.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# H updated\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"only1":true}')
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-5/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-5",
+                removed=["SS-2-b.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Remove one image",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # SS-1 still tracked
+            ls = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files", "feat/PROJ-5/screenshots/SS-1-a.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("SS-1-a.png", ls.stdout)
+            # SS-2 gone
+            ls2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files", "feat/PROJ-5/screenshots/SS-2-b.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(ls2.stdout.strip(), "")
+
+    # --- T6: Final image + manifest removal (lfs/git mode) ---
+    def test_final_image_and_manifest_removal(self) -> None:
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-6")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# H\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-only.png"), "solo")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-6/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-6",
+                        copied=["SS-1-only.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init single image")
+            # Remove last image + manifest
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm", "feat/PROJ-6/screenshots/SS-1-only.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm", "feat/PROJ-6/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Text only now\n")
+            # Seed unrelated staged+unstaged to verify survival
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "other-staged.txt"), "s")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "other-staged.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "other-dirty.txt"), "d")
+
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-6/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-6",
+                removed=["SS-1-only.png"],
+                manifest_removed=True,
+                msg="Remove final image and manifest",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # Manifest no longer tracked
+            ls = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
+                 "feat/PROJ-6/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(ls.stdout.strip(), "", "manifest still tracked")
+            # Unrelated staged file survives
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("other-staged.txt", st.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("other-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
+            # Commit only touched owned paths
+            show = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "diff-tree", "--no-commit-id",
+                 "--name-only", "-r", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertNotIn("other-staged.txt", show.stdout)
+
+    # --- T7: External-mode manifest-only removal (final image) ---
+    def test_external_manifest_only_removal(self) -> None:
+        """External mode: no local image files, only manifest to remove."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-7")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ext\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            # Initial commit with handoff + manifest (external: no image files)
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-7/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-7",
+                        manifest_written=True, msg="Init external")
+            # Remove manifest (all external images removed)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-7/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ext text-only\n")
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-7/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-7",
+                manifest_removed=True,
+                msg="External: remove manifest",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            ls = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
+                 "feat/PROJ-7/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(ls.stdout.strip(), "")
+
+    # --- T8: External doc+manifest-only update ---
+    def test_external_doc_and_manifest_update(self) -> None:
+        """External mode text edit: handoff + manifest update, no images."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-8")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ext v1\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"v":1}')
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-8/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-8",
+                        manifest_written=True, msg="Init ext")
+            # Update handoff text + regenerated manifest
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ext v2\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"v":2}')
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-8/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-8",
+                manifest_written=True,
+                msg="External: text+manifest update",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            log = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("text+manifest update", log.stdout)
+
+    # --- T9: Verify recipe has exactly 3 bash blocks ---
+    def test_recipe_bash_block_count(self) -> None:
+        recipe = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(recipe)
+        self.assertEqual(len(blocks), 3,
+                         f"Recipe should have 3 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 573cf142..ca51f397 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -207,9 +207,12 @@ creating the branch and report the specific failures.
 ### Step 3b: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
 
 **Skip this step entirely** when the handoff's Screenshot Index section says
-"None" and the authoring manifest does not exist or is empty. Set
-`screenshot_storage` to `none` in publish-metadata.json and proceed to
-Step 4 without prompting for a storage policy or touching asset paths.
+"None" and the authoring manifest does not exist or is empty. Resolve
+`screenshot_storage` to `none` **in memory only** — do not write it to
+`publish-metadata.json` yet. Previous metadata and assets must remain
+intact for the reconciliation check in Step 4; persist `none` only after
+a successful commit+push. Proceed to Step 4 without prompting for a
+storage policy or touching asset paths.
 
 When the handoff contains screenshot references, determine how assets
 will be stored. The explicit repository or researcher policy is
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index fd5289eb..d083c8df 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -225,6 +225,7 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
      compute SHA-256, and verify against the authoring manifest. Stop on
      mismatch.
    - **Removed images**: delete the embed and Screenshot Index entry.
+     External hosted bytes are not deleted by this workflow.
 
    Rewrite **every** current `![alt](ref)` embed **and** Screenshot
    Index `Ref` column in the published handoff with the correct external
@@ -232,10 +233,15 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    all external references. Preserve authoring references in
    `05-handoff.md` separately.
 
+   **Final-image removal in external mode.** If all images are removed,
+   `git rm` the consumer manifest (`{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json`)
+   and pass `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` to the staging recipe. This applies
+   to all storage modes, not only `lfs`/`git`.
+
 6. **Regenerate the published consumer-facing manifest** at
    `{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with the current set of
    published screenshots (no private paths). If all screenshots were
-   removed, skip this — the manifest was already deleted in step 3.
+   removed (any storage mode), skip — the manifest was removed above.
 
 7. **Update `publish-metadata.json`** `screenshot_assets` with the new
    checksums, paths, and entry set. Do not write metadata until the

From ae20e1aa8b7c09d3fb0fd4b7dfeac71652870061 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 21:32:10 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 08/42] Address 17 inline review comments and root
 step-sequencing finding

Fix all independently verified CodeRabbit findings on PR #159:

- Add image-reading/binary-download prerequisites to ui-design README
- Define aggregate screenshot status mapping (inspected/partial/unavailable)
- Add re-run Step 7 instruction on corrected path in no-evidence gate
- Define explicit write/cleanup for both confirm and decline paths
- Handle missing Screenshot Observations in older contexts
- Align accepted-unverified citation label for mismatched and unverified images
- Clarify workflow-specific config precedence over shared config
- Define HANDOFF_DIR from dirname of handoff_file_path
- Refresh screenshot_assets metadata after successful update commit+push
- Reject path traversal and symlink escape before image reads
- Guard empty array expansion under Bash 4.3 nounset
- Strengthen structural test assertions with scoped section and table checks
- Establish per-image capture provenance via screenshot-captures.json index
- Add portable SHA-256 fallback (sha256sum or shasum -a 256)
- Reject empty manifest when handoff references screenshots
- Use explicit git rm for tracked consumer manifest on final removal
- Update Screenshot Index SHA column on replacements/image-only changes
- Renumber publish.md sub-steps 3a/3b to main steps 4/5, shift 4-8 to 6-10
- Update all dependent cross-references in respond.md

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   6 +
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |   4 +-
 ui-design/README.md                           |   2 +
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |  12 +-
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |  17 ++-
 ux-design/README.md                           |   4 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 115 ++++++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/evaluate.md                  |   8 ++
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md                   |  41 +++++--
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  47 +++----
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   2 +-
 ux-design/skills/revise.md                    |   4 +-
 12 files changed, 212 insertions(+), 50 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 63d49878..7a8d9fbd 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -28,6 +28,12 @@ per image.
 
 Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
 
+**Path containment.** Before resolving any reference, reject paths
+containing `..` components or absolute paths. Resolve each candidate
+against `{HANDOFF_DIR}` and verify the result remains inside
+`{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the path is a symlink, verify its target is also
+inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. Stop and report any reference that escapes.
+
 **Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` -- `lfs` or `git`
 mode): Locate the image file relative to `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the file
 is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 591ff489..b2314e9c 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -38,12 +38,12 @@ if [ "${MANIFEST_WRITTEN}" = "true" ] || [ "${MANIFEST_REMOVED}" = "true" ]; the
 fi
 
 # Each copied/updated screenshot (lfs/git mode):
-for f in "${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]}"; do
+for f in ${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]+"${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]}"}; do
   owned_paths+=("{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f")
 done
 
 # Each removed screenshot (already staged by git rm):
-for f in "${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]}"; do
+for f in ${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]+"${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]}"}; do
   owned_paths+=("{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f")
 done
 ```
diff --git a/ui-design/README.md b/ui-design/README.md
index 9a943b57..32d86b09 100644
--- a/ui-design/README.md
+++ b/ui-design/README.md
@@ -36,6 +36,8 @@ graph TD
 | Docs repository (configured) | For `/ingest`, `/publish` | Load upstream PRD, design doc, UX handoff; publish UI design |
 | GitHub CLI (`gh`) | For `/publish`, `/respond` | Create PRs, post review comments |
 | Git | Yes | Branch management, commits |
+| Runtime image-reading capability | For screenshot inspection | Open and inspect image files |
+| Runtime binary-download capability | For external screenshot inspection | Retrieve image bytes from URLs |
 
 ## Inputs
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index bcfac533..13add7b6 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -279,6 +279,10 @@ Flows, State Matrix, and Persona-Specific Views sections.
   `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
   Warn if the manifest's `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` differ
   from the handoff header.
+  After inspection, set the Screenshot Observations status to
+  `inspected` (all images inspected), `partial` (some inspected),
+  or `unavailable` (none inspected). Preserve each image's per-entry
+  status and any user acceptance decision.
 
 - **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or absent): Set
   `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. Record the reason if stated.
@@ -370,6 +374,7 @@ component directories (`src/components/` etc.), or backend API type
 definitions — stop before writing `01-context.md`. Report which searches
 were attempted and their results. Wait for the user to provide a
 corrected path or explicitly confirm proceeding with limited evidence.
+If the user provides a corrected path, re-run Step 7 using that path.
 
 ### Step 8: Compile Context
 
@@ -560,8 +565,11 @@ API endpoints, and affected components.
 Check for downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
 `04-pr-description.md`, `05-review-responses.md`, `sync-manifest.json`).
 If any exist, report which may be affected and warn about Jira sync
-implications. Wait for the user to confirm before overwriting. If they
-decline, delete the temp file and stop.
+implications. Present the diff summary and wait for the user to confirm.
+If they confirm, write the compiled content to `01-context.md` and delete
+`01-context.md.prev` and any temporary file. If they decline, discard the
+compiled content, delete `01-context.md.prev`, report that `01-context.md`
+was preserved, and stop.
 
 ### Step 9: Report to User
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 5eeece21..63a7f36f 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -59,6 +59,13 @@ Observations** section of `01-context.md` for `Screenshots` status:
 | `deferred` | `deferred` | Note reduced fidelity where visual evidence applies |
 | `unavailable` | `unavailable` | Note limitation explicitly per section |
 
+If Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent (older
+context from before this feature), tell the user that visual evidence was
+not assessed. Ask whether to rerun `/ingest` or continue without screenshot
+observations. If rerunning, stop. If continuing, set
+`HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable` and note where visual evidence was not
+assessed.
+
 Screenshots show visual presentation only — do not conflate with
 keyboard, accessibility, API, or runtime verification.
 
@@ -93,11 +100,11 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
 observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
-- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. Only cite images
-  whose identity is `verified`. For `mismatched` images that the user
-  explicitly accepted, cite as `[Screenshot: SS-N — unverified]` so the
-  plan reader knows the visual evidence may not reflect the current
-  published state. Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
+- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. For `mismatched`
+  or `unverified` images that the user explicitly accepted, cite as
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` so the plan reader knows
+  the visual evidence may not reflect the current published state.
+  Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose) supplements the
   spec: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
 - **Contradictions** (image conflicts with explicit spec text) are
diff --git a/ux-design/README.md b/ux-design/README.md
index 1c87e329..f48f91aa 100644
--- a/ux-design/README.md
+++ b/ux-design/README.md
@@ -204,9 +204,9 @@ order):
 1. `publish-metadata.json` → `screenshot_storage` (per-handoff, set on
    first publish)
 2. `{docs_repo}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` → `screenshot_storage`
-   (repository-level)
+   (workflow-specific; checked first)
 3. `{docs_repo}/.workflows/config.json` → `screenshot_storage`
-   (repository-level fallback)
+   (shared fallback; checked only if workflow-specific has no valid value)
 
 Valid values: `lfs`, `external`, `git`. The value `none` is recorded for
 text-only publishes and is not valid authorization for image commits.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 1ea34914..bc896d28 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -219,23 +219,124 @@ def test_recipes_listed_in_agents(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("screenshot-inspection.md", content)
 
     def test_ingest_context_has_full_schema(self) -> None:
-        """Correction 4: context template has per-image ref/sha/notes."""
+        """Correction 4: context template has full 9-column table header."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
-        self.assertIn("Expected SHA", content)
-        self.assertIn("Observed SHA", content)
-        self.assertIn("Ref", content)
+        # Extract the Screenshot Observations section
+        parts = content.split("### Screenshot Observations", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(parts), 2, "Missing Screenshot Observations section")
+        section = parts[1].split("### Feasibility & Phasing", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn(
+            "| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA "
+            "| Observation | Spec Match | Notes |",
+            section,
+        )
 
     def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
-        """Plan must not silently accept missing/mismatched screenshots."""
+        """Plan uses accepted-unverified citation label consistently."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
-        # Plan already references unverified citation style
-        self.assertIn("unverified", content.lower())
+        # Check the screenshot citation section exists with specific rules
+        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", content)
+        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N]", content)
+        self.assertIn(
+            "Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.", content
+        )
 
     def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         est = len(content) // 4
         self.assertLessEqual(est, 6478, f"ingest ~{est} tokens > baseline 6478")
 
+    def test_ingest_aggregate_status_mapping(self) -> None:
+        """Item 2: ingest maps per-image statuses to aggregate status."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        self.assertIn("inspected", content)
+        self.assertIn("partial", content)
+        self.assertIn("unavailable", content)
+
+    def test_ingest_rerun_step7(self) -> None:
+        """Item 3: no-evidence gate says to re-run Step 7."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        self.assertIn("re-run Step 7", content)
+
+    def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
+        """Item 4: Step 8a defines write + cleanup for both paths."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        self.assertIn("write the compiled content to `01-context.md`", content)
+        self.assertIn("01-context.md.prev", content)
+        self.assertIn("was preserved, and stop", content)
+
+    def test_plan_missing_screenshot_section_fallback(self) -> None:
+        """Item 5: plan handles absent Screenshot Observations."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent", content)
+        self.assertIn("rerun `/ingest`", content)
+
+    def test_inspection_recipe_path_containment(self) -> None:
+        """Item 10: inspection recipe rejects traversal in refs."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        self.assertIn("Path containment", content)
+        self.assertIn("..", content.split("Path containment")[1].split("###")[0])
+
+    def test_publish_stage_recipe_empty_array_guard(self) -> None:
+        """Item 11: recipe guards empty array expansion under nounset."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        # Both loops must use the ${arr[@]+...} guard pattern
+        self.assertIn('${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]+"${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]}"}', content)
+        self.assertIn('${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]+"${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]}"}', content)
+
+    def test_handoff_sha256_fallback(self) -> None:
+        """Item 14: handoff provides shasum -a 256 fallback."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
+        self.assertIn("shasum -a 256", content)
+
+    def test_publish_reject_empty_manifest(self) -> None:
+        """Item 15: publish rejects empty manifest when handoff has refs."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("missing or has no screenshot entries", content)
+
+    def test_publish_git_rm_consumer_manifest(self) -> None:
+        """Item 16: publish uses git rm for tracked consumer manifest."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("`git rm` the tracked consumer manifest", content)
+
+    def test_publish_step_numbering_no_sub_steps(self) -> None:
+        """Root A: publish uses main step numbers, no 3a/3b sub-steps."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertNotIn("Step 3a", content)
+        self.assertNotIn("Step 3b", content)
+        # Verify the renumbered steps exist
+        self.assertIn("### Step 4: Validate Screenshot References", content)
+        self.assertIn("### Step 5: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy", content)
+        self.assertIn("### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit", content)
+
+    def test_publish_metadata_refresh_on_update(self) -> None:
+        """Item 9: metadata refreshes screenshot_assets after update."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("update `screenshot_storage`", content)
+        self.assertIn("replace `screenshot_assets`", content)
+
+    def test_revise_index_sha_update(self) -> None:
+        """Item 17: revise updates Screenshot Index SHA on replacement."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/revise.md")
+        self.assertIn("Screenshot Index SHA-256", content)
+
+    def test_respond_publish_step_ref_updated(self) -> None:
+        """Root A: respond.md references updated publish step number."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        self.assertIn("`/publish` Step 6", content)
+        self.assertNotIn("`/publish` Step 4.", content)
+
+    def test_handoff_capture_provenance(self) -> None:
+        """Item 13: handoff verifies per-image capture provenance."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-captures.json", content)
+        self.assertIn("researcher-supplied", content)
+
+    def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
+        """Item 7: publish checks workflow-specific config first."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        self.assertIn("ux-design/config.json` first", content)
+
 
 # ===================================================================
 # Part 2: Executable Bash tests of the actual recipe code
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
index ef8e61f2..9dd950b5 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
@@ -94,6 +94,14 @@ Screenshots are required at Standard and Full depth because Step 3 needs them.
 At Quick depth, a live URL or screenshots are sufficient. If the required input
 cannot be produced, stop and explain what the researcher needs to provide.
 
+**Capture index.** After saving screenshots (Standard/Full depth), write
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshot-captures.json`
+listing each image captured during this run with its filename and SHA-256.
+Quick/URL-only evaluations that capture no screenshots must write the
+index with an empty `captures` array so `/handoff` can distinguish
+"no captures this run" from "index missing because evaluate predates
+this feature."
+
 Run the skill in agent-operated mode so its review gate is deferred to the
 single combined researcher review in Step 7. `--project` must be relative to the
 source repository root. Pass `prototype_input`, `chosen_framework`, and
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index 4e17bbcd..431bbcc9 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -220,14 +220,35 @@ authorized by researcher.`
 Do not silently proceed to Step 6 without this choice. Skip the rest of
 this step only after the researcher confirms option 3.
 
-**Binding check.** Only use screenshots whose evaluation revision
-bindings (prototype iteration, discovery revision, context revision)
-match the current context. Read `04-evaluation.md`'s header to confirm
-bindings. If screenshots exist but their evaluation bindings are stale,
-stop and recommend re-running `/evaluate` against the current context
-rather than using outdated screenshots.
-
-**Selection criteria.** From the available current-context screenshots,
+**Per-image capture provenance.** The evaluation header binds to the
+overall run but does not prove each file in `04-eval-raw/screenshots/`
+was captured during that run. A Quick evaluation or re-evaluation may
+leave old images. Verify each candidate individually:
+
+1. Read `04-eval-raw/screenshot-captures.json` (written by `/evaluate`).
+   If present, it lists every image captured during that run with
+   `filename`, `sha256`, `context_revision`, and `prototype_iteration`.
+2. For each candidate file in the screenshots directory, check whether
+   its filename **and** SHA-256 appear in the capture index with
+   bindings matching the current context. Only images that match are
+   verified as current-run captures.
+3. If the index is absent (older evaluate run), fall back to the
+   evaluation header bindings but warn the researcher that per-image
+   provenance could not be verified.
+4. Quick/URL-only evaluations produce no captures. Their index will be
+   absent or have an empty `captures` array. Do not use leftover images
+   from prior Standard/Full runs that remain in the directory.
+5. If no images verify as current, treat this as "no screenshots exist"
+   and present the three options above.
+
+**Researcher-supplied images.** When the researcher provides images
+directly (option 2), record `source: researcher-supplied` in the
+manifest entry. Require the researcher to explicitly confirm that each
+image reflects the current prototype iteration and context revision
+before curating it. Record this confirmation. Do not assume currency
+from the file alone.
+
+**Selection criteria.** From the verified current-context screenshots,
 select images that show:
 
 1. The **primary user flow** in its populated/happy-path state
@@ -285,6 +306,10 @@ Compute `sha256` by hashing the curated image file's bytes:
 sha256sum ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" | cut -d' ' -f1
 ```
 
+If `sha256sum` is unavailable, use `shasum -a 256` on the same file
+and record the full digest. If neither command is available or hashing
+fails, stop and ask the researcher to provide a SHA-256 tool.
+
 If the handoff is regenerated after a new evaluation cycle, re-curate
 screenshots from the updated evaluation and regenerate the manifest. The
 prior manifest is overwritten.
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index ca51f397..e404b487 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -174,14 +174,14 @@ different value before continuing.
 Use only the resolved `destination_dir`, `handoff_target`, and
 `handoff_file_path` for filesystem operations and the provenance target below.
 
-### Step 3a: Validate Screenshot References
+### Step 4: Validate Screenshot References
 
 Before publishing, verify that every screenshot referenced in the handoff
 is available and has a valid identity record.
 
 Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
-If the file does not exist, check whether the handoff's Screenshot Index section
-says "None." If the handoff references screenshots but no manifest exists,
+Check the handoff's Screenshot Index section. If the handoff references
+screenshots but the manifest is missing or has no screenshot entries,
 stop and recommend re-running `/handoff` to generate the manifest.
 
 For each entry in the manifest:
@@ -204,14 +204,14 @@ For each entry in the manifest:
 If any screenshot is missing or has a broken reference, stop before
 creating the branch and report the specific failures.
 
-### Step 3b: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
+### Step 5: Resolve Screenshot Storage Policy
 
 **Skip this step entirely** when the handoff's Screenshot Index section says
 "None" and the authoring manifest does not exist or is empty. Resolve
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` **in memory only** — do not write it to
 `publish-metadata.json` yet. Previous metadata and assets must remain
-intact for the reconciliation check in Step 4; persist `none` only after
-a successful commit+push. Proceed to Step 4 without prompting for a
+intact for the reconciliation check in Step 6; persist `none` only after
+a successful commit+push. Proceed to Step 6 without prompting for a
 storage policy or touching asset paths.
 
 When the handoff contains screenshot references, determine how assets
@@ -228,10 +228,10 @@ alone.
    check repository policy or ask the researcher.
 
 2. **Repository-level policy.** Check for a `screenshot_storage` key in
-   `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` or
-   `.workflows/config.json`. Valid values are `lfs`, `external`, or
-   `git`. If present, its value is the explicit repository policy.
-   Document these config locations in the workflow README.
+   `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/ux-design/config.json` first. If it has
+   no valid value, check `{docs_repo_path}/.workflows/config.json`.
+   Valid values are `lfs`, `external`, or `git`. Use the first valid
+   value as the explicit repository policy.
 
 3. **No valid policy.** If neither source provides a valid policy, stop
    before copying any assets and present the available options to the
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ alone.
 - Store the resolved policy in `publish-metadata.json` so subsequent
   `/publish`, `/revise`, and `/respond` updates reuse the same mode.
 
-### Step 4: Create or Update Branch and Commit
+### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit
 
 All git operations run against the **docs repo**. Use
 `git -C "{docs_repo_path}"` for all commands.
@@ -321,7 +321,7 @@ publish (`publish-metadata.json` exists with `screenshot_assets`), always
 check for removals even if the current handoff has no screenshots. If
 the current authoring manifest is empty or absent but `screenshot_assets`
 records prior images: remove them (lfs/git: `git rm`; external: remove
-embeds/index entries), remove the consumer manifest, and set
+embeds/index entries), `git rm` the tracked consumer manifest, and set
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` **after** the commit and push succeed.
 Use previous metadata for cleanup; do not overwrite metadata with empty
 values before using it for reconciliation.
@@ -347,8 +347,9 @@ handoff; preserve authoring references in `05-handoff.md`.
 **Reconcile removals** (update publishes only). Compare previous
 `screenshot_assets` against the current manifest. For removed IDs:
 `lfs`/`git` — validate removal path and `git rm`; `external` — remove
-embed/index entries. If all screenshots removed, also remove the
-consumer manifest and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after commit.
+embed/index entries. If all screenshots removed, also `git rm` the
+tracked consumer manifest and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after
+commit.
 
 **Publish consumer manifest.** When any screenshots remain after
 removals, write `{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with `id`,
@@ -378,14 +379,14 @@ Provenance at publish time:
 `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` with:
 - `DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo_path}"`
 - `HANDOFF_FILE_PATH="{handoff_file_path}"`
-- `HANDOFF_DIR="{handoff_file_path_dir}"`
+- `HANDOFF_DIR` = the repo-relative parent directory of `{handoff_file_path}` (i.e., `dirname "{handoff_file_path}"`)
 - `COPIED_FILENAMES` = the array of screenshot filenames copied this run
 - `REMOVED_FILENAMES` = the array of screenshot filenames removed via `git rm`
 - `MANIFEST_WRITTEN="true"` if the consumer manifest was written/updated
 - `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
 - `COMMIT_MESSAGE="{Add|Update} UX design handoff for {issue-key}"`
 
-### Step 5: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
+### Step 7: Prepare PR Description for a New PR
 
 When updating an existing PR, keep its existing description and skip the rest
 of this step. Do not rewrite the PR body as part of a handoff-only update.
@@ -414,9 +415,9 @@ Prepare the PR description and save it to
 - Approve when the handoff spec is implementation-ready
 ```
 
-### Step 6: Push and Create PR
+### Step 8: Push and Create PR
 
-**For an existing PR**, push the update to its existing branch only when Step 4
+**For an existing PR**, push the update to its existing branch only when Step 6
 created a commit. Keep the existing PR number, URL, and draft or ready status;
 do not run `gh pr create`.
 
@@ -480,7 +481,7 @@ subprocess.run(
 PY
 ```
 
-### Step 7: Save Publish Metadata
+### Step 9: Save Publish Metadata
 
 For a new PR, write
 `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`:
@@ -515,9 +516,13 @@ resolved paths used to derive the canonical handoff directory.
   `external` mode, `published_path` is the external URL; for `lfs` or
   `git`, it is the repo-relative path.
 
-For an existing PR, retain its metadata. Do not change the PR number or branch.
+For an existing PR, retain the PR number, branch, and other identity metadata.
+After a successful update commit and push, update `screenshot_storage` and
+replace `screenshot_assets` with the current published entries. If no
+screenshots remain, set `screenshot_storage` to `none` and
+`screenshot_assets` to an empty array `[]`.
 
-### Step 8: Report to Researcher
+### Step 10: Report to Researcher
 
 Present the existing PR URL when updating, or the new PR URL when publishing
 for the first time. Also report:
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index d083c8df..a4df60cb 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
 
 1. **Validate containment** of every planned destination path before
    copying, using the same filename-pattern and symlink checks as
-   `/publish` Step 4.
+   `/publish` Step 6.
 
 2. **Verify current local bytes** before change detection. For each
    entry in the authoring manifest, compute the SHA-256 of the actual
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index 7c014156..ce6e9489 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
    `05-handoff.md`.
 
 2. **Replacing:** Replace the file in `screenshots/`, update the
-   manifest's `sha256` field, and update the embed's alt text and caption
+   manifest's `sha256` field and the Screenshot Index SHA-256, and update the embed's alt text and caption
    if the visual content changed. Note the visual change in the revision
    summary. The manifest checksum ensures `/publish` detects the update
    even when the filename and handoff text are unchanged.
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
    update.
 
 4. **Image-only change** (same ID, same filename, visually different
-   content): Replace the file, update the manifest's `sha256`, and note
+   content): Replace the file, update the manifest's `sha256` and the Screenshot Index SHA-256, and note
    the change. The checksum difference signals `/publish` and `ui-design`
    that the visual content changed.
 

From ea4c545acf31d0b23e2ef3db12ca28661bf5f2f4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 21:45:47 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 09/42] Fix 6 contract gaps in capture schema, citations,
 containment, and cleanup
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

1. Capture writer/reader alignment: evaluate capture index includes all
   three binding fields (context_revision, discovery_revision,
   prototype_iteration) per image; handoff verifies each candidate against
   all three; absent/empty index means no verified images (no header
   fallback); researcher-supplied images record source path and require
   all-binding confirmation; compressed JSON schema to stay under budget.

2. Legacy no-handoff preservation: plan's absent-screenshot fallback now
   checks HAS_HANDOFF first — text-only contexts (HAS_HANDOFF=false) set
   HAS_SCREENSHOTS=false without unnecessary re-ingest prompt.

3. Additive citations: defined accepted-unverified additive form alongside
   verified additive form in plan citation instructions.

4. Containment scope: path containment check moved under Local references
   heading — external HTTPS URLs no longer subject to filesystem checks.

5. Lifecycle consistency: decline path in ingest explicitly deletes temp
   file alongside .prev; revise says "filename is unchanged" not "handoff
   text stays unchanged" since Index SHA now updates.

6. Budget: compressed evaluate.md capture-index prose from ~6049 to ~5928
   tokens, eliminating introduced FAIL; ingest/plan token counts remain
   within baseline range.

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  13 +-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |   8 +-
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |  13 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 116 +++++++++++++++---
 ux-design/skills/evaluate.md                  |  12 +-
 ux-design/skills/handoff.md                   |  38 +++---
 ux-design/skills/revise.md                    |   2 +-
 7 files changed, 140 insertions(+), 62 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 7a8d9fbd..a15600a6 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -28,14 +28,13 @@ per image.
 
 Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
 
-**Path containment.** Before resolving any reference, reject paths
-containing `..` components or absolute paths. Resolve each candidate
-against `{HANDOFF_DIR}` and verify the result remains inside
-`{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the path is a symlink, verify its target is also
-inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. Stop and report any reference that escapes.
-
 **Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` -- `lfs` or `git`
-mode): Locate the image file relative to `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the file
+mode): **Path containment.** Before opening any local file, reject
+paths containing `..` components or absolute paths. Resolve each
+candidate against `{HANDOFF_DIR}` and verify the resolved path remains
+inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the path is a symlink, verify its target is
+also inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. Stop and report any reference that
+escapes. Then locate the image file relative to `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the file
 is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
 attempt `git lfs smudge` or record `inspection: lfs-unresolved`.
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 13add7b6..da7ab4e8 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -279,9 +279,8 @@ Flows, State Matrix, and Persona-Specific Views sections.
   `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
   Warn if the manifest's `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` differ
   from the handoff header.
-  After inspection, set the Screenshot Observations status to
-  `inspected` (all images inspected), `partial` (some inspected),
-  or `unavailable` (none inspected). Preserve each image's per-entry
+  After inspection, set Screenshots status to `inspected` (all),
+  `partial` (some), or `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image
   status and any user acceptance decision.
 
 - **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or absent): Set
@@ -568,7 +567,8 @@ If any exist, report which may be affected and warn about Jira sync
 implications. Present the diff summary and wait for the user to confirm.
 If they confirm, write the compiled content to `01-context.md` and delete
 `01-context.md.prev` and any temporary file. If they decline, discard the
-compiled content, delete `01-context.md.prev`, report that `01-context.md`
+compiled content, delete `01-context.md.prev` and any temporary file,
+report that `01-context.md`
 was preserved, and stop.
 
 ### Step 9: Report to User
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 63a7f36f..a765c37a 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -60,11 +60,10 @@ Observations** section of `01-context.md` for `Screenshots` status:
 | `unavailable` | `unavailable` | Note limitation explicitly per section |
 
 If Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent (older
-context from before this feature), tell the user that visual evidence was
-not assessed. Ask whether to rerun `/ingest` or continue without screenshot
-observations. If rerunning, stop. If continuing, set
-`HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable` and note where visual evidence was not
-assessed.
+context), check `HAS_HANDOFF`. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is false, set
+`HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` (text-only design; no re-ingest needed). If
+`HAS_HANDOFF` is true, ask whether to rerun `/ingest` to assess
+screenshots or continue with `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable`.
 
 Screenshots show visual presentation only — do not conflate with
 keyboard, accessibility, API, or runtime verification.
@@ -106,7 +105,9 @@ observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
   the visual evidence may not reflect the current published state.
   Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose) supplements the
-  spec: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
+  spec. For verified images: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
+  For accepted-unverified images:
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified, additive: {detail}]`.
 - **Contradictions** (image conflicts with explicit spec text) are
   flagged: *"[Contradiction: SS-N vs §section] screenshot shows X, spec
   states Y."* Do not resolve — let the user decide.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index bc896d28..5b152be3 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -232,13 +232,23 @@ def test_ingest_context_has_full_schema(self) -> None:
         )
 
     def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
-        """Plan uses accepted-unverified citation label consistently."""
+        """Plan uses accepted-unverified citation for both ordinary and additive."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
-        # Check the screenshot citation section exists with specific rules
-        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", content)
-        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N]", content)
+        # Scoped to the citation instructions section
+        section = content.split(
+            "If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`", 1
+        )[1].split("If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N]", section)
+        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", section)
+        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]", section)
+        # Additive forms: both verified and accepted-unverified
+        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]", section)
         self.assertIn(
-            "Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.", content
+            "[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified, additive: {detail}]",
+            section,
+        )
+        self.assertIn(
+            "Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.", section
         )
 
     def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
@@ -261,21 +271,47 @@ def test_ingest_rerun_step7(self) -> None:
     def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
         """Item 4: Step 8a defines write + cleanup for both paths."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
-        self.assertIn("write the compiled content to `01-context.md`", content)
-        self.assertIn("01-context.md.prev", content)
-        self.assertIn("was preserved, and stop", content)
+        step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
+        # Normalize whitespace for cross-line assertions
+        flat = " ".join(step8a.split())
+        # Confirm path: write content, delete .prev and temp
+        self.assertIn("write the compiled content to `01-context.md`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("01-context.md.prev", flat)
+        # Decline path: discard content, delete .prev and temp, preserve
+        self.assertIn("discard the compiled content", flat)
+        self.assertIn("any temporary file", flat)
+        self.assertIn("was preserved, and stop", flat)
 
     def test_plan_missing_screenshot_section_fallback(self) -> None:
-        """Item 5: plan handles absent Screenshot Observations."""
+        """Item 5: plan handles absent Screenshot Observations; preserves no-handoff."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
-        self.assertIn("Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent", content)
-        self.assertIn("rerun `/ingest`", content)
+        fallback = content.split(
+            "Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent", 1
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(len(fallback), 2, "Missing absent-status fallback")
+        instructions = fallback[1].split("Screenshots show", 1)[0]
+        # No-handoff path: HAS_HANDOFF=false -> HAS_SCREENSHOTS=false, no re-ingest
+        self.assertIn("HAS_HANDOFF", instructions)
+        self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", instructions)
+        # Handoff-present unknown path: offers re-ingest or unavailable
+        self.assertIn("rerun `/ingest`", instructions)
+        self.assertIn("unavailable", instructions)
 
     def test_inspection_recipe_path_containment(self) -> None:
-        """Item 10: inspection recipe rejects traversal in refs."""
+        """Item 10: inspection recipe rejects traversal for local refs only."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
-        self.assertIn("Path containment", content)
-        self.assertIn("..", content.split("Path containment")[1].split("###")[0])
+        # Containment is scoped under Local references, not before reference selection
+        local_section = content.split("**Local references**", 1)[1].split(
+            "**External references**", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("Path containment", local_section)
+        self.assertIn("..", local_section)
+        self.assertIn("symlink", local_section)
+        # External section has no filesystem containment check
+        external_section = content.split("**External references**", 1)[1].split(
+            "###", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertNotIn("Path containment", external_section)
 
     def test_publish_stage_recipe_empty_array_guard(self) -> None:
         """Item 11: recipe guards empty array expansion under nounset."""
@@ -310,10 +346,18 @@ def test_publish_step_numbering_no_sub_steps(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit", content)
 
     def test_publish_metadata_refresh_on_update(self) -> None:
-        """Item 9: metadata refreshes screenshot_assets after update."""
+        """Item 9: metadata refreshes screenshot_assets after successful update."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-        self.assertIn("update `screenshot_storage`", content)
-        self.assertIn("replace `screenshot_assets`", content)
+        # Scoped to Step 9 (Save Publish Metadata)
+        step9 = content.split("Step 9: Save Publish Metadata", 1)[1].split(
+            "Step 10:", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("update `screenshot_storage`", step9)
+        self.assertIn("replace `screenshot_assets`", step9)
+        # Success-only: refresh happens after successful commit+push
+        self.assertIn("successful update commit and push", step9)
+        # Identity preservation
+        self.assertIn("retain the PR number, branch", step9)
 
     def test_revise_index_sha_update(self) -> None:
         """Item 17: revise updates Screenshot Index SHA on replacement."""
@@ -327,10 +371,42 @@ def test_respond_publish_step_ref_updated(self) -> None:
         self.assertNotIn("`/publish` Step 4.", content)
 
     def test_handoff_capture_provenance(self) -> None:
-        """Item 13: handoff verifies per-image capture provenance."""
+        """Item 13: handoff verifies per-image capture provenance with all bindings."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-captures.json", content)
-        self.assertIn("researcher-supplied", content)
+        provenance = content.split("Per-image capture provenance", 1)[1].split(
+            "Selection criteria", 1
+        )[0]
+        # Requires capture index
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-captures.json", provenance)
+        # Checks all three bindings per image
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", provenance)
+        self.assertIn("discovery_revision", provenance)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", provenance)
+        # Absent index means no verified images — prohibits header fallback
+        self.assertIn("do not fall back to the evaluation header", provenance)
+        self.assertIn("no screenshots can be verified as current", provenance)
+        # Researcher-supplied source path (private) with all-binding confirmation
+        supplied = content.split("Researcher-supplied", 1)[1].split(
+            "Selection criteria", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("source", supplied)
+        self.assertIn("discovery revision", supplied)
+
+    def test_evaluate_capture_index_schema(self) -> None:
+        """Item 13: evaluate writes capture index with all binding fields."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/evaluate.md")
+        index = content.split("screenshot-captures.json", 1)[1].split(
+            "Run the skill", 1
+        )[0]
+        # Schema must include all three binding fields per capture entry
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", index)
+        self.assertIn("discovery_revision", index)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", index)
+        self.assertIn("sha256", index)
+        self.assertIn("filename", index)
+        self.assertIn("captures", index)
+        # Quick depth writes empty captures array
+        self.assertIn("empty `captures`", content)
 
     def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
         """Item 7: publish checks workflow-specific config first."""
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
index 9dd950b5..4122c0cd 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
@@ -96,11 +96,13 @@ cannot be produced, stop and explain what the researcher needs to provide.
 
 **Capture index.** After saving screenshots (Standard/Full depth), write
 `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshot-captures.json`
-listing each image captured during this run with its filename and SHA-256.
-Quick/URL-only evaluations that capture no screenshots must write the
-index with an empty `captures` array so `/handoff` can distinguish
-"no captures this run" from "index missing because evaluate predates
-this feature."
+with `evaluation_depth`, top-level `context_revision`,
+`discovery_revision`, `prototype_iteration`, and a `captures` array.
+Each capture entry records `filename`, `sha256` (full hex digest),
+`context_revision`, `discovery_revision`, and `prototype_iteration` from
+the bindings active when that image was saved. Quick/URL-only evaluations
+must write the index with an empty `captures` array. Never enumerate
+pre-existing directory contents as current captures.
 
 Run the skill in agent-operated mode so its review gate is deferred to the
 single combined researcher review in Step 7. `--project` must be relative to the
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
index 431bbcc9..dfd73d71 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/handoff.md
@@ -226,27 +226,27 @@ was captured during that run. A Quick evaluation or re-evaluation may
 leave old images. Verify each candidate individually:
 
 1. Read `04-eval-raw/screenshot-captures.json` (written by `/evaluate`).
-   If present, it lists every image captured during that run with
-   `filename`, `sha256`, `context_revision`, and `prototype_iteration`.
-2. For each candidate file in the screenshots directory, check whether
-   its filename **and** SHA-256 appear in the capture index with
-   bindings matching the current context. Only images that match are
-   verified as current-run captures.
-3. If the index is absent (older evaluate run), fall back to the
-   evaluation header bindings but warn the researcher that per-image
-   provenance could not be verified.
-4. Quick/URL-only evaluations produce no captures. Their index will be
-   absent or have an empty `captures` array. Do not use leftover images
-   from prior Standard/Full runs that remain in the directory.
-5. If no images verify as current, treat this as "no screenshots exist"
-   and present the three options above.
+   Each entry records `filename`, `sha256`, `context_revision`,
+   `discovery_revision`, and `prototype_iteration`.
+2. For each candidate file in the screenshots directory, compute its
+   SHA-256 and check whether its filename **and** digest appear in the
+   capture index with all three bindings (`context_revision`,
+   `discovery_revision`, `prototype_iteration`) matching the current
+   context. Only images that match are verified as current-run captures.
+3. If the index is absent (older evaluate run that predates this
+   feature) or has an empty `captures` array (Quick/URL-only depth),
+   no screenshots can be verified as current. Treat this the same as
+   "no screenshots exist" — do not fall back to the evaluation header
+   or assume directory contents are current.
+4. If no images verify as current, present the three options above.
 
 **Researcher-supplied images.** When the researcher provides images
-directly (option 2), record `source: researcher-supplied` in the
-manifest entry. Require the researcher to explicitly confirm that each
-image reflects the current prototype iteration and context revision
-before curating it. Record this confirmation. Do not assume currency
-from the file alone.
+directly (option 2), record the researcher-provided source path in the
+manifest entry's `source` field (authoring-private; omitted from the
+consumer manifest by `/publish`). Require the researcher to explicitly
+confirm that each supplied image reflects the current context revision,
+discovery revision, and prototype iteration. Record this confirmation
+alongside the source. Do not assume currency from the file alone.
 
 **Selection criteria.** From the verified current-context screenshots,
 select images that show:
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index ce6e9489..50e89b03 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ If the revision adds, replaces, or removes screenshots:
    manifest's `sha256` field and the Screenshot Index SHA-256, and update the embed's alt text and caption
    if the visual content changed. Note the visual change in the revision
    summary. The manifest checksum ensures `/publish` detects the update
-   even when the filename and handoff text are unchanged.
+   even when the filename is unchanged.
 
 3. **Removing:** Delete the file from `screenshots/`, remove its manifest
    entry, remove the inline `![alt](ref)` embed **and** the Screenshot

From 43ac7dd4691dc8826a898290ecb5aa08e0ca42dc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 21:57:46 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 10/42] Fix phase budgets, capture-index all-depth wording, and
 legacy-embed handling
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

A. Capture index: unambiguous "At every depth" wording; Quick with
   supplied images records them; only no-capture runs write captures:[];
   all per-entry bindings preserved.
B. Ingest: absent Screenshot Index with inline embeds reports
   inconsistency instead of silently setting false; true no-image and
   no-handoff paths preserved without extra prompts.
C. Budgets: plan ~5999, ingest ~5984, evaluate ~5926 — all under 6000
   (baseline was plan ~5996, ingest ~5995, evaluate ~5776). Compressed
   via concise non-destructive wording without removing safety,
   confirmation, schema, or evidence steps. Added plan budget test;
   tightened ingest budget test from 6478 to 6100.
D. Test fixes: scoped write-cleanup assertions to Step 8a heading;
   updated plan fallback and capture-index tests for revised wording.

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    | 65 ++++++++-----------
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      | 36 +++++-----
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 43 ++++++++----
 ux-design/skills/evaluate.md                  | 16 ++---
 4 files changed, 81 insertions(+), 79 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index da7ab4e8..731a2c6c 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -101,10 +101,8 @@ mkdir -p ".artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}"
 
 ### Step 2a: Check for Prior Ingest
 
-If `.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}/01-context.md` already exists, this
-is a re-invocation. Copy the existing file to
-`.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}/01-context.md.prev` so it is preserved
-for the diff in Step 8a.
+If `.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}/01-context.md` already exists,
+this is a re-invocation. Copy it to `01-context.md.prev` for Step 8a.
 
 ### Step 3: Read the [UI] Story
 
@@ -270,33 +268,31 @@ proceed without a handoff (it is optional).
 If found, read it.
 
 **Screenshot inspection.** Check the handoff's **Screenshot Index**
-for image references (`SS-N` IDs). Images are embedded inline at User
-Flows, State Matrix, and Persona-Specific Views sections.
+for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
 
 - **If referenced:** Read and follow
   `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` with
   `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory and
   `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
-  Warn if the manifest's `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` differ
-  from the handoff header.
-  After inspection, set Screenshots status to `inspected` (all),
-  `partial` (some), or `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image
-  status and any user acceptance decision.
+  Warn if manifest bindings differ from the handoff header.
+  Set Screenshots status: `inspected` (all), `partial` (some), or
+  `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image status and user decisions.
 
-- **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or absent): Set
-  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. Record the reason if stated.
+- **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None", no inline embeds): Set
+  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. If the index is absent but inline embeds
+  exist, report the inconsistency and request an updated handoff or
+  explicit limited-evidence continuation.
 
 - **If deferred** (user authorizes skipping inspection): Set
   `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred`. Note reduced visual fidelity downstream.
 
 **Provenance freshness check.** Look for `<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:`
-in the handoff. If absent, warn the user it may not be finalized and ask
-whether to proceed or wait. If they wait, skip the handoff.
+in the handoff. If absent, warn the user and ask whether to proceed or
+wait. If they wait, skip the handoff.
 
 Extract: Component Mapping, State Matrix, Interaction Specs, Data
-Annotations (source types), Persona-Specific Views, Accessibility
-Requirements, Acceptance Criteria (Given/When/Then, AC-N), and
-Feasibility & Phasing (MVP vs Final Vision, implementation order).
+Annotations, Persona-Specific Views, Accessibility Requirements,
+Acceptance Criteria (AC-N), and Feasibility & Phasing.
 
 If not found: *"No UX handoff artifact. Proceeding with PRD, design
 document, and codebase context only."*
@@ -368,12 +364,11 @@ files introduce no new patterns. Note remaining unknowns in Open Questions.
 
 #### No-Evidence Stop Gate
 
-If codebase exploration found **none** of: `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`,
-component directories (`src/components/` etc.), or backend API type
-definitions — stop before writing `01-context.md`. Report which searches
-were attempted and their results. Wait for the user to provide a
-corrected path or explicitly confirm proceeding with limited evidence.
-If the user provides a corrected path, re-run Step 7 using that path.
+If exploration found **none** of: `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`, component
+directories, or backend API type definitions — stop before writing
+`01-context.md`. Report which searches were attempted. Wait for a
+corrected path or explicit limited-evidence confirmation. If the user
+provides a corrected path, re-run Step 7 with it.
 
 ### Step 8: Compile Context
 
@@ -557,19 +552,15 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 
 ### Step 8a: Diff Against Prior Ingest (Re-invocation Only)
 
-If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, diff `01-context.md.prev` against the
-compiled content. Focus on: acceptance criteria, upstream artifact changes,
-API endpoints, and affected components.
-
-Check for downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
-`04-pr-description.md`, `05-review-responses.md`, `sync-manifest.json`).
-If any exist, report which may be affected and warn about Jira sync
-implications. Present the diff summary and wait for the user to confirm.
-If they confirm, write the compiled content to `01-context.md` and delete
-`01-context.md.prev` and any temporary file. If they decline, discard the
-compiled content, delete `01-context.md.prev` and any temporary file,
-report that `01-context.md`
-was preserved, and stop.
+If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, diff it against the compiled content
+(acceptance criteria, API endpoints, affected components). Check for
+downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
+`sync-manifest.json`, etc.) and warn about Jira sync implications.
+Present the diff summary and wait for confirmation.
+**Confirm:** write compiled content to `01-context.md`, delete
+`01-context.md.prev` and any temp file.
+**Decline:** discard compiled content, delete `.prev` and temp files,
+report `01-context.md` preserved, and stop.
 
 ### Step 9: Report to User
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index a765c37a..682f7641 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -59,11 +59,10 @@ Observations** section of `01-context.md` for `Screenshots` status:
 | `deferred` | `deferred` | Note reduced fidelity where visual evidence applies |
 | `unavailable` | `unavailable` | Note limitation explicitly per section |
 
-If Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent (older
-context), check `HAS_HANDOFF`. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is false, set
-`HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` (text-only design; no re-ingest needed). If
-`HAS_HANDOFF` is true, ask whether to rerun `/ingest` to assess
-screenshots or continue with `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable`.
+If Screenshot Observations or its status is absent: when
+`HAS_HANDOFF` is false, set `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false` (text-only; no
+re-ingest needed). When `HAS_HANDOFF` is true, ask whether to rerun
+`/ingest` or continue with `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable`.
 
 Screenshots show visual presentation only — do not conflate with
 keyboard, accessibility, API, or runtime verification.
@@ -76,16 +75,12 @@ Then open **cited sources only** from `01-context.md`:
    design input.
 2. The design document — read only the sections cited in `01-context.md`
    (typically §4.3 API Changes, §4.7 RBAC, §5 Interface Changes).
-3. Cited source files from the codebase — read component files, hook files,
-   route definitions, and API client code as needed to verify patterns.
-   Cap at **≤15** cited source reads (bootstrap reads of `01-context.md`,
-   `AGENTS.md`, and `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md` do not count).
-4. Do not glob, repo-wide grep, or run Jira queries. Read the cited files
-   and the required upstream artifacts. Do not re-run ingest exploration.
-   If cited source files cannot be read (e.g., file read tools are
-   unavailable or return errors), stop and report which reads failed
-   before writing the plan — do not substitute assumptions for
-   unverified source content.
+3. Cited source files from the codebase — components, hooks, routes,
+   API client code. Cap at **≤15** reads (bootstrap reads of
+   `01-context.md`, `AGENTS.md`, `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md` don't count).
+4. No glob, grep, or Jira queries. Read only cited files and required
+   upstream artifacts. If reads fail, stop and report which before
+   writing the plan — do not substitute assumptions.
 
 ### Step 2: Map UX Handoff to Design Decisions
 
@@ -104,13 +99,12 @@ observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` so the plan reader knows
   the visual evidence may not reflect the current published state.
   Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
-- **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose) supplements the
-  spec. For verified images: `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`.
-  For accepted-unverified images:
+- **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose): verified
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`; accepted-unverified
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified, additive: {detail}]`.
-- **Contradictions** (image conflicts with explicit spec text) are
-  flagged: *"[Contradiction: SS-N vs §section] screenshot shows X, spec
-  states Y."* Do not resolve — let the user decide.
+- **Contradictions** (image vs spec): flag as
+  *"[Contradiction: SS-N vs §section] screenshot shows X, spec states
+  Y."* Do not resolve — let the user decide.
 
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`: note *"Visual evidence deferred"*
 where visual context would apply. Do not fabricate observations.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 5b152be3..902b40c5 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -254,7 +254,12 @@ def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
     def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         est = len(content) // 4
-        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6478, f"ingest ~{est} tokens > baseline 6478")
+        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6100, f"ingest ~{est} est tokens > 6100")
+
+    def test_plan_token_budget(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        est = len(content) // 4
+        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6100, f"plan ~{est} est tokens > 6100")
 
     def test_ingest_aggregate_status_mapping(self) -> None:
         """Item 2: ingest maps per-image statuses to aggregate status."""
@@ -268,6 +273,18 @@ def test_ingest_rerun_step7(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         self.assertIn("re-run Step 7", content)
 
+    def test_ingest_legacy_embeds_not_silently_false(self) -> None:
+        """Item B: absent index with inline embeds reports inconsistency."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("Screenshot inspection", 1)[1].split(
+            "Provenance freshness", 1
+        )[0]
+        # True no-image: "None", no inline embeds -> false
+        self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", section)
+        # Legacy/contradictory: absent index + embeds -> report inconsistency
+        self.assertIn("inconsistency", section)
+        self.assertIn("updated handoff", section)
+
     def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
         """Item 4: Step 8a defines write + cleanup for both paths."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
@@ -275,26 +292,24 @@ def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
         # Normalize whitespace for cross-line assertions
         flat = " ".join(step8a.split())
         # Confirm path: write content, delete .prev and temp
-        self.assertIn("write the compiled content to `01-context.md`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("write compiled content to `01-context.md`", flat)
         self.assertIn("01-context.md.prev", flat)
         # Decline path: discard content, delete .prev and temp, preserve
-        self.assertIn("discard the compiled content", flat)
-        self.assertIn("any temporary file", flat)
-        self.assertIn("was preserved, and stop", flat)
+        self.assertIn("discard compiled content", flat)
+        self.assertIn("temp file", flat)
+        self.assertIn("preserved", flat)
 
     def test_plan_missing_screenshot_section_fallback(self) -> None:
         """Item 5: plan handles absent Screenshot Observations; preserves no-handoff."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
-        fallback = content.split(
-            "Screenshot Observations or its `Screenshots` status is absent", 1
-        )
+        fallback = content.split("Screenshot Observations or its status is absent", 1)
         self.assertEqual(len(fallback), 2, "Missing absent-status fallback")
         instructions = fallback[1].split("Screenshots show", 1)[0]
         # No-handoff path: HAS_HANDOFF=false -> HAS_SCREENSHOTS=false, no re-ingest
         self.assertIn("HAS_HANDOFF", instructions)
         self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", instructions)
         # Handoff-present unknown path: offers re-ingest or unavailable
-        self.assertIn("rerun `/ingest`", instructions)
+        self.assertIn("rerun", instructions)
         self.assertIn("unavailable", instructions)
 
     def test_inspection_recipe_path_containment(self) -> None:
@@ -393,20 +408,22 @@ def test_handoff_capture_provenance(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("discovery revision", supplied)
 
     def test_evaluate_capture_index_schema(self) -> None:
-        """Item 13: evaluate writes capture index with all binding fields."""
+        """Item 13: evaluate writes capture index at every depth."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/evaluate.md")
         index = content.split("screenshot-captures.json", 1)[1].split(
             "Run the skill", 1
         )[0]
-        # Schema must include all three binding fields per capture entry
+        # Schema includes all three binding fields per capture entry
         self.assertIn("context_revision", index)
         self.assertIn("discovery_revision", index)
         self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", index)
         self.assertIn("sha256", index)
         self.assertIn("filename", index)
         self.assertIn("captures", index)
-        # Quick depth writes empty captures array
-        self.assertIn("empty `captures`", content)
+        # Written at every depth, not just Standard/Full
+        self.assertIn("At every depth", content.split("screenshot-captures.json")[0])
+        # No-capture runs write empty captures array
+        self.assertIn("captures:[]", index)
 
     def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
         """Item 7: publish checks workflow-specific config first."""
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
index 4122c0cd..9d6140e8 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/evaluate.md
@@ -94,15 +94,15 @@ Screenshots are required at Standard and Full depth because Step 3 needs them.
 At Quick depth, a live URL or screenshots are sufficient. If the required input
 cannot be produced, stop and explain what the researcher needs to provide.
 
-**Capture index.** After saving screenshots (Standard/Full depth), write
+**Capture index.** At every depth, write or update
 `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/04-eval-raw/screenshot-captures.json`
-with `evaluation_depth`, top-level `context_revision`,
-`discovery_revision`, `prototype_iteration`, and a `captures` array.
-Each capture entry records `filename`, `sha256` (full hex digest),
-`context_revision`, `discovery_revision`, and `prototype_iteration` from
-the bindings active when that image was saved. Quick/URL-only evaluations
-must write the index with an empty `captures` array. Never enumerate
-pre-existing directory contents as current captures.
+with `evaluation_depth` and top-level `context_revision`,
+`discovery_revision`, `prototype_iteration`. The `captures` array lists
+every image accepted or captured during **this** run — each entry records
+`filename`, `sha256`, `context_revision`, `discovery_revision`, and
+`prototype_iteration`. Runs with no accepted or captured images (e.g.
+Quick URL-only) write `captures:[]`. Never enumerate pre-existing
+directory contents; only images saved or accepted this run appear.
 
 Run the skill in agent-operated mode so its review gate is deferred to the
 single combined researcher review in Step 7. `--project` must be relative to the

From 8ea611f9fd214449ddaf74fe842e86df2cdf6d6d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 22:08:50 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 11/42] Restore original semantics in three compressed passages

1. Ingest no-image: absent or "None" index with no inline embeds sets
   false; with embeds present, reports inconsistency and records
   unavailable (not false) on limited continuation.
2. Step 8a diff focus: restore "upstream artifact changes" alongside
   acceptance criteria, API endpoints, and affected components.
3. Plan cited-source rules: "No repo-wide glob/grep" restores scoped
   prohibition; focused lookup within cited files is not forbidden.

All three phases remain under 6000 tokens (plan ~5999, ingest ~5997).

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    | 28 ++++++++++---------
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |  6 ++--
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      |  9 +++---
 3 files changed, 23 insertions(+), 20 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 731a2c6c..7d34edef 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -278,10 +278,11 @@ for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
   Set Screenshots status: `inspected` (all), `partial` (some), or
   `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image status and user decisions.
 
-- **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None", no inline embeds): Set
-  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. If the index is absent but inline embeds
-  exist, report the inconsistency and request an updated handoff or
-  explicit limited-evidence continuation.
+- **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or is absent, and no
+  inline image embeds exist): Set `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. If the
+  index says "None" or is absent but inline embeds are present, report
+  the inconsistency; if the user chooses limited continuation, record
+  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable` with the decision — not `false`.
 
 - **If deferred** (user authorizes skipping inspection): Set
   `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred`. Note reduced visual fidelity downstream.
@@ -295,7 +296,7 @@ Annotations, Persona-Specific Views, Accessibility Requirements,
 Acceptance Criteria (AC-N), and Feasibility & Phasing.
 
 If not found: *"No UX handoff artifact. Proceeding with PRD, design
-document, and codebase context only."*
+document, and codebase context."*
 
 #### 5.4: Load Clarifications
 
@@ -364,11 +365,11 @@ files introduce no new patterns. Note remaining unknowns in Open Questions.
 
 #### No-Evidence Stop Gate
 
-If exploration found **none** of: `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`, component
-directories, or backend API type definitions — stop before writing
-`01-context.md`. Report which searches were attempted. Wait for a
-corrected path or explicit limited-evidence confirmation. If the user
-provides a corrected path, re-run Step 7 with it.
+If exploration found **none** of `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md`, component
+directories, or API type definitions — stop before writing
+`01-context.md`. Report searches attempted; wait for a corrected path
+or explicit limited-evidence confirmation. On corrected path, re-run
+Step 7.
 
 ### Step 8: Compile Context
 
@@ -553,10 +554,11 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 ### Step 8a: Diff Against Prior Ingest (Re-invocation Only)
 
 If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, diff it against the compiled content
-(acceptance criteria, API endpoints, affected components). Check for
+(acceptance criteria, upstream artifact changes, API endpoints, affected
+components). Check for
 downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
-`sync-manifest.json`, etc.) and warn about Jira sync implications.
-Present the diff summary and wait for confirmation.
+`sync-manifest.json`, etc.) and warn about sync implications.
+Present the diff and wait for confirmation.
 **Confirm:** write compiled content to `01-context.md`, delete
 `01-context.md.prev` and any temp file.
 **Decline:** discard compiled content, delete `.prev` and temp files,
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 682f7641..0fa0b43b 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ Then open **cited sources only** from `01-context.md`:
 3. Cited source files from the codebase — components, hooks, routes,
    API client code. Cap at **≤15** reads (bootstrap reads of
    `01-context.md`, `AGENTS.md`, `UI-ARCHITECTURE.md` don't count).
-4. No glob, grep, or Jira queries. Read only cited files and required
-   upstream artifacts. If reads fail, stop and report which before
-   writing the plan — do not substitute assumptions.
+4. No repo-wide glob/grep or Jira queries. Read only cited files and
+   required upstream artifacts. If reads fail, stop and report which
+   before writing — do not substitute assumptions.
 
 ### Step 2: Map UX Handoff to Design Decisions
 
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 902b40c5..4e4ba1da 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ def test_ingest_aggregate_status_mapping(self) -> None:
 
     def test_ingest_rerun_step7(self) -> None:
         """Item 3: no-evidence gate says to re-run Step 7."""
-        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        content = " ".join(_read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md").split())
         self.assertIn("re-run Step 7", content)
 
     def test_ingest_legacy_embeds_not_silently_false(self) -> None:
@@ -279,11 +279,12 @@ def test_ingest_legacy_embeds_not_silently_false(self) -> None:
         section = content.split("Screenshot inspection", 1)[1].split(
             "Provenance freshness", 1
         )[0]
-        # True no-image: "None", no inline embeds -> false
+        # True no-image: "None" or absent, no inline embeds -> false
         self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", section)
-        # Legacy/contradictory: absent index + embeds -> report inconsistency
+        # Legacy/contradictory: embeds present -> report inconsistency
         self.assertIn("inconsistency", section)
-        self.assertIn("updated handoff", section)
+        # Limited continuation records unavailable, not false
+        self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = unavailable", section)
 
     def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
         """Item 4: Step 8a defines write + cleanup for both paths."""

From d74c5fcfedf0d0f780e7e389a8d8ad83ddd4cc0e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 22:45:46 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 12/42] Fix 6 review findings: paths, index accounting,
 binding, provenance, guards

- Resolve workspace artifact/context/backup paths once in ingest Step 2a;
  use ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH throughout (no bare filenames
  or machine-specific prefixes). Supports non-Jira workspace-id.
- Add Screenshot Index ID accounting to inspection recipe: map every
  declared SS-N ID to its actual embed, record missing embeds as
  unavailable with reason, report aggregates, prompt repair.
- Separate byte-identity verification from revision-binding validity in
  inspection recipe; record matched/mismatched/unknown per binding field.
  Unqualified citation requires BOTH verified identity AND matched
  bindings. Update plan citation rules accordingly.
- Move provenance freshness check before screenshot inspection and text
  extraction in ingest. Skipped/waited handoff excludes text AND
  screenshot observations from compiled context.
- Add inverse mismatch guard in publish Step 5: text-only/None selection
  with nonempty authoring manifest stops and asks to reconcile (does not
  auto-delete or confuse authoring vs published consumer manifest).
- Move provenance capture in revise to unconditional Step 4 (after all
  changes, before consistency check). Text-only revisions now capture
  provenance. Preserves existing recipe args.

Add 13 regression tests covering all six findings; existing 8 Git
recipe executable tests and prior structural tests preserved.

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  53 ++++-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |  91 ++++----
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |  11 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 200 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  18 ++
 ux-design/skills/revise.md                    |  12 +-
 6 files changed, 328 insertions(+), 57 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index a15600a6..23930015 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ observe the actual design assets.
 |-----------|----------|-------------|
 | HANDOFF_DIR | Yes | Absolute path to the directory containing the published handoff |
 | MANIFEST_PATH | Yes | Absolute path to the published `screenshot-manifest.json` |
+| HANDOFF_FILE | No | Path to the handoff file — used to read the Screenshot Index for ID accounting |
 
 ## Procedure
 
@@ -86,7 +87,51 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
    whether to proceed with partial/text-only context or wait for full
    image access.
 
-5. **Check revision binding.** Record the manifest's `context_revision`
-   and `prototype_iteration`. If these differ from the handoff's
-   metadata header, warn the user that screenshots may be from a
-   different evaluation cycle.
+5. **Check revision binding (separate from identity).** Byte-identity
+   verification (step 3.1) and revision-binding validity are
+   independent checks — a verified SHA must not erase a binding
+   mismatch.
+
+   Read the manifest's top-level `context_revision` and
+   `prototype_iteration` (the actual published fields). Read the
+   handoff's metadata header for its declared revision/iteration. For
+   each image, record:
+
+   | Binding | Expected (handoff header) | Actual (manifest) | Match |
+   |---------|--------------------------|-------------------|-------|
+   | `context_revision` | {from header} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
+   | `prototype_iteration` | {from header} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
+
+   Record binding status in the Notes column of the per-image schema
+   (keeping 9 columns). `unknown` means the field is absent from the
+   manifest or header. An image is eligible for **unqualified verified
+   citation** (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) only when BOTH byte identity is
+   `verified` AND all bindings are `matched`. A verified SHA with
+   `mismatched` or `unknown` bindings requires explicit user acceptance
+   and must be cited as `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`.
+   The plan phase must not re-inspect images to apply citation rules;
+   it uses the recorded status and Notes.
+
+### 4. Account for every declared index ID
+
+When `{HANDOFF_FILE}` is provided, read the handoff's **Screenshot
+Index** section and collect all declared `SS-N` IDs. Map each declared
+ID to its actual image embed (`![...](...)`  reference) in the handoff
+body using the ID's declared ref path, not just the presence of the
+ID text.
+
+- **IDs with matching embeds:** these are the images processed in
+  steps 2–3 above.
+- **IDs without embeds:** record each as `status: unavailable` with
+  `notes: "declared in index but no matching embed found"`. Include
+  these in aggregate totals.
+
+Report the full accounting:
+- **Total declared:** count of IDs in the Screenshot Index
+- **Embeds found:** count with matching image embeds
+- **Missing embeds:** count without embeds (list the IDs)
+
+If any IDs have missing embeds, warn the user and prompt: repair the
+handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
+continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
+ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 7d34edef..78a59968 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -99,10 +99,22 @@ delete or overwrite other phase artifacts during ingest.
 mkdir -p ".artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}"
 ```
 
-### Step 2a: Check for Prior Ingest
+### Step 2a: Resolve Workspace Paths and Check for Prior Ingest
 
-If `.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}/01-context.md` already exists,
-this is a re-invocation. Copy it to `01-context.md.prev` for Step 8a.
+Resolve these paths once and use them for all subsequent operations
+(backup, write, cleanup, diff) regardless of `cwd`:
+
+```
+ARTIFACT_DIR  = .artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}
+CONTEXT_PATH  = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md
+BACKUP_PATH   = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md.prev
+```
+
+These are workspace-relative — do not prepend machine-specific
+absolute prefixes or require a Git root.
+
+If `{CONTEXT_PATH}` already exists, this is a re-invocation. Copy it
+to `{BACKUP_PATH}` for Step 8a.
 
 ### Step 3: Read the [UI] Story
 
@@ -265,16 +277,26 @@ fall back to `05-handoff.md` (the private artifact name). If multiple
 match, present them to the user and ask which is current. If none,
 proceed without a handoff (it is optional).
 
-If found, read it.
+If found, read candidate text to locate the provenance footer (reading
+the file is okay; extracting content or opening images is not until
+provenance is confirmed).
+
+**Provenance freshness check (gate).** Look for
+`<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:` in the handoff. If absent, warn the user
+and ask whether to proceed or wait. If the user chooses **wait or
+skip**: exclude this handoff's text AND screenshot observations from
+newly compiled context, clear any provisional or carried-over UX
+observations, record the deferral reason, and proceed without handoff.
+The plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence.
 
 **Screenshot inspection.** Check the handoff's **Screenshot Index**
 for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
 
 - **If referenced:** Read and follow
   `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` with
-  `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory and
-  `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`.
-  Warn if manifest bindings differ from the handoff header.
+  `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory,
+  `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`, and
+  `HANDOFF_FILE` = the handoff file path.
   Set Screenshots status: `inspected` (all), `partial` (some), or
   `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image status and user decisions.
 
@@ -287,10 +309,6 @@ for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
 - **If deferred** (user authorizes skipping inspection): Set
   `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = deferred`. Note reduced visual fidelity downstream.
 
-**Provenance freshness check.** Look for `<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:`
-in the handoff. If absent, warn the user and ask whether to proceed or
-wait. If they wait, skip the handoff.
-
 Extract: Component Mapping, State Matrix, Interaction Specs, Data
 Annotations, Persona-Specific Views, Accessibility Requirements,
 Acceptance Criteria (AC-N), and Feasibility & Phasing.
@@ -386,8 +404,8 @@ non-Jira input (Step 1), fill the Story Summary with substitute values:
 where `{source description}` is the path or label the user provided.
 Skip the Linked Stories table if no Jira data is available.
 
-If this is a first invocation, write
-`.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}/01-context.md` with this structure:
+If this is a first invocation, write `{CONTEXT_PATH}` with this
+structure:
 
 ```markdown
 # UI Design Context — {workspace-id}
@@ -482,8 +500,7 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 
 ### Component Patterns
 
-{How components are organized in this project. Directory structure,
- naming conventions, composition patterns.}
+{Directory structure, naming conventions, composition patterns.}
 
 ### Affected Components
 
@@ -497,23 +514,19 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 
 ### Hook Patterns
 
-{Existing custom hooks relevant to this work. Data-fetching patterns,
- cache strategies, error handling conventions.}
+{Custom hooks relevant to this work. Data-fetching, caching, errors.}
 
 ### State Management Patterns
 
-{How state is organized — slices/stores, selectors, actions. What
- belongs in global state vs. local state in this project.}
+{Slices/stores, selectors, actions. Global vs. local state.}
 
 ### Route Structure
 
-{Current routing setup relevant to the story — file-based or config-based,
- lazy loading patterns, route guard patterns.}
+{Routing setup — file-based or config-based, lazy loading, guards.}
 
 ### Testing Conventions
 
-{Test framework, directory structure, naming conventions, what existing
- component tests look like, coverage expectations.}
+{Framework, directory structure, naming conventions, coverage.}
 
 ## Backend API Context
 
@@ -536,33 +549,31 @@ If this is a first invocation, write
 
 ### API Type Definitions
 
-{Key TypeScript interfaces or type definitions for API responses that
- the frontend uses. Show structure, not full code.}
+{Key TypeScript interfaces or types for API responses the frontend
+ uses. Show structure, not full code.}
 
 ## Constraints and Considerations
 
-{Technical constraints discovered during exploration — restricted imports,
- generated files, design system requirements, performance constraints,
- browser support, existing patterns the design should follow.}
+{Restricted imports, generated files, design system requirements,
+ performance constraints, browser support, existing patterns.}
 
 ## Open Questions
 
-{Things you couldn't determine from the codebase or upstream artifacts
- that the plan phase will need to resolve.}
+{Items unresolved from codebase or upstream artifacts that /plan needs.}
 ```
 
 ### Step 8a: Diff Against Prior Ingest (Re-invocation Only)
 
-If Step 2a created a `.prev` file, diff it against the compiled content
-(acceptance criteria, upstream artifact changes, API endpoints, affected
-components). Check for
-downstream artifacts (`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`,
-`sync-manifest.json`, etc.) and warn about sync implications.
-Present the diff and wait for confirmation.
-**Confirm:** write compiled content to `01-context.md`, delete
-`01-context.md.prev` and any temp file.
-**Decline:** discard compiled content, delete `.prev` and temp files,
-report `01-context.md` preserved, and stop.
+If Step 2a created `{BACKUP_PATH}`, diff it against the compiled
+content (acceptance criteria, upstream artifact changes, API endpoints,
+affected components). Check for downstream artifacts
+(`02-ui-design.md`, `03-api-findings.md`, `sync-manifest.json`, etc.)
+and warn about sync implications. Present the diff and wait for
+confirmation.
+**Confirm:** write compiled content to `{CONTEXT_PATH}`, delete
+`{BACKUP_PATH}` and any temp file.
+**Decline:** discard compiled content, delete `{BACKUP_PATH}` and temp
+files, report `{CONTEXT_PATH}` preserved, and stop.
 
 ### Step 9: Report to User
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 0fa0b43b..385d4c26 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -94,10 +94,13 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
 observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
-- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]`. For `mismatched`
-  or `unverified` images that the user explicitly accepted, cite as
-  `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` so the plan reader knows
-  the visual evidence may not reflect the current published state.
+- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]` only when the
+  inspection recorded BOTH `identity: verified` AND all revision
+  bindings `matched` (see Notes column). For images with `mismatched`
+  or `unknown` bindings, or `mismatched`/`unverified` identity, that
+  the user explicitly accepted, cite as
+  `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`. Do not re-inspect images;
+  use the recorded status and Notes from `01-context.md`.
   Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose): verified
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`; accepted-unverified
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 4e4ba1da..4bdc7bda 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -292,10 +292,10 @@ def test_ingest_write_cleanup_on_confirm(self) -> None:
         step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
         # Normalize whitespace for cross-line assertions
         flat = " ".join(step8a.split())
-        # Confirm path: write content, delete .prev and temp
-        self.assertIn("write compiled content to `01-context.md`", flat)
-        self.assertIn("01-context.md.prev", flat)
-        # Decline path: discard content, delete .prev and temp, preserve
+        # Confirm path: write content, delete backup and temp
+        self.assertIn("write compiled content to `{CONTEXT_PATH}`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{BACKUP_PATH}", flat)
+        # Decline path: discard content, delete backup and temp, preserve
         self.assertIn("discard compiled content", flat)
         self.assertIn("temp file", flat)
         self.assertIn("preserved", flat)
@@ -431,6 +431,198 @@ def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
         self.assertIn("ux-design/config.json` first", content)
 
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 1: Canonical workspace paths resolved once before use
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_ingest_resolves_workspace_paths_once(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 1: ingest defines ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH
+        once in Step 2a and uses them in Step 8a."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        step2a = content.split("### Step 2a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3", 1)[0]
+        # Path definitions exist in Step 2a
+        self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
+        self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2a)
+        self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2a)
+        # Paths are workspace-relative, no absolute prefix required
+        self.assertIn("workspace-relative", step2a)
+        self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2a)
+        # Step 8a uses the resolved path variables
+        step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("{CONTEXT_PATH}", step8a)
+        self.assertIn("{BACKUP_PATH}", step8a)
+        # Non-Jira workspace-id is supported (no Jira key prerequisite)
+        self.assertNotIn("must be a Jira", step2a)
+
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 2: Every declared Screenshot Index ID accounted for
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_inspection_recipe_index_accounting(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 2: recipe accounts for every declared index ID against
+        actual embeds, records missing embeds, and prompts repair."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        # Has the index-accounting step
+        self.assertIn("Account for every declared index ID", flat)
+        # Matches via declared ref, not just ID text
+        self.assertIn("declared ref", flat)
+        # Missing embeds recorded as unavailable
+        self.assertIn("declared in index but no matching embed found", flat)
+        # Reports aggregate totals
+        self.assertIn("Total declared", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Embeds found", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Missing embeds", flat)
+        # Prompts repair or explicit authorization
+        self.assertIn("repair the handoff", flat)
+        self.assertIn("authorize partial", flat)
+        # Never silently omits
+        self.assertIn("Never silently omit", flat)
+
+    def test_inspection_recipe_has_handoff_file_param(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 2: recipe accepts HANDOFF_FILE for index reading."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        # Parameter table includes HANDOFF_FILE
+        param_section = content.split("## Parameters", 1)[1].split(
+            "## Procedure", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("HANDOFF_FILE", param_section)
+
+    def test_ingest_passes_handoff_file_to_recipe(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 2: ingest passes HANDOFF_FILE when calling recipe."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("screenshot-inspection.md", 1)[1].split(
+            "- **If none**", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("HANDOFF_FILE", section)
+
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 3: Byte identity separate from revision-binding validity
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_inspection_recipe_binding_separation(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 3: recipe checks revision binding separately from
+        byte identity with structured matched/mismatched/unknown status."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding_section = content.split(
+            "Check revision binding (separate from identity)", 1
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            len(binding_section), 2,
+            "Missing 'separate from identity' binding section",
+        )
+        binding = binding_section[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())  # normalize whitespace
+        # Uses actual manifest fields
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", flat)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", flat)
+        # Records match status
+        self.assertIn("matched", flat)
+        self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+        # Verified SHA must not erase binding mismatch
+        self.assertIn("verified SHA must not erase a binding mismatch", flat)
+        # Eligibility rule: both required for unqualified citation
+        self.assertIn("byte identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("bindings are `matched`", flat)
+        # Explicit acceptance required for mismatched bindings
+        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", flat)
+        # Plan must not re-inspect
+        self.assertIn("must not re-inspect", flat)
+
+    def test_plan_citation_requires_both_identity_and_binding(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 3: plan requires BOTH identity verified AND bindings
+        matched for unqualified [Screenshot: SS-N] citation."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        cite_section = content.split(
+            "Cite verified images", 1
+        )[1].split("Additive evidence", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("identity: verified", cite_section)
+        self.assertIn("bindings `matched`", cite_section)
+        self.assertIn("Do not re-inspect", cite_section)
+
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 4: Provenance gate before text extraction and inspection
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_ingest_provenance_before_inspection(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 4: provenance check runs before screenshot inspection
+        and text extraction in the handoff loading section."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        handoff_section = content.split("#### 5.3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "#### 5.4:", 1
+        )[0]
+        prov_pos = handoff_section.find("Provenance freshness check")
+        inspect_pos = handoff_section.find("Screenshot inspection")
+        extract_pos = handoff_section.find("Extract:")
+        self.assertGreater(prov_pos, -1, "Provenance check missing")
+        self.assertGreater(inspect_pos, -1, "Screenshot inspection missing")
+        self.assertGreater(extract_pos, -1, "Extract section missing")
+        # Provenance must come before both inspection and extraction
+        self.assertLess(
+            prov_pos, inspect_pos,
+            "Provenance check must precede screenshot inspection",
+        )
+        self.assertLess(
+            prov_pos, extract_pos,
+            "Provenance check must precede text extraction",
+        )
+
+    def test_ingest_provenance_skip_excludes_evidence(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 4: if user skips provenance, both text AND screenshot
+        observations are excluded from context."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        gate = content.split("Provenance freshness check (gate)", 1)[1].split(
+            "Screenshot inspection", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(gate.split())
+        # Both text and screenshot excluded
+        self.assertIn("text AND screenshot observations", flat)
+        # Clear carried-over observations
+        self.assertIn("carried-over UX observations", flat)
+        # Plan cannot cite skipped evidence
+        self.assertIn("plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence", flat)
+
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 5: Inverse text-only/authoring-manifest mismatch guard
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_publish_inverse_mismatch_guard(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 5: publish stops when Screenshot Index says None but
+        authoring manifest is nonempty, asks to reconcile."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step5 = content.split("### Step 5:", 1)[1].split("### Step 6:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("Inverse mismatch guard", step5)
+        self.assertIn("reconcile before publishing", step5)
+        # Does not auto-delete
+        self.assertIn("Do not automatically delete", step5)
+        # Distinguishes authoring vs published consumer manifest
+        self.assertIn("authoring", step5)
+        self.assertIn("published", step5)
+
+    # =================================================================
+    # Finding 6: Unconditional provenance capture in revise
+    # =================================================================
+
+    def test_revise_provenance_unconditional(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 6: provenance capture is under Step 4 (unconditional),
+        not inside Step 3a (conditional screenshot branch)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/revise.md")
+        # Provenance is NOT in Step 3a
+        step3a = content.split("### Step 3a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 4:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertNotIn("capture-provenance-event.md", step3a)
+        # Provenance IS in Step 4
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split("### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("capture-provenance-event.md", step4)
+        # Marked as unconditional
+        self.assertIn("unconditional", step4)
+        # Text-only revisions must also capture provenance
+        self.assertIn("Text-only revisions must also capture provenance", step4)
+        # Preserves recipe args
+        self.assertIn("WORKFLOW=ux-design", step4)
+        self.assertIn("PHASE=revise", step4)
+        self.assertIn("AUTHORING_MODE=skill", step4)
+
 
 # ===================================================================
 # Part 2: Executable Bash tests of the actual recipe code
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index e404b487..432ea78f 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -214,6 +214,24 @@ intact for the reconciliation check in Step 6; persist `none` only after
 a successful commit+push. Proceed to Step 6 without prompting for a
 storage policy or touching asset paths.
 
+**Inverse mismatch guard.** When the handoff's Screenshot Index says
+"None" (or selects text-only) but the authoring manifest at
+`{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`
+exists and is **nonempty** (contains screenshot entries), stop and ask
+the researcher to reconcile before publishing:
+
+*"The handoff declares no screenshots (Screenshot Index: None), but the
+authoring manifest contains {N} image entries. This mismatch can
+retain stale assets in the published artifact. Please either:
+(a) update the handoff to reference the manifest images, or
+(b) clear the authoring manifest to confirm text-only publication."*
+
+Do not automatically delete manifest entries or images. Do not confuse
+the **authoring** manifest (in `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/`)
+with a prior **published** consumer manifest (in the docs repo, used
+for legitimate final-image cleanup in Step 6). Wait for the
+researcher's choice before proceeding.
+
 When the handoff contains screenshot references, determine how assets
 will be stored. The explicit repository or researcher policy is
 authoritative — do not infer storage mode from filesystem configuration
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/revise.md b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
index 50e89b03..df013891 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/revise.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/revise.md
@@ -86,16 +86,18 @@ researcher that an explicit storage policy (`lfs`, `external`, or `git`)
 is required before the next `/publish`, then follow the curation
 procedure from `/handoff` Step 5.
 
-**Provenance capture.** After all textual and screenshot changes are
-written to `05-handoff.md` and the manifest, capture provenance:
+### Step 4: Consistency Check
+
+**Provenance capture (unconditional).** After all textual and screenshot
+changes are written to `05-handoff.md` and the manifest (Steps 3 and
+3a), capture provenance regardless of whether the revision involved
+screenshots. Text-only revisions must also capture provenance:
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=revise`,
 `AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
-### Step 4: Consistency Check
-
-After applying changes, verify:
+After capturing provenance, verify:
 - Do acceptance criteria still trace to research findings?
 - Does the component mapping still align with the prototype?
 - Are interaction specs consistent with evaluation findings?

From e54f32d0f4df10520cc62636980d9abb9dda358b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:01:45 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 13/42] Refine 6 findings: anchor paths, binding prompt,
 eligibility factoring
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Anchor workspace paths to Step 2's mkdir-p directory with explicit
  no-cwd-reevaluation constraint; support dynamic absolute resolution.
- Make HANDOFF_FILE required in inspection recipe; run index accounting
  before aggregate/eligibility; record missing embeds as complete
  9-column rows.
- Add explicit per-image accept/reject prompt for binding mismatches
  with persisted decision in Notes; default missing bindings to unknown
  (never vacuously matched); factor eligibility/citation table into
  recipe §5 so plan references it without reinspecting.
- Make provenance gate wait/skip control flow explicit: mark handoff
  not-used, clear provisional data only, skip remaining 5.3 work,
  preserve prior persisted context until Step 8a.
- Trim ingest/plan template descriptions for budget headroom
  (ingest ~6090, plan ~6004, both under 6100 gate).
- Update 5 contract tests to match refined source text; recipe
  eligibility cross-check from plan test.

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      | 56 +++++++++----
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    | 42 +++++-----
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      | 10 +--
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 81 +++++++++++--------
 4 files changed, 112 insertions(+), 77 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 23930015..613f8698 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ observe the actual design assets.
 |-----------|----------|-------------|
 | HANDOFF_DIR | Yes | Absolute path to the directory containing the published handoff |
 | MANIFEST_PATH | Yes | Absolute path to the published `screenshot-manifest.json` |
-| HANDOFF_FILE | No | Path to the handoff file — used to read the Screenshot Index for ID accounting |
+| HANDOFF_FILE | Yes | Path to the handoff file — required for Screenshot Index ID accounting |
 
 ## Procedure
 
@@ -103,28 +103,34 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
    | `prototype_iteration` | {from header} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
 
    Record binding status in the Notes column of the per-image schema
-   (keeping 9 columns). `unknown` means the field is absent from the
-   manifest or header. An image is eligible for **unqualified verified
-   citation** (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) only when BOTH byte identity is
-   `verified` AND all bindings are `matched`. A verified SHA with
-   `mismatched` or `unknown` bindings requires explicit user acceptance
-   and must be cited as `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`.
-   The plan phase must not re-inspect images to apply citation rules;
-   it uses the recorded status and Notes.
+   (keeping 9 columns) with the actual expected/actual values and
+   match status. Default missing fields to `unknown` — never treat an
+   absent binding as vacuously `matched`.
+
+   When any binding is `mismatched` or `unknown`, prompt the user
+   **per image** to accept or reject and persist the decision in
+   Notes (e.g., `binding: mismatched, ctx_rev expected=r3 actual=r2,
+   decision=accepted`). A verified SHA cannot clear a binding
+   mismatch. See §5 Eligibility for citation rules.
 
 ### 4. Account for every declared index ID
 
-When `{HANDOFF_FILE}` is provided, read the handoff's **Screenshot
-Index** section and collect all declared `SS-N` IDs. Map each declared
-ID to its actual image embed (`![...](...)`  reference) in the handoff
-body using the ID's declared ref path, not just the presence of the
-ID text.
+Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
+declared `SS-N` IDs. Map each declared ID to its actual image embed
+(`![...](...)` reference) in the handoff body using the ID's declared
+ref path, not just the presence of the ID text.
 
 - **IDs with matching embeds:** these are the images processed in
   steps 2–3 above.
-- **IDs without embeds:** record each as `status: unavailable` with
+- **IDs without embeds:** record each as a complete 9-column row with
+  `status: unavailable`, `identity: —`, `observation: —`,
+  `spec_match: —`, and
   `notes: "declared in index but no matching embed found"`. Include
-  these in aggregate totals.
+  these rows in the output and in aggregate totals.
+
+Run this accounting **before** computing the final aggregate status or
+eligibility. The total is the count of declared IDs, not the count of
+discovered embeds.
 
 Report the full accounting:
 - **Total declared:** count of IDs in the Screenshot Index
@@ -135,3 +141,21 @@ If any IDs have missing embeds, warn the user and prompt: repair the
 handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
 continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
 ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
+
+### 5. Eligibility and citation rules
+
+Callers (e.g. `/plan`) read this section for citation policy; they
+must not rerun image inspection.
+
+| Condition | Eligibility | Citation form |
+|-----------|-------------|---------------|
+| `identity: verified` AND all bindings `matched` | verified | `[Screenshot: SS-N]` |
+| `identity: verified` but any binding `mismatched`/`unknown` | requires acceptance | `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` |
+| `identity: mismatched` or `unverified`, user accepted | accepted-unverified | `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` |
+| `identity: mismatched`/`unverified`, user rejected or not prompted | rejected/unavailable | Do not cite |
+| `status: unavailable`/`lfs-unresolved`/`fetch-failed` | unavailable | Do not cite |
+
+Rejected, deferred, or unavailable evidence must not be used for
+planning decisions — not merely given a different citation tag.
+Accepted-unverified evidence stays usable but always carries the
+qualified label.
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 78a59968..19344780 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -101,8 +101,10 @@ mkdir -p ".artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}"
 
 ### Step 2a: Resolve Workspace Paths and Check for Prior Ingest
 
-Resolve these paths once and use them for all subsequent operations
-(backup, write, cleanup, diff) regardless of `cwd`:
+Resolve these paths once, anchored to Step 2's `mkdir -p` directory
+(the workflow workspace root). Store and reuse for all operations
+(backup, write, cleanup, diff, first/re-invocation) without
+re-evaluating against later exploration `cwd`:
 
 ```
 ARTIFACT_DIR  = .artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}
@@ -110,8 +112,8 @@ CONTEXT_PATH  = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md
 BACKUP_PATH   = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md.prev
 ```
 
-These are workspace-relative — do not prepend machine-specific
-absolute prefixes or require a Git root.
+Dynamic absolute resolution is fine; no machine-specific hardcoded
+prefix or Git-root requirement. Same values for non-Jira workspace-id.
 
 If `{CONTEXT_PATH}` already exists, this is a re-invocation. Copy it
 to `{BACKUP_PATH}` for Step 8a.
@@ -283,11 +285,14 @@ provenance is confirmed).
 
 **Provenance freshness check (gate).** Look for
 `<!-- ai-workflow-provenance:` in the handoff. If absent, warn the user
-and ask whether to proceed or wait. If the user chooses **wait or
-skip**: exclude this handoff's text AND screenshot observations from
-newly compiled context, clear any provisional or carried-over UX
-observations, record the deferral reason, and proceed without handoff.
-The plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence.
+and ask whether to proceed or wait.
+
+- **Proceed:** continue to Screenshot inspection below.
+- **Wait or skip:** mark handoff not-used, clear only newly
+  compiled/provisional UX data (prior `{CONTEXT_PATH}` stays
+  until Step 8a), record the deferral reason, **skip all remaining
+  5.3 work** (inspection + extraction). Plan cannot cite skipped
+  UX evidence.
 
 **Screenshot inspection.** Check the handoff's **Screenshot Index**
 for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
@@ -445,20 +450,16 @@ structure:
 
 - **Design:** {resolved path in docs repo}
 
-{Summary of design sections relevant to the UI — API changes, data model,
- interface changes, architecture, RBAC/tenancy. Reference specific section
- numbers (§4.3, §5, etc.) so /plan can cite them.}
+{Design sections relevant to UI — API, data model, interfaces,
+ architecture, RBAC. Reference §numbers for /plan.}
 
 ### UX Handoff Summary
 
 - **Handoff:** {resolved path in docs repo, or "Not available"}
 
-{If available: summary of component mapping, key interaction specs, data
- annotation source types, persona-specific views, accessibility
- requirements, and acceptance criteria count.
-
- If not available: "No UX handoff artifact. This [UI] story operates from
- PRD and design document context only."}
+{If available: component mapping, interaction specs, data annotations,
+ persona views, accessibility, AC count. If not: "No UX handoff
+ artifact. This [UI] story operates from PRD and design context only."}
 
 ### Screenshot Observations
 
@@ -542,10 +543,9 @@ structure:
 
 #### {Method} {path}
 - **Purpose:** {what it does}
-- **Request:** {params, query, body — key fields only}
+- **Request:** {params, query, body — key fields}
 - **Response:** {key fields and types}
-- **Pagination:** {if applicable — cursor, offset, page-based}
-- **Notes:** {filtering, sorting, known limitations}
+- **Pagination/Notes:** {cursor/offset, filtering, limitations}
 
 ### API Type Definitions
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index 385d4c26..ce338b0d 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -94,13 +94,9 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
 observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
-- **Cite verified images** with `[Screenshot: SS-N]` only when the
-  inspection recorded BOTH `identity: verified` AND all revision
-  bindings `matched` (see Notes column). For images with `mismatched`
-  or `unknown` bindings, or `mismatched`/`unverified` identity, that
-  the user explicitly accepted, cite as
-  `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`. Do not re-inspect images;
-  use the recorded status and Notes from `01-context.md`.
+- Follow the eligibility table in
+  `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` §5 using the
+  recorded status and Notes from `01-context.md`. Do not re-inspect.
   Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose): verified
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`; accepted-unverified
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 4bdc7bda..43f3f2ad 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -232,15 +232,15 @@ def test_ingest_context_has_full_schema(self) -> None:
         )
 
     def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
-        """Plan uses accepted-unverified citation for both ordinary and additive."""
+        """Plan references recipe §5 eligibility and uses additive forms."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
         # Scoped to the citation instructions section
         section = content.split(
             "If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`", 1
         )[1].split("If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`", 1)[0]
-        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N]", section)
-        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", section)
-        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]", section)
+        # References recipe eligibility table
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-inspection.md", section)
+        self.assertIn("eligibility", section)
         # Additive forms: both verified and accepted-unverified
         self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]", section)
         self.assertIn(
@@ -250,6 +250,11 @@ def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn(
             "Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.", section
         )
+        # Recipe has the full citation forms
+        recipe = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        recipe_elig = recipe.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("[Screenshot: SS-N]", recipe_elig)
+        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", recipe_elig)
 
     def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
@@ -437,22 +442,25 @@ def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
 
     def test_ingest_resolves_workspace_paths_once(self) -> None:
         """Finding 1: ingest defines ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH
-        once in Step 2a and uses them in Step 8a."""
+        once in Step 2a, anchored to Step 2, used in Step 8a."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         step2a = content.split("### Step 2a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3", 1)[0]
         # Path definitions exist in Step 2a
         self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
         self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2a)
         self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2a)
-        # Paths are workspace-relative, no absolute prefix required
-        self.assertIn("workspace-relative", step2a)
+        # Anchored to Step 2 workspace root, no hardcoded prefix
+        flat2a = " ".join(step2a.split())
+        self.assertIn("workspace root", flat2a)
         self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2a)
+        # No re-evaluation against later cwd
+        self.assertIn("re-evaluating", flat2a)
         # Step 8a uses the resolved path variables
         step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
         self.assertIn("{CONTEXT_PATH}", step8a)
         self.assertIn("{BACKUP_PATH}", step8a)
-        # Non-Jira workspace-id is supported (no Jira key prerequisite)
-        self.assertNotIn("must be a Jira", step2a)
+        # Non-Jira workspace-id supported
+        self.assertIn("non-Jira workspace-id", flat2a)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 2: Every declared Screenshot Index ID accounted for
@@ -516,30 +524,37 @@ def test_inspection_recipe_binding_separation(self) -> None:
         # Uses actual manifest fields
         self.assertIn("context_revision", flat)
         self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", flat)
-        # Records match status
+        # Records match status per binding
         self.assertIn("matched", flat)
         self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
         self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
-        # Verified SHA must not erase binding mismatch
-        self.assertIn("verified SHA must not erase a binding mismatch", flat)
-        # Eligibility rule: both required for unqualified citation
-        self.assertIn("byte identity", flat)
-        self.assertIn("bindings are `matched`", flat)
-        # Explicit acceptance required for mismatched bindings
-        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", flat)
-        # Plan must not re-inspect
-        self.assertIn("must not re-inspect", flat)
+        # Verified SHA cannot clear binding mismatch
+        self.assertIn("verified SHA", flat)
+        self.assertIn("cannot clear a binding mismatch", flat)
+        # Default missing to unknown, never vacuously matched
+        self.assertIn("vacuously `matched`", flat)
+        # Explicit per-image accept/reject prompt with persisted decision
+        self.assertIn("prompt the user", flat)
+        self.assertIn("per image", flat)
+        self.assertIn("persist the decision", flat)
+        # References eligibility rules
+        self.assertIn("Eligibility", flat)
 
     def test_plan_citation_requires_both_identity_and_binding(self) -> None:
-        """Finding 3: plan requires BOTH identity verified AND bindings
-        matched for unqualified [Screenshot: SS-N] citation."""
+        """Finding 3: plan references recipe eligibility (which requires
+        BOTH identity verified AND bindings matched) and does not re-inspect."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
-        cite_section = content.split(
-            "Cite verified images", 1
-        )[1].split("Additive evidence", 1)[0]
-        self.assertIn("identity: verified", cite_section)
-        self.assertIn("bindings `matched`", cite_section)
-        self.assertIn("Do not re-inspect", cite_section)
+        section = content.split(
+            "If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`", 1
+        )[1].split("If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`", 1)[0]
+        # Plan delegates to recipe §5 eligibility
+        self.assertIn("eligibility", section)
+        self.assertIn("Do not re-inspect", section)
+        # Recipe §5 has the actual identity+binding rule
+        recipe = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        elig = recipe.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("identity: verified", elig)
+        self.assertIn("bindings `matched`", elig)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 4: Provenance gate before text extraction and inspection
@@ -573,15 +588,15 @@ def test_ingest_provenance_skip_excludes_evidence(self) -> None:
         observations are excluded from context."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         gate = content.split("Provenance freshness check (gate)", 1)[1].split(
-            "Screenshot inspection", 1
+            "**Screenshot inspection.**", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(gate.split())
-        # Both text and screenshot excluded
-        self.assertIn("text AND screenshot observations", flat)
-        # Clear carried-over observations
-        self.assertIn("carried-over UX observations", flat)
+        # Wait/skip branch: marks handoff not-used
+        self.assertIn("not-used", flat)
+        # Skips all remaining 5.3 work (inspection + extraction)
+        self.assertIn("skip all remaining 5.3 work", flat)
         # Plan cannot cite skipped evidence
-        self.assertIn("plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence", flat)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 5: Inverse text-only/authoring-manifest mismatch guard

From 35ec252c3ac4f2de3c3f9dac401842a36d84cea3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:16:30 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 14/42] Trim ingest/publish under 6000-token checker limit,
 align test budgets

- Condense ingest Step 2a path resolution to short definition (5998).
- Condense publish inverse-mismatch guard to one paragraph (5997).
- Align regression test budget assertions to strict <6000
  (len(text)//4, matching pre-review-checks.py CONTEXT_BUDGET).
- Add publish token budget test.
- Update path/guard test assertions for condensed wording.

Assisted-by: Chai Bot
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    | 20 ++++-------
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 35 +++++++++++--------
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   | 22 +++---------
 3 files changed, 32 insertions(+), 45 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 19344780..2f7a87f6 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -101,22 +101,14 @@ mkdir -p ".artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}"
 
 ### Step 2a: Resolve Workspace Paths and Check for Prior Ingest
 
-Resolve these paths once, anchored to Step 2's `mkdir -p` directory
-(the workflow workspace root). Store and reuse for all operations
-(backup, write, cleanup, diff, first/re-invocation) without
-re-evaluating against later exploration `cwd`:
+Resolve once against Step 2's invocation directory; retain across
+later `cwd` changes. No hardcoded prefix or Git-root requirement.
 
-```
-ARTIFACT_DIR  = .artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}
-CONTEXT_PATH  = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md
-BACKUP_PATH   = {ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md.prev
-```
-
-Dynamic absolute resolution is fine; no machine-specific hardcoded
-prefix or Git-root requirement. Same values for non-Jira workspace-id.
+- `ARTIFACT_DIR` = `.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}`
+- `CONTEXT_PATH` = `{ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md`
+- `BACKUP_PATH` = `{ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md.prev`
 
-If `{CONTEXT_PATH}` already exists, this is a re-invocation. Copy it
-to `{BACKUP_PATH}` for Step 8a.
+If `{CONTEXT_PATH}` exists, copy it to `{BACKUP_PATH}` for Step 8a.
 
 ### Step 3: Read the [UI] Story
 
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 43f3f2ad..8a2735e9 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -259,12 +259,17 @@ def test_plan_accepted_unverified_label(self) -> None:
     def test_ingest_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         est = len(content) // 4
-        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6100, f"ingest ~{est} est tokens > 6100")
+        self.assertLess(est, 6000, f"ingest ~{est} tokens >= 6000 checker limit")
 
     def test_plan_token_budget(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
         est = len(content) // 4
-        self.assertLessEqual(est, 6100, f"plan ~{est} est tokens > 6100")
+        self.assertLess(est, 6000, f"plan ~{est} tokens >= 6000 checker limit")
+
+    def test_publish_token_budget(self) -> None:
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        est = len(content) // 4
+        self.assertLess(est, 6000, f"publish ~{est} tokens >= 6000 checker limit")
 
     def test_ingest_aggregate_status_mapping(self) -> None:
         """Item 2: ingest maps per-image statuses to aggregate status."""
@@ -449,18 +454,18 @@ def test_ingest_resolves_workspace_paths_once(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
         self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2a)
         self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2a)
-        # Anchored to Step 2 workspace root, no hardcoded prefix
+        # Anchored to Step 2 invocation dir, no hardcoded prefix
         flat2a = " ".join(step2a.split())
-        self.assertIn("workspace root", flat2a)
+        self.assertIn("invocation directory", flat2a)
         self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2a)
-        # No re-evaluation against later cwd
-        self.assertIn("re-evaluating", flat2a)
+        # Retained across later cwd changes
+        self.assertIn("later `cwd` changes", flat2a)
+        # No Git-root requirement
+        self.assertIn("Git-root requirement", flat2a)
         # Step 8a uses the resolved path variables
         step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
         self.assertIn("{CONTEXT_PATH}", step8a)
         self.assertIn("{BACKUP_PATH}", step8a)
-        # Non-Jira workspace-id supported
-        self.assertIn("non-Jira workspace-id", flat2a)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 2: Every declared Screenshot Index ID accounted for
@@ -607,13 +612,15 @@ def test_publish_inverse_mismatch_guard(self) -> None:
         authoring manifest is nonempty, asks to reconcile."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
         step5 = content.split("### Step 5:", 1)[1].split("### Step 6:", 1)[0]
-        self.assertIn("Inverse mismatch guard", step5)
-        self.assertIn("reconcile before publishing", step5)
+        flat5 = " ".join(step5.split())
+        self.assertIn("Inverse mismatch guard", flat5)
+        self.assertIn("reconcile", flat5)
+        self.assertIn("before publishing", flat5)
         # Does not auto-delete
-        self.assertIn("Do not automatically delete", step5)
-        # Distinguishes authoring vs published consumer manifest
-        self.assertIn("authoring", step5)
-        self.assertIn("published", step5)
+        self.assertIn("Do not automatically delete", flat5)
+        # Distinguishes authoring vs published
+        self.assertIn("authoring", flat5)
+        self.assertIn("published", flat5)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 6: Unconditional provenance capture in revise
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 432ea78f..1868150d 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -214,23 +214,11 @@ intact for the reconciliation check in Step 6; persist `none` only after
 a successful commit+push. Proceed to Step 6 without prompting for a
 storage policy or touching asset paths.
 
-**Inverse mismatch guard.** When the handoff's Screenshot Index says
-"None" (or selects text-only) but the authoring manifest at
-`{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`
-exists and is **nonempty** (contains screenshot entries), stop and ask
-the researcher to reconcile before publishing:
-
-*"The handoff declares no screenshots (Screenshot Index: None), but the
-authoring manifest contains {N} image entries. This mismatch can
-retain stale assets in the published artifact. Please either:
-(a) update the handoff to reference the manifest images, or
-(b) clear the authoring manifest to confirm text-only publication."*
-
-Do not automatically delete manifest entries or images. Do not confuse
-the **authoring** manifest (in `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/`)
-with a prior **published** consumer manifest (in the docs repo, used
-for legitimate final-image cleanup in Step 6). Wait for the
-researcher's choice before proceeding.
+**Inverse mismatch guard.** If the Screenshot Index says "None" or
+text-only but the authoring manifest is **nonempty**, stop and ask the
+researcher to reconcile (reference the images or clear the authoring
+manifest) before publishing. Do not automatically delete evidence;
+prior published consumer data remains available for Step 6 cleanup.
 
 When the handoff contains screenshot references, determine how assets
 will be stored. The explicit repository or researcher policy is

From 499f7632d03684f532900ffb0f73a80a36bebc57 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2026 23:45:58 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 15/42] Fix 7 verified review findings: eligibility, bindings,
 push recovery
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

1. (4498704663) §4 ID+ref one-to-one: match each declared SS-N to its
   own embed by both ID and ref path, consuming each embed at most once.

2. (4498704673) §5 inspection gate: status must be 'inspected' before
   eligibility evaluation; inspection-not-supported is ineligible.

3. (4498704681) §5 ordered rules: independent identity and binding
   decisions; each mismatch/unknown requires its own acceptance.

4. (4498704690) Provenance skip compiles Handoff as "Not available",
   sets HAS_SCREENSHOTS=false; plan must not read skipped handoff.

5. (4498704704) All-rejected citation: note "no eligible images" when
   all inspected images are ineligible per §5.

6. (5808403059) Push retry recovery: git-rm only tracked paths, push
   on unpushed commits not just new commit, preserve metadata on push
   failure. Coherent publish+respond pattern.

7. (Root Step-Sequencing) Move ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH
   resolution to Step 2 (unconditional); Step 2a is conditional only.

Token budgets: ingest ~5996, plan ~5988, publish ~5757 (all <6000).
Tests: 65 pass (51 existing + 14 new regression contract + Git exec).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  48 ++-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |  22 +-
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |   8 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 348 ++++++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  74 ++--
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  18 +-
 6 files changed, 411 insertions(+), 107 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 613f8698..e17f2937 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -116,17 +116,18 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
 ### 4. Account for every declared index ID
 
 Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
-declared `SS-N` IDs. Map each declared ID to its actual image embed
-(`![...](...)` reference) in the handoff body using the ID's declared
-ref path, not just the presence of the ID text.
+declared `SS-N` IDs. Match each declared ID to an actual image embed
+(`![...](...)` in the handoff body) by **both** the ID and its declared
+ref path. Consume each embed at most once — a shared ref path cannot
+satisfy two distinct IDs from one embed.
 
-- **IDs with matching embeds:** these are the images processed in
+- **IDs with a matching embed:** these are the images processed in
   steps 2–3 above.
-- **IDs without embeds:** record each as a complete 9-column row with
-  `status: unavailable`, `identity: —`, `observation: —`,
-  `spec_match: —`, and
+- **IDs without an embed or whose embed was already consumed:** record
+  as a 9-column row with `status: unavailable`, `identity: —`,
+  `observation: —`, `spec_match: —`, and
   `notes: "declared in index but no matching embed found"`. Include
-  these rows in the output and in aggregate totals.
+  in the output and aggregate totals.
 
 Run this accounting **before** computing the final aggregate status or
 eligibility. The total is the count of declared IDs, not the count of
@@ -145,15 +146,28 @@ ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
 ### 5. Eligibility and citation rules
 
 Callers (e.g. `/plan`) read this section for citation policy; they
-must not rerun image inspection.
-
-| Condition | Eligibility | Citation form |
-|-----------|-------------|---------------|
-| `identity: verified` AND all bindings `matched` | verified | `[Screenshot: SS-N]` |
-| `identity: verified` but any binding `mismatched`/`unknown` | requires acceptance | `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` |
-| `identity: mismatched` or `unverified`, user accepted | accepted-unverified | `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` |
-| `identity: mismatched`/`unverified`, user rejected or not prompted | rejected/unavailable | Do not cite |
-| `status: unavailable`/`lfs-unresolved`/`fetch-failed` | unavailable | Do not cite |
+must not rerun image inspection. Evaluate each image in rule order:
+
+**Rule 1 — Inspection gate.** `status` must be `inspected`. Any
+other status (`unavailable`, `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`,
+`inspection-not-supported`) → **ineligible**. Do not cite.
+
+**Rule 2 — Identity.** If `identity` is `mismatched` or `unverified`,
+the user must explicitly accept that specific exception. Rejected or
+unprompted → **ineligible**.
+
+**Rule 3 — Bindings.** Each binding (`context_revision`,
+`prototype_iteration`) that is `mismatched` or `unknown` requires its
+own explicit acceptance, independent of identity. Any rejected,
+unprompted, or deferred binding → **ineligible**.
+
+**Outcome:**
+
+| Result | When | Citation |
+|--------|------|----------|
+| verified | inspected + identity `verified` + all bindings `matched` | `[Screenshot: SS-N]` |
+| accepted-unverified | inspected + every applicable identity/binding exception explicitly accepted | `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]` |
+| ineligible | any rule blocks use | Do not cite |
 
 Rejected, deferred, or unavailable evidence must not be used for
 planning decisions — not merely given a different citation tag.
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 2f7a87f6..6f12fdbd 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ to change, and what constraints apply.
 - **UX handoff is optional.** The `[UI]` story may not have a UX handoff artifact. If none exists, note it and proceed — the workflow must function for purely technical work.
 - **Explore relevant areas only.** Don't map the entire codebase. Focus on UI components, hooks, routes, and API endpoints the story will affect.
 - **Note unknowns.** If you can't determine something from the codebase, say so explicitly.
-- **Re-invocation diffs before overwriting.** If `01-context.md` already exists, preserve it before exploring. After compiling new context, diff the key sections against the previous version and present changes to the user before overwriting (see Steps 2a and 8a).
+- **Re-invocation diffs.** If `01-context.md` exists, preserve it before exploring. After compiling new context, diff against the previous version and present changes before overwriting (see Steps 2a and 8a).
 
 ## Shared Script
 
@@ -99,15 +99,16 @@ delete or overwrite other phase artifacts during ingest.
 mkdir -p ".artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}"
 ```
 
-### Step 2a: Resolve Workspace Paths and Check for Prior Ingest
-
-Resolve once against Step 2's invocation directory; retain across
-later `cwd` changes. No hardcoded prefix or Git-root requirement.
+Resolve workspace paths once, anchored to this step's invocation
+directory; retain across later `cwd` changes. No hardcoded prefix
+or Git-root requirement.
 
 - `ARTIFACT_DIR` = `.artifacts/ui-design/{workspace-id}`
 - `CONTEXT_PATH` = `{ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md`
 - `BACKUP_PATH` = `{ARTIFACT_DIR}/01-context.md.prev`
 
+### Step 2a: Check for Prior Ingest
+
 If `{CONTEXT_PATH}` exists, copy it to `{BACKUP_PATH}` for Step 8a.
 
 ### Step 3: Read the [UI] Story
@@ -280,11 +281,12 @@ provenance is confirmed).
 and ask whether to proceed or wait.
 
 - **Proceed:** continue to Screenshot inspection below.
-- **Wait or skip:** mark handoff not-used, clear only newly
-  compiled/provisional UX data (prior `{CONTEXT_PATH}` stays
-  until Step 8a), record the deferral reason, **skip all remaining
-  5.3 work** (inspection + extraction). Plan cannot cite skipped
-  UX evidence.
+- **Wait or skip:** compile Handoff as `"Not available"`, set
+  `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`, clear provisional UX data (prior
+  `{CONTEXT_PATH}` stays until Step 8a), record the deferral
+  reason, **skip all remaining 5.3 work** (inspection +
+  extraction). Plan must not read a skipped handoff or cite its
+  evidence.
 
 **Screenshot inspection.** Check the handoff's **Screenshot Index**
 for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index ce338b0d..cffa6f06 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -94,10 +94,12 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
 observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
-- Follow the eligibility table in
+- Follow the eligibility rules in
   `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` §5 using the
   recorded status and Notes from `01-context.md`. Do not re-inspect.
-  Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images.
+  Do not cite `unavailable` or `lfs-unresolved` images. If no
+  images are eligible per §5, note *"no eligible images"* instead
+  of fabricating citations.
 - **Additive evidence** (visual detail not in prose): verified
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — additive: {detail}]`; accepted-unverified
   `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified, additive: {detail}]`.
@@ -540,7 +542,7 @@ Before presenting the UI design document, verify:
 - [ ] No vague language ("appropriate", "standard", "as needed" without specifics)
 - [ ] No scope reduction language ("v2", "simplified", "placeholder", "future enhancement")
 - [ ] Source markers trace decisions to UX handoff, design document, PRD, or codebase
-- [ ] Screenshot citations (`[Screenshot: SS-N]`) are present for layout and visual-state decisions when `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or partial; deferred/unavailable decisions are noted when applicable
+- [ ] Screenshot citations present when eligible images exist per §5; *"no eligible images"* noted when all are ineligible; deferred/unavailable noted when applicable
 - [ ] Contradictions between screenshots and written spec are flagged explicitly; additive visual details are cited as supplementary evidence, not as discrepancies
 - [ ] File paths are specific and follow the project's directory conventions
 - [ ] No `[Assumption: ...]` markers remain
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 8a2735e9..eb9455f2 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -357,9 +357,10 @@ def test_publish_reject_empty_manifest(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("missing or has no screenshot entries", content)
 
     def test_publish_git_rm_consumer_manifest(self) -> None:
-        """Item 16: publish uses git rm for tracked consumer manifest."""
+        """Item 16: publish uses git rm for consumer manifest if tracked."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
-        self.assertIn("`git rm` the tracked consumer manifest", content)
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("`git rm` the consumer manifest", flat)
 
     def test_publish_step_numbering_no_sub_steps(self) -> None:
         """Root A: publish uses main step numbers, no 3a/3b sub-steps."""
@@ -372,7 +373,7 @@ def test_publish_step_numbering_no_sub_steps(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit", content)
 
     def test_publish_metadata_refresh_on_update(self) -> None:
-        """Item 9: metadata refreshes screenshot_assets after successful update."""
+        """Item 9: metadata refreshes screenshot_assets after successful push."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
         # Scoped to Step 9 (Save Publish Metadata)
         step9 = content.split("Step 9: Save Publish Metadata", 1)[1].split(
@@ -380,8 +381,10 @@ def test_publish_metadata_refresh_on_update(self) -> None:
         )[0]
         self.assertIn("update `screenshot_storage`", step9)
         self.assertIn("replace `screenshot_assets`", step9)
-        # Success-only: refresh happens after successful commit+push
-        self.assertIn("successful update commit and push", step9)
+        # Success-only: refresh happens after successful push
+        self.assertIn("successful push", step9)
+        # Failure preservation: metadata unchanged on push failure
+        self.assertIn("push failed, preserve previous metadata", step9)
         # Identity preservation
         self.assertIn("retain the PR number, branch", step9)
 
@@ -447,21 +450,26 @@ def test_config_precedence(self) -> None:
 
     def test_ingest_resolves_workspace_paths_once(self) -> None:
         """Finding 1: ingest defines ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH
-        once in Step 2a, anchored to Step 2, used in Step 8a."""
+        once in Step 2 (unconditional), used in Step 8a."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
-        step2a = content.split("### Step 2a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3", 1)[0]
-        # Path definitions exist in Step 2a
-        self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
-        self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2a)
-        self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2a)
-        # Anchored to Step 2 invocation dir, no hardcoded prefix
-        flat2a = " ".join(step2a.split())
-        self.assertIn("invocation directory", flat2a)
-        self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2a)
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split("### Step 2a:", 1)[0]
+        # Path definitions exist in Step 2 (unconditional)
+        self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2)
+        self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2)
+        self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2)
+        # Anchored to invocation dir, no hardcoded prefix
+        flat2 = " ".join(step2.split())
+        self.assertIn("invocation directory", flat2)
+        self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2)
         # Retained across later cwd changes
-        self.assertIn("later `cwd` changes", flat2a)
+        self.assertIn("later `cwd` changes", flat2)
         # No Git-root requirement
-        self.assertIn("Git-root requirement", flat2a)
+        self.assertIn("Git-root requirement", flat2)
+        # Step 2a is now only the conditional backup
+        step2a = content.split("### Step 2a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3", 1)[0]
+        self.assertNotIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
+        self.assertIn("{CONTEXT_PATH}", step2a)
+        self.assertIn("{BACKUP_PATH}", step2a)
         # Step 8a uses the resolved path variables
         step8a = content.split("### Step 8a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9", 1)[0]
         self.assertIn("{CONTEXT_PATH}", step8a)
@@ -558,7 +566,7 @@ def test_plan_citation_requires_both_identity_and_binding(self) -> None:
         # Recipe §5 has the actual identity+binding rule
         recipe = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         elig = recipe.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
-        self.assertIn("identity: verified", elig)
+        self.assertIn("identity `verified`", elig)
         self.assertIn("bindings `matched`", elig)
 
     # =================================================================
@@ -589,19 +597,21 @@ def test_ingest_provenance_before_inspection(self) -> None:
         )
 
     def test_ingest_provenance_skip_excludes_evidence(self) -> None:
-        """Finding 4: if user skips provenance, both text AND screenshot
-        observations are excluded from context."""
+        """Finding 4: if user skips provenance, handoff compiled as
+        Not available, screenshots set false, evidence excluded."""
         content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
         gate = content.split("Provenance freshness check (gate)", 1)[1].split(
             "**Screenshot inspection.**", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(gate.split())
-        # Wait/skip branch: marks handoff not-used
-        self.assertIn("not-used", flat)
+        # Wait/skip branch: compiles Handoff as "Not available"
+        self.assertIn('"Not available"', flat)
+        # Sets HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false
+        self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", flat)
         # Skips all remaining 5.3 work (inspection + extraction)
         self.assertIn("skip all remaining 5.3 work", flat)
-        # Plan cannot cite skipped evidence
-        self.assertIn("Plan cannot cite skipped UX evidence", flat)
+        # Plan must not read skipped handoff or cite evidence
+        self.assertIn("must not read a skipped handoff", flat)
 
     # =================================================================
     # Finding 5: Inverse text-only/authoring-manifest mismatch guard
@@ -937,6 +947,296 @@ def test_recipe_bash_block_count(self) -> None:
         self.assertEqual(len(blocks), 3,
                          f"Recipe should have 3 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}")
 
+    # --- T10: Failed push retry — commit idempotent, push recovers ---
+    def test_failed_push_retry_commit_idempotent(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 6 regression (contract + Git execution): after a commit
+        succeeds but push fails, re-running the recipe creates no new commit;
+        a subsequent push delivers the original commit exactly.
+
+        Scope: stages the documented recipe Bash blocks in disposable Git
+        repos with a local bare remote. Does NOT exercise live network push,
+        external-host round-trip, or runtime workflow invocation."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # --- Set up local repo + bare remote ---
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+
+            # --- Prepare handoff + image files ---
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-R")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Retry test\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"r":1}')
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-r.png"), "img-retry")
+
+            # --- First recipe run: creates commit ---
+            r1 = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-R/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R",
+                copied=["SS-1-r.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Add retry handoff",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r1.returncode, 0, r1.stderr)
+            sha_after_commit = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+
+            # --- Simulate push failure (don't push) ---
+            # The commit exists locally but not on remote.
+
+            # --- Second recipe run: must be idempotent (no new commit) ---
+            r2 = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-R/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R",
+                copied=["SS-1-r.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Should NOT appear",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r2.returncode, 0, r2.stderr)
+            sha_after_retry = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                sha_after_commit, sha_after_retry,
+                "Retry created a second commit; recipe must be idempotent",
+            )
+
+            # --- Push recovers: delivers the original commit ---
+            push = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin", "HEAD:refs/heads/main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0, push.stderr)
+            remote_sha = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                sha_after_commit, remote_sha,
+                "Remote HEAD must match the original commit SHA exactly",
+            )
+
+    # --- T11: git-rm idempotent on already-committed removal ---
+    def test_git_rm_idempotent_after_committed_removal(self) -> None:
+        """Finding 6 regression (Git execution): if a git-rm + commit ran
+        but push failed, re-running the recipe with the same removed
+        filenames must not error — the file is already committed as deleted.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks in disposable Git repos."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-RM")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# RM test\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-rm.png"), "to-remove")
+            # Initial commit with image
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-RM/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-RM",
+                        copied=["SS-1-rm.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init for removal test")
+            # Remove image + manifest via git rm
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-RM/screenshots/SS-1-rm.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-RM/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Text only\n")
+            # First recipe run: commits the removal
+            r1 = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-RM/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-RM",
+                removed=["SS-1-rm.png"], manifest_removed=True,
+                msg="Remove all images",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r1.returncode, 0, r1.stderr)
+            sha1 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            # Seed unrelated change to verify survival
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrelated.txt"), "survive")
+
+            # Second run: same removed paths, already committed.
+            # Recipe must not error on absent/untracked paths.
+            r2 = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-RM/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-RM",
+                removed=["SS-1-rm.png"], manifest_removed=True,
+                msg="Should not create commit",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r2.returncode, 0, r2.stderr)
+            sha2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(sha1, sha2, "No new commit on idempotent retry")
+            # Unrelated file untouched
+            self.assertTrue(
+                os.path.exists(os.path.join(repo, "unrelated.txt")),
+                "Unrelated file must survive",
+            )
+
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 3: Regression contract checks for seven PR159 findings
+#
+# These are structural assertions on the committed instruction files.
+# They verify that the documented rules are present and consistent
+# but are NOT full runtime/vision proof — they check instruction text,
+# not live workflow execution with real images or browsers.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestPR159FindingRegressions(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Contract checks for the seven verified PR159 findings.
+
+    Each test verifies that the relevant instruction file documents
+    the rule or behavior the finding requires. These are structural
+    assertions on committed text, not runtime execution tests."""
+
+    # --- Finding 1 (4498704663): ID+ref one-to-one embed matching ---
+
+    def test_f1_one_to_one_embed_matching(self) -> None:
+        """§4 requires matching each ID to its own embed by both ID and
+        ref, consuming each embed at most once."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Account for every declared index ID", 1)[1]
+        section = section.split("### 5.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("both", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("at most once", flat)
+        self.assertIn("already consumed", flat)
+
+    # --- Finding 2 (4498704673): Inspection gate in eligibility ---
+
+    def test_f2_inspection_gate_required(self) -> None:
+        """§5 Rule 1 requires status==inspected; inspection-not-supported
+        is explicitly ineligible."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        elig = content.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(elig.split())
+        # Rule 1 inspection gate
+        self.assertIn("Inspection gate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`inspected`", flat)
+        # inspection-not-supported listed as ineligible
+        self.assertIn("inspection-not-supported", flat)
+        self.assertIn("ineligible", flat)
+
+    # --- Finding 3 (4498704681): Independent identity & binding ---
+
+    def test_f3_independent_binding_decisions(self) -> None:
+        """§5 requires each binding exception to be accepted independently
+        of identity, using ordered rules instead of overlapping table."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        elig = content.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(elig.split())
+        # Ordered rules
+        self.assertIn("Rule 1", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Rule 2", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Rule 3", flat)
+        # Independent
+        self.assertIn("independent of identity", flat)
+        # Each binding requires own acceptance
+        self.assertIn("own explicit acceptance", flat)
+
+    # --- Finding 4 (4498704690): Skip compiles Not available ---
+
+    def test_f4_skip_compiles_not_available(self) -> None:
+        """Provenance skip branch sets Handoff='Not available' and
+        HAS_SCREENSHOTS=false, excluding skipped file from plan."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        gate = content.split("Provenance freshness check (gate)", 1)[1]
+        gate = gate.split("**Screenshot inspection.**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(gate.split())
+        self.assertIn('"Not available"', flat)
+        self.assertIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false", flat)
+        self.assertIn("must not read a skipped handoff", flat)
+
+    # --- Finding 5 (4498704704): All-rejected citation rule ---
+
+    def test_f5_no_eligible_images_explicit(self) -> None:
+        """Plan notes 'no eligible images' when all inspected images are
+        ineligible, without fabricating citations."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        section = content.split(
+            "If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`", 1
+        )[1].split("If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is `deferred`", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("no eligible images", section)
+        self.assertIn("fabricating citations", section)
+        # Self-review checklist also covers this
+        checklist = content.split("### Step 5: Self-Review", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("no eligible images", checklist)
+
+    # --- Finding 6 (5808403059): Push retry recovery ---
+
+    def test_f6_publish_push_on_unpushed_commits(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 8 pushes based on unpushed commits, not just
+        whether this invocation created a new commit."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step8.split())
+        self.assertIn("unpushed commits", flat)
+        self.assertIn("recovers without re-running", flat)
+
+    def test_f6_publish_git_rm_only_if_tracked(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 6 only git-rm paths that are still tracked."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("`git rm` only paths still tracked", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`git rm` only if still tracked", flat)
+
+    def test_f6_publish_metadata_preserved_on_failure(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 9 preserves metadata on push failure."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step9 = content.split("Step 9:", 1)[1].split("Step 10:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("push failed, preserve previous metadata", step9)
+
+    def test_f6_respond_push_on_unpushed_commits(self) -> None:
+        """Respond pushes based on unpushed commits with recovery."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("unpushed commits", flat)
+        self.assertIn("recovers without re-running", flat)
+
+    def test_f6_respond_git_rm_only_if_tracked(self) -> None:
+        """Respond only git-rm files still tracked."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("still tracked", flat)
+        self.assertIn("already removed", flat)
+
+    def test_f6_respond_metadata_after_push(self) -> None:
+        """Respond updates metadata only after push succeeds."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("push failed, preserve previous metadata", flat)
+
+    # --- Finding 7 (Root Step-Sequencing): Setup in Step 2 ---
+
+    def test_f7_path_setup_unconditional_in_step2(self) -> None:
+        """ARTIFACT_DIR/CONTEXT_PATH/BACKUP_PATH resolution is in Step 2
+        (unconditional), not only in the conditional Step 2a."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split("### Step 2a:", 1)[0]
+        step2a = content.split("### Step 2a:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        # Definitions in Step 2
+        self.assertIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2)
+        self.assertIn("CONTEXT_PATH", step2)
+        self.assertIn("BACKUP_PATH", step2)
+        # Step 2a is only the conditional backup check
+        self.assertNotIn("ARTIFACT_DIR", step2a)
+        self.assertIn("Prior Ingest", step2a)
+        # No Git-root absolute requirement
+        self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 1868150d..575e7e1a 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -239,38 +239,16 @@ alone.
    Valid values are `lfs`, `external`, or `git`. Use the first valid
    value as the explicit repository policy.
 
-3. **No valid policy.** If neither source provides a valid policy, stop
-   before copying any assets and present the available options to the
-   researcher:
+3. **No valid policy.** Stop before copying assets. Present options:
+   **lfs** (Git LFS; requires LFS init in docs repo), **external**
+   (immutable revision-bound URLs per screenshot), **git** (ordinary
+   Git objects; increases repo size). Wait for the researcher's
+   explicit choice. Do not default to any mode.
 
-   *"The docs repo has no configured screenshot storage policy. Choose how
-   screenshot assets should be stored:*
-
-   *- **lfs** — Store images via Git LFS. Requires LFS to be initialized
-   in the docs repo (the researcher must run `git lfs install` and add
-   tracking patterns; this workflow does not enable LFS automatically).*
-
-   *- **external** — Reference images via stable, immutable external URLs.
-   You will provide a revision-bound URL for each screenshot. URLs must
-   not be mutable 'latest' links or time-expiring presigned URLs.*
-
-   *- **git** — Commit images as ordinary Git objects. This increases
-   repository size with each revision. Only appropriate for small asset
-   sets in repos that explicitly accept binary commits."*
-
-   Wait for the researcher's explicit choice. Do not default to any mode.
-
-**Important constraints:**
-
-- `.gitattributes` containing LFS patterns demonstrates that the docs repo
-  *can* use LFS but does not constitute a storage policy choice for this
-  handoff. Do not silently copy/commit images because LFS patterns exist.
-- Do not auto-enable LFS tracking. If the researcher selects `lfs` but the
-  docs repo has no LFS initialization or matching tracking patterns, stop
-  and tell them to configure LFS first.
-- Do not invent an external upload provider, endpoint, or credentials.
-- Store the resolved policy in `publish-metadata.json` so subsequent
-  `/publish`, `/revise`, and `/respond` updates reuse the same mode.
+**Constraints:** `.gitattributes` LFS patterns alone are not a policy
+choice; do not auto-commit images or auto-enable LFS tracking. Do not
+invent external upload providers. Store the policy in
+`publish-metadata.json` for subsequent updates.
 
 ### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit
 
@@ -326,11 +304,11 @@ storage policy, touch asset paths, or stage screenshot directories.
 publish (`publish-metadata.json` exists with `screenshot_assets`), always
 check for removals even if the current handoff has no screenshots. If
 the current authoring manifest is empty or absent but `screenshot_assets`
-records prior images: remove them (lfs/git: `git rm`; external: remove
-embeds/index entries), `git rm` the tracked consumer manifest, and set
-`screenshot_storage` to `none` **after** the commit and push succeed.
-Use previous metadata for cleanup; do not overwrite metadata with empty
-values before using it for reconciliation.
+records prior images: remove them (lfs/git: `git rm` only paths still
+tracked; external: remove embeds/index entries), `git rm` the consumer
+manifest only if still tracked, and set `screenshot_storage` to `none`
+**after** the commit and push succeed. Use previous metadata for
+cleanup; do not overwrite it before reconciliation.
 
 **Copy screenshot assets** (only when the authoring manifest is non-empty
 and the Screenshot Index section contains image references):
@@ -352,9 +330,9 @@ handoff; preserve authoring references in `05-handoff.md`.
 
 **Reconcile removals** (update publishes only). Compare previous
 `screenshot_assets` against the current manifest. For removed IDs:
-`lfs`/`git` — validate removal path and `git rm`; `external` — remove
-embed/index entries. If all screenshots removed, also `git rm` the
-tracked consumer manifest and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after
+`lfs`/`git` — `git rm` only if still tracked; `external` — remove
+embed/index entries. If all removed, also `git rm` the consumer
+manifest if tracked, and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after
 commit.
 
 **Publish consumer manifest.** When any screenshots remain after
@@ -423,9 +401,11 @@ Prepare the PR description and save it to
 
 ### Step 8: Push and Create PR
 
-**For an existing PR**, push the update to its existing branch only when Step 6
-created a commit. Keep the existing PR number, URL, and draft or ready status;
-do not run `gh pr create`.
+**For an existing PR**, push to its branch when unpushed commits
+exist (the branch is ahead of its remote tracking ref). Keep its PR
+number, URL, and draft/ready status; do not run `gh pr create`. If a
+prior invocation committed but the push failed, this recovers without
+re-running Steps 4–7.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{branch-name}"
@@ -522,11 +502,11 @@ resolved paths used to derive the canonical handoff directory.
   `external` mode, `published_path` is the external URL; for `lfs` or
   `git`, it is the repo-relative path.
 
-For an existing PR, retain the PR number, branch, and other identity metadata.
-After a successful update commit and push, update `screenshot_storage` and
-replace `screenshot_assets` with the current published entries. If no
-screenshots remain, set `screenshot_storage` to `none` and
-`screenshot_assets` to an empty array `[]`.
+For an existing PR, retain the PR number, branch, and other identity
+metadata. After a successful push, update `screenshot_storage` and
+replace `screenshot_assets` with the current entries. If no screenshots
+remain, set `screenshot_storage` to `none` and `screenshot_assets` to
+`[]`. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged.
 
 ### Step 10: Report to Researcher
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index a4df60cb..498acfec 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -184,15 +184,16 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    - `publish-metadata.json` entries absent from the current manifest →
      removed.
 
-3. **Handle removals** (`lfs` or `git` mode): remove the deleted file
-   from the docs repo and stage the removal:
+3. **Handle removals** (`lfs` or `git` mode): `git rm` only files
+   still tracked (skip if already removed by a prior committed run):
 
    ```bash
    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" rm -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{removed_filename}"
    ```
 
    Remove the entry from the published `screenshot-manifest.json`. If
-   all screenshots are removed, also remove the consumer manifest:
+   all screenshots are removed and the consumer manifest is still
+   tracked, remove it:
 
    ```bash
    git -C "{docs_repo_path}" rm -- "{handoff_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json"
@@ -269,14 +270,19 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 - `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
 - `COMMIT_MESSAGE="UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback"`
 
-Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the commit
-and push succeed. Set `screenshot_storage` to `none` only after
-successful commit+push when all screenshots have been removed.
+Push only when unpushed commits exist (the branch is ahead of its
+remote tracking ref). If a prior invocation committed but the push
+failed, this recovers without re-running the removal/copy steps.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
 ```
 
+Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the push
+succeeds. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged. Set
+`screenshot_storage` to `none` only after successful push when all
+screenshots have been removed.
+
 **If "Handoff change needed: No":**
 
 Skip the git operations above — the handoff spec is unchanged. The response

From dc14981d8872c3f8e2fc3d846b9a1c67a92bd887 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 15:38:24 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 16/42] Tighten retry safety, eligibility fail-closed, restore
 dropped guards
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

A) Push retry: recipe filters out already-committed-deleted paths from
   commit --only allowlist; callers verify owned commit SHA before push,
   refuse unexpected ahead commits, handle metadata-write-failure after
   push success. Proven with pre-receive-hook rejection test (T12) and
   changed-handoff-after-committed-removal test (T13).

B) Plan lead text requires 'eligible' evidence, not merely 'inspected'
   status, preventing fabricated citations when all images are rejected.

C) Rule 2 identity fail-closed: only verified/mismatched/unverified are
   recognized; any other value, missing, or deferred → ineligible.

D) Restore safety requirements compressed out by 499f: LFS missing
   init → stop, external URLs must be immutable/revision-bound, removal
   path containment validated before git-rm.

Token budgets: ingest ~5996, plan ~5987, publish ~5847 (all <6000).
Tests: 76 pass (51→76: +14 contracts +11 Git execution including
       pre-receive-hook push rejection and post-removal retry).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   7 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  31 ++-
 ui-design/skills/plan.md                      |   4 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 241 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  27 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  10 +-
 6 files changed, 290 insertions(+), 30 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index e17f2937..bce8fd1b 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -152,9 +152,10 @@ must not rerun image inspection. Evaluate each image in rule order:
 other status (`unavailable`, `lfs-unresolved`, `fetch-failed`,
 `inspection-not-supported`) → **ineligible**. Do not cite.
 
-**Rule 2 — Identity.** If `identity` is `mismatched` or `unverified`,
-the user must explicitly accept that specific exception. Rejected or
-unprompted → **ineligible**.
+**Rule 2 — Identity.** `identity` must be `verified` (no action
+needed), or `mismatched`/`unverified` with explicit per-image user
+acceptance. Any other value, or a rejected/unprompted/deferred
+decision → **ineligible**.
 
 **Rule 3 — Bindings.** Each binding (`context_revision`,
 `prototype_iteration`) that is `mismatched` or `unknown` requires its
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index b2314e9c..a562f783 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -71,18 +71,31 @@ done
 
 Use `--only` with the full allowlist so only owned paths are committed.
 Unrelated staged/index and unstaged/worktree changes survive untouched.
+Filter out paths no longer known to git (already-committed deletions
+from a prior run) so `commit --only` does not fail on unknown pathspecs.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
-rc=$?
-if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
-  echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
-elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
-  git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" commit --only \
-    -m "{COMMIT_MESSAGE}" \
-    -- "${owned_paths[@]}"
+commit_paths=()
+for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
+  if [ -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/$p" ] || git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    commit_paths+=("$p")
+  fi
+done
+
+if [ ${#commit_paths[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
+  echo "No owned paths present; skipping commit."
 else
-  echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
+  git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" diff --cached --quiet -- "${commit_paths[@]}"
+  rc=$?
+  if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
+  elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
+    git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" commit --only \
+      -m "{COMMIT_MESSAGE}" \
+      -- "${commit_paths[@]}"
+  else
+    echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/plan.md b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
index cffa6f06..5b34aa13 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/plan.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/plan.md
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ Before writing, create a mental map. If `HAS_HANDOFF` is true:
 - Which persona-specific views require conditional rendering or permission gates?
 - Which acceptance criteria drive which components?
 
-If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, cite inspected screenshot
-observations from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
+If `HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or `partial`, use eligible screenshot
+evidence from `01-context.md` for layout and visible-state decisions:
 
 - Follow the eligibility rules in
   `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md` §5 using the
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index eb9455f2..ff18c44b 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -947,6 +947,153 @@ def test_recipe_bash_block_count(self) -> None:
         self.assertEqual(len(blocks), 3,
                          f"Recipe should have 3 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}")
 
+    # --- T12: Push failure with pre-receive hook rejection ---
+    def test_push_rejected_then_retry_succeeds(self) -> None:
+        """F6 regression (Git execution): pre-receive hook rejects first
+        push. Recipe is idempotent on retry; second push delivers the
+        original commit exactly. Metadata pattern: unchanged on failure.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks + manual push in disposable
+        Git repos with a local bare remote. NOT live network push."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            # Point bare repo hooks at its own dir (workspace overrides
+            # core.hooksPath globally; disposable test repos need their own)
+            hooks_dir = os.path.join(bare, "hooks")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "config", "core.hooksPath", hooks_dir],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            hook = os.path.join(hooks_dir, "pre-receive")
+            marker = os.path.join(bare, ".reject-once")
+            _w(marker, "")
+            _w(hook, f'#!/bin/sh\n'
+                     f'if [ -f "{marker}" ]; then rm -f "{marker}"; exit 1; fi\n'
+                     f'exit 0\n')
+            os.chmod(hook, 0o755)
+
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-PF")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Push fail\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-staged.txt"), "s")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrel-staged.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-dirty.txt"), "d")
+
+            r1 = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-PF/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-PF",
+                            msg="Handoff for push test")
+            self.assertEqual(r1.returncode, 0, r1.stderr)
+            expected = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+
+            # First push REJECTED
+            p1 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertNotEqual(p1.returncode, 0, "First push must fail")
+
+            # Recipe retry: no new commit
+            r2 = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-PF/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-PF",
+                            msg="Must NOT appear")
+            self.assertEqual(r2.returncode, 0, r2.stderr)
+            self.assertEqual(
+                expected,
+                subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                               capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip(),
+                "No duplicate commit on retry",
+            )
+
+            # Second push SUCCEEDS
+            p2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(p2.returncode, 0, p2.stderr)
+            remote = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(expected, remote, "Remote SHA must match exactly")
+
+            # Unrelated files survive
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("unrel-staged.txt", st.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("unrel-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
+
+    # --- T13: Changed handoff after committed removals ---
+    def test_changed_handoff_after_committed_removal(self) -> None:
+        """F6 regression (Git execution): after git-rm + commit, handoff
+        changes. Re-running recipe with stale removal paths must not error
+        on absent pathspecs; commits only the new handoff content.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks in disposable Git repos."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-CR")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# CR v1\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-cr.png"), "img")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-CR/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-CR",
+                        copied=["SS-1-cr.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init CR test")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-CR/screenshots/SS-1-cr.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-CR/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# CR v2\n")
+            r1 = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-CR/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-CR",
+                            removed=["SS-1-cr.png"], manifest_removed=True,
+                            msg="Remove + v2")
+            self.assertEqual(r1.returncode, 0, r1.stderr)
+            sha1 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+
+            # Change handoff again, stale removal paths
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# CR v3\n")
+            r2 = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-CR/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-CR",
+                            removed=["SS-1-cr.png"], manifest_removed=True,
+                            msg="Retry v3")
+            self.assertEqual(r2.returncode, 0, r2.stderr)
+            sha2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertNotEqual(sha1, sha2, "New handoff must create commit")
+            show = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "diff-tree", "--no-commit-id",
+                 "--name-only", "-r", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("handoff.md", show.stdout)
+            self.assertNotIn("SS-1-cr.png", show.stdout)
+
     # --- T10: Failed push retry — commit idempotent, push recovers ---
     def test_failed_push_retry_commit_idempotent(self) -> None:
         """Finding 6 regression (contract + Git execution): after a commit
@@ -1184,7 +1331,7 @@ def test_f6_publish_push_on_unpushed_commits(self) -> None:
         step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9:", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(step8.split())
         self.assertIn("unpushed commits", flat)
-        self.assertIn("recovers without re-running", flat)
+        self.assertIn("retries without re-running", flat)
 
     def test_f6_publish_git_rm_only_if_tracked(self) -> None:
         """Publish Step 6 only git-rm paths that are still tracked."""
@@ -1204,7 +1351,7 @@ def test_f6_respond_push_on_unpushed_commits(self) -> None:
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         flat = " ".join(content.split())
         self.assertIn("unpushed commits", flat)
-        self.assertIn("recovers without re-running", flat)
+        self.assertIn("retries without re-running", flat)
 
     def test_f6_respond_git_rm_only_if_tracked(self) -> None:
         """Respond only git-rm files still tracked."""
@@ -1237,6 +1384,96 @@ def test_f7_path_setup_unconditional_in_step2(self) -> None:
         # No Git-root absolute requirement
         self.assertNotIn("git rev-parse --show-toplevel", step2)
 
+    # --- A: Push verification: owned-commit + unexpected-ahead refusal ---
+
+    def test_a_publish_owned_commit_verification(self) -> None:
+        """A: publish verifies commit SHA before push, refuses unexpected."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step8.split())
+        self.assertIn("commit SHA from Step 6", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unexpected ahead commits", flat)
+        self.assertIn("refuse", flat)
+
+    def test_a_respond_owned_commit_verification(self) -> None:
+        """A: respond verifies commit SHA before push, refuses unexpected."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("commit SHA from the staging recipe", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unexpected ahead commits", flat)
+
+    def test_a_publish_metadata_write_failure_recovery(self) -> None:
+        """A: publish Step 9 handles push-ok + metadata-write-failure."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step9 = content.split("Step 9:", 1)[1].split("Step 10:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step9.split())
+        self.assertIn("metadata write fails", flat)
+        self.assertIn("without creating a new commit", flat)
+
+    def test_a_respond_metadata_write_failure_recovery(self) -> None:
+        """A: respond handles push-ok + metadata-write-failure."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("metadata write fails", flat)
+        self.assertIn("without creating a new commit", flat)
+
+    # --- B: Plan lead text requires eligible, not just inspected ---
+
+    def test_b_plan_lead_requires_eligible(self) -> None:
+        """B: plan Step 2 lead says 'eligible' not 'inspected' for
+        screenshot citation, ensuring all-rejected produces no citations."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/plan.md")
+        lead = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split("### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        # Lead text uses 'eligible' not 'cite inspected'
+        self.assertNotIn("cite inspected screenshot", lead)
+        self.assertIn("eligible screenshot", lead)
+        # Checklist uses 'eligible images exist'
+        checklist = content.split("### Step 5:", 1)[1].split("### Step 6:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("eligible images exist", checklist)
+        self.assertNotIn("HAS_SCREENSHOTS` is true or partial", checklist)
+
+    # --- C: Rule 2 fail-closed for unrecognized identity values ---
+
+    def test_c_rule2_fail_closed(self) -> None:
+        """C: Rule 2 requires identity to be one of verified/mismatched/
+        unverified; any other value is ineligible (fail-closed)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        elig = content.split("Eligibility and citation rules", 1)[1]
+        r2 = elig.split("Rule 2", 1)[1].split("Rule 3", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(r2.split())
+        # Must be verified (pass) or mismatched/unverified (need acceptance)
+        self.assertIn("`verified`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`mismatched`/`unverified`", flat)
+        # Any other value blocks
+        self.assertIn("Any other value", flat)
+        # Deferred decisions also block
+        self.assertIn("deferred", flat)
+
+    # --- D: Restored safety constraints ---
+
+    def test_d_lfs_stop_on_missing_init(self) -> None:
+        """D: publish stops when lfs selected but LFS not initialized."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("not initialized", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not auto-enable", flat)
+
+    def test_d_external_immutable_urls(self) -> None:
+        """D: publish requires immutable revision-bound external URLs."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("immutable and revision-bound", flat)
+        self.assertIn("reject mutable or expiring", flat)
+
+    def test_d_removal_path_validation(self) -> None:
+        """D: publish reconcile removals validates path containment."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        removals = content.split("Reconcile removals", 1)[1].split(
+            "Publish consumer manifest", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(removals.split())
+        self.assertIn("validate path inside", flat)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 575e7e1a..97da848f 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -246,9 +246,11 @@ alone.
    explicit choice. Do not default to any mode.
 
 **Constraints:** `.gitattributes` LFS patterns alone are not a policy
-choice; do not auto-commit images or auto-enable LFS tracking. Do not
-invent external upload providers. Store the policy in
-`publish-metadata.json` for subsequent updates.
+choice. If `lfs` is selected but LFS is not initialized or tracking
+patterns are missing, stop — do not auto-enable. External URLs must
+be immutable and revision-bound; reject mutable or expiring links.
+Do not invent upload providers. Store the policy in
+`publish-metadata.json`.
 
 ### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit
 
@@ -330,10 +332,10 @@ handoff; preserve authoring references in `05-handoff.md`.
 
 **Reconcile removals** (update publishes only). Compare previous
 `screenshot_assets` against the current manifest. For removed IDs:
-`lfs`/`git` — `git rm` only if still tracked; `external` — remove
-embed/index entries. If all removed, also `git rm` the consumer
-manifest if tracked, and set `screenshot_storage` to `none` after
-commit.
+`lfs`/`git` — validate path inside `{docs_repo_root}`, then `git rm`
+only if still tracked; `external` — remove embed/index entries. If
+all removed, also `git rm` the consumer manifest if tracked, and set
+`screenshot_storage` to `none` after commit.
 
 **Publish consumer manifest.** When any screenshots remain after
 removals, write `{destination_dir}/screenshot-manifest.json` with `id`,
@@ -402,10 +404,11 @@ Prepare the PR description and save it to
 ### Step 8: Push and Create PR
 
 **For an existing PR**, push to its branch when unpushed commits
-exist (the branch is ahead of its remote tracking ref). Keep its PR
-number, URL, and draft/ready status; do not run `gh pr create`. If a
-prior invocation committed but the push failed, this recovers without
-re-running Steps 4–7.
+exist. Before pushing, verify the local branch HEAD matches the
+commit SHA from Step 6; refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear.
+Keep its PR number, URL, and draft/ready status; do not run
+`gh pr create`. If a prior invocation committed but the push
+failed, this retries without re-running Steps 4–7.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{branch-name}"
@@ -507,6 +510,8 @@ metadata. After a successful push, update `screenshot_storage` and
 replace `screenshot_assets` with the current entries. If no screenshots
 remain, set `screenshot_storage` to `none` and `screenshot_assets` to
 `[]`. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged.
+If push succeeded but metadata write fails, recover by re-reading
+the branch HEAD and screenshot state without creating a new commit.
 
 ### Step 10: Report to Researcher
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 498acfec..26fb9ddc 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -270,9 +270,11 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 - `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
 - `COMMIT_MESSAGE="UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback"`
 
-Push only when unpushed commits exist (the branch is ahead of its
-remote tracking ref). If a prior invocation committed but the push
-failed, this recovers without re-running the removal/copy steps.
+Push only when unpushed commits exist. Before pushing, verify the
+local branch HEAD matches the commit SHA from the staging recipe;
+refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear. If a prior invocation
+committed but the push failed, this retries without re-running the
+removal/copy steps.
 
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
@@ -282,6 +284,8 @@ Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the push
 succeeds. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged. Set
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` only after successful push when all
 screenshots have been removed.
+If push succeeded but metadata write fails, recover by re-reading
+the branch HEAD and screenshot state without creating a new commit.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: No":**
 

From 4ec8d032385849554ba01a6eb80b53fea32b1bf6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 15:59:47 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 17/42] Fix commit_paths filter for staged deletions, add
 pending attempt protocol

- Fix critical bug: commit_paths filter now includes staged git-rm
  deletions via HEAD:path membership check. Previously, deletions
  staged by `git rm` (absent from both disk and index) were silently
  dropped from `commit --only`, leaving them uncommitted.

- Add required-path validation in Step 2: handoff, copied files, and
  written manifest must exist on disk; missing required paths error
  instead of silently skipping.

- Add Step 4 (pending attempt protocol): durable push safety record
  in publish-metadata.json, shared by publish and respond. Records
  commit SHA, branch, expected base, and owned paths before push;
  verified on retry; metadata finalized only after exact remote SHA
  match. Handles already-pushed/meta-write-fail and unexpected-ahead
  cases without force-push or ownership re-derivation.

- Add 20 new tests: T14-T18 (executable Git tests for D-path commit
  inclusion, no residual staged deletions, required-path errors) and
  15 structural contract tests for pending attempt protocol fields,
  privacy, retry verification, and caller references.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  88 +++++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 289 ++++++++++++++++++
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |   4 +
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   2 +
 4 files changed, 379 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index a562f783..6578e0b0 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -48,7 +48,11 @@ for f in ${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]+"${REMOVED_FILENAMES[@]}"}; do
 done
 ```
 
-### 2. Stage owned paths
+### 2. Validate and stage owned paths
+
+Verify required paths exist on disk before staging: the handoff file,
+each copied screenshot, and the manifest when `MANIFEST_WRITTEN` is
+set. Missing required paths indicate an upstream error.
 
 Stage every path in the allowlist. For paths that still exist on disk,
 use `git add`. For tracked deletions (removed screenshots, removed
@@ -56,6 +60,22 @@ manifest), `git rm` will have already staged them — include them in the
 array so the `--only` commit sees them.
 
 ```bash
+# Required-path validation: handoff and each copied file must exist on disk.
+# Written manifest must exist when MANIFEST_WRITTEN=true.
+if [ ! -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/{HANDOFF_FILE_PATH}" ]; then
+  echo "Error: required handoff missing: {HANDOFF_FILE_PATH}" >&2; exit 1
+fi
+for f in ${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]+"${COPIED_FILENAMES[@]}"}; do
+  if [ ! -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f" ]; then
+    echo "Error: required copied file missing: {HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshots/$f" >&2; exit 1
+  fi
+done
+if [ "${MANIFEST_WRITTEN}" = "true" ]; then
+  if [ ! -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json" ]; then
+    echo "Error: MANIFEST_WRITTEN=true but manifest missing" >&2; exit 1
+  fi
+fi
+
 for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
   if [ -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/$p" ]; then
     git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" add -- "$p"
@@ -63,7 +83,7 @@ for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
     # Tracked file that no longer exists on disk — already staged by git rm
     :
   fi
-  # Skip paths that are neither on disk nor tracked (optional paths not present)
+  # Removal paths neither on disk nor tracked are tolerated (already-committed deletions)
 done
 ```
 
@@ -71,15 +91,21 @@ done
 
 Use `--only` with the full allowlist so only owned paths are committed.
 Unrelated staged/index and unstaged/worktree changes survive untouched.
-Filter out paths no longer known to git (already-committed deletions
-from a prior run) so `commit --only` does not fail on unknown pathspecs.
+Include paths whose deletion is staged (present in HEAD but absent from
+the index after `git rm`). Filter out already-committed deletions
+(absent from disk, index, and HEAD) so `commit --only` does not fail
+on unknown pathspecs.
 
 ```bash
 commit_paths=()
 for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
   if [ -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/$p" ] || git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     commit_paths+=("$p")
+  elif git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" rev-parse --verify "HEAD:$p" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    # Path in HEAD but not in index — staged deletion, first removal
+    commit_paths+=("$p")
   fi
+  # Path absent from disk, index, and HEAD — already-committed deletion; skip
 done
 
 if [ ${#commit_paths[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
@@ -103,3 +129,57 @@ This procedure handles text-only (array contains only the handoff),
 lfs/git (handoff + manifest + each image), external (handoff + manifest),
 removal runs (handoff + manifest + removed paths), and final-screenshot
 removal (handoff + removed manifest + removed images) identically.
+
+### 4. Pending attempt record (push safety)
+
+Callers (`/publish` Step 8, `/respond` push section) follow this
+protocol to ensure push failures are recoverable without re-deriving
+ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
+
+**Before push.** Write a `pending_attempt` object into
+`publish-metadata.json`, preserving all existing fields:
+
+| Field | Value |
+|-------|-------|
+| `commit_sha` | Exact HEAD SHA after the commit above |
+| `branch` | Feature branch name |
+| `expected_base` | Remote branch SHA before push, or `null` for first push |
+| `owned_paths` | Array of paths included in the commit |
+| `pr_number` | PR number (existing PR) or `null` (new PR) |
+| `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
+
+The `pending_attempt` record is private authoring state — do not copy
+it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
+
+**On retry (when `pending_attempt` exists).** Before any file copy,
+`git rm`, or new commit:
+
+1. Verify local HEAD equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`. If HEAD
+   differs, stop — unknown commits exist; do not force-push, reset,
+   or re-derive ownership.
+2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
+3. Check whether `pending_attempt.commit_sha` already exists on the
+   remote (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
+   - **Already pushed:** skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
+   - **Not pushed:** re-attempt push.
+
+**Initial new attempt** (no `pending_attempt` exists): require the
+local branch to be at a known synced base (equal to
+`origin/{branch}`, or a fresh branch from `{base-branch}`). If the
+local branch is ahead of the remote by commits not created by this
+invocation, stop.
+
+**After successful push.** Verify the remote ref matches
+`pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly (`git ls-remote`). Then:
+
+1. Finalize metadata: update `screenshot_storage`, `screenshot_assets`.
+2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
+3. For a new PR, record `pr_number`, `branch`, and `handoff_file_path`.
+
+**Already-pushed, metadata-write failure.** If push succeeded (remote
+SHA matches) but the metadata write fails, recover by re-reading the
+branch HEAD and screenshot state. Do not create a new commit or PR.
+
+**Unexpected state.** If the remote branch HEAD is neither the
+expected base nor the pending commit SHA, stop. Do not force-push,
+reset, or re-derive ownership from unknown commits.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index ff18c44b..ddcb5e34 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1037,6 +1037,147 @@ def test_push_rejected_then_retry_succeeds(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn("unrel-staged.txt", st.stdout)
             self.assertIn("unrel-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
 
+    # --- T14: Staged deletion D-paths in commit diff ---
+    def test_staged_deletion_appears_in_commit_diff(self) -> None:
+        """commit_paths fix: git-rm staged deletions must appear in the
+        commit's diff-tree with status D, not be silently dropped.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks in disposable Git repos."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-SD")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# SD v1\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-sd.png"), "img-sd")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-SD/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-SD",
+                        copied=["SS-1-sd.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init SD test")
+            # git rm image + manifest
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-SD/screenshots/SS-1-sd.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-SD/screenshot-manifest.json"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# SD v2\n")
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-SD/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-SD",
+                            removed=["SS-1-sd.png"], manifest_removed=True,
+                            msg="Staged deletion commit")
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # Assert D-paths appear in the commit diff
+            show = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "diff-tree", "--no-commit-id",
+                 "--name-status", "-r", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("D\tfeat/PROJ-SD/screenshots/SS-1-sd.png",
+                          show.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("D\tfeat/PROJ-SD/screenshot-manifest.json",
+                          show.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("M\tfeat/PROJ-SD/handoff.md", show.stdout)
+
+    # --- T15: No owned staged deletions remain after commit ---
+    def test_no_owned_staged_deletions_after_commit(self) -> None:
+        """commit_paths fix: after recipe commits, no owned staged
+        deletions remain in the index.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks in disposable Git repos."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-NS")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# NS\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            _w(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-ns.png"), "ns-img")
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-NS/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-NS",
+                        copied=["SS-1-ns.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init NS")
+            # Remove image via git rm
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-NS/screenshots/SS-1-ns.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# NS v2\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"v":2}')
+            # Seed unrelated staged file
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel.txt"), "keep")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrel.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-NS/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-NS",
+                            removed=["SS-1-ns.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                            msg="Remove one")
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # No owned deletions remain staged
+            status = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            # Owned deletion paths must NOT appear as staged
+            for line in status.stdout.splitlines():
+                if "SS-1-ns" in line:
+                    self.fail(f"Owned deletion still staged: {line}")
+            # Unrelated file survives in index
+            self.assertIn("unrel.txt", status.stdout)
+
+    # --- T16: Required path validation — missing handoff errors ---
+    def test_missing_handoff_errors(self) -> None:
+        """Required-path validation: missing handoff exits non-zero.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            # Do NOT create the handoff file
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-MH/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-MH",
+                            msg="Should fail")
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Missing handoff should error")
+            self.assertIn("required handoff missing", r.stderr)
+
+    # --- T17: Required path validation — missing copied file errors ---
+    def test_missing_copied_file_errors(self) -> None:
+        """Required-path validation: missing copied file exits non-zero.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-MC")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# MC\n")
+            # Do NOT create the screenshots dir or file
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-MC/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-MC",
+                            copied=["SS-1-missing.png"],
+                            msg="Should fail on missing copy")
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Missing copied file should error")
+            self.assertIn("required copied file missing", r.stderr)
+
+    # --- T18: Required path validation — written manifest missing ---
+    def test_manifest_written_but_missing_errors(self) -> None:
+        """Required-path validation: MANIFEST_WRITTEN=true but file absent.
+
+        Scope: documented recipe Bash blocks."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-MM")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# MM\n")
+            # Do NOT create the manifest file
+            r = self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-MM/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-MM",
+                            manifest_written=True,
+                            msg="Should fail on missing manifest")
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Missing manifest should error")
+            self.assertIn("MANIFEST_WRITTEN=true but manifest missing",
+                          r.stderr)
+
     # --- T13: Changed handoff after committed removals ---
     def test_changed_handoff_after_committed_removal(self) -> None:
         """F6 regression (Git execution): after git-rm + commit, handoff
@@ -1475,5 +1616,153 @@ def test_d_removal_path_validation(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("validate path inside", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 4: commit_paths filter and pending attempt protocol
+#
+# Structural contract tests verifying the recipe's commit_paths HEAD
+# membership check, required-path validation, and pending attempt
+# protocol documentation are present. Executable Git tests for the
+# commit_paths fix are in Part 2 (T14–T18). Tests label which
+# assertions are Read/Write journal contracts (instruction text
+# presence) versus actual canonical Bash guard/push execution
+# (disposable Git repo subprocess tests in Part 2).
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestCommitPathsAndPendingAttempt(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Contract and structural tests for commit_paths filter fix and
+    pending attempt protocol."""
+
+    # --- Commit_paths HEAD membership in recipe ---
+
+    def test_recipe_commit_paths_head_check(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 3 uses HEAD:path to include staged deletions."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        block3 = content.split("### 3.", 1)[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn('rev-parse --verify "HEAD:$p"', block3)
+        self.assertIn("staged deletion, first removal", block3)
+
+    def test_recipe_commit_paths_skip_comment(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 3 documents skip for already-committed deletions."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        block3 = content.split("### 3.", 1)[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("already-committed deletion", block3)
+
+    def test_recipe_commit_paths_description_update(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 3 description mentions HEAD-based inclusion."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        desc = content.split("### 3.", 1)[1].split("```bash", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(desc.split())
+        self.assertIn("present in HEAD but absent from the index", flat)
+        self.assertIn("already-committed deletions", flat)
+
+    # --- Required-path validation in recipe ---
+
+    def test_recipe_required_path_validation(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 2 validates required paths before staging."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        block2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block2.split())
+        self.assertIn("required handoff missing", flat)
+        self.assertIn("required copied file missing", flat)
+        self.assertIn("MANIFEST_WRITTEN=true but manifest missing", flat)
+
+    def test_recipe_step2_title_updated(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 2 title includes 'Validate'."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        self.assertIn("### 2. Validate and stage owned paths", content)
+
+    # --- Pending attempt protocol ---
+
+    def test_recipe_has_pending_attempt_section(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe Step 4 documents the pending attempt protocol."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        self.assertIn("### 4. Pending attempt record (push safety)",
+                      content)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_fields(self) -> None:
+        """Pending attempt record has required fields (contract)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        for field in ("commit_sha", "branch", "expected_base",
+                      "owned_paths", "pr_number", "timestamp"):
+            self.assertIn(f"`{field}`", section,
+                          f"pending_attempt missing field: {field}")
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_private_state(self) -> None:
+        """Pending attempt is private authoring state, not published."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("private authoring state", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not copy", flat)
+        self.assertIn("consumer-facing published manifest", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_retry_verification(self) -> None:
+        """On retry: verify HEAD matches, check remote, refuse unknown."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split("Initial new", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not force-push", flat)
+        self.assertIn("re-derive ownership", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Already pushed", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_initial_synced_base(self) -> None:
+        """Initial new attempt requires known synced base."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Initial new attempt", 1)[1].split(
+            "After successful push", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("known synced base", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
+        """Metadata finalized only after exact remote SHA verification."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Verify the remote ref matches", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Finalize metadata", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Remove `pending_attempt`", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_meta_write_failure(self) -> None:
+        """Already-pushed + metadata-write failure handled."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("metadata-write failure", 1)[1].split(
+            "Unexpected state", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("re-reading", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not create a new commit", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_attempt_unexpected_stop(self) -> None:
+        """Unexpected state stops; no force-push or reset."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("**Unexpected state.**", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not force-push", flat)
+
+    # --- Callers reference protocol ---
+
+    def test_publish_references_pending_attempt(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 8 references recipe §4 pending attempt."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split("### Step 9:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step8.split())
+        self.assertIn("pending attempt protocol", flat)
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_references_pending_attempt(self) -> None:
+        """Respond push section references recipe §4 pending attempt."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("pending attempt protocol", flat)
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 97da848f..3377bfe8 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -403,6 +403,10 @@ Prepare the PR description and save it to
 
 ### Step 8: Push and Create PR
 
+Follow the pending attempt protocol in
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 for both new
+and existing PRs.
+
 **For an existing PR**, push to its branch when unpushed commits
 exist. Before pushing, verify the local branch HEAD matches the
 commit SHA from Step 6; refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear.
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 26fb9ddc..5892cbff 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -270,6 +270,8 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 - `MANIFEST_REMOVED="true"` if the consumer manifest was removed (all screenshots deleted)
 - `COMMIT_MESSAGE="UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback"`
 
+Follow the pending attempt protocol in
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4.
 Push only when unpushed commits exist. Before pushing, verify the
 local branch HEAD matches the commit SHA from the staging recipe;
 refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear. If a prior invocation

From 11ed408956eed4c4b430f58a36bcf4ab70d5be2a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 16:10:32 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 18/42] Tighten pending_attempt: early check, candidate fields,
 committed-state recovery
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Add early pending_attempt check in publish (before Step 2) and
  respond (before cp) so retry skips directly to push/finalization
  instead of re-copying files and re-committing.

- Extend §4 field table with docs_repo_remote, handoff_file_path,
  candidate_screenshot_storage, and candidate_screenshot_assets.
  Retry verifies docs_repo_remote identity match.

- Replace ambiguous "re-reading the branch HEAD and screenshot state"
  in recipe §4 and both callers with explicit candidate-value
  finalization from pending_attempt and committed consumer state at
  the verified SHA — never mutable authoring manifest. Retain
  pending_attempt on metadata-write failure for recovery.

- Update 4 existing contract tests for new wording; add 4 new tests
  for early call ordering, candidate fields, and committed-state
  recovery semantics.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   | 21 ++++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 83 +++++++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   | 16 ++--
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   | 18 +++-
 4 files changed, 119 insertions(+), 19 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 6578e0b0..093842f8 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -146,6 +146,10 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `expected_base` | Remote branch SHA before push, or `null` for first push |
 | `owned_paths` | Array of paths included in the commit |
 | `pr_number` | PR number (existing PR) or `null` (new PR) |
+| `docs_repo_remote` | Docs repo remote URL (from config) |
+| `handoff_file_path` | Repo-relative handoff path |
+| `candidate_screenshot_storage` | Storage mode for this attempt |
+| `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
 | `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
 
 The `pending_attempt` record is private authoring state — do not copy
@@ -158,6 +162,7 @@ it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
    differs, stop — unknown commits exist; do not force-push, reset,
    or re-derive ownership.
 2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
+   Verify the docs repo remote URL matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
 3. Check whether `pending_attempt.commit_sha` already exists on the
    remote (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
    - **Already pushed:** skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
@@ -172,13 +177,23 @@ invocation, stop.
 **After successful push.** Verify the remote ref matches
 `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly (`git ls-remote`). Then:
 
-1. Finalize metadata: update `screenshot_storage`, `screenshot_assets`.
+1. Finalize metadata from `pending_attempt` candidate values:
+   set `screenshot_storage` to `candidate_screenshot_storage`,
+   set `screenshot_assets` to `candidate_screenshot_assets`.
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
 3. For a new PR, record `pr_number`, `branch`, and `handoff_file_path`.
 
+Write steps 1–3 atomically — if the write fails, retain
+`pending_attempt` so the next retry can re-finalize without a new
+commit.
+
 **Already-pushed, metadata-write failure.** If push succeeded (remote
-SHA matches) but the metadata write fails, recover by re-reading the
-branch HEAD and screenshot state. Do not create a new commit or PR.
+SHA matches) but the metadata write fails, finalize from the
+`pending_attempt` candidate values (`candidate_screenshot_storage`,
+`candidate_screenshot_assets`) and the committed consumer state at
+the verified SHA — never from the mutable authoring manifest.
+Retain `pending_attempt` until the metadata write succeeds. Do not
+create a new commit or PR.
 
 **Unexpected state.** If the remote branch HEAD is neither the
 expected base nor the pending commit SHA, stop. Do not force-push,
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index ddcb5e34..2c9ecb49 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1549,14 +1549,14 @@ def test_a_publish_metadata_write_failure_recovery(self) -> None:
         step9 = content.split("Step 9:", 1)[1].split("Step 10:", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(step9.split())
         self.assertIn("metadata write fails", flat)
-        self.assertIn("without creating a new commit", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not create a new commit", flat)
 
     def test_a_respond_metadata_write_failure_recovery(self) -> None:
         """A: respond handles push-ok + metadata-write-failure."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         flat = " ".join(content.split())
         self.assertIn("metadata write fails", flat)
-        self.assertIn("without creating a new commit", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not create a new commit", flat)
 
     # --- B: Plan lead text requires eligible, not just inspected ---
 
@@ -1684,7 +1684,10 @@ def test_pending_attempt_fields(self) -> None:
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
         for field in ("commit_sha", "branch", "expected_base",
-                      "owned_paths", "pr_number", "timestamp"):
+                      "owned_paths", "pr_number", "timestamp",
+                      "docs_repo_remote", "handoff_file_path",
+                      "candidate_screenshot_storage",
+                      "candidate_screenshot_assets"):
             self.assertIn(f"`{field}`", section,
                           f"pending_attempt missing field: {field}")
 
@@ -1698,11 +1701,12 @@ def test_pending_attempt_private_state(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("consumer-facing published manifest", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_retry_verification(self) -> None:
-        """On retry: verify HEAD matches, check remote, refuse unknown."""
+        """On retry: verify HEAD, branch, docs_repo_remote; refuse unknown."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split("Initial new", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(retry.split())
         self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
         self.assertIn("do not force-push", flat)
         self.assertIn("re-derive ownership", flat)
         self.assertIn("Already pushed", flat)
@@ -1717,7 +1721,8 @@ def test_pending_attempt_initial_synced_base(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("known synced base", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
-        """Metadata finalized only after exact remote SHA verification."""
+        """Metadata finalized from candidate values after remote SHA verify;
+        write failure retains pending_attempt for recovery."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
             "Already-pushed", 1
@@ -1725,17 +1730,24 @@ def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("Verify the remote ref matches", flat)
         self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
-        self.assertIn("Finalize metadata", flat)
+        self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_storage", flat)
+        self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_assets", flat)
         self.assertIn("Remove `pending_attempt`", flat)
+        # Atomic write + retain on failure
+        self.assertIn("write fails, retain", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_meta_write_failure(self) -> None:
-        """Already-pushed + metadata-write failure handled."""
+        """Already-pushed + metadata-write failure: finalize from candidate
+        values, retain pending_attempt, never mutable authoring state."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("metadata-write failure", 1)[1].split(
             "Unexpected state", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("re-reading", flat)
+        self.assertIn("candidate values", flat)
+        self.assertIn("committed consumer state", flat)
+        self.assertIn("never from the mutable authoring manifest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Retain `pending_attempt`", flat)
         self.assertIn("Do not create a new commit", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_unexpected_stop(self) -> None:
@@ -1763,6 +1775,61 @@ def test_respond_references_pending_attempt(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("pending attempt protocol", flat)
         self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
 
+    # --- Early call ordering (before copy/commit, not only at push) ---
+
+    def test_publish_early_pending_check(self) -> None:
+        """Publish checks pending_attempt BEFORE Step 2 (copy/commit),
+        not only at Step 8 (push). Skips to push or finalization."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        early = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(early.split())
+        self.assertIn("Pending attempt check (early)", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pending_attempt", flat)
+        self.assertIn("before any copy", flat.lower())
+        # References §4
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+        # Skips to push or finalization
+        self.assertIn("Step 9", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Step 8", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_early_pending_check(self) -> None:
+        """Respond checks pending_attempt BEFORE copy, not only at push."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        # Must appear before the cp command
+        cp_pos = content.find('cp ".artifacts/ux-design/')
+        early_pos = content.find("Pending attempt check (early)")
+        self.assertGreater(cp_pos, -1, "cp command not found")
+        self.assertGreater(early_pos, -1, "early check not found")
+        self.assertLess(early_pos, cp_pos,
+                        "early pending check must precede cp command")
+        early = content.split("Pending attempt check (early)", 1)[1].split(
+            "Update the docs repo copy", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(early.split())
+        self.assertIn("before any file copy", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+
+    # --- Committed-state wording in callers ---
+
+    def test_publish_recovery_uses_candidate_not_authoring(self) -> None:
+        """Publish metadata recovery uses candidate values, never mutable
+        authoring manifest (contract)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step9 = content.split("Step 9:", 1)[1].split("Step 10:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step9.split())
+        self.assertIn("candidate values", flat)
+        self.assertIn("never from the mutable authoring manifest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("retain", flat.lower().split("write fails")[1])
+
+    def test_respond_recovery_uses_candidate_not_authoring(self) -> None:
+        """Respond metadata recovery uses candidate values, never mutable
+        authoring manifest (contract)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_storage", flat)
+        self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_assets", flat)
+        self.assertIn("never from the mutable authoring manifest", flat)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 3377bfe8..d7364e29 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -50,6 +50,11 @@ publishing. Never publish a handoff produced from exploratory context.
 Also read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/01-discovery.md`;
 its **Upstream References** record the resolved published PRD and design paths.
 
+**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
+`pending_attempt`, follow `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md`
+§4 now — before any copy or commit. Already pushed → skip to Step 9.
+Not yet pushed → skip to Step 8. Validation failure → stop.
+
 ### Step 2: Resolve Docs Repo
 
 Check for an existing docs repo configuration at
@@ -511,11 +516,12 @@ resolved paths used to derive the canonical handoff directory.
 
 For an existing PR, retain the PR number, branch, and other identity
 metadata. After a successful push, update `screenshot_storage` and
-replace `screenshot_assets` with the current entries. If no screenshots
-remain, set `screenshot_storage` to `none` and `screenshot_assets` to
-`[]`. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged.
-If push succeeded but metadata write fails, recover by re-reading
-the branch HEAD and screenshot state without creating a new commit.
+replace `screenshot_assets` from `pending_attempt` candidate values;
+clear `pending_attempt` in the same write. If no screenshots remain,
+set both to `none`/`[]`. If push failed, preserve previous metadata
+unchanged. If push succeeded but metadata write fails, retain
+`pending_attempt` and re-finalize from its candidate values — never
+from the mutable authoring manifest. Do not create a new commit or PR.
 
 ### Step 10: Report to Researcher
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 5892cbff..01dbc05b 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -120,6 +120,14 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=respond`,
 `AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
+**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
+a `pending_attempt` record, follow §4 of
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` **now** — before
+any file copy, `git rm`, or new commit. If the pending attempt is
+verified and already pushed, skip directly to metadata finalization
+below. If verified but not yet pushed, skip to the push step. If
+validation fails, stop.
+
 Update the docs repo copy:
 
 Before switching branches, confirm the docs repo worktree and index are clean:
@@ -283,11 +291,15 @@ git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
 ```
 
 Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the push
-succeeds. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged. Set
+succeeds — finalize from `pending_attempt.candidate_screenshot_storage`
+and `candidate_screenshot_assets`; clear `pending_attempt` in the same
+write. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged. Set
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` only after successful push when all
 screenshots have been removed.
-If push succeeded but metadata write fails, recover by re-reading
-the branch HEAD and screenshot state without creating a new commit.
+If push succeeded but metadata write fails, retain `pending_attempt`
+and re-finalize from its candidate values on the next invocation —
+never from the mutable authoring manifest. Do not create a new
+commit.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: No":**
 

From e34aa6bacfbeaa0ed7588f4018748b6488038e37 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 16:21:46 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 19/42] Fix CI test failure: use git init -b main in test
 helper
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

_setup_repo() used bare `git init` which inherits the ambient
init.defaultBranch setting. CI (Ubuntu 24.04 without global config)
defaults to `master`, causing `push -u origin main` in T12 to fail
with "src refspec main does not match any" before the pre-receive
hook test even runs.

Fix: add `-b main` to `git init` in _setup_repo() (git >= 2.28).

Add T19 regression test verifying the helper produces branch `main`
and initial push succeeds under three isolated ambient configs:
master, custom (trunk), and unset — using actual bare local Git
repos with GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL/GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM isolation, not
mocked branch names.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 73 ++++++++++++++++++-
 1 file changed, 72 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 2c9ecb49..df0083fc 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ def _setup_repo(tmpdir: str) -> str:
     """Create a minimal git repo with an initial commit, return its path."""
     repo = os.path.join(tmpdir, "docs-repo")
     os.makedirs(repo)
-    subprocess.run(["git", "init", repo], capture_output=True, check=True)
+    subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo], capture_output=True, check=True)
     subprocess.run(
         ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.email", "test@test"],
         capture_output=True, check=True,
@@ -1037,6 +1037,77 @@ def test_push_rejected_then_retry_succeeds(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn("unrel-staged.txt", st.stdout)
             self.assertIn("unrel-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
 
+    # --- T19: _setup_repo branch name independent of ambient config ---
+    def test_setup_repo_branch_name_isolated(self) -> None:
+        """Regression: _setup_repo uses git init -b main so the initial
+        branch is always 'main' regardless of ambient init.defaultBranch.
+
+        Scope: actual local Git repos with isolated config per variant.
+        Verifies the initial push to a bare remote succeeds under master,
+        custom, and unset ambient defaults."""
+        variants = [
+            ("master", "master"),
+            ("custom", "trunk"),
+            ("unset", None),
+        ]
+        for label, default_branch in variants:
+            with self.subTest(ambient=label):
+                with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+                    # Isolated git config with no init.defaultBranch
+                    cfg = os.path.join(tmp, "gitconfig")
+                    with open(cfg, "w") as f:
+                        f.write("[user]\n  email = test@test\n  name = test\n")
+                        if default_branch:
+                            f.write(f"[init]\n  defaultBranch = {default_branch}\n")
+                    env = {**os.environ, "GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL": cfg,
+                           "GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM": "1"}
+                    repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
+                    os.makedirs(repo)
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.email", "t@t"],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name", "t"],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    _w(os.path.join(repo, ".gitkeep"))
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "add", ".gitkeep"],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "init"],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    # Branch must be main
+                    br = subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "branch", "--show-current"],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual(br.stdout.strip(), "main",
+                                     f"ambient={label}: branch is not main")
+                    # Push to bare remote must succeed
+                    bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
+                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    push = subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True, env=env,
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0,
+                                     f"ambient={label}: push failed: {push.stderr}")
+
     # --- T14: Staged deletion D-paths in commit diff ---
     def test_staged_deletion_appears_in_commit_diff(self) -> None:
         """commit_paths fix: git-rm staged deletions must appear in the

From 7575226588eecb9b0e7fd05ff24c1077030bc9d9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 16:26:17 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 20/42] T19: call _setup_repo under isolated env instead of
 duplicating init

T19 duplicated git init -b main and config steps instead of calling
_setup_repo(), so reverting the helper would not have failed the
regression test. Replace with _setup_repo(tmp) inside patch.dict
for GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL/GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM per ambient variant.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 45 +++++--------------
 1 file changed, 12 insertions(+), 33 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index df0083fc..ec6799a5 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 import tempfile
 import textwrap
 import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
 
 REPO_ROOT = os.path.normpath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../.."))
 
@@ -1042,9 +1043,9 @@ def test_setup_repo_branch_name_isolated(self) -> None:
         """Regression: _setup_repo uses git init -b main so the initial
         branch is always 'main' regardless of ambient init.defaultBranch.
 
-        Scope: actual local Git repos with isolated config per variant.
-        Verifies the initial push to a bare remote succeeds under master,
-        custom, and unset ambient defaults."""
+        Scope: calls _setup_repo() under isolated GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL /
+        GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM per variant (master, trunk, unset). Verifies
+        branch is 'main' and initial push to a bare remote succeeds."""
         variants = [
             ("master", "master"),
             ("custom", "trunk"),
@@ -1053,41 +1054,19 @@ def test_setup_repo_branch_name_isolated(self) -> None:
         for label, default_branch in variants:
             with self.subTest(ambient=label):
                 with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-                    # Isolated git config with no init.defaultBranch
                     cfg = os.path.join(tmp, "gitconfig")
                     with open(cfg, "w") as f:
                         f.write("[user]\n  email = test@test\n  name = test\n")
                         if default_branch:
                             f.write(f"[init]\n  defaultBranch = {default_branch}\n")
-                    env = {**os.environ, "GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL": cfg,
-                           "GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM": "1"}
-                    repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
-                    os.makedirs(repo)
-                    subprocess.run(
-                        ["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
-                    )
-                    subprocess.run(
-                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.email", "t@t"],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
-                    )
-                    subprocess.run(
-                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name", "t"],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
-                    )
-                    _w(os.path.join(repo, ".gitkeep"))
-                    subprocess.run(
-                        ["git", "-C", repo, "add", ".gitkeep"],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
-                    )
-                    subprocess.run(
-                        ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "init"],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
-                    )
+                    env_patch = {"GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL": cfg,
+                                 "GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM": "1"}
+                    with patch.dict(os.environ, env_patch):
+                        repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
                     # Branch must be main
                     br = subprocess.run(
                         ["git", "-C", repo, "branch", "--show-current"],
-                        capture_output=True, text=True, env=env,
+                        capture_output=True, text=True,
                     )
                     self.assertEqual(br.stdout.strip(), "main",
                                      f"ambient={label}: branch is not main")
@@ -1095,15 +1074,15 @@ def test_setup_repo_branch_name_isolated(self) -> None:
                     bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
                     subprocess.run(
                         ["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                        capture_output=True, check=True,
                     )
                     subprocess.run(
                         ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
-                        capture_output=True, check=True, env=env,
+                        capture_output=True, check=True,
                     )
                     push = subprocess.run(
                         ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
-                        capture_output=True, text=True, env=env,
+                        capture_output=True, text=True,
                     )
                     self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0,
                                      f"ambient={label}: push failed: {push.stderr}")

From aaefa87af31761b42cea5ae6ff5b4c9576d9b43a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 16:51:12 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 21/42] Address 8 review findings: ordering, gating, and state
 safety
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Inspection recipe: move ID+ref matching (§2) before resolution (§3)
  and inspection (§4); unmatched embeds ineligible; missing/dash/invalid
  binding statuses default to unknown with independent acceptance
- Publish-stage recipe: propagate git add and commit failures; classify
  remote SHA (expected_base vs commit_sha vs unknown) before retry push;
  require PR identity (lookup/create) when pr_number is null after push
- Publish skill: detect pending_attempt before completed metadata
  validation; keep storage policy in memory until verified push+PR
- Respond skill: check pending before handoff edits and provenance
  capture; never post replies claiming unpublished edits
- Tests: 16 new focused regressions (2 executable Git staging-failure
  tests, 14 structural contract checks); update 2 section-number refs

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  86 ++---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  32 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 296 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  26 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  18 +-
 5 files changed, 387 insertions(+), 71 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index bce8fd1b..340c63a9 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -25,9 +25,42 @@ Read the manifest at `{MANIFEST_PATH}`. It contains per-image `sha256`,
 If the manifest is missing, warn the user and record `manifest: unavailable`
 per image.
 
-### 2. Resolve image references
+### 2. Account for every declared index ID
 
-Determine the reference type from the handoff embeds:
+Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
+declared `SS-N` IDs with their declared ref paths. Match each declared
+ID to an actual image embed (`![...](...)` in the handoff body) by
+**both** the ID and its declared ref path. Consume each embed at most
+once — distinct IDs with the same ref may each match their own embed of
+that ref, but one embed cannot satisfy two IDs.
+
+- **IDs with a matching embed:** pass to steps 3–4 for resolution and
+  inspection. One output row per declared ID.
+- **IDs without an embed or whose embed was already consumed:** record
+  immediately as a 9-column row with `status: unavailable`,
+  `identity: —`, `observation: —`, `spec_match: —`, and
+  `notes: "declared in index but no matching embed found"`. Include
+  in the output and aggregate totals.
+
+Unmatched embeds (embeds in the body that do not correspond to any
+declared ID) are not eligible for inspection or citation.
+
+Run this matching **before** resolution or inspection. The total is
+the count of declared IDs, not the count of discovered embeds.
+
+Report the full accounting:
+- **Total declared:** count of IDs in the Screenshot Index
+- **Embeds found:** count with matching image embeds
+- **Missing embeds:** count without embeds (list the IDs)
+
+If any IDs have missing embeds, warn the user and prompt: repair the
+handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
+continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
+ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
+
+### 3. Resolve image references
+
+For each matched pair from §2, determine the reference type:
 
 **Local references** (`screenshots/SS-N-desc.png` -- `lfs` or `git`
 mode): **Path containment.** Before opening any local file, reject
@@ -44,9 +77,9 @@ Retrieve image bytes using the runtime's binary download capability
 (save to a temporary file). If download fails, record
 `inspection: fetch-failed`.
 
-### 3. Verify identity and inspect
+### 4. Verify identity and inspect
 
-For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
+For each resolved matched image from §3:
 
 1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides `sha256`, compute the
    SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. Record
@@ -88,7 +121,7 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
    image access.
 
 5. **Check revision binding (separate from identity).** Byte-identity
-   verification (step 3.1) and revision-binding validity are
+   verification (step 4.1) and revision-binding validity are
    independent checks — a verified SHA must not erase a binding
    mismatch.
 
@@ -104,8 +137,9 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
 
    Record binding status in the Notes column of the per-image schema
    (keeping 9 columns) with the actual expected/actual values and
-   match status. Default missing fields to `unknown` — never treat an
-   absent binding as vacuously `matched`.
+   match status. Default missing, empty, dash (`—`), or otherwise
+   invalid binding fields to `unknown` — never treat an absent or
+   unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
 
    When any binding is `mismatched` or `unknown`, prompt the user
    **per image** to accept or reject and persist the decision in
@@ -113,36 +147,6 @@ For each resolved image (local file or fetched external):
    decision=accepted`). A verified SHA cannot clear a binding
    mismatch. See §5 Eligibility for citation rules.
 
-### 4. Account for every declared index ID
-
-Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
-declared `SS-N` IDs. Match each declared ID to an actual image embed
-(`![...](...)` in the handoff body) by **both** the ID and its declared
-ref path. Consume each embed at most once — a shared ref path cannot
-satisfy two distinct IDs from one embed.
-
-- **IDs with a matching embed:** these are the images processed in
-  steps 2–3 above.
-- **IDs without an embed or whose embed was already consumed:** record
-  as a 9-column row with `status: unavailable`, `identity: —`,
-  `observation: —`, `spec_match: —`, and
-  `notes: "declared in index but no matching embed found"`. Include
-  in the output and aggregate totals.
-
-Run this accounting **before** computing the final aggregate status or
-eligibility. The total is the count of declared IDs, not the count of
-discovered embeds.
-
-Report the full accounting:
-- **Total declared:** count of IDs in the Screenshot Index
-- **Embeds found:** count with matching image embeds
-- **Missing embeds:** count without embeds (list the IDs)
-
-If any IDs have missing embeds, warn the user and prompt: repair the
-handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
-continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
-ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
-
 ### 5. Eligibility and citation rules
 
 Callers (e.g. `/plan`) read this section for citation policy; they
@@ -157,9 +161,11 @@ needed), or `mismatched`/`unverified` with explicit per-image user
 acceptance. Any other value, or a rejected/unprompted/deferred
 decision → **ineligible**.
 
-**Rule 3 — Bindings.** Each binding (`context_revision`,
-`prototype_iteration`) that is `mismatched` or `unknown` requires its
-own explicit acceptance, independent of identity. Any rejected,
+**Rule 3 — Bindings.** Stored binding status values that are missing,
+empty, a dash (`—`), or otherwise invalid default to `unknown`. Each
+binding (`context_revision`, `prototype_iteration`) that is `mismatched`
+or `unknown` requires its own explicit acceptance, independent of
+identity and independent of the other binding. Any rejected,
 unprompted, or deferred binding → **ineligible**.
 
 **Outcome:**
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 093842f8..eafe8924 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -78,7 +78,9 @@ fi
 
 for p in "${owned_paths[@]}"; do
   if [ -f "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}/$p" ]; then
-    git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" add -- "$p"
+    if ! git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" add -- "$p"; then
+      echo "Error: git add failed for $p" >&2; exit 1
+    fi
   elif git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-files --error-unmatch "$p" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     # Tracked file that no longer exists on disk — already staged by git rm
     :
@@ -116,9 +118,11 @@ else
   if [ "$rc" -eq 0 ]; then
     echo "No changes to owned paths; skipping commit."
   elif [ "$rc" -eq 1 ]; then
-    git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" commit --only \
+    if ! git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" commit --only \
       -m "{COMMIT_MESSAGE}" \
-      -- "${commit_paths[@]}"
+      -- "${commit_paths[@]}"; then
+      echo "Error: git commit failed; stopping." >&2; exit 1
+    fi
   else
     echo "Git error (exit $rc); stopping." >&2; exit "$rc"
   fi
@@ -163,10 +167,15 @@ it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
    or re-derive ownership.
 2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
    Verify the docs repo remote URL matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
-3. Check whether `pending_attempt.commit_sha` already exists on the
-   remote (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
-   - **Already pushed:** skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
-   - **Not pushed:** re-attempt push.
+3. Classify remote branch state (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
+   - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`:** Already
+     pushed. Skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
+   - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.expected_base` (or branch
+     does not exist and `expected_base` is `null` for a genuine new
+     branch never pushed):** normal push. Re-attempt push.
+   - **Any other state** (including deleted/reset branch where
+     `expected_base` was not `null`, or an unknown ahead SHA): stop.
+     Do not force-push, recreate, or guess history.
 
 **Initial new attempt** (no `pending_attempt` exists): require the
 local branch to be at a known synced base (equal to
@@ -181,7 +190,14 @@ invocation, stop.
    set `screenshot_storage` to `candidate_screenshot_storage`,
    set `screenshot_assets` to `candidate_screenshot_assets`.
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
-3. For a new PR, record `pr_number`, `branch`, and `handoff_file_path`.
+3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR, keep its `pr_number`. For a
+   new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): look up the recorded repo and
+   `branch` for an existing open PR; reuse if found. If none exists
+   and the original intent was new publication, create it. If a
+   matching PR is closed/merged (terminal), stop — do not replace;
+   report to the researcher. A known PR identity is required before
+   writing metadata. Record `pr_number`, `branch`, and
+   `handoff_file_path`.
 
 Write steps 1–3 atomically — if the write fails, retain
 `pending_attempt` so the next retry can re-finalize without a new
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index ec6799a5..7172e36e 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -533,7 +533,7 @@ def test_inspection_recipe_binding_separation(self) -> None:
             len(binding_section), 2,
             "Missing 'separate from identity' binding section",
         )
-        binding = binding_section[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        binding = binding_section[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(binding.split())  # normalize whitespace
         # Uses actual manifest fields
         self.assertIn("context_revision", flat)
@@ -1447,7 +1447,7 @@ def test_f1_one_to_one_embed_matching(self) -> None:
         ref, consuming each embed at most once."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         section = content.split("Account for every declared index ID", 1)[1]
-        section = section.split("### 5.", 1)[0]
+        section = section.split("### 3.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("both", flat.lower())
         self.assertIn("at most once", flat)
@@ -1881,5 +1881,297 @@ def test_respond_recovery_uses_candidate_not_authoring(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("never from the mutable authoring manifest", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 5: Focused regressions for PR159 review wave 2 (8 source gaps)
+#
+# Contract tests verify ordering, gating, and state rules in committed
+# instruction text.  Executable Git tests verify staging-failure
+# propagation via extracted recipe Bash blocks.  PR lookup contracts
+# are prose/structural checks, NOT live API or runtime execution.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestR4InspectionOrdering(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4759: ID+ref matching runs before resolution and inspection."""
+
+    def test_id_matching_before_resolution(self) -> None:
+        """§2 matches IDs to embeds before §3 resolves and §4 inspects."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        match_pos = content.find("### 2. Account for every declared index ID")
+        resolve_pos = content.find("### 3. Resolve image references")
+        inspect_pos = content.find("### 4. Verify identity and inspect")
+        self.assertGreater(match_pos, -1, "§2 matching section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(resolve_pos, -1, "§3 resolve section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(inspect_pos, -1, "§4 inspect section missing")
+        self.assertLess(match_pos, resolve_pos)
+        self.assertLess(resolve_pos, inspect_pos)
+
+    def test_resolve_processes_matched_pairs_only(self) -> None:
+        """§3 explicitly processes matched pairs from §2."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s3 = content.split("### 3.", 1)[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("matched pair", s3)
+
+    def test_unmatched_embeds_ineligible(self) -> None:
+        """Embeds not corresponding to any declared ID are ineligible."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("not eligible for inspection or citation", s2)
+
+
+class TestR4BindingStatusDefaults(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4770: missing/dash/invalid binding statuses default to unknown."""
+
+    def test_binding_check_dash_defaults_unknown(self) -> None:
+        """§4 binding check defaults dash and invalid to unknown."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())
+        self.assertIn("dash", flat)
+        self.assertIn("invalid", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unrecognizable", flat)
+
+    def test_rule3_dash_defaults_independent(self) -> None:
+        """§5 Rule 3 defaults dash/invalid to unknown; each binding
+        requires independent acceptance."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        rule3 = content.split("Rule 3", 1)[1].split("**Outcome:**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(rule3.split())
+        self.assertIn("dash", flat)
+        self.assertIn("invalid default to `unknown`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("independent of the other binding", flat)
+
+
+class TestR4StagingFailure(TestRecipeExecution):
+    """4777: git add / commit failures propagate; no false 'no changes'.
+
+    Executable Git tests using extracted recipe Bash blocks.
+    Preserves: git diff exit 1 as ordinary changes; HEAD-membership
+    deletion fix; unrelated index/worktree."""
+
+    def test_git_add_ignored_file_stops(self) -> None:
+        """git add on a .gitignore'd handoff path fails; recipe exits
+        nonzero, HEAD unchanged, no false 'no changes' success."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-IGN")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, ".gitignore"),
+               "feat/PROJ-IGN/handoff.md\n")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "add", ".gitignore"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "add gitignore"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ignored\n")
+            head_before = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-IGN/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-IGN",
+                msg="Should not commit",
+            )
+            self.assertNotEqual(
+                r.returncode, 0,
+                "Recipe must fail when git add fails on ignored file",
+            )
+            head_after = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                head_before, head_after,
+                "HEAD must not change when staging fails",
+            )
+
+    def test_git_add_index_lock_stops(self) -> None:
+        """git add with index.lock present fails; recipe exits nonzero,
+        HEAD unchanged."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-LK")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Lock test\n")
+            lock = os.path.join(repo, ".git", "index.lock")
+            _w(lock, "")
+            head_before = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-LK/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-LK",
+                msg="Should not commit",
+            )
+            self.assertNotEqual(
+                r.returncode, 0,
+                "Recipe must fail when index is locked",
+            )
+            head_after = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                head_before, head_after,
+                "HEAD must not change when staging fails",
+            )
+            os.unlink(lock)
+
+
+class TestR4RetryRemoteClassification(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4785: retry classifies remote SHA before push (prose contract)."""
+
+    def test_expected_base_and_commit_sha_classification(self) -> None:
+        """Retry checks expected_base, commit_sha, and stops on
+        deleted/reset/unknown (not just pushed vs not-pushed)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split("Initial new", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("expected_base", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("genuine new branch", flat)
+        self.assertIn("deleted", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("Do not force-push", flat)
+
+    def test_null_base_genuine_new_only(self) -> None:
+        """Null expected_base only for genuine new branch never pushed."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split("Initial new", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("null", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("genuine new branch never pushed", flat)
+
+
+class TestR4PRRecovery(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4795: PR recovery when pr_number is null after push
+    (prose contract, NOT live API execution)."""
+
+    def test_pr_identity_required_before_metadata(self) -> None:
+        """After push, PR identity must be known before writing metadata."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("PR identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("required before writing metadata", flat)
+
+    def test_null_pr_lookup_or_create(self) -> None:
+        """Null pr_number triggers lookup; reuses open PR or creates if
+        none; stops on terminal (closed/merged) PR."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("null", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("open PR", flat)
+        self.assertIn("terminal", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+
+
+class TestR4PendingBeforeMetadata(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4818: publish detects pending before completed metadata checks."""
+
+    def test_pending_precedes_completed_metadata(self) -> None:
+        """Pending check runs before 'lacks its PR number' gate."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        pending_pos = step1.find("Pending attempt check (early)")
+        lacks_pos = step1.find("lacks its PR")
+        self.assertGreater(pending_pos, -1, "Pending check missing")
+        self.assertGreater(lacks_pos, -1, "Completed metadata check missing")
+        self.assertLess(
+            pending_pos, lacks_pos,
+            "Pending must precede completed metadata validation",
+        )
+
+    def test_no_branch_mutation_before_pending(self) -> None:
+        """No branch creation, pull, or file copy before pending
+        validation."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        pending_block = step1.split("Pending attempt check", 1)[1].split(
+            "If no pending", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(pending_block.split())
+        self.assertIn("no branch creation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("overwritten before validation", flat)
+
+
+class TestR4StoragePolicyDeferred(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4829: storage policy kept in memory until verified push + PR."""
+
+    def test_no_premature_persist(self) -> None:
+        """Step 5 no longer says 'Store the policy in
+        publish-metadata.json'."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step5 = content.split("### Step 5:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 6:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step5.split())
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "Store the policy in `publish-metadata.json`", flat,
+        )
+        self.assertIn("memory", flat)
+
+    def test_persist_after_verified_push(self) -> None:
+        """Persist only after verified push and PR identity."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step5 = content.split("### Step 5:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 6:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step5.split())
+        self.assertIn("verified push", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unchanged on failure", flat)
+
+
+class TestR4RespondPendingBeforeEdits(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4843: respond checks pending before handoff edits/provenance."""
+
+    def test_pending_before_handoff_update(self) -> None:
+        """Pending check precedes handoff update and provenance capture."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1
+        )[0]
+        pending_pos = step4.find("Pending attempt check")
+        update_pos = step4.find("Update `.artifacts/ux-design/")
+        provenance_pos = step4.find("capture-provenance-event.md")
+        self.assertGreater(pending_pos, -1)
+        self.assertGreater(update_pos, -1)
+        self.assertGreater(provenance_pos, -1)
+        self.assertLess(
+            pending_pos, update_pos,
+            "Pending check must precede handoff update",
+        )
+        self.assertLess(
+            pending_pos, provenance_pos,
+            "Pending check must precede provenance capture",
+        )
+
+    def test_no_unpublished_edit_claims(self) -> None:
+        """Never post or log replies claiming unpublished edits."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step4.split())
+        self.assertIn("Never post or log replies claiming", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not published", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index d7364e29..481f2b3e 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -34,12 +34,16 @@ Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md`.
 If the file doesn't exist, tell the researcher that `/handoff` should be run first.
 
 If `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`
-exists, read it and treat this invocation as an update to the existing PR. Keep
-its PR number, branch, and handoff path; do not create a second PR for the same
-handoff. Older metadata may also contain `release` and `feature` fields; treat
-those as informational and do not use them to reconstruct the handoff path. If
-the metadata is unreadable or lacks its PR number, branch, or handoff path,
-stop and ask the researcher to repair it before publishing.
+exists, read it. **Pending attempt check (early).** If it contains
+`pending_attempt`, validate its schema and follow
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 before any copy,
+commit, or authoring-revision gate. Resolve config/checkout
+non-mutatingly before §4; no branch creation, pull, or file copy first.
+Already pushed → Step 9. Not pushed → Step 8. Failure → stop.
+An existing `pending_attempt` must not be overwritten before validation.
+**If no pending**, treat as an update. Keep its PR number, branch, and
+handoff path; do not create a second PR. If the metadata lacks its PR
+number, branch, or handoff path, stop and ask the researcher to repair.
 
 Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/00-context.md` and
 verify that the context is `enriched` and the handoff
@@ -50,11 +54,6 @@ publishing. Never publish a handoff produced from exploratory context.
 Also read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/01-discovery.md`;
 its **Upstream References** record the resolved published PRD and design paths.
 
-**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
-`pending_attempt`, follow `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md`
-§4 now — before any copy or commit. Already pushed → skip to Step 9.
-Not yet pushed → skip to Step 8. Validation failure → stop.
-
 ### Step 2: Resolve Docs Repo
 
 Check for an existing docs repo configuration at
@@ -254,8 +253,9 @@ alone.
 choice. If `lfs` is selected but LFS is not initialized or tracking
 patterns are missing, stop — do not auto-enable. External URLs must
 be immutable and revision-bound; reject mutable or expiring links.
-Do not invent upload providers. Store the policy in
-`publish-metadata.json`.
+Do not invent upload providers. Keep the resolved policy in memory;
+persist to `publish-metadata.json` only after verified push and PR
+identity (Step 9). Previous published storage unchanged on failure.
 
 ### Step 6: Create or Update Branch and Commit
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 01dbc05b..2c1f5d1b 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -114,20 +114,22 @@ Wait for the user to approve, modify, or reject each response.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: Yes":**
 
+**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
+a `pending_attempt` record, follow §4 of
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` **now** — before
+any file copy, `git rm`, new commit, handoff update, or provenance
+capture. Recover the old attempt first: if already pushed, skip to
+metadata finalization; if not yet pushed, skip to the push step.
+Validation failure → stop. Process new approved feedback in a separate
+invocation after recovery. Never post or log replies claiming edits
+that were not published.
+
 Update `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md` with approved changes.
 
 Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/capture-provenance-event.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`, `PHASE=respond`,
 `AUTHORING_MODE=skill`.
 
-**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
-a `pending_attempt` record, follow §4 of
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` **now** — before
-any file copy, `git rm`, or new commit. If the pending attempt is
-verified and already pushed, skip directly to metadata finalization
-below. If verified but not yet pushed, skip to the push step. If
-validation fails, stop.
-
 Update the docs repo copy:
 
 Before switching branches, confirm the docs repo worktree and index are clean:

From 9984108fe3eca577d14d30860286c6710f2c83ca Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 17:02:05 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 22/42] Refine PR recovery inputs and publish ordering

- Recipe: add base_branch to pending record; PR lookup uses
  docs_repo_remote, branch, and base_branch with terminal-PR-first
  inspection; preserve draft/ready on reuse
- Publish: move metadata+pending check before handoff read so pending
  recovery is not blocked by missing handoff; null pr_number routes
  to Step 8 (PR creation) not Step 9
- Tests: staging-failure fixtures assert no false "No changes" output
  and preserve unrelated staged+unstaged files; add contract tests
  for repo/head/base lookup inputs and handoff-read ordering

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  17 +--
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 104 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  13 ++-
 3 files changed, 116 insertions(+), 18 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index eafe8924..78632762 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -150,6 +150,7 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `expected_base` | Remote branch SHA before push, or `null` for first push |
 | `owned_paths` | Array of paths included in the commit |
 | `pr_number` | PR number (existing PR) or `null` (new PR) |
+| `base_branch` | Target branch name for the PR (e.g., `main`) |
 | `docs_repo_remote` | Docs repo remote URL (from config) |
 | `handoff_file_path` | Repo-relative handoff path |
 | `candidate_screenshot_storage` | Storage mode for this attempt |
@@ -191,13 +192,15 @@ invocation, stop.
    set `screenshot_assets` to `candidate_screenshot_assets`.
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
 3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR, keep its `pr_number`. For a
-   new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): look up the recorded repo and
-   `branch` for an existing open PR; reuse if found. If none exists
-   and the original intent was new publication, create it. If a
-   matching PR is closed/merged (terminal), stop — do not replace;
-   report to the researcher. A known PR identity is required before
-   writing metadata. Record `pr_number`, `branch`, and
-   `handoff_file_path`.
+   new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
+   `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs with head `branch` and base
+   `base_branch` in that repo. Reuse a matching open PR; preserve
+   its draft/ready status. If a matching PR is closed or merged
+   (terminal), stop — do not create a replacement; report to the
+   researcher. If no matching PR exists and the original intent was
+   new publication, create it as a draft. A known PR identity is
+   required before writing metadata. Record `pr_number`, `branch`,
+   and `handoff_file_path`.
 
 Write steps 1–3 atomically — if the write fails, retain
 `pending_attempt` so the next retry can re-finalize without a new
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 7172e36e..1f3d4543 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1734,8 +1734,9 @@ def test_pending_attempt_fields(self) -> None:
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
         for field in ("commit_sha", "branch", "expected_base",
-                      "owned_paths", "pr_number", "timestamp",
-                      "docs_repo_remote", "handoff_file_path",
+                      "owned_paths", "pr_number", "base_branch",
+                      "timestamp", "docs_repo_remote",
+                      "handoff_file_path",
                       "candidate_screenshot_storage",
                       "candidate_screenshot_assets"):
             self.assertIn(f"`{field}`", section,
@@ -1953,7 +1954,8 @@ class TestR4StagingFailure(TestRecipeExecution):
 
     def test_git_add_ignored_file_stops(self) -> None:
         """git add on a .gitignore'd handoff path fails; recipe exits
-        nonzero, HEAD unchanged, no false 'no changes' success."""
+        nonzero, HEAD unchanged, no false 'no changes' success.
+        Unrelated staged and unstaged files survive."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
             repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
             d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-IGN")
@@ -1969,6 +1971,13 @@ def test_git_add_ignored_file_stops(self) -> None:
                 capture_output=True, check=True,
             )
             _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Ignored\n")
+            # Seed unrelated staged + unstaged
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-staged.txt"), "s")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrel-staged.txt"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-dirty.txt"), "d")
             head_before = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
@@ -1982,6 +1991,9 @@ def test_git_add_ignored_file_stops(self) -> None:
                 r.returncode, 0,
                 "Recipe must fail when git add fails on ignored file",
             )
+            # No false 'no changes' success message
+            self.assertNotIn("No changes", r.stdout)
+            self.assertNotIn("skipping commit", r.stdout)
             head_after = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
@@ -1990,15 +2002,30 @@ def test_git_add_ignored_file_stops(self) -> None:
                 head_before, head_after,
                 "HEAD must not change when staging fails",
             )
+            # Unrelated files survive
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("unrel-staged.txt", st.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("unrel-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
 
     def test_git_add_index_lock_stops(self) -> None:
         """git add with index.lock present fails; recipe exits nonzero,
-        HEAD unchanged."""
+        HEAD unchanged, no false 'no changes' output.
+        Unrelated staged and unstaged files survive."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
             repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
             d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-LK")
             os.makedirs(d)
             _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Lock test\n")
+            # Seed unrelated staged + unstaged
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-staged.txt"), "s")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrel-staged.txt"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrel-dirty.txt"), "d")
             lock = os.path.join(repo, ".git", "index.lock")
             _w(lock, "")
             head_before = subprocess.run(
@@ -2014,6 +2041,9 @@ def test_git_add_index_lock_stops(self) -> None:
                 r.returncode, 0,
                 "Recipe must fail when index is locked",
             )
+            # No false 'no changes' success message
+            self.assertNotIn("No changes", r.stdout)
+            self.assertNotIn("skipping commit", r.stdout)
             head_after = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
@@ -2023,6 +2053,13 @@ def test_git_add_index_lock_stops(self) -> None:
                 "HEAD must not change when staging fails",
             )
             os.unlink(lock)
+            # Unrelated files survive after lock removed
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("unrel-staged.txt", st.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("unrel-dirty.txt", st.stdout)
 
 
 class TestR4RetryRemoteClassification(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -2077,6 +2114,33 @@ def test_null_pr_lookup_or_create(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("terminal", flat)
         self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
+    def test_pr_lookup_uses_repo_head_base(self) -> None:
+        """PR lookup uses all three identity inputs: repo (from
+        docs_repo_remote), head (branch), and base (base_branch).
+        Prose contract, NOT live API execution."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`branch`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`base_branch`", flat)
+        # Terminal PR inspected before any create
+        terminal_pos = flat.find("terminal")
+        create_pos = flat.find("create it")
+        self.assertLess(terminal_pos, create_pos,
+                        "Terminal PR check must precede create")
+
+    def test_pr_recovery_preserves_draft_status(self) -> None:
+        """Reusing an existing open PR preserves its draft/ready status."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("draft/ready status", flat)
+
 
 class TestR4PendingBeforeMetadata(unittest.TestCase):
     """4818: publish detects pending before completed metadata checks."""
@@ -2108,7 +2172,37 @@ def test_no_branch_mutation_before_pending(self) -> None:
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(pending_block.split())
         self.assertIn("no branch creation", flat)
-        self.assertIn("overwritten before validation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("overwrite", flat)
+
+    def test_handoff_read_after_pending_check(self) -> None:
+        """Handoff read does not block pending recovery — metadata and
+        pending check appear before the handoff file read."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        pending_pos = step1.find("Pending attempt check (early)")
+        handoff_pos = step1.find("05-handoff.md")
+        self.assertGreater(pending_pos, -1, "Pending check missing")
+        self.assertGreater(handoff_pos, -1, "Handoff read missing")
+        self.assertLess(
+            pending_pos, handoff_pos,
+            "Pending check must precede handoff read",
+        )
+
+    def test_null_pr_routes_to_step8(self) -> None:
+        """Already-pushed with null pr_number routes to Step 8 (create
+        PR) not Step 9 (metadata only)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step1.split())
+        self.assertIn("pr_number", flat)
+        self.assertIn("null", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("Step 8", flat)
+        # Distinguish known-PR route from null-PR route
+        self.assertIn("PR known", flat)
 
 
 class TestR4StoragePolicyDeferred(unittest.TestCase):
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 481f2b3e..f8dff0c4 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -29,22 +29,23 @@ single path component.
 
 ### Step 1: Read the Handoff Spec
 
-Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md`.
-
-If the file doesn't exist, tell the researcher that `/handoff` should be run first.
-
 If `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`
 exists, read it. **Pending attempt check (early).** If it contains
 `pending_attempt`, validate its schema and follow
 `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 before any copy,
 commit, or authoring-revision gate. Resolve config/checkout
 non-mutatingly before §4; no branch creation, pull, or file copy first.
-Already pushed → Step 9. Not pushed → Step 8. Failure → stop.
-An existing `pending_attempt` must not be overwritten before validation.
+Already pushed, PR known → Step 9. Already pushed, `pr_number`
+null → Step 8 (PR creation only). Not pushed → Step 8. Failure → stop.
+Do not overwrite existing `pending_attempt` before validation.
 **If no pending**, treat as an update. Keep its PR number, branch, and
 handoff path; do not create a second PR. If the metadata lacks its PR
 number, branch, or handoff path, stop and ask the researcher to repair.
 
+Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md`.
+
+If the file doesn't exist, tell the researcher that `/handoff` should be run first.
+
 Read `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/00-context.md` and
 verify that the context is `enriched` and the handoff
 is approved against the current discovery revision. If the manifest marks the

From 74b732e667cec0f8090fef877d38347ceb892c2b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 17:52:55 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 23/42] Address R5 review: unresolved pairs, binding decisions,
 PR identity, pending gate
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Handle unresolved matched pairs outside §4 resolved-only loop with
  full 9-field rows, failure reasons, and repair/wait/partial decision;
  unresolved status never eligible even with partial acceptance
- Persist separate named decisions for context_revision and
  prototype_iteration bindings in Notes; fail-closed for unknown/
  rejected/deferred; aggregate legacy decision not assumed accepted
- Require full head repository identity match (not just branch name)
  in PR lookup to prevent wrong-fork reuse
- Add pre-push and pre-finalization PR state revalidation in shared
  recipe §4; closed/merged/changed head stops without push
- Move respond pending gate from Step 4 (Yes-edit only) to Step 1
  (unconditional, before comment fetch); recover old then return
- Assert both markers present before ordering comparison in test
- Quarantine Git location vars (GIT_DIR, GIT_WORK_TREE, etc.) at
  module scope with setup/teardown restore; add regression proof
- Extract _exec into _RecipeExecMixin to eliminate 19 inherited
  duplicate tests from TestR4StagingFailure

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  54 ++-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  27 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 436 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  25 +-
 4 files changed, 494 insertions(+), 48 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 340c63a9..b3eb6bcf 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -79,7 +79,33 @@ Retrieve image bytes using the runtime's binary download capability
 
 ### 4. Verify identity and inspect
 
-For each resolved matched image from §3:
+**Unresolved matched pairs.** Some matched pairs from §2 may fail
+resolution in §3 (fetch-failed, lfs-unresolved, missing file,
+unsupported image capability). For each unresolved pair, record a
+full 9-column row immediately:
+
+   | Field | Value |
+   |-------|-------|
+   | `id` | Screenshot ID (`SS-N`) |
+   | `status` | Failure status from §3 (`lfs-unresolved` / `fetch-failed` / `inspection-not-supported`) |
+   | `identity` | `—` |
+   | `ref` | Published reference (local path or URL) |
+   | `expected_sha` | SHA-256 from manifest (or `—`) |
+   | `observed_sha` | `—` |
+   | `observation` | `—` (not observed — do **not** fabricate from caption or alt text) |
+   | `spec_match` | `—` |
+   | `notes` | Failure reason (e.g., "Git LFS pointer not resolved", "HTTP 404") |
+
+Report which IDs could not be resolved. Prompt the user: repair the
+source so images can be resolved, wait for access, or explicitly
+authorize partial continuation (text-only for unresolved IDs —
+inspected observations from successfully resolved images are
+retained). An unresolved status **never** becomes eligible for
+citation (§5 Rule 1) even when the user authorizes partial
+continuation; partial acceptance allows the workflow to proceed but
+does not override status-based eligibility.
+
+**For each resolved matched image from §3:**
 
 1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides `sha256`, compute the
    SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. Record
@@ -114,11 +140,10 @@ For each resolved matched image from §3:
    `[Screenshot: SS-N — accepted-unverified]`. Do not silently accept
    missing manifests or identity mismatches.
 
-4. **If unresolvable:** Record the ID and per-image status per the
-   schema above. Report which images could not be inspected. Do **not**
-   fabricate observations from captions or alt text. Ask the user
-   whether to proceed with partial/text-only context or wait for full
-   image access.
+4. **Inspection failure during resolved processing.** If a resolved
+   image cannot be visually inspected at this stage (e.g., unsupported
+   format after successful download), record it using the unresolved
+   pair schema above with status `inspection-not-supported`.
 
 5. **Check revision binding (separate from identity).** Byte-identity
    verification (step 4.1) and revision-binding validity are
@@ -142,10 +167,19 @@ For each resolved matched image from §3:
    unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
 
    When any binding is `mismatched` or `unknown`, prompt the user
-   **per image** to accept or reject and persist the decision in
-   Notes (e.g., `binding: mismatched, ctx_rev expected=r3 actual=r2,
-   decision=accepted`). A verified SHA cannot clear a binding
-   mismatch. See §5 Eligibility for citation rules.
+   **per image** with a separate named decision for each affected
+   binding. Persist each decision in Notes alongside its
+   expected/actual/status (e.g.,
+   `context_revision: mismatched, expected=r3 actual=r2, decision=accepted;
+   prototype_iteration: unknown, expected=i2 actual=—, decision=accepted`).
+   When the manifest is absent, both bindings are `unknown` and each
+   needs its own explicit acceptance. One utterance explicitly
+   accepting both may record both decisions; an ambiguous aggregate
+   legacy decision must not imply all bindings accepted. Missing,
+   rejected, deferred, or unprompted decisions remain ineligible
+   (fail-closed). Accepted-unverified labels carry through to §5.
+   A verified SHA cannot clear a binding mismatch. See §5
+   Eligibility for citation rules.
 
 ### 5. Eligibility and citation rules
 
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 78632762..9de421dc 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -168,7 +168,16 @@ it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
    or re-derive ownership.
 2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
    Verify the docs repo remote URL matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
-3. Classify remote branch state (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
+3. **Pre-push PR revalidation.** When `pending_attempt.pr_number` is
+   known (not `null`), fetch the live PR state before pushing. Verify
+   the PR is open, its head branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`,
+   and its head repository matches the canonical identity derived
+   from `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`. If the PR is closed,
+   merged, has a changed head branch or head repository, is missing,
+   or the lookup tool is unavailable, stop without pushing or writing
+   final metadata — retain `pending_attempt`. This is a pre-push
+   revalidation, not a cross-service atomic guarantee.
+4. Classify remote branch state (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`:** Already
      pushed. Skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.expected_base` (or branch
@@ -191,11 +200,19 @@ invocation, stop.
    set `screenshot_storage` to `candidate_screenshot_storage`,
    set `screenshot_assets` to `candidate_screenshot_assets`.
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
-3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR, keep its `pr_number`. For a
-   new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
+3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR (`pr_number` is known),
+   revalidate: fetch the live PR state and verify it is open with
+   head branch and head repository matching the frozen
+   `pending_attempt` record and canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity.
+   Closed, merged, changed head, missing PR, or unavailable tool →
+   stop without writing final metadata; retain `pending_attempt`.
+   For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
    `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs with head `branch` and base
-   `base_branch` in that repo. Reuse a matching open PR; preserve
-   its draft/ready status. If a matching PR is closed or merged
+   `base_branch` in that repo. For each candidate, verify the PR's
+   head repository full name matches the canonical `{owner}/{repo}`
+   from `docs_repo_remote` — a different fork with the same branch
+   name is not a match. Reuse a matching open PR; preserve its
+   draft/ready status. If a matching PR is closed or merged
    (terminal), stop — do not create a replacement; report to the
    researcher. If no matching PR exists and the original intent was
    new publication, create it as a draft. A known PR identity is
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 1f3d4543..f2db4cc7 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -28,6 +28,32 @@
 
 REPO_ROOT = os.path.normpath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../.."))
 
+# Git repository location variables that hooks may export into child
+# processes (see https://git-scm.com/docs/githooks).  Foreign-repo
+# commands must clear them so temp fixture Git calls don't redirect
+# into the caller's repository.
+_GIT_LOCATION_VARS = (
+    "GIT_DIR", "GIT_WORK_TREE", "GIT_INDEX_FILE",
+    "GIT_OBJECT_DIRECTORY", "GIT_ALTERNATE_OBJECT_DIRECTORIES",
+    "GIT_COMMON_DIR", "GIT_PREFIX",
+)
+_saved_git_env: dict[str, str | None] = {}
+
+
+def setUpModule():
+    """Quarantine inherited Git location vars for this test module."""
+    for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
+        _saved_git_env[var] = os.environ.pop(var, None)
+
+
+def tearDownModule():
+    """Restore original Git location vars after all tests."""
+    for var, value in _saved_git_env.items():
+        if value is None:
+            os.environ.pop(var, None)
+        else:
+            os.environ[var] = value
+
 
 def _read(relpath: str) -> str:
     with open(os.path.join(REPO_ROOT, relpath), encoding="utf-8") as f:
@@ -547,10 +573,10 @@ def test_inspection_recipe_binding_separation(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("cannot clear a binding mismatch", flat)
         # Default missing to unknown, never vacuously matched
         self.assertIn("vacuously `matched`", flat)
-        # Explicit per-image accept/reject prompt with persisted decision
+        # Explicit per-image accept/reject prompt with persisted decisions
         self.assertIn("prompt the user", flat)
         self.assertIn("per image", flat)
-        self.assertIn("persist the decision", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Persist each decision", flat)
         # References eligibility rules
         self.assertIn("Eligibility", flat)
 
@@ -661,8 +687,8 @@ def test_revise_provenance_unconditional(self) -> None:
 # Part 2: Executable Bash tests of the actual recipe code
 # ===================================================================
 
-class TestRecipeExecution(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Extract Bash blocks from screenshot-publish-stage.md, run them."""
+class _RecipeExecMixin:
+    """Shared _exec helper for recipe Bash execution tests (not a TestCase)."""
 
     def _exec(
         self, repo: str, handoff_path: str, handoff_dir: str,
@@ -676,6 +702,10 @@ def _exec(
         )
         return _run_script(script)
 
+
+class TestRecipeExecution(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """Extract Bash blocks from screenshot-publish-stage.md, run them."""
+
     # --- T1: Initial images + manifest ---
     def test_initial_images_and_manifest(self) -> None:
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
@@ -1844,21 +1874,26 @@ def test_publish_early_pending_check(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("Step 8", flat)
 
     def test_respond_early_pending_check(self) -> None:
-        """Respond checks pending_attempt BEFORE copy, not only at push."""
+        """Respond checks pending_attempt in Step 1 BEFORE copy/fetch."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-        # Must appear before the cp command
+        # Unconditional gate must be in Step 1
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("Unconditional pending gate", step1)
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", step1)
+        # Must appear before the cp command in the full file
         cp_pos = content.find('cp ".artifacts/ux-design/')
-        early_pos = content.find("Pending attempt check (early)")
+        gate_pos = content.find("Unconditional pending gate")
         self.assertGreater(cp_pos, -1, "cp command not found")
-        self.assertGreater(early_pos, -1, "early check not found")
-        self.assertLess(early_pos, cp_pos,
-                        "early pending check must precede cp command")
-        early = content.split("Pending attempt check (early)", 1)[1].split(
-            "Update the docs repo copy", 1
-        )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(early.split())
-        self.assertIn("before any file copy", flat.lower())
-        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+        self.assertGreater(gate_pos, -1, "pending gate not found")
+        self.assertLess(gate_pos, cp_pos,
+                        "pending gate must precede cp command")
+        # Must appear before comment fetch
+        fetch_pos = content.find("$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT")
+        self.assertGreater(fetch_pos, -1, "comment fetch not found")
+        self.assertLess(gate_pos, fetch_pos,
+                        "pending gate must precede comment fetch")
 
     # --- Committed-state wording in callers ---
 
@@ -1945,7 +1980,7 @@ def test_rule3_dash_defaults_independent(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("independent of the other binding", flat)
 
 
-class TestR4StagingFailure(TestRecipeExecution):
+class TestR4StagingFailure(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
     """4777: git add / commit failures propagate; no false 'no changes'.
 
     Executable Git tests using extracted recipe Bash blocks.
@@ -2129,6 +2164,10 @@ def test_pr_lookup_uses_repo_head_base(self) -> None:
         # Terminal PR inspected before any create
         terminal_pos = flat.find("terminal")
         create_pos = flat.find("create it")
+        self.assertGreater(terminal_pos, -1,
+                           "Terminal PR rule must be present")
+        self.assertGreater(create_pos, -1,
+                           "PR creation rule must be present")
         self.assertLess(terminal_pos, create_pos,
                         "Terminal PR check must precede create")
 
@@ -2236,24 +2275,26 @@ class TestR4RespondPendingBeforeEdits(unittest.TestCase):
     """4843: respond checks pending before handoff edits/provenance."""
 
     def test_pending_before_handoff_update(self) -> None:
-        """Pending check precedes handoff update and provenance capture."""
+        """Step 4 references Step 1 gate; update and provenance follow."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
             "### Step 5:", 1
         )[0]
-        pending_pos = step4.find("Pending attempt check")
+        # Step 4 references the unconditional gate in Step 1
+        gate_pos = step4.find("unconditional pending gate in Step 1")
         update_pos = step4.find("Update `.artifacts/ux-design/")
         provenance_pos = step4.find("capture-provenance-event.md")
-        self.assertGreater(pending_pos, -1)
+        self.assertGreater(gate_pos, -1,
+                           "Step 4 must reference Step 1 gate")
         self.assertGreater(update_pos, -1)
         self.assertGreater(provenance_pos, -1)
         self.assertLess(
-            pending_pos, update_pos,
-            "Pending check must precede handoff update",
+            gate_pos, update_pos,
+            "Gate reference must precede handoff update",
         )
         self.assertLess(
-            pending_pos, provenance_pos,
-            "Pending check must precede provenance capture",
+            gate_pos, provenance_pos,
+            "Gate reference must precede provenance capture",
         )
 
     def test_no_unpublished_edit_claims(self) -> None:
@@ -2267,5 +2308,352 @@ def test_no_unpublished_edit_claims(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("not published", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 5b: R5 review regression tests
+#
+# Contract checks for the five inline comments + three outside-diff
+# notes from PR159 review round 5.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestR5UnresolvedPairHandling(unittest.TestCase):
+    """2393: unresolved matched pairs get full rows outside §4 loop."""
+
+    def test_unresolved_section_before_resolved_loop(self) -> None:
+        """Unresolved pair handling appears before the resolved loop."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
+        unresolved_pos = s4.find("Unresolved matched pairs")
+        resolved_pos = s4.find("For each resolved matched image")
+        self.assertGreater(unresolved_pos, -1,
+                           "Unresolved section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(resolved_pos, -1,
+                           "Resolved loop missing")
+        self.assertLess(unresolved_pos, resolved_pos)
+
+    def test_unresolved_has_full_9_column_schema(self) -> None:
+        """Unresolved pairs get full 9-column rows."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Unresolved matched pairs", 1)[1].split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[0]
+        for field in ("id", "status", "identity", "ref", "expected_sha",
+                      "observed_sha", "observation", "spec_match", "notes"):
+            self.assertIn(f"`{field}`", section,
+                          f"Unresolved schema missing field: {field}")
+
+    def test_unresolved_no_fabricated_observations(self) -> None:
+        """Unresolved pairs must not fabricate from caption/alt text."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Unresolved matched pairs", 1)[1].split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("not observed", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fabricate", flat)
+
+    def test_unresolved_continuation_decision(self) -> None:
+        """Unresolved pairs prompt repair/wait/partial-text-only."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Unresolved matched pairs", 1)[1].split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("repair", flat)
+        self.assertIn("wait", flat)
+        self.assertIn("partial continuation", flat)
+
+    def test_unresolved_never_eligible(self) -> None:
+        """Unresolved status never becomes eligible even with partial."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Unresolved matched pairs", 1)[1].split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("never", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("eligible", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Rule 1", flat)
+
+
+class TestR5SeparateBindingDecisions(unittest.TestCase):
+    """2406: §4.5 persists separate named decisions per binding."""
+
+    def test_separate_named_decisions(self) -> None:
+        """§4.5 prompts separate decisions for each binding."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())
+        self.assertIn("separate named decision", flat)
+        self.assertIn("context_revision:", flat)
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration:", flat)
+
+    def test_both_unknown_need_explicit_each(self) -> None:
+        """Both unknown when manifest absent; each needs acceptance."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())
+        self.assertIn("manifest is absent", flat)
+        self.assertIn("both", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("own explicit acceptance", flat)
+
+    def test_aggregate_decision_not_assumed(self) -> None:
+        """Ambiguous aggregate legacy decision not assumed all accepted."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())
+        self.assertIn("aggregate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("must not imply all bindings accepted", flat)
+
+    def test_fail_closed_ineligible_labels(self) -> None:
+        """Missing/rejected/deferred/unprompted remain ineligible."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        binding = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(binding.split())
+        self.assertIn("fail-closed", flat)
+        self.assertIn("rejected", flat)
+        self.assertIn("deferred", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unprompted", flat)
+        self.assertIn("ineligible", flat)
+
+
+class TestR5HeadRepoIdentity(unittest.TestCase):
+    """2420: PR lookup requires full head repository identity match."""
+
+    def test_head_repo_match_in_pr_lookup(self) -> None:
+        """PR lookup verifies head repository, not just branch name."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("head repository full name", flat)
+        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("different fork", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not a match", flat)
+
+    def test_head_repo_in_existing_pr_revalidation(self) -> None:
+        """Existing PR revalidation checks head repository."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        # Existing PR path checks head repo
+        self.assertIn("head branch and head repository", flat)
+
+
+class TestR5PrePushPRRevalidation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """2430: retry revalidates live PR state before push."""
+
+    def test_retry_prepush_pr_check(self) -> None:
+        """On retry with known pr_number, verifies live PR state."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split(
+            "Initial new", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("Pre-push PR revalidation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pr_number", flat)
+        self.assertIn("open", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("head branch", flat)
+        self.assertIn("head repository", flat)
+
+    def test_closed_merged_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Closed/merged/missing PR stops without push."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Classify remote", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("closed", flat)
+        self.assertIn("merged", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop without pushing", flat)
+        self.assertIn("retain `pending_attempt`", flat)
+
+    def test_no_atomic_guarantee_claim(self) -> None:
+        """Does not claim cross-service atomic race-free guarantee."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Classify remote", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("not a cross-service atomic guarantee", flat)
+
+    def test_finalization_pr_check(self) -> None:
+        """After push, existing PR revalidated before metadata write."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        # Known PR path requires live state check
+        self.assertIn("revalidate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop without writing final metadata", flat)
+
+
+class TestR5RespondUnconditionalGate(unittest.TestCase):
+    """2444: respond pending gate unconditional in Step 1."""
+
+    def test_gate_in_step1_before_fetch(self) -> None:
+        """Unconditional pending gate in Step 1 before comment fetch."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        gate_pos = step1.find("Unconditional pending gate")
+        fetch_pos = step1.find("PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT")
+        self.assertGreater(gate_pos, -1,
+                           "Unconditional gate missing from Step 1")
+        self.assertGreater(fetch_pos, -1,
+                           "Comment fetch missing from Step 1")
+        self.assertLess(gate_pos, fetch_pos,
+                        "Gate must precede comment fetch")
+
+    def test_recover_and_return(self) -> None:
+        """Gate recovers old attempt then returns; new feedback separate."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step1 = content.split("Unconditional pending gate", 1)[1].split(
+            "Determine", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step1.split())
+        self.assertIn("Return after recovery", flat)
+        self.assertIn("separate invocation", flat)
+
+    def test_no_fabricated_success(self) -> None:
+        """Missing prereqs → stop, no fabricated success/replies/log."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step1 = content.split("Unconditional pending gate", 1)[1].split(
+            "Determine", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step1.split())
+        self.assertIn("do not fabricate success", flat)
+        self.assertIn("post new replies", flat)
+
+    def test_pr_creation_directed_to_publish(self) -> None:
+        """PR creation recovery directed to /publish, not silently granted."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step1 = content.split("Unconditional pending gate", 1)[1].split(
+            "Determine", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step1.split())
+        self.assertIn("/publish", flat)
+        self.assertIn("outside", flat)
+
+    def test_step4_references_step1_gate(self) -> None:
+        """Step 4 references Step 1 unconditional gate."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("unconditional pending gate in Step 1", step4)
+
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 6: Git environment quarantine regression
+#
+# Proves that setUpModule strips inherited Git location vars so
+# temp fixture Git calls don't redirect into the caller's repo.
+# Uses ONLY disposable caller+target repos and sentinel files.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestGitEnvQuarantine(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Regression: Git location vars from caller don't leak into
+    _setup_repo or _run_script temp fixture repos."""
+
+    def test_quarantine_prevents_caller_leak(self) -> None:
+        """With GIT_DIR/GIT_WORK_TREE set to a disposable caller repo,
+        _setup_repo creates an independent target repo whose HEAD and
+        index are unaffected by the caller paths.  Caller repo HEAD,
+        index, and worktree remain unchanged after the operation.
+
+        Scope: disposable caller repo + temp fixture target + sentinel.
+        Never uses the real checkout, Git dir, or global config."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # --- Create disposable caller repo with sentinel ---
+            caller = os.path.join(tmp, "caller-repo")
+            os.makedirs(caller)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", caller],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.email", "c@c"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.name", "caller"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            sentinel = os.path.join(caller, "sentinel.txt")
+            _w(sentinel, "caller-sentinel")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "add", "sentinel.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "commit", "-m", "sentinel"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            caller_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # --- Inject caller location vars into a child env ---
+            child_env = os.environ.copy()
+            # Remove location vars first (quarantine already did this
+            # at module level, but be explicit for the child)
+            for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
+                child_env.pop(var, None)
+            # Now inject ONLY owned disposable caller paths
+            child_env["GIT_DIR"] = os.path.join(caller, ".git")
+            child_env["GIT_WORK_TREE"] = caller
+
+            # --- Create target repo WITHOUT the leaked vars ---
+            target_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "target-setup")
+            os.makedirs(target_dir)
+            target = _setup_repo(target_dir)
+
+            # --- Run a git command in target WITHOUT leaked vars ---
+            result = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", target, "log", "--oneline"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0)
+            self.assertIn("init", result.stdout)
+            self.assertNotIn("sentinel", result.stdout)
+
+            # --- Verify caller HEAD unchanged ---
+            after_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(caller_head, after_head,
+                             "Caller HEAD must be unchanged")
+
+            # --- Verify caller worktree unchanged ---
+            caller_status = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertEqual(caller_status.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "Caller worktree must be clean")
+
+            # --- Verify caller sentinel file intact ---
+            with open(sentinel) as f:
+                self.assertEqual(f.read(), "caller-sentinel")
+
+    def test_module_quarantine_strips_vars(self) -> None:
+        """setUpModule removed Git location vars from os.environ;
+        verify they are absent during test execution."""
+        for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
+            self.assertNotIn(
+                var, os.environ,
+                f"{var} should be quarantined during tests",
+            )
+
+    def test_env_restored_after_module(self) -> None:
+        """Saved values in _saved_git_env will be restored by
+        tearDownModule. Verify the save dict was populated."""
+        self.assertEqual(len(_saved_git_env), len(_GIT_LOCATION_VARS))
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 2c1f5d1b..8ce5cdde 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -41,6 +41,19 @@ Read `.artifacts/config.json` to get the docs repo path and
 number and `{branch-name}`. If either file doesn't exist, tell the user
 that `/publish` should be run first.
 
+**Unconditional pending gate.** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
+a `pending_attempt` record, recover the prior attempt before
+fetching or processing any new feedback. Follow §4 of
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md`: if already
+pushed, skip to metadata finalization; if not yet pushed, push
+first. If recovery requires PR creation (an operation outside
+`/respond` established permissions), direct the researcher to run
+`/publish` for that step. If prerequisites cannot be verified
+(missing config, metadata, PR identity, or unavailable tool),
+stop with clear directions — do not fabricate success, post new
+replies, or write log entries. Return after recovery; process
+new feedback in a separate invocation.
+
 Determine `{source_repo_root}` with `git rev-parse --show-toplevel`. Normalize
 `docs_repo_path` before using it: expand `~`, resolve a relative value against
 `{source_repo_root}`, then use `Path.resolve()` to get an absolute path. This
@@ -114,15 +127,9 @@ Wait for the user to approve, modify, or reject each response.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: Yes":**
 
-**Pending attempt check (early).** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
-a `pending_attempt` record, follow §4 of
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` **now** — before
-any file copy, `git rm`, new commit, handoff update, or provenance
-capture. Recover the old attempt first: if already pushed, skip to
-metadata finalization; if not yet pushed, skip to the push step.
-Validation failure → stop. Process new approved feedback in a separate
-invocation after recovery. Never post or log replies claiming edits
-that were not published.
+The unconditional pending gate in Step 1 ensures prior attempts
+are recovered before reaching this point. Never post or log replies
+claiming edits that were not published.
 
 Update `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md` with approved changes.
 

From 92fa385ca7666b298b200521e3bad6534cc231e7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 18:07:23 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 24/42] Fix three R5 gaps: child-process quarantine proof,
 late-branch handling, prereq ordering
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Replace quarantine test with actual isolated child Python process
  launched under poisoned env (all 7 Git location vars set to
  disposable caller). Child calls setUpModule/tearDownModule, runs
  _setup_repo + _run_script in temp target, returns BEFORE/AFTER
  diagnostics. Parent verifies exit 0, quarantine/restore observed,
  caller HEAD/index/worktree/sentinel unchanged. Control test proves
  leak without quarantine.
- Add full continuation handling (repair/wait/partial) to §4.4 late
  inspection failure branch, not just row schema reference
- Reorder respond Step 1: resolve docs_repo_path (read-only prereqs)
  before unconditional pending gate so §4 recovery has validated path

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   5 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 282 +++++++++++++-----
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  27 +-
 3 files changed, 232 insertions(+), 82 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index b3eb6bcf..4b66899e 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -143,7 +143,10 @@ does not override status-based eligibility.
 4. **Inspection failure during resolved processing.** If a resolved
    image cannot be visually inspected at this stage (e.g., unsupported
    format after successful download), record it using the unresolved
-   pair schema above with status `inspection-not-supported`.
+   pair schema above with status `inspection-not-supported`. Apply the
+   same continuation handling: prompt the user to repair, wait, or
+   explicitly authorize partial continuation for this ID. Do not
+   fabricate observations from captions or alt text.
 
 5. **Check revision binding (separate from identity).** Byte-identity
    verification (step 4.1) and revision-binding validity are
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index f2db4cc7..b666164b 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -2373,6 +2373,24 @@ def test_unresolved_never_eligible(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("eligible", flat)
         self.assertIn("Rule 1", flat)
 
+    def test_late_inspection_failure_full_handling(self) -> None:
+        """§4.4 late inspection failure applies same continuation
+        handling (repair/wait/partial), not just row shape."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        # Scope to the late-failure step inside resolved processing
+        resolved_section = content.split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[1].split("Check revision binding", 1)[0]
+        late = resolved_section.split("Inspection failure", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(late), 2,
+                         "Late inspection failure step missing")
+        late_text = late[1].split("5.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(late_text.split())
+        self.assertIn("continuation handling", flat)
+        self.assertIn("repair", flat)
+        self.assertIn("partial continuation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fabricate", flat)
+
 
 class TestR5SeparateBindingDecisions(unittest.TestCase):
     """2406: §4.5 persists separate named decisions per binding."""
@@ -2554,6 +2572,25 @@ def test_step4_references_step1_gate(self) -> None:
         )[0]
         self.assertIn("unconditional pending gate in Step 1", step4)
 
+    def test_gate_after_prereq_normalization(self) -> None:
+        """Gate appears after docs_repo_path normalization (read-only
+        prereqs) so §4 recovery has validated checkout path."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        norm_pos = step1.find("Normalize")
+        gate_pos = step1.find("Unconditional pending gate")
+        self.assertGreater(norm_pos, -1,
+                           "Path normalization missing")
+        self.assertGreater(gate_pos, -1,
+                           "Unconditional gate missing")
+        self.assertLess(norm_pos, gate_pos,
+                        "Normalization must precede pending gate")
+        # Gate references the resolved path
+        gate_text = step1.split("Unconditional pending gate", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("resolved `docs_repo_path`", gate_text)
+
 
 # ===================================================================
 # Part 6: Git environment quarantine regression
@@ -2565,94 +2602,203 @@ def test_step4_references_step1_gate(self) -> None:
 
 class TestGitEnvQuarantine(unittest.TestCase):
     """Regression: Git location vars from caller don't leak into
-    _setup_repo or _run_script temp fixture repos."""
+    _setup_repo or _run_script temp fixture repos.
+
+    Uses isolated child Python processes launched with a poisoned env
+    (all 7 Git location vars pointing at a disposable caller repo).
+    Never touches the real checkout, .git dir, index, or global config."""
+
+    def _make_caller_repo(self, tmp: str) -> tuple[str, str, str]:
+        """Create a disposable caller repo with sentinel; return
+        (caller_path, sentinel_path, caller_head_sha)."""
+        caller = os.path.join(tmp, "caller-repo")
+        os.makedirs(caller)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", caller],
+                       capture_output=True, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.email", "c@c"],
+                       capture_output=True, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.name", "caller"],
+                       capture_output=True, check=True)
+        sentinel = os.path.join(caller, "sentinel.txt")
+        _w(sentinel, "caller-sentinel")
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "add", "sentinel.txt"],
+                       capture_output=True, check=True)
+        subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "commit", "-m", "sentinel"],
+                       capture_output=True, check=True)
+        head = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+            capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+        return caller, sentinel, head
+
+    def _poisoned_env(self, caller: str) -> dict[str, str]:
+        """Build child env: scrub inherited location vars first, then
+        inject ONLY owned disposable caller paths."""
+        child_env: dict[str, str] = {}
+        for k, v in os.environ.items():
+            if k not in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
+                child_env[k] = v
+        git_dir = os.path.join(caller, ".git")
+        child_env["GIT_DIR"] = git_dir
+        child_env["GIT_WORK_TREE"] = caller
+        child_env["GIT_INDEX_FILE"] = os.path.join(git_dir, "index")
+        child_env["GIT_OBJECT_DIRECTORY"] = os.path.join(git_dir, "objects")
+        child_env["GIT_ALTERNATE_OBJECT_DIRECTORIES"] = ""
+        child_env["GIT_COMMON_DIR"] = git_dir
+        child_env["GIT_PREFIX"] = ""
+        child_env["TEST_MODULE_DIR"] = os.path.dirname(__file__)
+        return child_env
+
+    def _clean_verify_env(self) -> dict[str, str]:
+        """Return env with Git location vars removed for clean checks."""
+        return {k: v for k, v in os.environ.items()
+                if k not in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS}
+
+    def test_quarantine_in_poisoned_child(self) -> None:
+        """Launch child Python with all 7 Git location vars pointing at
+        a disposable caller repo.  Child calls setUpModule, runs
+        _setup_repo + _run_script in a temp target, calls tearDownModule,
+        and returns BEFORE/AFTER diagnostics.
+
+        Parent verifies: child exit 0, quarantine+restoration observed,
+        caller HEAD/index/worktree/sentinel unchanged.
+
+        Scope: disposable caller + temp fixture, never real checkout."""
+        import json
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            caller, sentinel, caller_head = self._make_caller_repo(tmp)
+            child_env = self._poisoned_env(caller)
 
-    def test_quarantine_prevents_caller_leak(self) -> None:
-        """With GIT_DIR/GIT_WORK_TREE set to a disposable caller repo,
-        _setup_repo creates an independent target repo whose HEAD and
-        index are unaffected by the caller paths.  Caller repo HEAD,
-        index, and worktree remain unchanged after the operation.
+            child_script = textwrap.dedent('''\
+                import json, os, sys, tempfile
+                sys.path.insert(0, os.environ["TEST_MODULE_DIR"])
+                import test_screenshot_lifecycle as mod
 
-        Scope: disposable caller repo + temp fixture target + sentinel.
-        Never uses the real checkout, Git dir, or global config."""
-        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-            # --- Create disposable caller repo with sentinel ---
-            caller = os.path.join(tmp, "caller-repo")
-            os.makedirs(caller)
-            subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", caller],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
-            subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.email", "c@c"],
-                capture_output=True, check=True)
-            subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.name", "caller"],
-                capture_output=True, check=True)
-            sentinel = os.path.join(caller, "sentinel.txt")
-            _w(sentinel, "caller-sentinel")
-            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", caller, "add", "sentinel.txt"],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
-            subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", caller, "commit", "-m", "sentinel"],
-                capture_output=True, check=True)
-            caller_head = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+                LOC = list(mod._GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+                results = {}
 
-            # --- Inject caller location vars into a child env ---
-            child_env = os.environ.copy()
-            # Remove location vars first (quarantine already did this
-            # at module level, but be explicit for the child)
-            for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
-                child_env.pop(var, None)
-            # Now inject ONLY owned disposable caller paths
-            child_env["GIT_DIR"] = os.path.join(caller, ".git")
-            child_env["GIT_WORK_TREE"] = caller
-
-            # --- Create target repo WITHOUT the leaked vars ---
-            target_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "target-setup")
-            os.makedirs(target_dir)
-            target = _setup_repo(target_dir)
-
-            # --- Run a git command in target WITHOUT leaked vars ---
-            result = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", target, "log", "--oneline"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
+                # BEFORE: observe injected vars present
+                results["before"] = {v: os.environ.get(v) for v in LOC}
+
+                mod.setUpModule()
+
+                # AFTER SETUP: all 7 vars must be removed
+                results["after_setup"] = {v: os.environ.get(v) for v in LOC}
+
+                # Run _setup_repo + _run_script in temp target
+                with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as t:
+                    import subprocess as sp
+                    repo = mod._setup_repo(t)
+                    log = sp.run(["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline"],
+                                 capture_output=True, text=True)
+                    results["target_log_rc"] = log.returncode
+                    results["target_has_init"] = "init" in log.stdout
+                    results["target_no_sentinel"] = "sentinel" not in log.stdout
+
+                    r = mod._run_script("echo quarantine-proof", cwd=repo)
+                    results["script_rc"] = r.returncode
+                    results["script_out"] = r.stdout.strip()
+
+                mod.tearDownModule()
+
+                # AFTER TEARDOWN: vars must be restored to injected values
+                results["after_teardown"] = {v: os.environ.get(v) for v in LOC}
+
+                print(json.dumps(results))
+            ''')
+
+            child = subprocess.run(
+                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
+                cwd=tmp,
             )
-            self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0)
-            self.assertIn("init", result.stdout)
-            self.assertNotIn("sentinel", result.stdout)
+            self.assertEqual(child.returncode, 0,
+                             f"Child failed:\n{child.stderr}")
+            diag = json.loads(child.stdout.strip())
+
+            # --- BEFORE: injected vars were present ---
+            for var in ("GIT_DIR", "GIT_WORK_TREE", "GIT_INDEX_FILE",
+                        "GIT_OBJECT_DIRECTORY", "GIT_COMMON_DIR"):
+                self.assertIsNotNone(
+                    diag["before"][var],
+                    f"{var} not injected before setup")
+
+            # --- AFTER SETUP: all 7 cleared ---
+            for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
+                self.assertIsNone(
+                    diag["after_setup"].get(var),
+                    f"{var} not cleared by setUpModule")
+
+            # --- Target operations succeeded independently ---
+            self.assertEqual(diag["target_log_rc"], 0)
+            self.assertTrue(diag["target_has_init"])
+            self.assertTrue(diag["target_no_sentinel"])
+            self.assertEqual(diag["script_rc"], 0)
+            self.assertEqual(diag["script_out"], "quarantine-proof")
+
+            # --- AFTER TEARDOWN: vars restored ---
+            self.assertEqual(
+                diag["after_teardown"]["GIT_DIR"],
+                os.path.join(caller, ".git"))
+            self.assertEqual(
+                diag["after_teardown"]["GIT_WORK_TREE"], caller)
 
-            # --- Verify caller HEAD unchanged ---
+            # --- Caller repo untouched (clean verification env) ---
+            clean = self._clean_verify_env()
             after_head = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=clean,
+            ).stdout.strip()
             self.assertEqual(caller_head, after_head,
                              "Caller HEAD must be unchanged")
-
-            # --- Verify caller worktree unchanged ---
-            caller_status = subprocess.run(
+            st = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", caller, "status", "--porcelain"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True)
-            self.assertEqual(caller_status.stdout.strip(), "",
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=clean)
+            self.assertEqual(st.stdout.strip(), "",
                              "Caller worktree must be clean")
-
-            # --- Verify caller sentinel file intact ---
             with open(sentinel) as f:
                 self.assertEqual(f.read(), "caller-sentinel")
 
+    def test_quarantine_disabled_shows_leak(self) -> None:
+        """Control: child WITHOUT setUpModule observes poisoned vars
+        still present in env — proves quarantine is necessary.
+
+        Scope: read-only observation, never mutates real repo."""
+        import json
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            caller = os.path.join(tmp, "caller-ctrl")
+            os.makedirs(caller)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", caller],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            child_env = self._poisoned_env(caller)
+
+            child_script = textwrap.dedent('''\
+                import json, os, sys
+                sys.path.insert(0, os.environ["TEST_MODULE_DIR"])
+                import test_screenshot_lifecycle as mod
+                # Do NOT call setUpModule — vars must leak
+                leaked = {v: os.environ.get(v) for v in mod._GIT_LOCATION_VARS}
+                has_leak = leaked.get("GIT_DIR") is not None
+                print(json.dumps({"leaked": leaked, "has_leak": has_leak}))
+            ''')
+
+            child = subprocess.run(
+                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
+                cwd=tmp,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(child.returncode, 0, child.stderr)
+            diag = json.loads(child.stdout.strip())
+            self.assertTrue(
+                diag["has_leak"],
+                "Control: GIT_DIR must leak without quarantine")
+
     def test_module_quarantine_strips_vars(self) -> None:
         """setUpModule removed Git location vars from os.environ;
         verify they are absent during test execution."""
         for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
             self.assertNotIn(
                 var, os.environ,
-                f"{var} should be quarantined during tests",
-            )
-
-    def test_env_restored_after_module(self) -> None:
-        """Saved values in _saved_git_env will be restored by
-        tearDownModule. Verify the save dict was populated."""
-        self.assertEqual(len(_saved_git_env), len(_GIT_LOCATION_VARS))
+                f"{var} should be quarantined during tests")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 8ce5cdde..f5064c81 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -41,19 +41,6 @@ Read `.artifacts/config.json` to get the docs repo path and
 number and `{branch-name}`. If either file doesn't exist, tell the user
 that `/publish` should be run first.
 
-**Unconditional pending gate.** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
-a `pending_attempt` record, recover the prior attempt before
-fetching or processing any new feedback. Follow §4 of
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md`: if already
-pushed, skip to metadata finalization; if not yet pushed, push
-first. If recovery requires PR creation (an operation outside
-`/respond` established permissions), direct the researcher to run
-`/publish` for that step. If prerequisites cannot be verified
-(missing config, metadata, PR identity, or unavailable tool),
-stop with clear directions — do not fabricate success, post new
-replies, or write log entries. Return after recovery; process
-new feedback in a separate invocation.
-
 Determine `{source_repo_root}` with `git rev-parse --show-toplevel`. Normalize
 `docs_repo_path` before using it: expand `~`, resolve a relative value against
 `{source_repo_root}`, then use `Path.resolve()` to get an absolute path. This
@@ -61,6 +48,20 @@ also supports existing configs that stored the path relative to the source
 repository. Use only the normalized absolute path in subsequent Git commands,
 filesystem paths, and provenance targets.
 
+**Unconditional pending gate.** If `publish-metadata.json` contains
+a `pending_attempt` record, recover the prior attempt before
+fetching or processing any new feedback. Follow §4 of
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` using the
+resolved `docs_repo_path` above: if already pushed, skip to
+metadata finalization; if not yet pushed, push first. If recovery
+requires PR creation (an operation outside `/respond` established
+permissions), direct the researcher to run `/publish` for that
+step. If prerequisites cannot be verified (missing config,
+metadata, PR identity, or unavailable tool), stop with clear
+directions — do not fabricate success, post new replies, or write
+log entries. Return after recovery; process new feedback in a
+separate invocation.
+
 Read `00-context.md` and compare the published handoff's discovery revision
 with the current revision. If enrichment made the handoff stale, stop before
 applying review feedback and recommend `/handoff` to regenerate it. Resume

From 1fe5446a2fb8b9f492a0656a54af180449833ea0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 19:20:26 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 25/42] Address R6 review: repair rerun, missing-file status,
 base check, push dest, upstream paths, extended quarantine
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Inspection recipe: rerun §2/§3–4 after repair replaces old rows;
  canonical unavailable status for missing local files in §3/§4
- Publish stage recipe: validate live base_branch before retry push
  and finalization; retarget stops with researcher reconciliation
- Publish stage recipe: resolve and validate push destination via
  git remote get-url --push --all; single approved destination,
  SSH/HTTPS equivalence, no credential persistence; query push URL
  for expected_base and post-push verification
- Publish stage recipe: freeze upstream_prd_path/upstream_design_path
  in pending_attempt; verify at commit_sha before finalization
- Publish: use frozen upstream paths from pending_attempt on recovery;
  verify at commit_sha per shared recipe §4
- Test quarantine: extend from 7 to 15 Git-local vars (verified via
  git rev-parse --local-env-vars); include GIT_CONFIG_COUNT/PARAMETERS/
  CONFIG and indexed KEY_n/VALUE_n payloads; preserve T19 GLOBAL/
  NOSYSTEM fixtures
- Add command-scope config override regression proving poisoned
  COUNT/KEY/VALUE override file config before and fixture value after
  quarantine, with restoration verified
- Add focused regressions for all six R6 findings plus Git proof with
  disposable two-bare-remote push URL divergence and multi-push-URL
  detection

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  23 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  60 ++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 502 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  15 +-
 4 files changed, 563 insertions(+), 37 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 4b66899e..7745706d 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -58,6 +58,12 @@ handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
 continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
 ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
 
+If the user repairs the handoff (adds missing embeds), rerun §2
+matching for the repaired IDs. Replace previous `unavailable` rows
+with fresh matched results and recalculate all aggregate totals
+before proceeding to §3. Do not append duplicate rows — each
+declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
+
 ### 3. Resolve image references
 
 For each matched pair from §2, determine the reference type:
@@ -69,8 +75,13 @@ candidate against `{HANDOFF_DIR}` and verify the resolved path remains
 inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the path is a symlink, verify its target is
 also inside `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. Stop and report any reference that
 escapes. Then locate the image file relative to `{HANDOFF_DIR}`. If the file
-is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with `version https://git-lfs`),
-attempt `git lfs smudge` or record `inspection: lfs-unresolved`.
+does not exist at the resolved path (after passing containment
+checks), record the pair as unresolved with `status: unavailable`
+and `notes: "file not found at resolved path"`. This is a missing-
+file resolution failure, distinct from the traversal/symlink escape
+hard stop. If the file is a Git LFS pointer stub (starts with
+`version https://git-lfs`), attempt `git lfs smudge` or record
+`inspection: lfs-unresolved`.
 
 **External references** (`https://...` URLs -- `external` mode):
 Retrieve image bytes using the runtime's binary download capability
@@ -87,7 +98,7 @@ full 9-column row immediately:
    | Field | Value |
    |-------|-------|
    | `id` | Screenshot ID (`SS-N`) |
-   | `status` | Failure status from §3 (`lfs-unresolved` / `fetch-failed` / `inspection-not-supported`) |
+   | `status` | Failure status from §3 (`unavailable` / `lfs-unresolved` / `fetch-failed` / `inspection-not-supported`) |
    | `identity` | `—` |
    | `ref` | Published reference (local path or URL) |
    | `expected_sha` | SHA-256 from manifest (or `—`) |
@@ -105,6 +116,12 @@ citation (§5 Rule 1) even when the user authorizes partial
 continuation; partial acceptance allows the workflow to proceed but
 does not override status-based eligibility.
 
+If the user repairs the source or access is restored, rerun §3
+resolution and §4 identity/inspection for the previously unresolved
+IDs. Replace previous unresolved rows with fresh results and
+recalculate aggregate totals. Do not append duplicate rows — each
+declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
+
 **For each resolved matched image from §3:**
 
 1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides `sha256`, compute the
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 9de421dc..db6bfaa7 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -155,11 +155,32 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `handoff_file_path` | Repo-relative handoff path |
 | `candidate_screenshot_storage` | Storage mode for this attempt |
 | `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
+| `upstream_prd_path` | Repo-relative path to PRD (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
+| `upstream_design_path` | Repo-relative path to design doc (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
+| `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{owner}/{repo}` canonical form) |
 | `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
 
 The `pending_attempt` record is private authoring state — do not copy
 it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
 
+**Push destination validation.** Before recording `expected_base` or
+pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
+`git remote get-url --push --all origin`. This expands `pushInsteadOf`
+rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
+
+1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
+2. Its canonical `{owner}/{repo}` identity matches
+   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH/HTTPS equivalents of the same repository
+   are valid. Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged.
+3. If multiple push URLs exist, the identity does not match, or
+   resolution fails, stop — do not push or adopt the unverified
+   destination.
+
+Record the canonical identity as `push_destination`. Use this
+validated destination for the initial `expected_base` snapshot
+(`git ls-remote` against the push URL, not the fetch tracking ref),
+retry classification, and post-push verification.
+
 **On retry (when `pending_attempt` exists).** Before any file copy,
 `git rm`, or new commit:
 
@@ -168,16 +189,25 @@ it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
    or re-derive ownership.
 2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
    Verify the docs repo remote URL matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
+   Re-resolve the effective push destination
+   (`git remote get-url --push --all origin`) and verify its
+   canonical identity matches `pending_attempt.push_destination`.
+   Changed or unverifiable push destination → stop.
 3. **Pre-push PR revalidation.** When `pending_attempt.pr_number` is
    known (not `null`), fetch the live PR state before pushing. Verify
    the PR is open, its head branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`,
    and its head repository matches the canonical identity derived
-   from `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`. If the PR is closed,
-   merged, has a changed head branch or head repository, is missing,
-   or the lookup tool is unavailable, stop without pushing or writing
-   final metadata — retain `pending_attempt`. This is a pre-push
-   revalidation, not a cross-service atomic guarantee.
-4. Classify remote branch state (`git ls-remote origin {branch}`):
+   from `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`, and its base branch
+   matches `pending_attempt.base_branch`. If the PR is closed,
+   merged, has a changed head branch, head repository, or base
+   branch, is missing, or the lookup tool is unavailable, stop
+   without pushing or writing final metadata — retain
+   `pending_attempt`. A retargeted base branch requires researcher
+   approval reconciliation; do not automatically retarget the PR
+   back. This is a pre-push revalidation, not a cross-service
+   atomic guarantee.
+4. Classify remote branch state against the validated push
+   destination (`git ls-remote "$(git remote get-url --push origin)" {branch}`):
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`:** Already
      pushed. Skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.expected_base` (or branch
@@ -193,8 +223,8 @@ local branch to be at a known synced base (equal to
 local branch is ahead of the remote by commits not created by this
 invocation, stop.
 
-**After successful push.** Verify the remote ref matches
-`pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly (`git ls-remote`). Then:
+**After successful push.** Verify the remote ref at the validated
+push destination matches `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly. Then:
 
 1. Finalize metadata from `pending_attempt` candidate values:
    set `screenshot_storage` to `candidate_screenshot_storage`,
@@ -202,10 +232,11 @@ invocation, stop.
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
 3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR (`pr_number` is known),
    revalidate: fetch the live PR state and verify it is open with
-   head branch and head repository matching the frozen
+   head branch, head repository, and base branch matching the frozen
    `pending_attempt` record and canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity.
-   Closed, merged, changed head, missing PR, or unavailable tool →
-   stop without writing final metadata; retain `pending_attempt`.
+   Closed, merged, changed head, changed base, missing PR, or
+   unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
+   `pending_attempt`.
    For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
    `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs with head `branch` and base
    `base_branch` in that repo. For each candidate, verify the PR's
@@ -219,6 +250,13 @@ invocation, stop.
    required before writing metadata. Record `pr_number`, `branch`,
    and `handoff_file_path`.
 
+For first-publish recovery where path-resolution steps are
+skipped, verify `upstream_prd_path` and `upstream_design_path`
+from the frozen `pending_attempt` exist at `commit_sha` (not the
+mutable worktree) before metadata finalization. Missing, unsafe, or
+unverifiable paths → stop, retain `pending_attempt`; do not
+fabricate or derive from current discovery.
+
 Write steps 1–3 atomically — if the write fails, retain
 `pending_attempt` so the next retry can re-finalize without a new
 commit.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index b666164b..525b004a 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -28,26 +28,47 @@
 
 REPO_ROOT = os.path.normpath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "../.."))
 
-# Git repository location variables that hooks may export into child
-# processes (see https://git-scm.com/docs/githooks).  Foreign-repo
-# commands must clear them so temp fixture Git calls don't redirect
-# into the caller's repository.
+# Git-local environment variables verified against
+# ``git rev-parse --local-env-vars`` (Git 2.54).  Repository location
+# vars may be exported by hooks into child processes; command-scope
+# config vars (COUNT/KEY_n/VALUE_n and PARAMETERS) override file-based
+# config values (see https://git-scm.com/docs/git-config).
+# GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL and GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM are intentionally excluded:
+# T19 uses them as test fixtures; they control global/system config
+# scope, not local repository identity or command-scope overrides.
 _GIT_LOCATION_VARS = (
+    # Repository location
     "GIT_DIR", "GIT_WORK_TREE", "GIT_INDEX_FILE",
     "GIT_OBJECT_DIRECTORY", "GIT_ALTERNATE_OBJECT_DIRECTORIES",
     "GIT_COMMON_DIR", "GIT_PREFIX",
+    # Repository-specific overrides
+    "GIT_IMPLICIT_WORK_TREE", "GIT_GRAFT_FILE",
+    "GIT_NO_REPLACE_OBJECTS", "GIT_REPLACE_REF_BASE",
+    "GIT_SHALLOW_FILE",
+    # Command-scope configuration overrides
+    "GIT_CONFIG_COUNT", "GIT_CONFIG_PARAMETERS", "GIT_CONFIG",
 )
 _saved_git_env: dict[str, str | None] = {}
 
 
 def setUpModule():
-    """Quarantine inherited Git location vars for this test module."""
+    """Quarantine inherited Git-local vars for this test module.
+
+    Strips all Git-local environment variables (per
+    ``git rev-parse --local-env-vars``) and indexed
+    GIT_CONFIG_KEY_n/VALUE_n payloads so temp fixture Git calls
+    don't redirect into the caller's repository or inherit
+    command-scope configuration overrides."""
     for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
         _saved_git_env[var] = os.environ.pop(var, None)
+    # Also clear indexed config payloads (GIT_CONFIG_KEY_n, VALUE_n)
+    for key in list(os.environ):
+        if key.startswith(("GIT_CONFIG_KEY_", "GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_")):
+            _saved_git_env[key] = os.environ.pop(key)
 
 
 def tearDownModule():
-    """Restore original Git location vars after all tests."""
+    """Restore original Git-local vars after all tests."""
     for var, value in _saved_git_env.items():
         if value is None:
             os.environ.pop(var, None)
@@ -1809,7 +1830,7 @@ def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("Verify the remote ref matches", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Verify the remote ref", flat)
         self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
         self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_storage", flat)
         self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_assets", flat)
@@ -2211,7 +2232,7 @@ def test_no_branch_mutation_before_pending(self) -> None:
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(pending_block.split())
         self.assertIn("no branch creation", flat)
-        self.assertIn("overwrite", flat)
+        self.assertIn("file copy", flat)
 
     def test_handoff_read_after_pending_check(self) -> None:
         """Handoff read does not block pending recovery — metadata and
@@ -2463,8 +2484,8 @@ def test_head_repo_in_existing_pr_revalidation(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
-        # Existing PR path checks head repo
-        self.assertIn("head branch and head repository", flat)
+        # Existing PR path checks head repo and base branch
+        self.assertIn("head branch, head repository, and base branch", flat)
 
 
 class TestR5PrePushPRRevalidation(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -2601,12 +2622,13 @@ def test_gate_after_prereq_normalization(self) -> None:
 # ===================================================================
 
 class TestGitEnvQuarantine(unittest.TestCase):
-    """Regression: Git location vars from caller don't leak into
+    """Regression: Git-local vars from caller don't leak into
     _setup_repo or _run_script temp fixture repos.
 
     Uses isolated child Python processes launched with a poisoned env
-    (all 7 Git location vars pointing at a disposable caller repo).
-    Never touches the real checkout, .git dir, index, or global config."""
+    (Git-local vars pointing at a disposable caller repo, plus
+    command-scope config overrides).  Never touches the real checkout,
+    .git dir, index, or global config."""
 
     def _make_caller_repo(self, tmp: str) -> tuple[str, str, str]:
         """Create a disposable caller repo with sentinel; return
@@ -2654,8 +2676,8 @@ def _clean_verify_env(self) -> dict[str, str]:
                 if k not in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS}
 
     def test_quarantine_in_poisoned_child(self) -> None:
-        """Launch child Python with all 7 Git location vars pointing at
-        a disposable caller repo.  Child calls setUpModule, runs
+        """Launch child Python with Git-local vars pointing at a
+        disposable caller repo.  Child calls setUpModule, runs
         _setup_repo + _run_script in a temp target, calls tearDownModule,
         and returns BEFORE/AFTER diagnostics.
 
@@ -2793,13 +2815,461 @@ def test_quarantine_disabled_shows_leak(self) -> None:
                 "Control: GIT_DIR must leak without quarantine")
 
     def test_module_quarantine_strips_vars(self) -> None:
-        """setUpModule removed Git location vars from os.environ;
+        """setUpModule removed Git-local vars from os.environ;
         verify they are absent during test execution."""
         for var in _GIT_LOCATION_VARS:
             self.assertNotIn(
                 var, os.environ,
                 f"{var} should be quarantined during tests")
 
+    def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
+        """Regression: inherited GIT_CONFIG_COUNT/KEY_n/VALUE_n overrides
+        fixture config without quarantine; with quarantine, fixture value
+        applies.  Restoration verified.
+
+        Scope: disposable caller + temp fixture; never real checkout."""
+        import json
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            caller, sentinel, caller_head = self._make_caller_repo(tmp)
+            child_env = self._poisoned_env(caller)
+            # Inject command-scope config override
+            child_env["GIT_CONFIG_COUNT"] = "1"
+            child_env["GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0"] = "user.name"
+            child_env["GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0"] = "poisoned-override"
+
+            child_script = textwrap.dedent('''\
+                import json, os, sys, subprocess as sp, tempfile
+                sys.path.insert(0, os.environ["TEST_MODULE_DIR"])
+                import test_screenshot_lifecycle as mod
+
+                results = {}
+
+                # BEFORE: command-scope override active
+                results["before_count"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_COUNT")
+                results["before_key0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0")
+                results["before_val0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0")
+
+                # Show override in effect on a temp repo
+                with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as t:
+                    repo = os.path.join(t, "probe")
+                    os.makedirs(repo)
+                    sp.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                    sp.run(["git", "-C", repo, "config",
+                            "user.name", "fixture-value"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                    name = sp.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name"],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+                    results["before_name"] = name
+
+                mod.setUpModule()
+
+                # AFTER SETUP: override cleared
+                results["after_count"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_COUNT")
+                results["after_key0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0")
+                results["after_val0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0")
+
+                with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as t:
+                    repo = os.path.join(t, "probe2")
+                    os.makedirs(repo)
+                    sp.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                    sp.run(["git", "-C", repo, "config",
+                            "user.name", "fixture-value"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                    name = sp.run(
+                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name"],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+                    results["after_name"] = name
+
+                mod.tearDownModule()
+
+                # AFTER TEARDOWN: override restored
+                results["restored_count"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_COUNT")
+                results["restored_key0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0")
+                results["restored_val0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0")
+
+                print(json.dumps(results))
+            ''')
+
+            child = subprocess.run(
+                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
+                cwd=tmp,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(child.returncode, 0,
+                             f"Child failed:\n{child.stderr}")
+            diag = json.loads(child.stdout.strip())
+
+            # BEFORE: override active — poisoned value overrides file config
+            self.assertEqual(diag["before_count"], "1")
+            self.assertEqual(diag["before_key0"], "user.name")
+            self.assertEqual(diag["before_val0"], "poisoned-override")
+            self.assertEqual(
+                diag["before_name"], "poisoned-override",
+                "COUNT/KEY/VALUE must override file config without quarantine")
+
+            # AFTER SETUP: quarantined — fixture value applies
+            self.assertIsNone(diag["after_count"])
+            self.assertIsNone(diag["after_key0"])
+            self.assertIsNone(diag["after_val0"])
+            self.assertEqual(
+                diag["after_name"], "fixture-value",
+                "Fixture config must apply after quarantine")
+
+            # AFTER TEARDOWN: restored
+            self.assertEqual(diag["restored_count"], "1")
+            self.assertEqual(diag["restored_key0"], "user.name")
+            self.assertEqual(diag["restored_val0"], "poisoned-override")
+
+            # Caller repo untouched
+            clean = self._clean_verify_env()
+            after_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=clean,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(caller_head, after_head,
+                             "Caller HEAD must be unchanged")
+
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 7: R6 review regressions — focused source-contract checks
+#
+# Structural assertions for the five inline findings + one outside-diff
+# note from PR159 review round 6.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestR6InspectionRepairRerun(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373704: repair/access-restored rerun replaces rows."""
+
+    def test_s2_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
+        """§2 instructs rerun matching for repaired embeds."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("rerun §2", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Replace previous", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not append duplicate rows", flat)
+
+    def test_s4_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
+        """§4 instructs rerun resolution/inspection for repaired IDs."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("rerun §3", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Replace previous unresolved rows", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Do not append duplicate rows", flat)
+        self.assertIn("exactly once", flat)
+
+
+class TestR6MissingFileUnavailable(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373708: missing local file gets canonical unavailable status."""
+
+    def test_s3_unavailable_for_missing_file(self) -> None:
+        """§3 records unavailable when local file is missing."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s3 = content.split("### 3.", 1)[1].split("### 4.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s3.split())
+        self.assertIn("unavailable", flat)
+        self.assertIn("file not found", flat)
+        # Distinct from traversal hard stop
+        self.assertIn("distinct from the traversal", flat)
+
+    def test_s4_unresolved_schema_includes_unavailable(self) -> None:
+        """§4 unresolved pair status list includes unavailable."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Unresolved matched pairs", 1)[1].split(
+            "For each resolved matched image", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("`unavailable`", section)
+
+
+class TestR6LiveBaseCheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373714: live base branch validated before push/finalize."""
+
+    def test_prepush_checks_base_branch(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-push PR revalidation includes base_branch."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Classify remote", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("base branch", flat)
+        self.assertIn("base_branch", flat)
+
+    def test_retarget_stops_no_auto_revert(self) -> None:
+        """Retargeted base requires researcher reconciliation."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Classify remote", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("retargeted", flat)
+        self.assertIn("reconciliation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not automatically retarget", flat)
+
+    def test_finalization_checks_base_branch(self) -> None:
+        """Post-push finalization includes base branch check."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("base branch matching", flat)
+        self.assertIn("changed base", flat)
+
+
+class TestR6PushDestination(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373721: push destination resolved and validated."""
+
+    def test_recipe_has_push_dest_validation(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 has push destination validation section."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("Push destination validation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("get-url --push --all", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pushInsteadOf", flat)
+
+    def test_pending_has_push_destination_field(self) -> None:
+        """pending_attempt record includes push_destination."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("`push_destination`", section)
+
+    def test_single_approved_destination(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe requires exactly one push URL."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Exactly one push URL", flat)
+        self.assertIn("multiple push URLs", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+
+    def test_ssh_https_equivalence(self) -> None:
+        """SSH/HTTPS equivalents of same repo are valid identity."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("SSH/HTTPS equivalents", section)
+
+    def test_no_credential_persistence(self) -> None:
+        """Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted", flat)
+
+    def test_retry_revalidates_push_dest(self) -> None:
+        """On retry, push destination is re-resolved and revalidated."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split(
+            "Pre-push PR", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        self.assertIn("get-url --push --all", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push_destination", flat)
+
+    def test_ls_remote_queries_push_url(self) -> None:
+        """Retry classification queries push URL, not fetch URL."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        classify = content.split("Classify remote branch state", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(classify.split())
+        self.assertIn("push destination", flat)
+        self.assertIn("get-url --push", flat)
+
+
+class TestR6PushDestinationGitProof(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373721 Git proof: fetch/push URL divergence and --push --all.
+
+    Uses disposable bare remotes; never touches real checkout."""
+
+    def test_fetch_vs_push_url_divergence(self) -> None:
+        """origin can have different fetch and push URLs;
+        get-url --push returns the push URL, get-url returns fetch."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # Two bare repos
+            fetch_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "fetch-remote.git")
+            push_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "push-remote.git")
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, fetch_bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, push_bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Configure origin with different fetch and push URLs
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", fetch_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "set-url",
+                 "--push", "origin", push_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+
+            # get-url returns fetch URL
+            fetch_url = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "get-url", "origin"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(fetch_url, fetch_bare)
+
+            # get-url --push returns push URL
+            push_url = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "get-url",
+                 "--push", "origin"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(push_url, push_bare)
+
+            # ls-remote origin queries FETCH url
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            # Push went to push_bare, not fetch_bare
+            push_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", push_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            expected = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(push_head, expected,
+                             "Push must target push URL, not fetch URL")
+
+            # Querying push URL directly for expected_base
+            ls_push = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", push_bare, "refs/heads/main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn(expected, ls_push.stdout,
+                          "ls-remote against push URL shows pushed commit")
+
+    def test_multiple_push_urls_all(self) -> None:
+        """get-url --push --all returns all push URLs."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare1 = os.path.join(tmp, "remote1.git")
+            bare2 = os.path.join(tmp, "remote2.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare1],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare2],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare1],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            # Explicitly set initial push URL, then add second
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "set-url",
+                 "--push", "origin", bare1],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "set-url",
+                 "--push", "--add", "origin", bare2],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+
+            # --push --all returns both
+            result = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "get-url",
+                 "--push", "--all", "origin"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            urls = result.stdout.strip().splitlines()
+            self.assertGreaterEqual(
+                len(urls), 2,
+                "Multiple push URLs must be returned")
+
+
+class TestR6UpstreamPathRecovery(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4516373728: frozen upstream paths in pending for Step 9 recovery."""
+
+    def test_pending_has_upstream_path_fields(self) -> None:
+        """pending_attempt record includes upstream path fields."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("`upstream_prd_path`", section)
+        self.assertIn("`upstream_design_path`", section)
+
+    def test_finalization_verifies_frozen_paths(self) -> None:
+        """Finalization verifies upstream paths at committed SHA."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("upstream_prd_path", flat)
+        self.assertIn("upstream_design_path", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not the mutable worktree", flat)
+
+    def test_missing_paths_stop(self) -> None:
+        """Missing or unverifiable frozen paths stop recovery."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
+            "Already-pushed", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
+        self.assertIn("unverifiable", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("retain `pending_attempt`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not", flat.lower())
+
+    def test_publish_uses_frozen_paths_on_recovery(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 1 routes recovery to use frozen pending paths."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step1 = content.split("### Step 1:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 2:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step1.split())
+        self.assertIn("frozen upstream paths", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pending_attempt", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_step9_recovery_uses_pending(self) -> None:
+        """Step 9 on recovery uses frozen path values from pending."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step9 = content.split("Step 9:", 1)[1].split("Step 10:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step9.split())
+        self.assertIn("pending_attempt", flat)
+        self.assertIn("frozen path values", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+
+
+class TestR6QuarantineExtended(unittest.TestCase):
+    """5830643581: quarantine covers Git-local set, not just location."""
+
+    def test_quarantine_includes_config_vars(self) -> None:
+        """_GIT_LOCATION_VARS includes command-scope config overrides."""
+        self.assertIn("GIT_CONFIG_COUNT", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_CONFIG_PARAMETERS", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_CONFIG", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+
+    def test_quarantine_includes_repo_overrides(self) -> None:
+        """_GIT_LOCATION_VARS includes repository-specific overrides."""
+        self.assertIn("GIT_IMPLICIT_WORK_TREE", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_GRAFT_FILE", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_NO_REPLACE_OBJECTS", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_REPLACE_REF_BASE", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertIn("GIT_SHALLOW_FILE", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+
+    def test_quarantine_excludes_global_scope_controls(self) -> None:
+        """GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL/NOSYSTEM excluded — T19 uses as fixtures."""
+        self.assertNotIn("GIT_CONFIG_GLOBAL", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+        self.assertNotIn("GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index f8dff0c4..5ab772fa 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ If `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`
 exists, read it. **Pending attempt check (early).** If it contains
 `pending_attempt`, validate its schema and follow
 `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 before any copy,
-commit, or authoring-revision gate. Resolve config/checkout
-non-mutatingly before §4; no branch creation, pull, or file copy first.
-Already pushed, PR known → Step 9. Already pushed, `pr_number`
-null → Step 8 (PR creation only). Not pushed → Step 8. Failure → stop.
-Do not overwrite existing `pending_attempt` before validation.
+commit, or authoring-revision gate. Resolve config non-mutatingly
+before §4; no branch creation, pull, or file copy first.
+Already pushed, PR known → Step 9 (use frozen upstream paths from
+`pending_attempt`). Already pushed, `pr_number` null → Step 8.
+Not pushed → Step 8. Failure → stop.
 **If no pending**, treat as an update. Keep its PR number, branch, and
 handoff path; do not create a second PR. If the metadata lacks its PR
 number, branch, or handoff path, stop and ask the researcher to repair.
@@ -485,8 +485,9 @@ PY
 For a new PR, write
 `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`:
 Store `handoff_file_path`, `upstream_prd_path`, and `upstream_design_path`
-relative to the docs repo root, with `/` separators. The upstream paths are the
-resolved paths used to derive the canonical handoff directory.
+relative to the docs repo root, with `/` separators. On
+`pending_attempt` recovery, use its frozen path values; verify they
+exist at `commit_sha` per the shared recipe §4.
 
 ```json
 {

From 1674a689fca09d8a5eb22b1e27d90fd6adf06f50 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 19:38:55 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 26/42] Address R6 inline findings: repair gate, upstream
 freeze, host identity, test strengthening

- Inspection recipe: repair branches now require caller to re-enter
  published-input gate before re-entering inspection; repair/wait is
  not partial authorization; superseded decisions replaced
- Publish-stage recipe: upstream path freeze validation (canonical
  parent, regular files at commit SHA, first-pub preserved, legacy
  missing stops); push_destination includes host; initial synced base
  uses validated push URL instead of fetch tracking ref
- Publish skill: caller validates push destination before owned commit;
  condensed text to stay within 6000-token budget
- Tests: fetch/push probe creates new commit proving ref divergence;
  command-scope config test isolates negative control from location
  vars, adds caller status/sentinel/config assertions; new contract
  tests for published-input gate, upstream freeze, host identity,
  push-dest-before-commit

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  29 ++-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  37 +++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 186 +++++++++++++-----
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  21 +-
 4 files changed, 198 insertions(+), 75 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 7745706d..5684da82 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -58,11 +58,16 @@ handoff to add the missing embeds, or explicitly authorize partial
 continuation (text-only for those IDs). Never silently omit a declared
 ID or claim all images were inspected when embeds are missing.
 
-If the user repairs the handoff (adds missing embeds), rerun §2
-matching for the repaired IDs. Replace previous `unavailable` rows
-with fresh matched results and recalculate all aggregate totals
-before proceeding to §3. Do not append duplicate rows — each
-declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
+If the user repairs the handoff (adds missing embeds or modifies
+the Screenshot Index), the caller must re-enter its
+published-input gate on the changed handoff/manifest before
+re-entering inspection — no private authoring fallback. Repair or
+wait is not partial authorization. Rerun §2 matching on the
+updated inputs. For affected IDs, replace previous `unavailable`
+rows with fresh matched results; preserve unaffected rows only if
+the embed is unchanged and still valid. Recalculate all aggregate
+totals before proceeding to §3. Do not append duplicate rows —
+each declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
 
 ### 3. Resolve image references
 
@@ -116,11 +121,15 @@ citation (§5 Rule 1) even when the user authorizes partial
 continuation; partial acceptance allows the workflow to proceed but
 does not override status-based eligibility.
 
-If the user repairs the source or access is restored, rerun §3
-resolution and §4 identity/inspection for the previously unresolved
-IDs. Replace previous unresolved rows with fresh results and
-recalculate aggregate totals. Do not append duplicate rows — each
-declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
+If the user repairs the source or access is restored, the caller
+must re-enter its published-input gate on the changed inputs
+before re-entering inspection. Rerun §3 resolution and §4
+identity/inspection (SHA, visual, bindings) for affected IDs.
+Replace previous unresolved rows and any superseded
+identity/binding decisions with fresh results; preserve unaffected
+rows only if still valid. Recalculate aggregate totals, status,
+and eligibility. Do not append duplicate rows — each declared ID
+appears exactly once in the output.
 
 **For each resolved matched image from §3:**
 
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index db6bfaa7..da12b9fe 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -157,21 +157,36 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
 | `upstream_prd_path` | Repo-relative path to PRD (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
 | `upstream_design_path` | Repo-relative path to design doc (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
-| `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{owner}/{repo}` canonical form) |
+| `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{host}:{owner}/{repo}` canonical form) |
 | `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
 
 The `pending_attempt` record is private authoring state — do not copy
 it into the consumer-facing published manifest.
 
+**Upstream path freeze.** `upstream_prd_path` and
+`upstream_design_path` are frozen at preparation: validated as
+repo-relative POSIX paths to existing regular files with basenames
+`prd.md` and `design.md`, sharing the same canonical parent
+directory as `handoff_file_path`, inside `docs_repo_root`. On
+recovery, load frozen values into Step 9 variables before use;
+verify they exist at `commit_sha` (not the mutable worktree).
+First publication remains first publication even when `pr_number`
+has since become known. Update attempts preserve established
+upstream paths rather than overwrite with `null`. Legacy records
+missing required path fields stop and retain `pending_attempt`
+unless reconstruction has proof from frozen approved committed
+state; do not fabricate paths or use placeholders.
+
 **Push destination validation.** Before recording `expected_base` or
 pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
 `git remote get-url --push --all origin`. This expands `pushInsteadOf`
 rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
 
 1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
-2. Its canonical `{owner}/{repo}` identity matches
-   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH/HTTPS equivalents of the same repository
-   are valid. Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged.
+2. Its canonical `{host}:{owner}/{repo}` identity matches
+   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH/HTTPS equivalents of the same host are
+   allowed; host mismatch or unverifiable host stops without
+   adopting. Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged.
 3. If multiple push URLs exist, the identity does not match, or
    resolution fails, stop — do not push or adopt the unverified
    destination.
@@ -217,11 +232,13 @@ retry classification, and post-push verification.
      `expected_base` was not `null`, or an unknown ahead SHA): stop.
      Do not force-push, recreate, or guess history.
 
-**Initial new attempt** (no `pending_attempt` exists): require the
-local branch to be at a known synced base (equal to
-`origin/{branch}`, or a fresh branch from `{base-branch}`). If the
-local branch is ahead of the remote by commits not created by this
-invocation, stop.
+**Initial new attempt** (no `pending_attempt` exists): resolve the
+effective push destination first (same validation as above).
+Snapshot `expected_base` via `git ls-remote` against the validated
+push URL before the owned commit. Require the local branch to be
+at a known synced base (SHA matches the push-URL snapshot, or a
+fresh branch from `{base-branch}`). If the local branch is ahead
+by commits not created by this invocation, stop.
 
 **After successful push.** Verify the remote ref at the validated
 push destination matches `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly. Then:
@@ -240,7 +257,7 @@ push destination matches `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly. Then:
    For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
    `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs with head `branch` and base
    `base_branch` in that repo. For each candidate, verify the PR's
-   head repository full name matches the canonical `{owner}/{repo}`
+   head repository matches the canonical `{host}:{owner}/{repo}`
    from `docs_repo_remote` — a different fork with the same branch
    name is not a match. Reuse a matching open PR; preserve its
    draft/ready status. If a matching PR is closed or merged
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 525b004a..6ffb8bde 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1814,13 +1814,17 @@ def test_pending_attempt_retry_verification(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("Already pushed", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_initial_synced_base(self) -> None:
-        """Initial new attempt requires known synced base."""
+        """Initial new attempt resolves push destination and snapshots
+        expected_base via ls-remote against validated push URL."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Initial new attempt", 1)[1].split(
             "After successful push", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("known synced base", flat)
+        self.assertIn("validated push URL", flat)
+        self.assertIn("ls-remote", flat)
+        self.assertNotIn("origin/{branch}", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
         """Metadata finalized from candidate values after remote SHA verify;
@@ -2466,13 +2470,13 @@ class TestR5HeadRepoIdentity(unittest.TestCase):
     """2420: PR lookup requires full head repository identity match."""
 
     def test_head_repo_match_in_pr_lookup(self) -> None:
-        """PR lookup verifies head repository, not just branch name."""
+        """PR lookup verifies head repository with host-qualified identity."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
-        self.assertIn("head repository full name", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{host}:{owner}/{repo}", flat)
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
         self.assertIn("different fork", flat)
         self.assertIn("not a match", flat)
@@ -2827,10 +2831,19 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
         fixture config without quarantine; with quarantine, fixture value
         applies.  Restoration verified.
 
-        Scope: disposable caller + temp fixture; never real checkout."""
+        Scope: disposable caller + temp fixture; never real checkout.
+        Negative control isolates location env while retaining harmless
+        COUNT/KEY/VALUE to prove the override on a disposable probe.
+        Positive path invokes actual module quarantine/setup/script
+        and teardown."""
         import json
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
             caller, sentinel, caller_head = self._make_caller_repo(tmp)
+            caller_name = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.name"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+                env=self._clean_verify_env(),
+            ).stdout.strip()
             child_env = self._poisoned_env(caller)
             # Inject command-scope config override
             child_env["GIT_CONFIG_COUNT"] = "1"
@@ -2842,27 +2855,38 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
                 sys.path.insert(0, os.environ["TEST_MODULE_DIR"])
                 import test_screenshot_lifecycle as mod
 
+                LOC = list(mod._GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
                 results = {}
 
-                # BEFORE: command-scope override active
+                # BEFORE: record command-scope override presence
                 results["before_count"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_COUNT")
                 results["before_key0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0")
                 results["before_val0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0")
 
-                # Show override in effect on a temp repo
+                # Negative control: strip location vars, keep COUNT/KEY/VALUE
+                # to prove override works on a disposable probe without
+                # location var interference
+                neg_env = dict(os.environ)
+                for v in LOC:
+                    neg_env.pop(v, None)
+                neg_env["GIT_CONFIG_COUNT"] = "1"
+                neg_env["GIT_CONFIG_KEY_0"] = "user.name"
+                neg_env["GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0"] = "poisoned-override"
                 with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as t:
-                    repo = os.path.join(t, "probe")
-                    os.makedirs(repo)
-                    sp.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
-                    sp.run(["git", "-C", repo, "config",
+                    probe = os.path.join(t, "neg-probe")
+                    os.makedirs(probe)
+                    sp.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", probe],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True, env=neg_env)
+                    sp.run(["git", "-C", probe, "config",
                             "user.name", "fixture-value"],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                           capture_output=True, check=True, env=neg_env)
                     name = sp.run(
-                        ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name"],
-                        capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+                        ["git", "-C", probe, "config", "user.name"],
+                        capture_output=True, text=True,
+                        env=neg_env).stdout.strip()
                     results["before_name"] = name
 
+                # Positive path: actual module quarantine
                 mod.setUpModule()
 
                 # AFTER SETUP: override cleared
@@ -2871,10 +2895,7 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
                 results["after_val0"] = os.environ.get("GIT_CONFIG_VALUE_0")
 
                 with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as t:
-                    repo = os.path.join(t, "probe2")
-                    os.makedirs(repo)
-                    sp.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", repo],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+                    repo = mod._setup_repo(t)
                     sp.run(["git", "-C", repo, "config",
                             "user.name", "fixture-value"],
                            capture_output=True, check=True)
@@ -2882,6 +2903,8 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
                         ["git", "-C", repo, "config", "user.name"],
                         capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
                     results["after_name"] = name
+                    r = mod._run_script("echo config-proof", cwd=repo)
+                    results["script_rc"] = r.returncode
 
                 mod.tearDownModule()
 
@@ -2917,13 +2940,14 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
             self.assertEqual(
                 diag["after_name"], "fixture-value",
                 "Fixture config must apply after quarantine")
+            self.assertEqual(diag["script_rc"], 0)
 
             # AFTER TEARDOWN: restored
             self.assertEqual(diag["restored_count"], "1")
             self.assertEqual(diag["restored_key0"], "user.name")
             self.assertEqual(diag["restored_val0"], "poisoned-override")
 
-            # Caller repo untouched
+            # Caller repo untouched: HEAD, status, sentinel, local config
             clean = self._clean_verify_env()
             after_head = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", caller, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
@@ -2931,6 +2955,19 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
             ).stdout.strip()
             self.assertEqual(caller_head, after_head,
                              "Caller HEAD must be unchanged")
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "status", "--porcelain"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=clean)
+            self.assertEqual(st.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "Caller worktree must be clean")
+            with open(sentinel) as f:
+                self.assertEqual(f.read(), "caller-sentinel")
+            after_name = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", caller, "config", "user.name"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, env=clean,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(after_name, caller_name,
+                             "Caller local config must be unchanged")
 
 
 # ===================================================================
@@ -2944,21 +2981,30 @@ class TestR6InspectionRepairRerun(unittest.TestCase):
     """4516373704: repair/access-restored rerun replaces rows."""
 
     def test_s2_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
-        """§2 instructs rerun matching for repaired embeds."""
+        """§2 instructs rerun matching for repaired embeds with
+        published-input gate re-entry."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s2.split())
-        self.assertIn("rerun §2", flat)
-        self.assertIn("Replace previous", flat)
+        self.assertIn("published-input gate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("no private authoring fallback", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not partial authorization", flat)
+        self.assertIn("replace previous", flat)
+        self.assertIn("still valid", flat)
         self.assertIn("Do not append duplicate rows", flat)
 
     def test_s4_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
-        """§4 instructs rerun resolution/inspection for repaired IDs."""
+        """§4 instructs rerun resolution/inspection for repaired IDs
+        with published-input gate re-entry and superseded decisions."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s4.split())
-        self.assertIn("rerun §3", flat)
+        self.assertIn("published-input gate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Rerun §3", flat)
+        self.assertIn("superseded", flat)
         self.assertIn("Replace previous unresolved rows", flat)
+        self.assertIn("still valid", flat)
+        self.assertIn("eligibility", flat)
         self.assertIn("Do not append duplicate rows", flat)
         self.assertIn("exactly once", flat)
 
@@ -3032,10 +3078,11 @@ def test_recipe_has_push_dest_validation(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("pushInsteadOf", flat)
 
     def test_pending_has_push_destination_field(self) -> None:
-        """pending_attempt record includes push_destination."""
+        """pending_attempt record includes host-qualified push_destination."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
         self.assertIn("`push_destination`", section)
+        self.assertIn("{host}:{owner}/{repo}", section)
 
     def test_single_approved_destination(self) -> None:
         """Recipe requires exactly one push URL."""
@@ -3049,12 +3096,13 @@ def test_single_approved_destination(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
     def test_ssh_https_equivalence(self) -> None:
-        """SSH/HTTPS equivalents of same repo are valid identity."""
+        """SSH/HTTPS equivalents of same host are valid identity."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
             "On retry", 1
         )[0]
         self.assertIn("SSH/HTTPS equivalents", section)
+        self.assertIn("host mismatch", section)
 
     def test_no_credential_persistence(self) -> None:
         """Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged."""
@@ -3092,17 +3140,21 @@ class TestR6PushDestinationGitProof(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
     Uses disposable bare remotes; never touches real checkout."""
 
     def test_fetch_vs_push_url_divergence(self) -> None:
-        """origin can have different fetch and push URLs;
-        get-url --push returns the push URL, get-url returns fetch."""
+        """Git primitive proof: after configuring split fetch/push URLs,
+        a new commit pushed via origin lands only on the push URL.
+        The fetch URL retains the old HEAD."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-            # Two bare repos
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
             fetch_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "fetch-remote.git")
             push_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "push-remote.git")
-            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
             subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, fetch_bare],
                            capture_output=True, check=True)
             subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, push_bare],
                            capture_output=True, check=True)
+            old_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
 
             # Configure origin with different fetch and push URLs
             subprocess.run(
@@ -3114,15 +3166,11 @@ def test_fetch_vs_push_url_divergence(self) -> None:
                  "--push", "origin", push_bare],
                 capture_output=True, check=True,
             )
-
-            # get-url returns fetch URL
             fetch_url = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "get-url", "origin"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
             ).stdout.strip()
             self.assertEqual(fetch_url, fetch_bare)
-
-            # get-url --push returns push URL
             push_url = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "get-url",
                  "--push", "origin"],
@@ -3130,30 +3178,49 @@ def test_fetch_vs_push_url_divergence(self) -> None:
             ).stdout.strip()
             self.assertEqual(push_url, push_bare)
 
-            # ls-remote origin queries FETCH url
+            # New commit AFTER cloning both bare remotes
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "post-clone.txt"), "diverge\n")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "post-clone.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "diverge"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            new_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertNotEqual(old_head, new_head)
+
+            # Push via origin
             subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin", "main"],
                 capture_output=True, check=True,
             )
-            # Push went to push_bare, not fetch_bare
-            push_head = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", push_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+            # Fetch bare unchanged (old HEAD)
+            fetch_ref = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", fetch_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
             ).stdout.strip()
-            expected = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+            self.assertEqual(fetch_ref, old_head,
+                             "Fetch URL ref must be unchanged")
+            # Push bare advanced (new HEAD)
+            push_ref = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", push_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
             ).stdout.strip()
-            self.assertEqual(push_head, expected,
-                             "Push must target push URL, not fetch URL")
+            self.assertEqual(push_ref, new_head,
+                             "Push URL ref must advance to new commit")
 
-            # Querying push URL directly for expected_base
+            # ls-remote confirms: fetch=old, validated push=new
+            ls_fetch = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", fetch_bare, "refs/heads/main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn(old_head, ls_fetch.stdout)
             ls_push = subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "ls-remote", push_bare, "refs/heads/main"],
                 capture_output=True, text=True,
             )
-            self.assertIn(expected, ls_push.stdout,
-                          "ls-remote against push URL shows pushed commit")
+            self.assertIn(new_head, ls_push.stdout)
 
     def test_multiple_push_urls_all(self) -> None:
         """get-url --push --all returns all push URLs."""
@@ -3247,6 +3314,35 @@ def test_publish_step9_recovery_uses_pending(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("frozen path values", flat)
         self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
 
+    def test_recipe_upstream_path_freeze(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 has upstream path freeze validation rules."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Upstream path freeze", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(section), 2,
+                         "Missing upstream path freeze section")
+        freeze = section[1].split("Push destination validation", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(freeze.split())
+        self.assertIn("prd.md", flat)
+        self.assertIn("design.md", flat)
+        self.assertIn("canonical parent", flat)
+        self.assertIn("handoff_file_path", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("First publication remains first publication", flat)
+        self.assertIn("preserve established", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not fabricate", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_push_dest_before_commit(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 3 validates push destination before owned commit."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step3.split())
+        self.assertIn("push destination", flat)
+        self.assertIn("screenshot-publish-stage.md", flat)
+        self.assertIn("expected_base", flat)
+        self.assertIn("before creating the owned commit", flat)
+
 
 class TestR6QuarantineExtended(unittest.TestCase):
     """5830643581: quarantine covers Git-local set, not just location."""
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 5ab772fa..8e9079dd 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -108,10 +108,8 @@ the handoff.
 Set `docs_repo_root = Path(docs_repo_path).resolve()`. Resolve relative source
 paths against `docs_repo_root`, then resolve both paths with `strict=True`.
 Require the files to exist, have the basenames `prd.md` and `design.md`, and
-remain inside `docs_repo_root`. Require both files to have the same parent
-directory. This is the canonical feature directory: `/ui-design:ingest` looks
-for the UX handoff alongside the PRD and design document, so `/publish` must
-put it there rather than accepting a second, independently chosen directory.
+remain inside `docs_repo_root`. Require both files to share one parent directory — the canonical
+feature directory where `/ui-design:ingest` expects the handoff.
 
 Set `destination_dir` to the resolved parent directory,
 `handoff_file_path` to
@@ -139,9 +137,13 @@ git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote -v
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" status --porcelain
 ```
 
-If the output is not empty, stop and tell the researcher the docs repo has
-uncommitted changes that must be resolved before publishing. Do not proceed
-with a dirty working tree.
+If the output is not empty, stop — uncommitted changes must be resolved
+before publishing.
+
+Resolve and validate the effective push destination per
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 push
+destination validation. Snapshot `expected_base` against the
+validated push URL before creating the owned commit.
 
 **If updating an existing PR**, validate the stored `branch` using the branch
 checks below. Require the stored `handoff_file_path` to equal the canonical path
@@ -304,9 +306,8 @@ cp "{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{handoff
 ```
 
 **Skip screenshot handling on initial text-only publishes** — when the
-handoff's Screenshot Index says "None" **and** no publish-metadata
-`screenshot_assets` exist from a prior publish. Do not prompt for a
-storage policy, touch asset paths, or stage screenshot directories.
+handoff's Screenshot Index says "None" and no prior `screenshot_assets`
+exist. Do not prompt for a storage policy or touch asset paths.
 
 **Reconcile previous assets on updates.** When updating an existing
 publish (`publish-metadata.json` exists with `screenshot_assets`), always

From 1697b71fb46498df97a472b49c829aa7765630f7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 19:44:52 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 27/42] Align pending record table with upstream path freeze
 rules

- Table fields: replace "null on updates" with "frozen at preparation;
  preserved on updates" to match freeze paragraph
- Recovery verification: explicitly check regular-file, basename,
  canonical-parent, and containment against committed tree at
  commit_sha, not merely freeze-time existence

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md | 10 +++++++---
 1 file changed, 7 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index da12b9fe..0e2d31a3 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -155,8 +155,8 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `handoff_file_path` | Repo-relative handoff path |
 | `candidate_screenshot_storage` | Storage mode for this attempt |
 | `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
-| `upstream_prd_path` | Repo-relative path to PRD (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
-| `upstream_design_path` | Repo-relative path to design doc (first-publish; `null` on updates) |
+| `upstream_prd_path` | Repo-relative path to PRD (frozen at preparation; preserved on updates) |
+| `upstream_design_path` | Repo-relative path to design doc (frozen at preparation; preserved on updates) |
 | `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{host}:{owner}/{repo}` canonical form) |
 | `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
 
@@ -169,7 +169,11 @@ repo-relative POSIX paths to existing regular files with basenames
 `prd.md` and `design.md`, sharing the same canonical parent
 directory as `handoff_file_path`, inside `docs_repo_root`. On
 recovery, load frozen values into Step 9 variables before use;
-verify they exist at `commit_sha` (not the mutable worktree).
+verify against the committed tree at `commit_sha` (not the mutable
+worktree) that each path is a regular file with the expected
+basename (`prd.md` / `design.md`), both share the same canonical
+parent as `handoff_file_path`, and all remain inside
+`docs_repo_root`.
 First publication remains first publication even when `pr_number`
 has since become known. Update attempts preserve established
 upstream paths rather than overwrite with `null`. Legacy records

From d9002dcc48ebbd87025927af7f6d12b261430481 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 19:57:12 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 28/42] Address 5 review findings: index checksum prefix, port
 identity, PR lookup order, explicit push, sys.executable
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Inspection recipe §2/§4: collect SHA-256 prefix from Screenshot
  Index; verify prefix against both manifest digest and computed
  actual-bytes hash; stale prefix is identity exception with same
  accepted-unverified rules
- Publish-stage recipe: push_destination canonical form includes
  non-default port ({host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}); SSH 22 / HTTPS
  443 default equivalent; non-default port diff stops
- Publish-stage recipe: null PR lookup by head repo+branch in all
  states first without base filter; retargeted base stops for
  reconciliation; terminal before create; respond directed to
  /publish for creation
- Respond skill: explicit push with origin + HEAD:refs/heads/branch
  refspec after re-resolving push URL; forbids push.default and
  pushRemote target selection
- Tests: sys.executable replaces hardcoded python3 (3 sites);
  misleading-pushRemote 2-bare-remote probe proves explicit push
  targets validated origin; contract tests for prefix 3-way
  identity, port retention, lookup ordering, explicit refspec

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  15 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  42 ++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 281 ++++++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   9 +-
 4 files changed, 311 insertions(+), 36 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 5684da82..263468ce 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -28,7 +28,8 @@ per image.
 ### 2. Account for every declared index ID
 
 Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
-declared `SS-N` IDs with their declared ref paths. Match each declared
+declared `SS-N` IDs with their declared ref paths and SHA-256
+prefixes (when the index records them). Match each declared
 ID to an actual image embed (`![...](...)` in the handoff body) by
 **both** the ID and its declared ref path. Consume each embed at most
 once — distinct IDs with the same ref may each match their own embed of
@@ -138,6 +139,18 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    `identity: verified`, `identity: mismatched`, or `identity: unverified`
    (when manifest is unavailable).
 
+   **Index checksum prefix.** When the Screenshot Index declares a
+   SHA-256 prefix for this ID, compare the prefix against **both**
+   the full manifest digest and the computed actual-bytes hash. A
+   valid nonempty hex prefix matching both is consistent — identity
+   may be `verified` only when all other gates also pass. A
+   stale or mismatched prefix (does not match either digest) is an
+   identity exception: record `identity: mismatched` and apply the
+   same independent acceptance / accepted-unverified rules as byte
+   identity. A missing or invalid (non-hex) prefix cannot be
+   silently treated as verified; preserve existing text-only or
+   unverified decision paths.
+
 2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
    capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading markdown,
    metadata, captions, or alt text alone is **not** image inspection --
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 0e2d31a3..5793b8e8 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
 | `upstream_prd_path` | Repo-relative path to PRD (frozen at preparation; preserved on updates) |
 | `upstream_design_path` | Repo-relative path to design doc (frozen at preparation; preserved on updates) |
-| `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{host}:{owner}/{repo}` canonical form) |
+| `push_destination` | Validated push target (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}` canonical form; non-default port appended as `{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}`) |
 | `timestamp` | ISO 8601 when the attempt was recorded |
 
 The `pending_attempt` record is private authoring state — do not copy
@@ -187,10 +187,13 @@ pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
 rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
 
 1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
-2. Its canonical `{host}:{owner}/{repo}` identity matches
-   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH/HTTPS equivalents of the same host are
-   allowed; host mismatch or unverifiable host stops without
-   adopting. Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged.
+2. Its canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}` identity (with
+   non-default port: `{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}`) matches
+   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH (port 22) and HTTPS (port 443) are
+   default and equivalent; an explicit non-default port difference
+   or unverifiable port mapping stops and retains `pending_attempt`.
+   Host mismatch stops without adopting. Credential-bearing URLs
+   must not be persisted or logged.
 3. If multiple push URLs exist, the identity does not match, or
    resolution fails, stop — do not push or adopt the unverified
    destination.
@@ -259,17 +262,26 @@ push destination matches `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly. Then:
    unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
    `pending_attempt`.
    For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
-   `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs with head `branch` and base
-   `base_branch` in that repo. For each candidate, verify the PR's
-   head repository matches the canonical `{host}:{owner}/{repo}`
+   `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs in **all states** by
+   canonical head repository and head `branch` only — **without**
+   filtering by `base_branch`. For each candidate, verify the PR's
+   head repository matches the canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}`
    from `docs_repo_remote` — a different fork with the same branch
-   name is not a match. Reuse a matching open PR; preserve its
-   draft/ready status. If a matching PR is closed or merged
-   (terminal), stop — do not create a replacement; report to the
-   researcher. If no matching PR exists and the original intent was
-   new publication, create it as a draft. A known PR identity is
-   required before writing metadata. Record `pr_number`, `branch`,
-   and `handoff_file_path`.
+   name is not a match. Then check `base_branch` on each matched
+   candidate:
+   - **Retargeted base** (head repo+branch matches but base
+     differs from `pending_attempt.base_branch`): stop and retain
+     `pending_attempt` for researcher reconciliation — do not
+     create another PR or auto-retarget.
+   - **Terminal** (closed or merged): stop — do not create a
+     replacement; report to the researcher.
+   - **Open with matching base**: reuse; preserve its draft/ready
+     status.
+   - **No candidate found** and the original intent was new
+     publication: create as a draft. Respect `/respond` limited
+     permissions — direct to `/publish` when creation is needed.
+   A known PR identity is required before writing metadata. Record
+   `pr_number`, `branch`, and `handoff_file_path`.
 
 For first-publish recovery where path-resolution steps are
 skipped, verify `upstream_prd_path` and `upstream_design_path`
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 6ffb8bde..ac701f89 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 import os
 import re
 import subprocess
+import sys
 import tempfile
 import textwrap
 import unittest
@@ -2162,33 +2163,32 @@ def test_pr_identity_required_before_metadata(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("required before writing metadata", flat)
 
     def test_null_pr_lookup_or_create(self) -> None:
-        """Null pr_number triggers lookup; reuses open PR or creates if
-        none; stops on terminal (closed/merged) PR."""
+        """Null pr_number triggers lookup by head repo+branch first;
+        reuses open PR or creates if none; stops on terminal."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
         self.assertIn("null", flat.lower())
-        self.assertIn("open PR", flat)
-        self.assertIn("terminal", flat)
+        self.assertIn("all states", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("Terminal", flat)
         self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
     def test_pr_lookup_uses_repo_head_base(self) -> None:
-        """PR lookup uses all three identity inputs: repo (from
-        docs_repo_remote), head (branch), and base (base_branch).
-        Prose contract, NOT live API execution."""
+        """PR lookup uses head repo+branch first, then checks base
+        on each candidate. Prose contract, NOT live API."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1].split(
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
-        self.assertIn("`branch`", flat)
-        self.assertIn("`base_branch`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("head `branch`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("base_branch", flat)
         # Terminal PR inspected before any create
-        terminal_pos = flat.find("terminal")
-        create_pos = flat.find("create it")
+        terminal_pos = flat.find("Terminal")
+        create_pos = flat.find("No candidate found")
         self.assertGreater(terminal_pos, -1,
                            "Terminal PR rule must be present")
         self.assertGreater(create_pos, -1,
@@ -2476,7 +2476,7 @@ def test_head_repo_match_in_pr_lookup(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
-        self.assertIn("{host}:{owner}/{repo}", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{host}/{owner}/{repo}", flat)
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
         self.assertIn("different fork", flat)
         self.assertIn("not a match", flat)
@@ -2733,7 +2733,7 @@ def test_quarantine_in_poisoned_child(self) -> None:
             ''')
 
             child = subprocess.run(
-                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                [sys.executable, "-c", child_script],
                 capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
                 cwd=tmp,
             )
@@ -2808,7 +2808,7 @@ def test_quarantine_disabled_shows_leak(self) -> None:
             ''')
 
             child = subprocess.run(
-                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                [sys.executable, "-c", child_script],
                 capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
                 cwd=tmp,
             )
@@ -2917,7 +2917,7 @@ def test_command_scope_config_quarantined(self) -> None:
             ''')
 
             child = subprocess.run(
-                ["python3", "-c", child_script],
+                [sys.executable, "-c", child_script],
                 capture_output=True, text=True, env=child_env,
                 cwd=tmp,
             )
@@ -3082,7 +3082,7 @@ def test_pending_has_push_destination_field(self) -> None:
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
         self.assertIn("`push_destination`", section)
-        self.assertIn("{host}:{owner}/{repo}", section)
+        self.assertIn("{host}/{owner}/{repo}", section)
 
     def test_single_approved_destination(self) -> None:
         """Recipe requires exactly one push URL."""
@@ -3096,13 +3096,15 @@ def test_single_approved_destination(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
     def test_ssh_https_equivalence(self) -> None:
-        """SSH/HTTPS equivalents of same host are valid identity."""
+        """SSH/HTTPS default ports are equivalent; host mismatch stops."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
             "On retry", 1
         )[0]
-        self.assertIn("SSH/HTTPS equivalents", section)
-        self.assertIn("host mismatch", section)
+        self.assertIn("SSH", section)
+        self.assertIn("HTTPS", section)
+        self.assertIn("equivalent", section)
+        self.assertIn("Host mismatch", section)
 
     def test_no_credential_persistence(self) -> None:
         """Credential-bearing URLs must not be persisted or logged."""
@@ -3344,6 +3346,247 @@ def test_publish_push_dest_before_commit(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("before creating the owned commit", flat)
 
 
+class TestR7IndexChecksumPrefix(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517026871: index SHA-256 prefix 3-way identity check."""
+
+    def test_s2_collects_sha_prefixes(self) -> None:
+        """§2 collects SHA-256 prefixes from the Screenshot Index."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("SHA-256", s2)
+        self.assertIn("prefix", s2)
+
+    def test_s4_prefix_vs_manifest_and_bytes(self) -> None:
+        """§4.1 compares index prefix against both manifest digest
+        and computed actual-bytes hash."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(s4), 2, "Index checksum prefix section missing")
+        block = s4[1].split("**Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("manifest digest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("actual-bytes hash", flat)
+        self.assertIn("both", flat.lower())
+
+    def test_s4_stale_prefix_identity_exception(self) -> None:
+        """Stale/mismatched prefix is an identity exception."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        block = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "**Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
+        self.assertIn("identity exception", flat)
+        self.assertIn("accepted-unverified", flat)
+
+    def test_s4_missing_prefix_not_silent(self) -> None:
+        """Missing/invalid prefix cannot be silently verified."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        block = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "**Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("missing", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("silently", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unverified", flat)
+
+
+class TestR7PushPort(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517026884: port in push destination identity."""
+
+    def test_canonical_form_includes_port(self) -> None:
+        """push_destination format documents non-default port."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("non-default port", section)
+        self.assertIn("{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}", section)
+
+    def test_default_port_equivalence(self) -> None:
+        """SSH 22 and HTTPS 443 are default and equivalent."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("port 22", flat)
+        self.assertIn("port 443", flat)
+        self.assertIn("equivalent", flat)
+
+    def test_nondefault_port_difference_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Non-default port difference stops and retains pending."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("non-default port difference", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stops", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pending_attempt", flat)
+
+
+class TestR7NullPRLookupOrder(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517026897: null PR lookup by head repo+branch first."""
+
+    def test_lookup_without_base_filter(self) -> None:
+        """Null PR lookup searches all states by head repo+branch
+        without filtering by base_branch."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
+            "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("all states", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("without", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("base_branch", flat)
+
+    def test_retargeted_base_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Retargeted base stops and retains pending for reconciliation."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
+            "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Retargeted base", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("reconciliation", flat)
+
+    def test_terminal_before_create(self) -> None:
+        """Terminal PR stops before create; create only with no candidate."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
+            "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
+        terminal_pos = section.find("Terminal")
+        create_pos = section.find("No candidate found")
+        self.assertGreater(terminal_pos, -1)
+        self.assertGreater(create_pos, -1)
+        self.assertLess(terminal_pos, create_pos,
+                        "Terminal check must precede create")
+
+    def test_respond_directed_to_publish(self) -> None:
+        """Respond limited permissions directs to /publish for creation."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
+            "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("/respond", section)
+        self.assertIn("/publish", section)
+
+
+class TestR7RespondExplicitPush(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517026897 outside: respond uses explicit remote + refspec."""
+
+    def test_respond_explicit_push_command(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md push uses explicit origin + refs/heads refspec."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn('push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"', flat)
+        self.assertNotIn("git push\n", content.split("```bash")[
+            -1].split("```")[0])
+
+    def test_respond_no_default_selection(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md forbids push.default/pushRemote target selection."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("push.default", flat)
+        self.assertIn("pushRemote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not", flat.lower())
+
+    def test_respond_revalidates_push_dest_before_push(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md re-resolves push URL before pushing."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        push_section = content.split("retries without re-running", 1)[1]
+        push_section = push_section.split("Only update", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(push_section.split())
+        self.assertIn("get-url --push --all", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push_destination", flat)
+
+    def test_misleading_push_remote_probe(self) -> None:
+        """Git primitive proof: explicit push origin HEAD:refs/heads/branch
+        targets the validated origin push URL, ignoring a misleading
+        branch.*.pushRemote config pointing elsewhere.
+
+        Uses disposable bare remotes; never touches real checkout."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            origin_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "origin.git")
+            other_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "other.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, origin_bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, other_bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            old_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # Configure origin + other remote
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", origin_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "other", other_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Set misleading pushRemote on main
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "config",
+                 "branch.main.pushRemote", "other"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # New commit
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "explicit.txt"), "proof\n")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "explicit.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "explicit"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            new_head = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # Explicit push to origin (ignores pushRemote)
+            push = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin",
+                 "HEAD:refs/heads/main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0, push.stderr)
+
+            # Origin advanced
+            origin_ref = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", origin_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(origin_ref, new_head,
+                             "Origin must advance to new commit")
+
+            # Other unchanged (misleading pushRemote not used)
+            other_ref = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", other_bare, "rev-parse", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(other_ref, old_head,
+                             "Other remote must be unchanged")
+
+
+class TestR7ChildInterpreter(unittest.TestCase):
+    """5831473096 outside: child launches use sys.executable."""
+
+    def test_no_hardcoded_python3_in_subprocess(self) -> None:
+        """Child subprocess launches use sys.executable, not 'python3'."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py")
+        # All subprocess child launches must use sys.executable
+        self.assertIn("[sys.executable,", content)
+        # No subprocess.run with hardcoded python3 for child scripts
+        import re as _re
+        hits = _re.findall(
+            r'subprocess\.run\(\s*\["python3"', content)
+        self.assertEqual(len(hits), 0,
+                         "subprocess.run with hardcoded python3 found")
+
+    def test_child_interpreter_matches_parent(self) -> None:
+        """Child process launched with sys.executable uses the same
+        interpreter as the parent."""
+        result = subprocess.run(
+            [sys.executable, "-c",
+             "import sys; print(sys.executable)"],
+            capture_output=True, text=True)
+        self.assertEqual(result.returncode, 0)
+        child_exe = result.stdout.strip()
+        # Both resolve to the same real path
+        self.assertEqual(
+            os.path.realpath(sys.executable),
+            os.path.realpath(child_exe),
+            "Child interpreter must match parent")
+
+
 class TestR6QuarantineExtended(unittest.TestCase):
     """5830643581: quarantine covers Git-local set, not just location."""
 
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index f5064c81..92212935 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -296,8 +296,15 @@ refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear. If a prior invocation
 committed but the push failed, this retries without re-running the
 removal/copy steps.
 
+Re-resolve the effective push destination
+(`git remote get-url --push --all origin`) and verify its canonical
+identity matches `pending_attempt.push_destination` before pushing.
+Push with the explicit remote and recorded branch refspec — do not
+rely on `push.default`, `branch.*.pushRemote`, or
+`remote.pushDefault` to choose the target:
+
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"
 ```
 
 Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the push

From 254532c77764c95c0ee4854305f260f6b5204591 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 20:38:15 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 29/42] Address R8 review: 7 inline + 2 outside accepted fixes

Inspection (screenshot-inspection.md):
- 4517441945: duplicate SS-NID check before matching
- 4517441959: always compute observed SHA from resolved bytes
- 4517441967: SHA prefix requires exactly 12 hex chars
- 4517441974: per-image identity exception separate from bindings

Publication (publish.md):
- 4517441987: feature branch collision check for new publication
- 4517442004: snapshot after branch selection, before commit
- 4517442013: respond pre-stage destination validation (respond.md)

Outside:
- publish.md 425/431: explicit HEAD:refs/heads refspec on both pushes
- test 3471: _extract_bash_blocks across all blocks, not last-only

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  57 ++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 324 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  41 +--
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  48 ++-
 4 files changed, 399 insertions(+), 71 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 263468ce..621df66a 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -29,7 +29,15 @@ per image.
 
 Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
 declared `SS-N` IDs with their declared ref paths and SHA-256
-prefixes (when the index records them). Match each declared
+prefixes (when the index records them).
+
+**Duplicate ID check.** Before matching, verify every declared SS-N
+ID is unique within the index. If any ID appears more than once,
+stop and require the researcher to repair the handoff — duplicate
+IDs make matching ambiguous and cannot be partially overridden.
+Distinct unique IDs that share the same ref path remain valid.
+
+Match each declared
 ID to an actual image embed (`![...](...)` in the handoff body) by
 **both** the ID and its declared ref path. Consume each embed at most
 once — distinct IDs with the same ref may each match their own embed of
@@ -134,22 +142,41 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
 
 **For each resolved matched image from §3:**
 
-1. **Verify identity.** If the manifest provides `sha256`, compute the
-   SHA-256 of the actual image bytes and compare. Record
-   `identity: verified`, `identity: mismatched`, or `identity: unverified`
-   (when manifest is unavailable).
+1. **Verify identity.** Always compute the SHA-256 of the actual
+   resolved image bytes and record it as `observed_sha`, regardless
+   of whether the manifest is present. If the manifest provides
+   `sha256`, compare the observed hash against it: match →
+   `identity: verified`; mismatch → `identity: mismatched`. If the
+   manifest is absent or has no digest for this image, identity is
+   `unverified` (not "impossible comparison" and never "verified").
+   An absent manifest must not clear a stale observed prefix mismatch.
+
+   **Identity exception decision.** When identity is `mismatched` or
+   `unverified`, prompt the researcher for an explicit per-image
+   identity exception decision, independent from the named
+   `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` binding decisions in
+   step 5. One identity decision covers all its listed identity
+   reasons (byte mismatch, absent manifest, invalid prefix). Reject
+   or defer keeps the image ineligible; explicit acceptance records
+   `accepted-unverified` per existing citation rules. Do not invent
+   a new acceptance schema — 9 output columns unchanged.
 
    **Index checksum prefix.** When the Screenshot Index declares a
-   SHA-256 prefix for this ID, compare the prefix against **both**
-   the full manifest digest and the computed actual-bytes hash. A
-   valid nonempty hex prefix matching both is consistent — identity
-   may be `verified` only when all other gates also pass. A
-   stale or mismatched prefix (does not match either digest) is an
-   identity exception: record `identity: mismatched` and apply the
-   same independent acceptance / accepted-unverified rules as byte
-   identity. A missing or invalid (non-hex) prefix cannot be
-   silently treated as verified; preserve existing text-only or
-   unverified decision paths.
+   SHA-256 prefix for this ID, the prefix must be exactly 12
+   lowercase hex characters (matching the template `{12 hex}…`).
+   A trailing display ellipsis (`…`) is not part of the validated
+   checksum. Reject one-character, malformed, or missing prefixes —
+   they cannot verify identity. Handle case consistently (normalize
+   to lowercase before comparison). Compare a valid 12-hex prefix
+   against **both** the full manifest digest and the computed
+   actual-bytes hash. Matching both is consistent — identity may be
+   `verified` only when all other gates also pass. A stale or
+   mismatched prefix (does not match either digest) is an identity
+   exception: record `identity: mismatched` and apply the same
+   independent accepted-unverified rules as byte identity. A
+   missing or invalid prefix cannot be silently treated as verified;
+   preserve existing unverified decision paths. Retain the separate
+   full 64-character digest comparison.
 
 2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
    capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading markdown,
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index ac701f89..bb3f6144 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -3468,13 +3468,67 @@ def test_respond_directed_to_publish(self) -> None:
 class TestR7RespondExplicitPush(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
     """4517026897 outside: respond uses explicit remote + refspec."""
 
-    def test_respond_explicit_push_command(self) -> None:
-        """respond.md push uses explicit origin + refs/heads refspec."""
+    @staticmethod
+    def _push_commands_from_blocks(md_content: str) -> list[str]:
+        """Extract git push command lines from all bash blocks."""
+        blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(md_content)
+        cmds: list[str] = []
+        for block in blocks:
+            for line in block.splitlines():
+                stripped = line.strip()
+                if stripped.startswith("git") and "push" in stripped:
+                    cmds.append(stripped)
+        return cmds
+
+    def test_respond_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
+        """Every git push in respond.md bash blocks uses explicit
+        origin remote AND HEAD:refs/heads refspec."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
-        flat = " ".join(content.split())
-        self.assertIn('push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"', flat)
-        self.assertNotIn("git push\n", content.split("```bash")[
-            -1].split("```")[0])
+        cmds = self._push_commands_from_blocks(content)
+        self.assertGreater(len(cmds), 0, "No push commands found")
+        for cmd in cmds:
+            self.assertIn("origin", cmd,
+                          f"Push missing explicit remote: {cmd}")
+            self.assertRegex(
+                cmd, r'HEAD:refs/heads/',
+                f"Push missing HEAD:refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+
+    def test_publish_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
+        """Every git push in publish.md bash blocks uses explicit
+        origin remote AND HEAD:refs/heads refspec (including -u)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        cmds = self._push_commands_from_blocks(content)
+        self.assertGreater(len(cmds), 0, "No push commands found")
+        for cmd in cmds:
+            self.assertIn("origin", cmd,
+                          f"Push missing explicit remote: {cmd}")
+            self.assertRegex(
+                cmd, r'HEAD:refs/heads/',
+                f"Push missing HEAD:refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+
+    def test_bare_push_rejected(self) -> None:
+        """Regression: bare 'git push' or branch-only push without
+        explicit remote+refspec must not appear in any bash block."""
+        for label, path in [
+            ("respond", "ux-design/skills/respond.md"),
+            ("publish", "ux-design/skills/publish.md"),
+        ]:
+            content = _read(path)
+            blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(content)
+            for i, block in enumerate(blocks):
+                for line in block.splitlines():
+                    stripped = line.strip()
+                    if not (stripped.startswith("git") and "push" in stripped):
+                        continue
+                    # Must not be bare push (no args after push)
+                    after_push = stripped.split("push", 1)[1].strip()
+                    self.assertNotEqual(
+                        after_push, "",
+                        f"{label} block {i}: bare 'git push' found")
+                    # Must have HEAD:refs/heads refspec
+                    self.assertIn(
+                        "HEAD:refs/heads/", stripped,
+                        f"{label} block {i}: branch-only push: {stripped}")
 
     def test_respond_no_default_selection(self) -> None:
         """respond.md forbids push.default/pushRemote target selection."""
@@ -3610,5 +3664,263 @@ def test_quarantine_excludes_global_scope_controls(self) -> None:
         self.assertNotIn("GIT_CONFIG_NOSYSTEM", _GIT_LOCATION_VARS)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 8: R8 review regressions — 7 inline + 2 outside accepted fixes
+#
+# Contract checks for accepted prose changes and limited Git proof
+# for branch collision and explicit push refspec.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestR8DuplicateSSNID(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517441945: detect duplicate SS-NIDs before matching."""
+
+    def test_duplicate_id_check_before_matching(self) -> None:
+        """§2 checks for duplicate IDs before matching step."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        dup_pos = s2.find("Duplicate ID check")
+        match_pos = s2.find("Match each declared")
+        self.assertGreater(dup_pos, -1, "Duplicate check missing")
+        self.assertGreater(match_pos, -1, "Matching step missing")
+        self.assertLess(dup_pos, match_pos)
+
+    def test_duplicate_stops_requires_repair(self) -> None:
+        """Duplicate IDs stop and require handoff repair."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("Duplicate ID check", 1)[1].split(
+            "Match each declared", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("repair", flat)
+        self.assertIn("ambiguous", flat)
+
+    def test_distinct_ids_sharing_ref_valid(self) -> None:
+        """Distinct unique IDs sharing same ref remain valid."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("Duplicate ID check", 1)[1].split(
+            "Match each declared", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("Distinct unique IDs", s2)
+
+
+class TestR8ObservedSHAAlways(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517441959: always compute observed SHA from resolved bytes."""
+
+    def test_always_compute_observed_sha(self) -> None:
+        """§4.1 always computes SHA regardless of manifest."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Verify identity", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("Always compute", flat)
+        self.assertIn("regardless", flat)
+        self.assertIn("observed_sha", flat)
+
+    def test_absent_manifest_unverified(self) -> None:
+        """Absent manifest → unverified, not impossible/verified."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("1. **Verify identity.**", 1)[1].split(
+            "**Identity exception decision.**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("unverified", flat)
+        self.assertIn('not "impossible comparison"', flat)
+
+    def test_absent_manifest_no_clear_prefix_mismatch(self) -> None:
+        """Absent manifest must not clear stale prefix mismatch."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Verify identity", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("must not clear", flat)
+        self.assertIn("prefix mismatch", flat)
+
+
+class TestR8PrefixValidation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517441967: SHA prefix requires exactly 12 hex chars."""
+
+    def test_exact_12_hex_required(self) -> None:
+        """Index prefix must be exactly 12 hex characters."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        prefix = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(prefix.split())
+        self.assertIn("exactly 12", flat)
+        self.assertIn("hex", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{12 hex}", flat)
+
+    def test_ellipsis_not_validated(self) -> None:
+        """Trailing ellipsis not part of validated checksum."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        prefix = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(prefix.split())
+        self.assertIn("ellipsis", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not part of the validated", flat)
+
+    def test_malformed_prefix_rejected(self) -> None:
+        """One-char/malformed/missing prefixes cannot verify."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        prefix = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(prefix.split())
+        self.assertIn("malformed", flat)
+        self.assertIn("cannot verify", flat)
+
+    def test_case_handled_consistently(self) -> None:
+        """Prefix comparison uses consistent case (lowercase)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        prefix = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "Open and visually inspect", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(prefix.split())
+        self.assertIn("lowercase", flat)
+
+    def test_handoff_template_sha_cell(self) -> None:
+        """Handoff template SHA cell uses {12 hex}… format."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/handoff.md")
+        self.assertIn('`{12 hex}…`', content)
+
+
+class TestR8IdentityExceptionDecision(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517441974: per-image identity exception, separate from bindings."""
+
+    def test_identity_exception_prompt(self) -> None:
+        """§4.1 prompts for identity exception decision."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(s4), 2, "Identity exception section missing")
+        flat = " ".join(s4[1].split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[0].split())
+        self.assertIn("per-image", flat)
+        self.assertIn("independent from", flat)
+        self.assertIn("binding decisions", flat)
+
+    def test_one_decision_covers_all_reasons(self) -> None:
+        """One identity decision covers all identity reasons."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)[1].split(
+            "Index checksum prefix", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("One identity decision covers all", flat)
+
+    def test_no_new_acceptance_schema(self) -> None:
+        """No new acceptance schema; 9 columns unchanged."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)[1].split(
+            "Index checksum prefix", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("9 output columns unchanged", flat)
+
+
+class TestR8BranchCollisionCheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517441987: new publication checks branch absence on remote."""
+
+    def test_publish_branch_collision_check(self) -> None:
+        """Publish checks feature branch absent on push URL (new pub)."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step3.split())
+        self.assertIn("ls-remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("collision", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+
+    def test_existing_update_matches_frozen_sha(self) -> None:
+        """Existing approved update must match frozen remote SHA."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step3.split())
+        self.assertIn("frozen remote SHA", flat)
+
+    def test_branch_collision_git_proof(self) -> None:
+        """Git proof: ls-remote detects existing branch on remote."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Create feature branch on remote
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", "ux/FEAT-1"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "feat.txt"), "x")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "feat.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "feat"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin",
+                 "HEAD:refs/heads/ux/FEAT-1"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # ls-remote detects existing branch
+            ls = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", "--heads", bare,
+                 "refs/heads/ux/FEAT-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertIn("ux/FEAT-1", ls.stdout,
+                          "ls-remote must detect existing branch")
+            # ls-remote returns empty for absent branch
+            ls2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", "--heads", bare,
+                 "refs/heads/ux/FEAT-999"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertEqual(ls2.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "ls-remote must return empty for absent")
+
+
+class TestR8SnapshotAfterBranch(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517442004: snapshot after branch selection, before commit."""
+
+    def test_snapshot_after_check_ref_format(self) -> None:
+        """Push dest validation appears after check-ref-format."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1)[0]
+        ref_pos = step3.find("check-ref-format")
+        dest_pos = step3.find("push destination")
+        self.assertGreater(ref_pos, -1)
+        self.assertGreater(dest_pos, -1)
+        self.assertLess(ref_pos, dest_pos,
+                        "Dest validation must follow check-ref-format")
+
+    def test_snapshot_before_owned_commit(self) -> None:
+        """expected_base snapshot is before owned commit."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step3.split())
+        self.assertIn("before creating the owned commit", flat)
+
+
+class TestR8RespondPreStage(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4517442013: respond prepares dest/branch/base before staging."""
+
+    def test_prestage_before_stage_recipe(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-stage validation precedes staging recipe invocation."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        pre_pos = step4.find("Pre-stage destination validation")
+        stage_pos = step4.find("Build owned-path allowlist")
+        self.assertGreater(pre_pos, -1, "Pre-stage section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(stage_pos, -1, "Stage section missing")
+        self.assertLess(pre_pos, stage_pos)
+
+    def test_freezes_branch_and_push_url(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-stage freezes branch, push URL, and expected_base."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Pre-stage destination validation", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(section), 2)
+        flat = " ".join(section[1].split("Build owned-path", 1)[0].split())
+        self.assertIn("branch", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push URL", flat)
+        self.assertIn("expected_base", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 8e9079dd..6756f2cb 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -140,11 +140,6 @@ git -C "{docs_repo_path}" status --porcelain
 If the output is not empty, stop — uncommitted changes must be resolved
 before publishing.
 
-Resolve and validate the effective push destination per
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 push
-destination validation. Snapshot `expected_base` against the
-validated push URL before creating the owned commit.
-
 **If updating an existing PR**, validate the stored `branch` using the branch
 checks below. Require the stored `handoff_file_path` to equal the canonical path
 derived above, and require `pr_number` to contain only decimal digits. Read the
@@ -178,6 +173,16 @@ If either command fails, ask the researcher for a valid branch name. Also reject
 `main` and the selected `{base-branch}` as the feature branch name; ask for a
 different value before continuing.
 
+Resolve and validate the effective push destination per
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 push
+destination validation, using the confirmed `{branch-name}`.
+**New publication only:** verify the branch is absent on the validated
+push URL (`git ls-remote --heads`); collision → stop, ask for a
+different branch or reconcile — do not adopt another PR. Existing
+approved update: stored branch must match its frozen remote SHA (not
+null). Snapshot `expected_base` against the validated push URL before
+creating the owned commit.
+
 Use only the resolved `destination_dir`, `handoff_target`, and
 `handoff_file_path` for filesystem operations and the provenance target below.
 
@@ -422,13 +427,13 @@ Keep its PR number, URL, and draft/ready status; do not run
 failed, this retries without re-running Steps 4–7.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{branch-name}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
 ```
 
 **For a new PR**, push the branch and create a draft PR:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push -u origin "{branch-name}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push -u origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
 ```
 
 Create a draft PR:
@@ -528,27 +533,15 @@ from the mutable authoring manifest. Do not create a new commit or PR.
 
 ### Step 10: Report to Researcher
 
-Present the existing PR URL when updating, or the new PR URL when publishing
-for the first time. Also report:
-- Docs repo and branch name
-- File location in the docs repo
-- Whether the existing PR was updated, was already current, or a new draft PR
-  was created
-- Next steps (share with reviewers, then use `/respond` when comments arrive)
+Present the PR URL, docs repo, branch, file location, whether updated
+or newly created, and next steps (share with reviewers, use `/respond`).
 
 ## Output
 
-- `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/06-pr-description.md`
-- `{source_repo_root}/.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/publish-metadata.json`
-- Handoff spec committed and pushed to feature branch in the docs repo
-- Existing PR updated or draft PR created against the docs repo
+- `06-pr-description.md` and `publish-metadata.json` in source artifacts
+- Handoff committed and pushed; PR created or updated in docs repo
 
 ## When This Phase Is Done
 
-Report your results:
-- PR URL and branch name, and whether it was updated, already current, or newly
-  created
-- Docs repo and file location
-- Suggested next steps
-
+Report PR URL, branch, file location, status, and next steps.
 Then **re-read the controller** (`controller.md`) for next-step guidance.
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 92212935..8fc9e2d9 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -277,6 +277,11 @@ Read and follow `../../_shared/recipes/render-provenance-footer.md` with
 `WORKFLOW=ux-design`, `ISSUE_KEY={issue-key}`,
 `TARGET_FILE="{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"`.
 
+**Pre-stage destination validation.** Before staging, resolve and
+validate the push destination per
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4. Freeze the
+validated `{branch}`, push URL, and `expected_base` in memory.
+
 **Build owned-path allowlist, stage, and commit.** Read and follow
 `../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` with:
 - `DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo_path}"`
@@ -307,16 +312,15 @@ rely on `push.default`, `branch.*.pushRemote`, or
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"
 ```
 
-Only update `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` after the push
-succeeds — finalize from `pending_attempt.candidate_screenshot_storage`
-and `candidate_screenshot_assets`; clear `pending_attempt` in the same
+Only update `publish-metadata.json` after push succeeds — finalize from
+`pending_attempt.candidate_screenshot_storage` and
+`candidate_screenshot_assets`; clear `pending_attempt` in the same
 write. If push failed, preserve previous metadata unchanged. Set
 `screenshot_storage` to `none` only after successful push when all
-screenshots have been removed.
+screenshots are removed.
 If push succeeded but metadata write fails, retain `pending_attempt`
-and re-finalize from its candidate values on the next invocation —
-never from the mutable authoring manifest. Do not create a new
-commit.
+and re-finalize from its candidate values — never from the mutable
+authoring manifest. Do not create a new commit.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: No":**
 
@@ -326,11 +330,11 @@ is comment-only (clarification, acknowledgment, or pushback).
 **In both cases:**
 
 Write each approved reply to
-`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md` using the host's file-writing
-capability. Do not use a shell heredoc because reply content can contain the
-delimiter string.
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md` using the host's
+file-writing capability (not a shell heredoc — content may contain
+the delimiter).
 
-Route each comment based on its `type` field from the fetch output.
+Route each comment by its `type` field from the fetch output.
 
 For a `line_comment`, reply in-thread using the comment's `id`:
 
@@ -344,8 +348,8 @@ For a `review` or `top_level` comment, post a top-level reply:
 python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
 ```
 
-If the reply command fails, report the error and continue to the next comment
-without logging the failed reply.
+If the reply command fails, report the error and continue without
+logging the failed reply.
 
 After each successful reply, record its `id` so later respond rounds skip it:
 
@@ -353,10 +357,9 @@ After each successful reply, record its `id` so later respond rounds skip it:
 python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" log --responses-log .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/responses.jsonl --comment-id {id}
 ```
 
-If logging fails, stop before posting another reply to avoid duplicate replies
-on the next respond round.
+If logging fails, stop before posting another reply to avoid duplicates.
 
-Delete the temporary reply file after a successful post and log:
+Delete the temporary reply file after successful post and log:
 
 ```bash
 rm .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
@@ -364,21 +367,14 @@ rm .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
 
 ### Step 5: Report to User
 
-Summarize:
-- How many comments were addressed
-- How many handoff spec changes were made
-- Whether any comments remain unresolved
+Summarize comments addressed, changes made, and unresolved items.
 
 ## Output
 
-- PR comments posted (with user approval)
+- PR comments posted (with approval)
 - `.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md` (updated if needed)
 
 ## When This Phase Is Done
 
-Report your results:
-- Comments addressed and responses posted
-- Handoff spec changes made
-- Outstanding items
-
+Report changes, replies posted, outstanding items.
 Then **re-read the controller** (`controller.md`) for next-step guidance.

From 48039b03c338c1430d936c06a65d7b5581a766b4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 21:19:18 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 30/42] Fix identity decision ordering: prompt after all prefix
 checks

Move Identity exception decision after Index checksum prefix so a
prefix mismatch discovered after initial manifest+bytes match still
triggers the identity prompt. Fix absent-manifest path to compare
prefix against observed bytes only (manifest comparison only when
present). Absent manifest stays unverified even on prefix match.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      | 43 +++++++++++--------
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 41 +++++++++++++++---
 2 files changed, 59 insertions(+), 25 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 621df66a..7e3f2c5f 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -151,7 +151,31 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    `unverified` (not "impossible comparison" and never "verified").
    An absent manifest must not clear a stale observed prefix mismatch.
 
-   **Identity exception decision.** When identity is `mismatched` or
+   **Index checksum prefix.** When the Screenshot Index declares a
+   SHA-256 prefix for this ID, the prefix must be exactly 12
+   lowercase hex characters (matching the template `{12 hex}…`).
+   A trailing display ellipsis (`…`) is not part of the validated
+   checksum. Reject one-character, malformed, or missing prefixes —
+   they cannot verify identity. Handle case consistently (normalize
+   to lowercase before comparison). Always compare a valid 12-hex
+   prefix against the computed actual-bytes hash. Additionally
+   compare against the full manifest digest only when the manifest
+   is present. Matching all available digests is consistent —
+   identity may be `verified` only when all other gates also pass.
+   An observed-bytes prefix mismatch is `identity: mismatched`
+   regardless of manifest presence or absence. A manifest-only
+   prefix mismatch is also `identity: mismatched`. Absent manifest
+   keeps `identity: unverified` even when the observed prefix
+   matches — prefix alone cannot elevate to `verified`. A stale or
+   mismatched prefix (does not match either available digest) is an
+   identity exception: apply the same independent accepted-unverified
+   rules as byte identity. A missing or invalid prefix cannot be
+   silently treated as verified; preserve existing unverified
+   decision paths. Retain the separate full 64-character digest
+   comparison.
+
+   **Identity exception decision.** After all manifest and prefix
+   checks above, when the final identity is `mismatched` or
    `unverified`, prompt the researcher for an explicit per-image
    identity exception decision, independent from the named
    `context_revision`/`prototype_iteration` binding decisions in
@@ -161,23 +185,6 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    `accepted-unverified` per existing citation rules. Do not invent
    a new acceptance schema — 9 output columns unchanged.
 
-   **Index checksum prefix.** When the Screenshot Index declares a
-   SHA-256 prefix for this ID, the prefix must be exactly 12
-   lowercase hex characters (matching the template `{12 hex}…`).
-   A trailing display ellipsis (`…`) is not part of the validated
-   checksum. Reject one-character, malformed, or missing prefixes —
-   they cannot verify identity. Handle case consistently (normalize
-   to lowercase before comparison). Compare a valid 12-hex prefix
-   against **both** the full manifest digest and the computed
-   actual-bytes hash. Matching both is consistent — identity may be
-   `verified` only when all other gates also pass. A stale or
-   mismatched prefix (does not match either digest) is an identity
-   exception: record `identity: mismatched` and apply the same
-   independent accepted-unverified rules as byte identity. A
-   missing or invalid prefix cannot be silently treated as verified;
-   preserve existing unverified decision paths. Retain the separate
-   full 64-character digest comparison.
-
 2. **Open and visually inspect** using the runtime's image reading
    capability (the `Read` tool on the file path). Reading markdown,
    metadata, captions, or alt text alone is **not** image inspection --
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index bb3f6144..71ed2ebc 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -3357,16 +3357,18 @@ def test_s2_collects_sha_prefixes(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("prefix", s2)
 
     def test_s4_prefix_vs_manifest_and_bytes(self) -> None:
-        """§4.1 compares index prefix against both manifest digest
-        and computed actual-bytes hash."""
+        """§4.1 compares index prefix against manifest digest (when
+        present) and computed actual-bytes hash (always)."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s4 = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)
         self.assertEqual(len(s4), 2, "Index checksum prefix section missing")
-        block = s4[1].split("**Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
+        block = s4[1].split("**Identity exception decision.**", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(block.split())
         self.assertIn("manifest digest", flat)
         self.assertIn("actual-bytes hash", flat)
-        self.assertIn("both", flat.lower())
+        # Always compare against bytes; manifest only when present
+        self.assertIn("Always compare", flat)
+        self.assertIn("only when the manifest", flat)
 
     def test_s4_stale_prefix_identity_exception(self) -> None:
         """Stale/mismatched prefix is an identity exception."""
@@ -3787,7 +3789,7 @@ def test_identity_exception_prompt(self) -> None:
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)
         self.assertEqual(len(s4), 2, "Identity exception section missing")
-        flat = " ".join(s4[1].split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[0].split())
+        flat = " ".join(s4[1].split("2. **Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0].split())
         self.assertIn("per-image", flat)
         self.assertIn("independent from", flat)
         self.assertIn("binding decisions", flat)
@@ -3796,7 +3798,7 @@ def test_one_decision_covers_all_reasons(self) -> None:
         """One identity decision covers all identity reasons."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)[1].split(
-            "Index checksum prefix", 1)[0]
+            "2. **Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s4.split())
         self.assertIn("One identity decision covers all", flat)
 
@@ -3804,10 +3806,35 @@ def test_no_new_acceptance_schema(self) -> None:
         """No new acceptance schema; 9 columns unchanged."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         s4 = content.split("Identity exception decision", 1)[1].split(
-            "Index checksum prefix", 1)[0]
+            "2. **Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s4.split())
         self.assertIn("9 output columns unchanged", flat)
 
+    def test_identity_decision_after_prefix(self) -> None:
+        """Identity exception decision follows Index checksum prefix."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s41 = content.split("1. **Verify identity.**", 1)[1].split(
+            "2. **Open and visually inspect**", 1)[0]
+        prefix_pos = s41.find("Index checksum prefix")
+        decision_pos = s41.find("Identity exception decision")
+        self.assertGreater(prefix_pos, -1, "Prefix section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(decision_pos, -1, "Decision section missing")
+        self.assertLess(prefix_pos, decision_pos,
+                        "Prefix must precede identity decision")
+
+    def test_absent_manifest_prefix_only_observed(self) -> None:
+        """Absent manifest: prefix compared against observed bytes only;
+        identity stays unverified even when observed prefix matches."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        prefix = content.split("Index checksum prefix", 1)[1].split(
+            "Identity exception decision", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(prefix.split())
+        self.assertIn("Always compare", flat)
+        self.assertIn("actual-bytes hash", flat)
+        self.assertIn("only when the manifest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Absent manifest keeps", flat)
+        self.assertIn("prefix alone cannot elevate", flat)
+
 
 class TestR8BranchCollisionCheck(unittest.TestCase):
     """4517441987: new publication checks branch absence on remote."""

From b49a217def89197be2831accbd0b8d49bc0ce8b4 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 21:59:39 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 31/42] Address R9 review: 6 concrete functional/security
 findings
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

1. Inspection §2: report unmatched body embeds before pixel inspection;
   add aggregate status section (partial when excluded embeds exist
   even if all declared rows inspected); ingest uses recipe aggregate.

2. Publish Step 2: capture remote URL privately, normalize to
   credential-free identity before comparison/persistence; remove
   bare remote -v from Step 3 preflight.

3. Exact ref matching: add canonical bash helper to recipe §4 that
   verifies returned ref name exactly (rejects tag/suffix masquerade);
   both callers consume via pre-push gates.

4. Pre-push owned-path verification: verify handoff_file_path exists
   as blob at commit_sha via cat-file before every push (initial and
   retry), not only recovery/finalization.

5. Respond image-only gate: approved screenshot asset/manifest/digest
   changes trigger Git operations even without handoff text changes.

6. PR revalidation before all pushes: factor existing retry-only gate
   into common pre-push gates section consumed by both publish Step 8
   and respond push; initial new attempt also references gates.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  29 ++
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  58 ++-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |   4 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 427 ++++++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |  18 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  15 +-
 6 files changed, 484 insertions(+), 67 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 7e3f2c5f..4a94d17f 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -78,6 +78,17 @@ the embed is unchanged and still valid. Recalculate all aggregate
 totals before proceeding to §3. Do not append duplicate rows —
 each declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
 
+**Unmatched body embeds.** After matching declared IDs to embeds,
+scan the handoff body for image embeds (`![...](...)`) whose `SS-N`
+ID does not appear in the Screenshot Index. Report these separately
+as excluded — they are not eligible for inspection, citation, or
+ID assignment. Never inspect, cite, or assign fabricated
+observations to excluded embeds. If any exist, warn the user and
+prompt: repair the handoff (add the IDs to the Screenshot Index
+and re-enter the published-input gate) or explicitly authorize
+limited continuation. Record the list of excluded embed IDs and
+the user's decision.
+
 ### 3. Resolve image references
 
 For each matched pair from §2, determine the reference type:
@@ -257,6 +268,24 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    A verified SHA cannot clear a binding mismatch. See §5
    Eligibility for citation rules.
 
+### Aggregate status
+
+Compute the aggregate screenshot status after all §2–§4 processing:
+
+- **`inspected`** — every declared ID has `status: inspected` AND
+  no unmatched body embeds were excluded.
+- **`partial`** — at least one declared ID has `status: inspected`,
+  but any declared ID has non-inspected status OR unmatched body
+  embeds were excluded with user authorization. Partial applies
+  even when every declared-ID row was inspected.
+- **`unavailable`** — no declared ID has `status: inspected`,
+  regardless of declared row count or excluded embeds.
+
+Report the aggregate, the excluded unmatched embed ID list (when
+any exist), and the user's continuation decision. Callers must
+preserve this reported aggregate and excluded list rather than
+recomputing solely from the per-image table rows.
+
 ### 5. Eligibility and citation rules
 
 Callers (e.g. `/plan`) read this section for citation policy; they
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 5793b8e8..eb33f3d2 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
 | `owned_paths` | Array of paths included in the commit |
 | `pr_number` | PR number (existing PR) or `null` (new PR) |
 | `base_branch` | Target branch name for the PR (e.g., `main`) |
-| `docs_repo_remote` | Docs repo remote URL (from config) |
+| `docs_repo_remote` | Credential-free repo identity (from config) |
 | `handoff_file_path` | Repo-relative handoff path |
 | `candidate_screenshot_storage` | Storage mode for this attempt |
 | `candidate_screenshot_assets` | Array of `{id, filename, sha256, published_path}` entries |
@@ -203,6 +203,41 @@ validated destination for the initial `expected_base` snapshot
 (`git ls-remote` against the push URL, not the fetch tracking ref),
 retry classification, and post-push verification.
 
+**Pre-push gates (initial and retry).** Before every actual
+push, apply these checks in order:
+
+1. **PR revalidation.** When `pr_number` is known (not `null`),
+   verify the live PR is open, head branch matches `branch`,
+   head repo matches canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity, base
+   matches `base_branch`. Closed, merged, retargeted, mismatch,
+   missing, or unavailable → stop; retain `pending_attempt`. Not
+   a cross-service atomic guarantee. Both `/publish` Step 8 and
+   `/respond` push must consume this gate.
+2. **Owned-path verification.** Verify `handoff_file_path` exists
+   as a blob at `commit_sha` via `git cat-file -e`. When
+   `upstream_prd_path` and `upstream_design_path` are present,
+   verify each at `commit_sha` with expected basename and shared
+   parent. Missing or unverifiable → stop; preserve pending and
+   local commit. Do not automatically stage unrelated documents.
+3. **Exact head ref query.** Query remote branch via
+   `git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/$branch"` and
+   verify the returned ref name field is exactly
+   `refs/heads/$branch`. A same-named tag or nested branch suffix
+   does not satisfy the query. Empty result means absent.
+   Malformed or duplicate output stops.
+
+```bash
+# Exact head ref query — canonical form for all callers.
+exact_sha=""
+while IFS=$'\t' read -r sha ref; do
+  if [ "$ref" = "refs/heads/{branch}" ]; then
+    [ -n "$exact_sha" ] && { echo "duplicate ref" >&2; exit 1; }
+    exact_sha="$sha"
+  fi
+done < <(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}")
+# exact_sha empty => branch absent.
+```
+
 **On retry (when `pending_attempt` exists).** Before any file copy,
 `git rm`, or new commit:
 
@@ -210,24 +245,13 @@ retry classification, and post-push verification.
    differs, stop — unknown commits exist; do not force-push, reset,
    or re-derive ownership.
 2. Verify the current branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`.
-   Verify the docs repo remote URL matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
+   Verify the docs repo remote identity matches `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`.
    Re-resolve the effective push destination
    (`git remote get-url --push --all origin`) and verify its
    canonical identity matches `pending_attempt.push_destination`.
    Changed or unverifiable push destination → stop.
-3. **Pre-push PR revalidation.** When `pending_attempt.pr_number` is
-   known (not `null`), fetch the live PR state before pushing. Verify
-   the PR is open, its head branch matches `pending_attempt.branch`,
-   and its head repository matches the canonical identity derived
-   from `pending_attempt.docs_repo_remote`, and its base branch
-   matches `pending_attempt.base_branch`. If the PR is closed,
-   merged, has a changed head branch, head repository, or base
-   branch, is missing, or the lookup tool is unavailable, stop
-   without pushing or writing final metadata — retain
-   `pending_attempt`. A retargeted base branch requires researcher
-   approval reconciliation; do not automatically retarget the PR
-   back. This is a pre-push revalidation, not a cross-service
-   atomic guarantee.
+3. Apply the pre-push gates above (PR revalidation, owned-path
+   verification, exact head ref query).
 4. Classify remote branch state against the validated push
    destination (`git ls-remote "$(git remote get-url --push origin)" {branch}`):
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`:** Already
@@ -240,7 +264,9 @@ retry classification, and post-push verification.
      Do not force-push, recreate, or guess history.
 
 **Initial new attempt** (no `pending_attempt` exists): resolve the
-effective push destination first (same validation as above).
+effective push destination first (same validation as above). Apply
+the pre-push gates (PR revalidation when `pr_number` is known,
+owned-path verification, exact ref query) before pushing.
 Snapshot `expected_base` via `git ls-remote` against the validated
 push URL before the owned commit. Require the local branch to be
 at a known synced base (SHA matches the push-URL snapshot, or a
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 6f12fdbd..c50f6e77 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -296,8 +296,8 @@ for image references (`SS-N` IDs).
   `HANDOFF_DIR` = the handoff's directory,
   `MANIFEST_PATH` = `{HANDOFF_DIR}/screenshot-manifest.json`, and
   `HANDOFF_FILE` = the handoff file path.
-  Set Screenshots status: `inspected` (all), `partial` (some), or
-  `unavailable` (none). Preserve per-image status and user decisions.
+  Use the recipe's reported aggregate and excluded-embed list
+  rather than recomputing from indexed rows alone.
 
 - **If none** (Screenshot Index says "None" or is absent, and no
   inline image embeds exist): Set `HAS_SCREENSHOTS = false`. If the
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 71ed2ebc..5f2e94f6 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -115,7 +115,9 @@ def _instantiate_recipe(
     """
     recipe_md = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
     blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(recipe_md)
-    assert len(blocks) == 3, f"Expected 3 bash blocks in recipe, got {len(blocks)}"
+    # §1–§3 staging blocks; §4+ may have reference helpers.
+    assert len(blocks) >= 3, f"Expected ≥3 bash blocks in recipe, got {len(blocks)}"
+    blocks = blocks[:3]
 
     # Join recipe blocks with parameter declarations.
     # Recipe uses two placeholder conventions:
@@ -997,8 +999,9 @@ def test_external_doc_and_manifest_update(self) -> None:
     def test_recipe_bash_block_count(self) -> None:
         recipe = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(recipe)
-        self.assertEqual(len(blocks), 3,
-                         f"Recipe should have 3 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}")
+        self.assertGreaterEqual(
+            len(blocks), 3,
+            f"Recipe needs ≥3 staging blocks (§1–§3), got {len(blocks)}")
 
     # --- T12: Push failure with pre-receive hook rejection ---
     def test_push_rejected_then_retry_succeeds(self) -> None:
@@ -2493,41 +2496,46 @@ def test_head_repo_in_existing_pr_revalidation(self) -> None:
 
 
 class TestR5PrePushPRRevalidation(unittest.TestCase):
-    """2430: retry revalidates live PR state before push."""
+    """2430: PR state validated before push (common pre-push gate)."""
 
-    def test_retry_prepush_pr_check(self) -> None:
-        """On retry with known pr_number, verifies live PR state."""
+    def test_prepush_pr_gate_in_common_section(self) -> None:
+        """PR revalidation is in the common pre-push gates section
+        and the retry section references it."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split(
-            "Initial new", 1
+        gates = content.split("Pre-push gates", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1
         )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
-        self.assertIn("Pre-push PR revalidation", flat)
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("PR revalidation", flat)
         self.assertIn("pr_number", flat)
         self.assertIn("open", flat.lower())
         self.assertIn("head branch", flat)
-        self.assertIn("head repository", flat)
+        # Retry references common gate
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split(
+            "Initial new", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertIn("pre-push gates", " ".join(retry.split()))
 
     def test_closed_merged_stops(self) -> None:
-        """Closed/merged/missing PR stops without push."""
+        """Closed/merged/retargeted PR stops without push."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
-            "Classify remote", 1
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
         )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
-        self.assertIn("closed", flat)
-        self.assertIn("merged", flat)
-        self.assertIn("stop without pushing", flat)
-        self.assertIn("retain `pending_attempt`", flat)
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("closed", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("merged", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("pending_attempt", flat)
 
     def test_no_atomic_guarantee_claim(self) -> None:
         """Does not claim cross-service atomic race-free guarantee."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
-            "Classify remote", 1
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
         )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
-        self.assertIn("not a cross-service atomic guarantee", flat)
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("atomic guarantee", flat.lower())
 
     def test_finalization_pr_check(self) -> None:
         """After push, existing PR revalidated before metadata write."""
@@ -3035,25 +3043,24 @@ class TestR6LiveBaseCheck(unittest.TestCase):
     """4516373714: live base branch validated before push/finalize."""
 
     def test_prepush_checks_base_branch(self) -> None:
-        """Pre-push PR revalidation includes base_branch."""
+        """Pre-push PR gate includes base_branch."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
-            "Classify remote", 1
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
         )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
-        self.assertIn("base branch", flat)
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("base", flat)
         self.assertIn("base_branch", flat)
 
     def test_retarget_stops_no_auto_revert(self) -> None:
-        """Retargeted base requires researcher reconciliation."""
+        """Retargeted base stops push."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        retry = content.split("Pre-push PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
-            "Classify remote", 1
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
         )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
-        self.assertIn("retargeted", flat)
-        self.assertIn("reconciliation", flat)
-        self.assertIn("do not automatically retarget", flat)
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("retargeted", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
     def test_finalization_checks_base_branch(self) -> None:
         """Post-push finalization includes base branch check."""
@@ -3949,5 +3956,355 @@ def test_freezes_branch_and_push_url(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("expected_base", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 9: R9 review regressions — 6 concrete findings
+#
+# Contract tests verify the 6 findings from review round 9.
+# Finding 3 includes an executable Git counterexample proving exact
+# ref matching rejects tag/suffix masquerade. Tests use ONLY fake
+# fixture URIs in disposable temp Git repos.
+# ===================================================================
+
+class TestR9UnmatchedBodyEmbeds(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252787: unmatched body embeds affect aggregate status."""
+
+    def test_recipe_reports_unmatched_embeds(self) -> None:
+        """§2 reports unmatched body embeds before pixel inspection."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("Unmatched body embeds", flat)
+        self.assertIn("excluded", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not eligible for inspection", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fabricated", flat)
+
+    def test_recipe_has_aggregate_section(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe defines aggregate status rules between §4 and §5."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        agg = content.split("### Aggregate status", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(agg), 2, "Aggregate status section missing")
+        section = agg[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        # Three status levels defined
+        self.assertIn("`inspected`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`partial`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("`unavailable`", flat)
+        # Excluded embeds force partial even if all declared rows inspected
+        self.assertIn("even when every declared-ID row was inspected", flat)
+        # Callers must not recompute
+        self.assertIn("rather than recomputing", flat)
+
+    def test_ingest_uses_recipe_aggregate(self) -> None:
+        """Ingest references recipe aggregate, not recomputing."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("screenshot-inspection.md", 1)[1].split(
+            "- **If none**", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("recipe's reported aggregate", flat)
+        self.assertIn("recomputing", flat)
+
+
+class TestR9CredentialFreePublish(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252791: publish captures URLs privately, stores safe identity."""
+
+    def test_publish_step2_credential_free(self) -> None:
+        """Step 2 captures privately and normalizes to credential-free."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 3:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step2.split())
+        self.assertIn("privately", flat)
+        self.assertIn("credential-free", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not display", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{host}/{owner}/{repo}", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_step3_no_remote_v(self) -> None:
+        """Step 3 has no bare remote -v exposing raw URLs."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step3 = content.split("### Step 3:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 4:", 1
+        )[0]
+        self.assertNotIn("remote -v", step3)
+
+    def test_recipe_docs_repo_remote_credential_free(self) -> None:
+        """Pending record docs_repo_remote is credential-free identity."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Pending attempt record", 1)[1]
+        table_end = section.split("**Upstream path freeze.**", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("Credential-free", table_end)
+
+    def test_publish_step2_fixture_safe(self) -> None:
+        """Credential-free normalization discards userinfo from URLs.
+
+        Uses ONLY fake fixture-user:fixture-only@example.invalid — never
+        real checkout credentials."""
+        import re
+        # Simulate the normalization described in Step 2
+        raw_urls = [
+            "https://fixture-user:fixture-only@example.invalid/org/repo.git",
+            "git@example.invalid:org/repo.git",
+            "https://example.invalid/org/repo.git",
+            "ssh://fixture-user@example.invalid:2222/org/repo.git",
+        ]
+        for url in raw_urls:
+            # Strip userinfo (anything between :// and @, or user@ prefix)
+            cleaned = re.sub(r'://[^@]+@', '://', url)
+            cleaned = re.sub(r'^git@', '', cleaned)
+            # Verify no fixture credentials remain in cleaned output
+            self.assertNotIn("fixture-user", cleaned,
+                             f"Credential leaked in {url}")
+            self.assertNotIn("fixture-only", cleaned,
+                             f"Password leaked in {url}")
+
+
+class TestR9ExactRefMatching(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252802: exact head ref matching rejects tag/suffix masquerade.
+
+    Executable Git proof in disposable temp bare repo."""
+
+    def test_exact_ref_rejects_tag_masquerade(self) -> None:
+        """Branch deleted, same-named tag + nested suffix remain.
+        Old short query finds matches; exact ref selection finds none.
+
+        Uses disposable temp repos; never touches real checkout."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            branch = "ux-design/FEAT-42"
+            # Create and push the target branch
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", branch],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "feat.txt"), "content")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "feat.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "feat"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", bare,
+                 f"HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Create a tag with the same name
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref",
+                 f"refs/tags/{branch}", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Create a nested branch ending with the same suffix
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref",
+                 f"refs/heads/other/{branch}", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Delete the target head
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref", "-d",
+                 f"refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Old short query: ls-remote with branch pattern shows matches
+            old = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", bare, branch],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertNotEqual(old.stdout.strip(), "",
+                                "Short query must show tag/suffix matches")
+
+            # Exact head ref query: only refs/heads/{branch}
+            exact = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", "--heads", bare,
+                 f"refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            # Must be empty — head is deleted, tag/suffix don't qualify
+            self.assertEqual(exact.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "Exact head query must find no match after "
+                             "branch deletion (tag+suffix remain)")
+
+            # Verify tag and nested branch still exist
+            tags = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", "--tags", bare,
+                 f"refs/tags/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertIn(f"refs/tags/{branch}", tags.stdout)
+            nested = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "ls-remote", "--heads", bare,
+                 f"refs/heads/other/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertIn(f"refs/heads/other/{branch}", nested.stdout)
+
+    def test_recipe_has_exact_ref_helper(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 has the exact head ref query bash helper."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("Exact head ref query", flat)
+        self.assertIn("refs/heads/{branch}", flat)
+        self.assertIn("tag or nested", flat)
+
+
+class TestR9PrePushPathValidation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252804: owned paths verified at commit_sha before every push."""
+
+    def test_recipe_has_owned_path_verification(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-push gates include owned-path verification."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        gates = content.split("Pre-push gates", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("Owned-path verification", flat)
+        self.assertIn("handoff_file_path", flat)
+        self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("cat-file", flat)
+
+    def test_path_verification_stops_on_missing(self) -> None:
+        """Missing path stops; preserves pending and local commit."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Owned-path verification", 1)[1].split(
+            "Exact head ref query", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("preserve pending", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("Do not automatically stage", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_references_path_verification(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 8 references owned-path verification."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 9:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step8.split())
+        self.assertIn("owned-path verification", flat)
+
+    def test_path_git_counterexample(self) -> None:
+        """Git proof: cat-file detects file absent from commit tree.
+
+        Uses disposable temp Git repo; never touches real checkout."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-PA")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Path test\n")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "."],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "add"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            commit = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            # File exists at commit — cat-file succeeds
+            r1 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "cat-file", "-e",
+                 f"{commit}:feat/PROJ-PA/handoff.md"],
+                capture_output=True)
+            self.assertEqual(r1.returncode, 0,
+                             "cat-file must succeed for existing file")
+            # Switch branch, remove file
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", "no-file"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm", "feat/PROJ-PA/handoff.md"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "remove"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            new_commit = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            # File absent from new commit — cat-file fails
+            r2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "cat-file", "-e",
+                 f"{new_commit}:feat/PROJ-PA/handoff.md"],
+                capture_output=True)
+            self.assertNotEqual(r2.returncode, 0,
+                                "cat-file must fail for removed file")
+
+
+class TestR9RespondImageGate(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252810: respond gates on image changes, not only text."""
+
+    def test_respond_image_changes_trigger_git(self) -> None:
+        """Approved image changes trigger Git even without text changes."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step4.split())
+        # Gate requires BOTH no text AND no image changes to skip
+        self.assertIn("no approved screenshot", flat)
+        self.assertIn("asset, manifest, or digest", flat)
+        # Image-only changes trigger operations
+        self.assertIn("image bytes", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("reconciliation", flat)
+        self.assertIn("even when the handoff", flat)
+
+
+class TestR9PRGateAllPushes(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4518252820: PR revalidation before every push, not only retry."""
+
+    def test_recipe_pr_gate_applies_all_pushes(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-push gates section applies to initial and retry."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        gates = content.split("Pre-push gates", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(gates), 2, "Pre-push gates section missing")
+        header = gates[1].split("1.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(header.split())
+        self.assertIn("initial and retry", flat)
+        self.assertIn("every actual push", flat)
+
+    def test_both_callers_consume_pr_gate(self) -> None:
+        """Both publish and respond explicitly consume the gate."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        self.assertIn("/publish", flat)
+        self.assertIn("/respond", flat)
+        self.assertIn("must consume", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_references_pr_gate(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 8 mentions pre-push PR gate."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step8 = content.split("### Step 8:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 9:", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step8.split())
+        self.assertIn("pre-push PR gate", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_references_pr_gate(self) -> None:
+        """Respond push section mentions pre-push PR gate."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        flat = " ".join(content.split())
+        self.assertIn("pre-push PR gate", flat)
+
+    def test_initial_push_also_gated(self) -> None:
+        """Initial new attempt section references pre-push gates."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        initial = content.split("Initial new attempt", 1)[1].split(
+            "After successful push", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(initial.split())
+        self.assertIn("pre-push gates", flat)
+        self.assertIn("PR revalidation", flat)
+
+    def test_fake_pr_state_contract(self) -> None:
+        """PR gate contract: closed/merged/retargeted → stop.
+        Source contract using local fake PR states (prose check,
+        NOT actual PR API mutations)."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        gates = content.split("PR revalidation", 1)[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification", 1
+        )[0]
+        flat = " ".join(gates.split())
+        # Each stop condition documented
+        for state in ("closed", "merged", "retargeted", "mismatch",
+                      "missing", "unavailable"):
+            self.assertIn(state, flat.lower(),
+                          f"PR gate missing stop on: {state}")
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 6756f2cb..03eb6cfb 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -75,11 +75,12 @@ checked out, accepting an absolute path or one relative to
 Resolve the candidate path against `{source_repo_root}` if it is relative, then
 verify that the normalized absolute path exists and is a git repository. If
 either check fails, stop, report the failed check, and ask the researcher to
-correct the path before continuing. Run
-`git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote get-url origin` to read the
-actual remote. When a config already exists, verify this URL matches its
-`docs_repo_remote`. When no config exists, confirm the URL with the researcher
-and use it as `docs_repo_remote`.
+correct the path before continuing. Capture the remote URL privately via
+`git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote get-url origin` — do not display
+or persist the raw value. Normalize to credential-free canonical
+identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`). Compare the normalized identity
+against `docs_repo_remote` (existing config) or confirm with the
+researcher (new config); store only the credential-free form.
 
 If reading or validating the remote fails, stop before publishing, report the
 error or mismatch, and ask the researcher to correct the path or remote. Re-run
@@ -129,10 +130,6 @@ Verify the environment:
 gh auth status
 ```
 
-```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote -v
-```
-
 ```bash
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" status --porcelain
 ```
@@ -416,7 +413,8 @@ Prepare the PR description and save it to
 ### Step 8: Push and Create PR
 
 Follow the pending attempt protocol in
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 for both new
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 — including
+the pre-push PR gate and owned-path verification — for both new
 and existing PRs.
 
 **For an existing PR**, push to its branch when unpushed commits
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 8fc9e2d9..cd28eff6 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -294,7 +294,8 @@ validated `{branch}`, push URL, and `expected_base` in memory.
 - `COMMIT_MESSAGE="UX design {issue-key}: address review feedback"`
 
 Follow the pending attempt protocol in
-`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4.
+`../../_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md` §4 — including
+the pre-push PR gate and owned-path verification.
 Push only when unpushed commits exist. Before pushing, verify the
 local branch HEAD matches the commit SHA from the staging recipe;
 refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear. If a prior invocation
@@ -322,10 +323,16 @@ If push succeeded but metadata write fails, retain `pending_attempt`
 and re-finalize from its candidate values — never from the mutable
 authoring manifest. Do not create a new commit.
 
-**If "Handoff change needed: No":**
+**If "Handoff change needed: No" AND no approved screenshot
+asset, manifest, or digest changes:**
 
-Skip the git operations above — the handoff spec is unchanged. The response
-is comment-only (clarification, acknowledgment, or pushback).
+Skip the git operations above — both the handoff text and all
+screenshot assets are unchanged. The response is comment-only.
+
+Approved image bytes, manifest entries, references, or digest
+changes must trigger the existing reconciliation, staging, push,
+provenance, and metadata operations above, even when the handoff
+text is initially unchanged.
 
 **In both cases:**
 

From 05b13358128169ab6b66bd74c62a8a5526e661fd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 22:28:55 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 32/42] Fix 4 functional guard holes: exact reader, path mode,
 normalization, image gate

A) Exact head ref reader: replace process substitution that hides
   ls-remote failures with checked capture; failed query exits
   nonzero (UNKNOWN), never empty/absent. Validate SHA format,
   reject duplicate/malformed output. Remove all short query
   re-reads in retry Step 4; use exact_sha from pre-push gate.
   Post-push verification uses fresh exact reader, not stale value.

B) Owned-path verification: replace cat-file -e (accepts trees and
   symlinks) with ls-tree mode check requiring 100644/100755
   (regular file). Verify basenames, shared parent, containment.

C) Security normalization: normalize BOTH captured actual URL AND
   legacy configured docs_repo_remote before comparison. Strip
   userinfo, query parameters, and fragment from both sides.

D) Respond positive branch: header now explicitly includes image-
   only changes (asset/manifest/ref/removal/digest), not just text.
   Skip branch requires NEITHER text NOR image changes.

13 new tests: 5 exact reader (extracted canonical bash block from
recipe, positive/absent/failed/malformed/duplicate), 2 ls-tree mode
proof, 4 normalization, 2 respond positive branch.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  59 +++-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 328 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |   9 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   3 +-
 4 files changed, 368 insertions(+), 31 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index eb33f3d2..f398b91b 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -187,9 +187,13 @@ pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
 rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
 
 1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
-2. Its canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}` identity (with
-   non-default port: `{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}`) matches
-   `docs_repo_remote`. SSH (port 22) and HTTPS (port 443) are
+2. Normalize the resolved push URL to credential-free canonical
+   identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`, with non-default port:
+   `{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}`): strip userinfo, query
+   parameters, and fragment before extracting host/owner/repo.
+   Normalize `docs_repo_remote` from config the same way before
+   comparing — legacy configs may store raw or differently-
+   formatted values. SSH (port 22) and HTTPS (port 443) are
    default and equivalent; an explicit non-default port difference
    or unverifiable port mapping stops and retains `pending_attempt`.
    Host mismatch stops without adopting. Credential-bearing URLs
@@ -213,12 +217,18 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
    missing, or unavailable → stop; retain `pending_attempt`. Not
    a cross-service atomic guarantee. Both `/publish` Step 8 and
    `/respond` push must consume this gate.
-2. **Owned-path verification.** Verify `handoff_file_path` exists
-   as a blob at `commit_sha` via `git cat-file -e`. When
-   `upstream_prd_path` and `upstream_design_path` are present,
-   verify each at `commit_sha` with expected basename and shared
-   parent. Missing or unverifiable → stop; preserve pending and
-   local commit. Do not automatically stage unrelated documents.
+2. **Owned-path verification.** For each of `handoff_file_path`,
+   `upstream_prd_path`, and `upstream_design_path` (when present),
+   verify at `commit_sha` via
+   `git ls-tree "$commit_sha" -- "$path"`: the entry must exist
+   with mode `100644` or `100755` (regular file — never `120000`
+   symlink or `040000` tree). `cat-file -e` alone is insufficient
+   because it accepts trees and symlinks. Verify expected basenames
+   (`handoff.md`, `prd.md`, `design.md`), shared canonical parent
+   directory as `handoff_file_path`, and containment inside
+   `docs_repo_root`. Missing, wrong mode, or unverifiable → stop;
+   preserve pending and local commit. Do not automatically stage
+   unrelated documents.
 3. **Exact head ref query.** Query remote branch via
    `git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/$branch"` and
    verify the returned ref name field is exactly
@@ -228,14 +238,25 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
 
 ```bash
 # Exact head ref query — canonical form for all callers.
+# Checked capture: a failed query is UNKNOWN and must exit nonzero,
+# never treated as empty/absent. Redact credential-bearing errors.
+_lr_out=""
+if ! _lr_out=$(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}" 2>/dev/null); then
+  echo "Error: ls-remote query failed; cannot determine remote branch state" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
 exact_sha=""
 while IFS=$'\t' read -r sha ref; do
+  [ -z "$sha" ] && continue
   if [ "$ref" = "refs/heads/{branch}" ]; then
-    [ -n "$exact_sha" ] && { echo "duplicate ref" >&2; exit 1; }
+    [ -n "$exact_sha" ] && { echo "Error: duplicate ref in ls-remote output" >&2; exit 1; }
+    if ! printf '%s' "$sha" | grep -qE '^[0-9a-f]{40}$'; then
+      echo "Error: malformed SHA in ls-remote output" >&2; exit 1
+    fi
     exact_sha="$sha"
   fi
-done < <(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}")
-# exact_sha empty => branch absent.
+done <<< "$_lr_out"
+# exact_sha empty => branch absent on remote.
 ```
 
 **On retry (when `pending_attempt` exists).** Before any file copy,
@@ -252,8 +273,8 @@ done < <(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}")
    Changed or unverifiable push destination → stop.
 3. Apply the pre-push gates above (PR revalidation, owned-path
    verification, exact head ref query).
-4. Classify remote branch state against the validated push
-   destination (`git ls-remote "$(git remote get-url --push origin)" {branch}`):
+4. Classify using `exact_sha` from the exact head ref query in
+   Step 3 above (do not re-query with a short pattern):
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.commit_sha`:** Already
      pushed. Skip push; proceed to metadata finalization.
    - **Remote SHA equals `pending_attempt.expected_base` (or branch
@@ -267,14 +288,16 @@ done < <(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}")
 effective push destination first (same validation as above). Apply
 the pre-push gates (PR revalidation when `pr_number` is known,
 owned-path verification, exact ref query) before pushing.
-Snapshot `expected_base` via `git ls-remote` against the validated
-push URL before the owned commit. Require the local branch to be
+Snapshot `expected_base` via the canonical exact head ref query
+against the validated push URL before the owned commit. Require the local branch to be
 at a known synced base (SHA matches the push-URL snapshot, or a
 fresh branch from `{base-branch}`). If the local branch is ahead
 by commits not created by this invocation, stop.
 
-**After successful push.** Verify the remote ref at the validated
-push destination matches `pending_attempt.commit_sha` exactly. Then:
+**After successful push.** Re-run the exact head ref query (fresh
+checked capture against the validated push URL — not the stale
+pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
+`pending_attempt.commit_sha`. Then:
 
 1. Finalize metadata from `pending_attempt` candidate values:
    set `screenshot_storage` to `candidate_screenshot_storage`,
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 5f2e94f6..671affdb 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -1827,7 +1827,7 @@ def test_pending_attempt_initial_synced_base(self) -> None:
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("known synced base", flat)
         self.assertIn("validated push URL", flat)
-        self.assertIn("ls-remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("exact head ref query", flat)
         self.assertNotIn("origin/{branch}", flat)
 
     def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
@@ -1838,7 +1838,7 @@ def test_pending_attempt_finalize_after_verify(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("Verify the remote ref", flat)
+        self.assertIn("exact head ref query", flat)
         self.assertIn("commit_sha", flat)
         self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_storage", flat)
         self.assertIn("candidate_screenshot_assets", flat)
@@ -3133,14 +3133,17 @@ def test_retry_revalidates_push_dest(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("push_destination", flat)
 
     def test_ls_remote_queries_push_url(self) -> None:
-        """Retry classification queries push URL, not fetch URL."""
+        """Retry classification uses exact_sha from pre-push gate,
+        which queries the validated push URL (not fetch URL)."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
-        classify = content.split("Classify remote branch state", 1)[1].split(
-            "Already pushed", 1
-        )[0]
-        flat = " ".join(classify.split())
-        self.assertIn("push destination", flat)
+        retry = content.split("On retry", 1)[1].split("Initial new", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(retry.split())
+        # Classification uses exact_sha from pre-push gate
+        self.assertIn("exact_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("exact head ref query", flat)
+        # Push destination re-resolved before gates
         self.assertIn("get-url --push", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push_destination", flat)
 
 
 class TestR6PushDestinationGitProof(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
@@ -4306,5 +4309,314 @@ def test_fake_pr_state_contract(self) -> None:
                           f"PR gate missing stop on: {state}")
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 10: R10 finishing fixes — exact reader, path mode, normalization
+#
+# Executable Git tests for exact head ref reader extracted from recipe;
+# ls-tree mode proof for owned-path gate; normalization fixture tests;
+# respond positive branch assertion.
+# ===================================================================
+
+
+def _extract_exact_reader_script(push_url: str, branch: str) -> str:
+    """Extract the canonical exact head ref query bash block from the
+    recipe and wrap it for execution with given push_url and branch.
+
+    Returns a runnable Bash script that outputs EXACT_SHA=<value>
+    on success, or exits nonzero on failure/malformed/duplicate."""
+    recipe_md = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+    blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(recipe_md)
+    assert len(blocks) >= 4, f"Expected ≥4 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}"
+    block = blocks[3]  # 4th block: exact head ref query
+    block = block.replace("{branch}", branch)
+    script = f'#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -uo pipefail\npush_url="{push_url}"\n'
+    script += block
+    script += '\necho "EXACT_SHA=$exact_sha"\n'
+    return script
+
+
+class TestR10ExactReaderExecution(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """Extracted exact head ref query bash block from recipe.
+
+    Executes the actual canonical Bash that the recipe ships, not
+    hand-copied alternative Git commands. Uses disposable temp bare
+    repos and fake git stubs."""
+
+    def test_present_branch_returns_sha(self) -> None:
+        """Positive case: branch exists, exact reader returns its SHA."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            branch = "ux-design/FEAT-100"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", branch],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "x.txt"), "x")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "x.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "x"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            expected = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", bare,
+                 f"HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch)
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={expected}", r.stdout)
+
+    def test_absent_branch_empty_sha(self) -> None:
+        """Deleted head with tag+nested suffix: exact reader returns
+        empty SHA (absent), not the tag or nested match."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            branch = "ux-design/FEAT-101"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", branch],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "y.txt"), "y")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "y.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "y"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", bare,
+                 f"HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Create tag + nested branch, then delete head
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref",
+                 f"refs/tags/{branch}", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref",
+                 f"refs/heads/other/{branch}", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "update-ref", "-d",
+                 f"refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch)
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            self.assertIn("EXACT_SHA=\n", r.stdout,
+                          "Absent branch must produce empty exact_sha")
+
+    def test_failed_query_exits_nonzero(self) -> None:
+        """Failed ls-remote exits nonzero, never reaches EXACT_SHA.
+
+        Uses a local failing git stub to prove the canonical reader
+        propagates nonzero and never falls through to push/absence."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            fake_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "fake-bin")
+            os.makedirs(fake_dir)
+            fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
+            _w(fake_git, '#!/bin/sh\nexit 128\n')
+            os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
+
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script("/dev/null", "test")
+            script = f'export PATH="{fake_dir}:$PATH"\n' + script
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Failed ls-remote must exit nonzero")
+            self.assertIn("ls-remote query failed", r.stderr)
+            self.assertNotIn("EXACT_SHA", r.stdout,
+                             "Must not reach EXACT_SHA after failure")
+
+    def test_malformed_sha_rejected(self) -> None:
+        """Malformed SHA in ls-remote output causes nonzero exit."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            fake_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "fake-bin")
+            os.makedirs(fake_dir)
+            fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
+            _w(fake_git,
+               '#!/bin/sh\nprintf "ZZZNOTASHA\\trefs/heads/test\\n"\n')
+            os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
+
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script("/dev/null", "test")
+            script = f'export PATH="{fake_dir}:$PATH"\n' + script
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Malformed SHA must cause failure")
+            self.assertIn("malformed SHA", r.stderr)
+
+    def test_duplicate_ref_rejected(self) -> None:
+        """Duplicate ref lines in ls-remote output cause nonzero exit."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            fake_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "fake-bin")
+            os.makedirs(fake_dir)
+            fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
+            sha = "a" * 40
+            _w(fake_git,
+               f'#!/bin/sh\nprintf "{sha}\\trefs/heads/test\\n'
+               f'{sha}\\trefs/heads/test\\n"\n')
+            os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
+
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script("/dev/null", "test")
+            script = f'export PATH="{fake_dir}:$PATH"\n' + script
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Duplicate ref must cause failure")
+            self.assertIn("duplicate ref", r.stderr)
+
+
+class TestR10OwnedPathModeCheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Owned-path verification uses ls-tree mode, not just cat-file -e.
+
+    Executable Git proof in disposable temp repos."""
+
+    def test_catfile_accepts_symlink_lstree_rejects(self) -> None:
+        """cat-file -e accepts symlink; ls-tree shows mode 120000."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat")
+            os.makedirs(d)
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "real.md"), "content")
+            os.symlink("real.md", os.path.join(d, "link.md"))
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "."],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "link"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            sha = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # cat-file -e succeeds for both — insufficient
+            for p in ("feat/real.md", "feat/link.md"):
+                r = subprocess.run(
+                    ["git", "-C", repo, "cat-file", "-e", f"{sha}:{p}"],
+                    capture_output=True)
+                self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                 f"cat-file -e accepts {p}")
+
+            # ls-tree distinguishes: regular=100644, symlink=120000
+            t1 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-tree", sha, "--", "feat/real.md"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertIn("100644", t1.stdout)
+            t2 = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-tree", sha, "--", "feat/link.md"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertIn("120000", t2.stdout)
+            self.assertNotIn("100644", t2.stdout)
+
+    def test_recipe_uses_lstree_not_catfile(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 owned-path verification uses ls-tree mode check."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Owned-path verification", 1)[1].split(
+            "Exact head ref query", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("ls-tree", flat)
+        self.assertIn("100644", flat)
+        self.assertIn("100755", flat)
+        self.assertIn("120000", flat)
+        self.assertIn("cat-file -e` alone is insufficient", flat)
+
+
+class TestR10SecurityNormalization(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Both actual and legacy config values normalized before comparison.
+
+    Source contract checks + fixture tests with FAKE URIs only."""
+
+    def test_recipe_normalizes_both_sides(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe push dest validation normalizes both push URL and
+        docs_repo_remote before comparing."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Normalize", flat)
+        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("legacy", flat)
+        self.assertIn("userinfo", flat)
+        self.assertIn("query", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fragment", flat)
+
+    def test_publish_normalizes_both_sides(self) -> None:
+        """Publish Step 2 normalizes both captured URL and existing
+        config value before comparing."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step2.split())
+        self.assertIn("Normalize both", flat)
+        self.assertIn("userinfo", flat)
+        self.assertIn("query", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fragment", flat)
+
+    def test_normalization_strips_credentials_query_fragment(self) -> None:
+        """Fixture: normalization strips userinfo, query, fragment from
+        FAKE URIs — never reads real checkout credentials."""
+        import re as _re
+        cases = [
+            ("https://u:p@host.invalid/org/repo.git?tok=x#ref",
+             "host.invalid/org/repo"),
+            ("ssh://deploy@host.invalid:2222/org/repo.git",
+             "host.invalid:2222/org/repo"),
+            ("https://host.invalid/org/repo.git",
+             "host.invalid/org/repo"),
+        ]
+        for raw, expected in cases:
+            with self.subTest(raw=raw):
+                cleaned = _re.sub(r'://[^@]+@', '://', raw)
+                cleaned = _re.sub(r'[?#].*$', '', cleaned)
+                m = _re.search(
+                    r'://([^/]+)/([^/]+)/([^/.]+)', cleaned)
+                identity = (f"{m.group(1)}/{m.group(2)}/{m.group(3)}"
+                            if m else "fail")
+                self.assertEqual(identity, expected)
+                self.assertNotIn("u:p", identity)
+                self.assertNotIn("tok", identity)
+
+    def test_normalization_retains_nondefault_port(self) -> None:
+        """Non-default port preserved in canonical identity."""
+        import re as _re
+        raw = "ssh://deploy@host.invalid:2222/org/repo.git"
+        cleaned = _re.sub(r'://[^@]+@', '://', raw)
+        cleaned = _re.sub(r'[?#].*$', '', cleaned)
+        m = _re.search(r'://([^/]+)/([^/]+)/([^/.]+)', cleaned)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(m)
+        identity = f"{m.group(1)}/{m.group(2)}/{m.group(3)}"
+        self.assertIn("2222", identity)
+
+
+class TestR10RespondPositiveBranch(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Respond positive branch covers both text and image-only changes."""
+
+    def test_positive_branch_includes_image_changes(self) -> None:
+        """Positive branch explicitly includes image-only trigger."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        positive = step4.split("handoff text changed OR", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(positive), 2,
+                         "Positive branch must include text OR image")
+        header = positive[1].split(":**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(header.split())
+        self.assertIn("screenshot", flat)
+        self.assertIn("asset", flat)
+        self.assertIn("digest", flat)
+
+    def test_skip_branch_requires_neither(self) -> None:
+        """Skip branch requires no text AND no image changes."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        skip = step4.split("Handoff change needed: No", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(skip), 2, "Skip branch must be present")
+        flat = " ".join(skip[1].split(":**", 1)[0].split())
+        self.assertIn("no approved screenshot", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 03eb6cfb..97b8fdf7 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -77,10 +77,11 @@ verify that the normalized absolute path exists and is a git repository. If
 either check fails, stop, report the failed check, and ask the researcher to
 correct the path before continuing. Capture the remote URL privately via
 `git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote get-url origin` — do not display
-or persist the raw value. Normalize to credential-free canonical
-identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`). Compare the normalized identity
-against `docs_repo_remote` (existing config) or confirm with the
-researcher (new config); store only the credential-free form.
+or persist the raw value. Normalize both the captured URL and any
+existing `docs_repo_remote` from config to credential-free
+canonical identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`), stripping userinfo,
+query, and fragment first. Compare; confirm with the researcher
+(new config); store only the credential-free canonical form.
 
 If reading or validating the remote fails, stop before publishing, report the
 error or mismatch, and ask the researcher to correct the path or remote. Re-run
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index cd28eff6..287eb072 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -126,7 +126,8 @@ Wait for the user to approve, modify, or reject each response.
 
 ### Step 4: Apply Approved Changes
 
-**If "Handoff change needed: Yes":**
+**If handoff text changed OR approved screenshot asset, manifest,
+ref, removal, or digest change:**
 
 The unconditional pending gate in Step 1 ensures prior attempts
 are recovered before reaching this point. Never post or log replies

From 0139ece93be72eb49f3a23ba49ab6fefc47db05d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 23:07:42 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 33/42] Fix 6 R10 flow issues: aggregate gate, Git context,
 host, template, mkdir, predicate
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

1. inspected aggregate requires ≥1 declared ID (no vacuous N=0)
2. Recipe §4 Git commands use -C DOCS_REPO_PATH for docs repo context
3. PR lookup derives [HOST/]OWNER/REPO preserving non-default host
4. Ingest Screenshot Observations template adds Excluded embeds and
   Continuation slots outside 9-column rows
5. Respond mkdir -p before cp for first screenshot in text-only repo
6. Comment-only predicate requires no reference changes (complement)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   5 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  17 +-
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |   6 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 256 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |   9 +-
 5 files changed, 275 insertions(+), 18 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 4a94d17f..f977b354 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -272,8 +272,9 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
 
 Compute the aggregate screenshot status after all §2–§4 processing:
 
-- **`inspected`** — every declared ID has `status: inspected` AND
-  no unmatched body embeds were excluded.
+- **`inspected`** — at least one declared ID exists, every declared
+  ID has `status: inspected`, AND no unmatched body embeds were
+  excluded.
 - **`partial`** — at least one declared ID has `status: inspected`,
   but any declared ID has non-inspected status OR unmatched body
   embeds were excluded with user authorization. Partial applies
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index f398b91b..965b0ea1 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -138,7 +138,10 @@ removal (handoff + removed manifest + removed images) identically.
 
 Callers (`/publish` Step 8, `/respond` push section) follow this
 protocol to ensure push failures are recoverable without re-deriving
-ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits.
+ownership or adopting unknown ahead commits. All Git commands in §4
+operate on the docs repo; `DOCS_REPO_PATH` must be available as the
+recipe's declared input (carried from §1–§3, or explicitly supplied
+on standalone snapshot/retry/post-verify paths).
 
 **Before push.** Write a `pending_attempt` object into
 `publish-metadata.json`, preserving all existing fields:
@@ -183,7 +186,7 @@ state; do not fabricate paths or use placeholders.
 
 **Push destination validation.** Before recording `expected_base` or
 pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
-`git remote get-url --push --all origin`. This expands `pushInsteadOf`
+`git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" remote get-url --push --all origin`. This expands `pushInsteadOf`
 rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
 
 1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
@@ -220,7 +223,7 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
 2. **Owned-path verification.** For each of `handoff_file_path`,
    `upstream_prd_path`, and `upstream_design_path` (when present),
    verify at `commit_sha` via
-   `git ls-tree "$commit_sha" -- "$path"`: the entry must exist
+   `git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-tree "$commit_sha" -- "$path"`: the entry must exist
    with mode `100644` or `100755` (regular file — never `120000`
    symlink or `040000` tree). `cat-file -e` alone is insufficient
    because it accepts trees and symlinks. Verify expected basenames
@@ -241,7 +244,7 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
 # Checked capture: a failed query is UNKNOWN and must exit nonzero,
 # never treated as empty/absent. Redact credential-bearing errors.
 _lr_out=""
-if ! _lr_out=$(git ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}" 2>/dev/null); then
+if ! _lr_out=$(git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}" 2>/dev/null); then
   echo "Error: ls-remote query failed; cannot determine remote branch state" >&2
   exit 1
 fi
@@ -310,8 +313,10 @@ pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
    Closed, merged, changed head, changed base, missing PR, or
    unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
    `pending_attempt`.
-   For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive `{owner}/{repo}` from
-   `docs_repo_remote`, then look up PRs in **all states** by
+   For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive validated
+   `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` from the frozen `docs_repo_remote`,
+   preserving non-default host and port, then look up PRs in
+   **all states** by
    canonical head repository and head `branch` only — **without**
    filtering by `base_branch`. For each candidate, verify the PR's
    head repository matches the canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}`
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index c50f6e77..2b35a9bd 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -461,11 +461,13 @@ structure:
 - **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from manifest, or "N/A"}
 - **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from manifest, or "N/A"}
 
-{If `inspected`/`partial`: one row per image per the inspection recipe schema.}
+- **Excluded embeds:** {excluded unmatched embed IDs with ref/reason, or "None"}
+- **Continuation:** {continuation decision/scope, or "N/A"}
+
+{`inspected`/`partial`: one row per declared ID per inspection recipe.}
 
 | ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |
 |----|--------|----------|-----|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------|
-| SS-1 | inspected | verified | `screenshots/SS-1-desc.png` | `a1b2…` | `a1b2…` | {layout, state} | Yes/No | — |
 
 {`none`/`deferred`/`unavailable`: one-line reason and per-image status.}
 
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 671affdb..b1f4e67e 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4237,7 +4237,7 @@ def test_respond_image_changes_trigger_git(self) -> None:
         flat = " ".join(step4.split())
         # Gate requires BOTH no text AND no image changes to skip
         self.assertIn("no approved screenshot", flat)
-        self.assertIn("asset, manifest, or digest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("asset, manifest, reference, or digest", flat)
         # Image-only changes trigger operations
         self.assertIn("image bytes", flat.lower())
         self.assertIn("reconciliation", flat)
@@ -4318,7 +4318,9 @@ def test_fake_pr_state_contract(self) -> None:
 # ===================================================================
 
 
-def _extract_exact_reader_script(push_url: str, branch: str) -> str:
+def _extract_exact_reader_script(
+    push_url: str, branch: str, docs_repo: str = ".",
+) -> str:
     """Extract the canonical exact head ref query bash block from the
     recipe and wrap it for execution with given push_url and branch.
 
@@ -4329,7 +4331,9 @@ def _extract_exact_reader_script(push_url: str, branch: str) -> str:
     assert len(blocks) >= 4, f"Expected ≥4 bash blocks, got {len(blocks)}"
     block = blocks[3]  # 4th block: exact head ref query
     block = block.replace("{branch}", branch)
-    script = f'#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -uo pipefail\npush_url="{push_url}"\n'
+    script = (f'#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -uo pipefail\n'
+              f'push_url="{push_url}"\n'
+              f'DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo}"\n')
     script += block
     script += '\necho "EXACT_SHA=$exact_sha"\n'
     return script
@@ -4366,7 +4370,7 @@ def test_present_branch_returns_sha(self) -> None:
                  f"HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch)
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch, repo)
             r = _run_script(script)
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
             self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={expected}", r.stdout)
@@ -4406,7 +4410,7 @@ def test_absent_branch_empty_sha(self) -> None:
                  f"refs/heads/{branch}"],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch)
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch, repo)
             r = _run_script(script)
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
             self.assertIn("EXACT_SHA=\n", r.stdout,
@@ -4618,5 +4622,247 @@ def test_skip_branch_requires_neither(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("no approved screenshot", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 7: R10 review wave 2 — 6 verified flow fixes
+#
+# One test per finding.  Structural contract tests verify instruction
+# text; executable tests use disposable Git repos.  No live API,
+# network, or runtime workflow execution.
+# ===================================================================
+
+
+class TestR10Wave2Fixes(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Contract and regression tests for the 6 R10 wave-2 findings."""
+
+    # --- F1 (4518863303): inspected aggregate requires ≥1 declared ID ---
+
+    def test_f1_inspected_requires_at_least_one_declared(self) -> None:
+        """Aggregate `inspected` requires at least one declared ID;
+        zero declared IDs cannot vacuously satisfy 'every'."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        agg = content.split("Aggregate status", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 5.", 1)[0]
+        inspected_def = agg.split("**`inspected`**", 1)[1].split(
+            "**`partial`**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(inspected_def.split())
+        self.assertIn("at least one declared ID exists", flat)
+        # unavailable already covers the N=0 case
+        unavail = agg.split("**`unavailable`**", 1)[1]
+        self.assertIn("no declared ID", unavail)
+
+    # --- F2 (4518863309): Git -C context for docs repo operations ---
+
+    def test_f2_recipe_git_commands_use_docs_repo_context(self) -> None:
+        """§4 Git commands (get-url, ls-tree, ls-remote) run in docs
+        repo context via -C, not caller CWD."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(s4.split())
+        # Push dest uses -C
+        self.assertIn(
+            'git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" remote get-url --push --all', flat)
+        # Owned-path verify uses -C
+        self.assertIn(
+            'git -C "{DOCS_REPO_PATH}" ls-tree', flat)
+        # Canonical reader uses -C
+        self.assertIn(
+            'git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote', flat)
+        # DOCS_REPO_PATH availability note in §4 preamble
+        preamble = s4.split("**Before push.**")[0]
+        self.assertIn("DOCS_REPO_PATH", preamble)
+
+    def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
+        """Extracted canonical reader runs from SourceRepo CWD but
+        queries DocsRepo remote via -C, returning DocsRepo result."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # --- Set up DocsRepo with a bare remote ---
+            docs_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
+            os.makedirs(docs_repo)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "init", "-b", "main", docs_repo],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config", "user.email", "t@t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config", "user.name", "t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(docs_repo, "doc.md"), "# Doc\n")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "add", "doc.md"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "commit", "-m", "init doc"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            docs_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "clone", "--bare", docs_repo, docs_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "remote", "add", "origin",
+                 docs_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            docs_sha = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # --- Set up SourceRepo with a DIFFERENT bare remote ---
+            src_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "source-repo")
+            os.makedirs(src_repo)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "init", "-b", "main", src_repo],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "config", "user.email", "t@t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "config", "user.name", "t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(src_repo, "src.py"), "pass\n")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "add", "src.py"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "commit", "-m", "init src"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            src_bare = os.path.join(tmp, "source-remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "clone", "--bare", src_repo, src_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "remote", "add", "origin",
+                 src_bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Extract canonical reader from recipe and run from
+            # SourceRepo CWD targeting DocsRepo via -C
+            script = textwrap.dedent(f"""\
+                #!/usr/bin/env bash
+                set -uo pipefail
+                DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo}"
+                push_url="{docs_bare}"
+                _lr_out=""
+                if ! _lr_out=$(git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote \\
+                    --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/main" 2>/dev/null); then
+                  echo "FAIL: ls-remote failed" >&2; exit 1
+                fi
+                exact_sha=""
+                while IFS=$'\\t' read -r sha ref; do
+                  [ -z "$sha" ] && continue
+                  if [ "$ref" = "refs/heads/main" ]; then
+                    exact_sha="$sha"
+                  fi
+                done <<< "$_lr_out"
+                echo "$exact_sha"
+            """)
+            r = subprocess.run(
+                ["bash", "-c", script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+                cwd=src_repo,  # CWD is SourceRepo
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            queried = r.stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                queried, docs_sha,
+                "Reader must return DocsRepo SHA, not SourceRepo")
+
+    # --- F3 (4518863315): host preservation in PR lookup ---
+
+    def test_f3_pr_lookup_preserves_host(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 PR lookup derives [HOST/]OWNER/REPO preserving
+        non-default host from docs_repo_remote."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1]
+        pr_section = after_push.split("No candidate found", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(pr_section.split())
+        self.assertIn("[HOST/]OWNER/REPO", flat)
+        self.assertIn("preserving non-default host", flat)
+        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
+
+    # --- F4 (4518863322): ingest template excluded embeds/continuation ---
+
+    def test_f4_ingest_template_excluded_and_continuation(self) -> None:
+        """Screenshot Observations template has Excluded embeds and
+        Continuation slots outside the 9-column table rows."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("### Screenshot Observations", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Feasibility", 1)[0]
+        # Metadata lines exist outside the table
+        self.assertIn("**Excluded embeds:**", section)
+        self.assertIn("**Continuation:**", section)
+        # They appear before the table header
+        excl_pos = section.find("**Excluded embeds:**")
+        table_pos = section.find("| ID |")
+        self.assertGreater(table_pos, excl_pos,
+                           "Excluded embeds must precede table")
+        # 9-column table header preserved
+        self.assertIn(
+            "| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA "
+            "| Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |",
+            section)
+        # Token budget respected
+        est = len(content) // 4
+        self.assertLess(est, 6000, f"ingest ~{est} tokens >= 6000")
+
+    # --- F5 (4518863333): respond mkdir -p before screenshot cp ---
+
+    def test_f5_respond_mkdir_before_copy(self) -> None:
+        """Respond creates screenshots directory before copying first
+        image into a text-only docs repo."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # Set up a text-only docs repo (no screenshots dir)
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            handoff_dir = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-MK")
+            os.makedirs(handoff_dir)
+            _w(os.path.join(handoff_dir, "handoff.md"), "# Text\n")
+
+            # Extract the documented copy snippet from respond.md
+            # and execute it: mkdir -p then cp
+            src_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "artifacts", "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(src_dir)
+            fixture = os.path.join(src_dir, "SS-1-new.png")
+            _w(fixture, "fixture-image-bytes")
+
+            script = textwrap.dedent(f"""\
+                #!/usr/bin/env bash
+                set -euo pipefail
+                mkdir -p "{handoff_dir}/screenshots"
+                cp "{fixture}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-new.png"
+            """)
+            r = subprocess.run(
+                ["bash", "-c", script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, cwd=repo,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            dest = os.path.join(handoff_dir, "screenshots", "SS-1-new.png")
+            self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(dest), "Image not copied")
+            with open(dest) as f:
+                self.assertEqual(f.read(), "fixture-image-bytes")
+
+    # --- F6 (4518863345): NO predicate includes reference changes ---
+
+    def test_f6_no_predicate_includes_reference(self) -> None:
+        """Respond negative (comment-only) header requires no approved
+        reference changes, complementing the positive branch."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        # Find the negative header (not whole-file keyword)
+        neg = step4.split("Handoff change needed: No", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(neg), 2, "Negative header missing")
+        neg_header = neg[1].split(":**", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(neg_header.split())
+        self.assertIn("reference", flat,
+                       "Negative predicate must exclude reference changes")
+        # Positive header still lists references
+        pos = step4.split("handoff text changed OR", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(pos), 2, "Positive header missing")
+        pos_header = pos[1].split(":**", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("ref", " ".join(pos_header.split()))
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 287eb072..d7b2d80c 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -68,7 +68,9 @@ applying review feedback and recommend `/handoff` to regenerate it. Resume
 `/respond` after the updated handoff is approved so reviewer feedback is applied
 to the current design context.
 
-Determine `{owner}/{repo}` from the config's `docs_repo_remote`.
+Derive validated `{repo_identifier}` in `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` form
+from `docs_repo_remote`, preserving non-default host and port.
+Use this identifier for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
 
 Resolve `{AI_WORKFLOWS_ROOT}` as the git root of the ai-workflows install
 (typically `git rev-parse --show-toplevel` from the workflow directory, or
@@ -225,6 +227,7 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    authoring manifest:
 
    ```bash
+   mkdir -p "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots"
    cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}" \
       "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}"
    ```
@@ -304,7 +307,7 @@ committed but the push failed, this retries without re-running the
 removal/copy steps.
 
 Re-resolve the effective push destination
-(`git remote get-url --push --all origin`) and verify its canonical
+(`git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote get-url --push --all origin`) and verify its canonical
 identity matches `pending_attempt.push_destination` before pushing.
 Push with the explicit remote and recorded branch refspec — do not
 rely on `push.default`, `branch.*.pushRemote`, or
@@ -325,7 +328,7 @@ and re-finalize from its candidate values — never from the mutable
 authoring manifest. Do not create a new commit.
 
 **If "Handoff change needed: No" AND no approved screenshot
-asset, manifest, or digest changes:**
+asset, manifest, reference, or digest changes:**
 
 Skip the git operations above — both the handoff text and all
 screenshot assets are unchanged. The response is comment-only.

From f3f86fd2cb7b35b576a04f64f595a62371aa094a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2026 23:34:03 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 34/42] Fix 3 consumer wiring issues: host context, extracted
 tests

A. Add GH_HOST/GH_REPO command-scoped env prefix to all
   pr-comments.py fetch/reply invocations in respond.md,
   with explicit repo_host/owner/repo/repo_identifier
   derivation from frozen docs_repo_remote.

B. Replace hand-copied F2 two-repo test with actual
   _extract_exact_reader_script() extraction, using
   url.*.insteadOf mapping for negative control proving
   -C context is essential.

C. Replace hand-copied F5 mkdir/cp test with actual
   bash block extraction from respond.md (block 9),
   with negative control proving mkdir -p is required.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 172 ++++++++++++------
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  22 ++-
 2 files changed, 137 insertions(+), 57 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index b1f4e67e..ad3e9c66 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4673,7 +4673,8 @@ def test_f2_recipe_git_commands_use_docs_repo_context(self) -> None:
 
     def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
         """Extracted canonical reader runs from SourceRepo CWD but
-        queries DocsRepo remote via -C, returning DocsRepo result."""
+        queries DocsRepo remote via -C, returning DocsRepo result.
+        Negative control: stripping -C makes it resolve the wrong repo."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
             # --- Set up DocsRepo with a bare remote ---
             docs_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
@@ -4736,38 +4737,47 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
                 ["git", "-C", src_repo, "remote", "add", "origin",
                  src_bare],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            src_sha = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertNotEqual(docs_sha, src_sha,
+                                "Test requires distinct SHAs")
 
-            # Extract canonical reader from recipe and run from
-            # SourceRepo CWD targeting DocsRepo via -C
-            script = textwrap.dedent(f"""\
-                #!/usr/bin/env bash
-                set -uo pipefail
-                DOCS_REPO_PATH="{docs_repo}"
-                push_url="{docs_bare}"
-                _lr_out=""
-                if ! _lr_out=$(git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote \\
-                    --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/main" 2>/dev/null); then
-                  echo "FAIL: ls-remote failed" >&2; exit 1
-                fi
-                exact_sha=""
-                while IFS=$'\\t' read -r sha ref; do
-                  [ -z "$sha" ] && continue
-                  if [ "$ref" = "refs/heads/main" ]; then
-                    exact_sha="$sha"
-                  fi
-                done <<< "$_lr_out"
-                echo "$exact_sha"
-            """)
-            r = subprocess.run(
-                ["bash", "-c", script],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
-                cwd=src_repo,  # CWD is SourceRepo
-            )
+            # Use url.*.insteadOf mapping so -C context matters:
+            # same fake URL resolves to different bare repos per CWD
+            fake_url = "fake://repo.example.com/"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config",
+                 f"url.{docs_bare}/.insteadOf", fake_url],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", src_repo, "config",
+                 f"url.{src_bare}/.insteadOf", fake_url],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Positive: extracted reader with -C targets DocsRepo
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
+                fake_url, "main", docs_repo)
+            r = _run_script(script, cwd=src_repo)
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
-            queried = r.stdout.strip()
-            self.assertEqual(
-                queried, docs_sha,
-                "Reader must return DocsRepo SHA, not SourceRepo")
+            self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", r.stdout,
+                          "Reader must return DocsRepo SHA via -C")
+
+            # Negative control: strip -C so CWD (SourceRepo) context
+            # resolves fake URL to src_bare — returns src SHA
+            no_c_script = script.replace(
+                'git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote',
+                'git ls-remote')
+            nr = _run_script(no_c_script, cwd=src_repo)
+            self.assertEqual(nr.returncode, 0, nr.stderr)
+            self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={src_sha}", nr.stdout,
+                          "Without -C, must resolve to SourceRepo SHA")
+            self.assertNotIn(
+                f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", nr.stdout,
+                "Without -C, reader must not return DocsRepo SHA")
 
     # --- F3 (4518863315): host preservation in PR lookup ---
 
@@ -4782,6 +4792,32 @@ def test_f3_pr_lookup_preserves_host(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("preserving non-default host", flat)
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
 
+    # --- F3b: respond fetch/reply commands use GH_HOST/GH_REPO prefix ---
+
+    def test_f3b_respond_fetch_reply_scoped_host(self) -> None:
+        """Respond fetch and reply commands prefix GH_HOST/GH_REPO so
+        the helper's gh calls target the frozen docs repo host."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(content)
+        # Derive instructions present
+        self.assertIn("repo_host", content)
+        self.assertIn("repo_identifier", content)
+        # fetch block (block 1) has GH_HOST prefix
+        fetch_block = blocks[1]
+        self.assertIn('GH_HOST="{repo_host}"', fetch_block)
+        self.assertIn('GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}"', fetch_block)
+        self.assertIn("fetch --owner", fetch_block)
+        # reply blocks (11, 12) have GH_HOST prefix
+        for idx in (11, 12):
+            reply_block = blocks[idx]
+            self.assertIn('GH_HOST="{repo_host}"', reply_block,
+                          f"Block {idx} missing GH_HOST prefix")
+            self.assertIn('GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}"', reply_block,
+                          f"Block {idx} missing GH_REPO prefix")
+        # log block (13) does NOT call gh — no prefix needed
+        log_block = blocks[13]
+        self.assertNotIn("GH_HOST", log_block)
+
     # --- F4 (4518863322): ingest template excluded embeds/continuation ---
 
     def test_f4_ingest_template_excluded_and_continuation(self) -> None:
@@ -4811,37 +4847,71 @@ def test_f4_ingest_template_excluded_and_continuation(self) -> None:
 
     def test_f5_respond_mkdir_before_copy(self) -> None:
         """Respond creates screenshots directory before copying first
-        image into a text-only docs repo."""
+        image into a text-only docs repo.  Extracts the actual bash
+        block from respond.md rather than hand-copying commands."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-            # Set up a text-only docs repo (no screenshots dir)
-            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
-            handoff_dir = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-MK")
-            os.makedirs(handoff_dir)
-            _w(os.path.join(handoff_dir, "handoff.md"), "# Text\n")
-
-            # Extract the documented copy snippet from respond.md
-            # and execute it: mkdir -p then cp
-            src_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "artifacts", "screenshots")
-            os.makedirs(src_dir)
-            fixture = os.path.join(src_dir, "SS-1-new.png")
+            # Set up a source repo CWD with curated artifacts
+            src_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "source-repo")
+            os.makedirs(src_repo)
+            issue_key = "PROJ-MK"
+            art_dir = os.path.join(
+                src_repo, f".artifacts/ux-design/{issue_key}/screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(art_dir)
+            fixture = os.path.join(art_dir, "SS-1-new.png")
             _w(fixture, "fixture-image-bytes")
 
-            script = textwrap.dedent(f"""\
-                #!/usr/bin/env bash
-                set -euo pipefail
-                mkdir -p "{handoff_dir}/screenshots"
-                cp "{fixture}" "{handoff_dir}/screenshots/SS-1-new.png"
-            """)
+            # Set up a text-only docs repo (no screenshots dir)
+            docs_repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            handoff_dir_rel = f"feat/{issue_key}"
+            handoff_abs = os.path.join(docs_repo, handoff_dir_rel)
+            os.makedirs(handoff_abs)
+            _w(os.path.join(handoff_abs, "handoff.md"), "# Text\n")
+
+            # Extract actual bash block 9 from respond.md (mkdir + cp)
+            respond_md = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+            blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(respond_md)
+            copy_block = blocks[9]  # mkdir -p + cp block
+            # Instantiate placeholders
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{docs_repo_path}", docs_repo)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{handoff_dir}", handoff_dir_rel)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{issue-key}", issue_key)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{filename}", "SS-1-new.png")
+            script = f"#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -euo pipefail\n{copy_block}"
+
+            # Positive: extracted script creates dir and copies
             r = subprocess.run(
                 ["bash", "-c", script],
-                capture_output=True, text=True, cwd=repo,
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+                cwd=src_repo,
             )
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
-            dest = os.path.join(handoff_dir, "screenshots", "SS-1-new.png")
+            dest = os.path.join(
+                handoff_abs, "screenshots", "SS-1-new.png")
             self.assertTrue(os.path.isfile(dest), "Image not copied")
             with open(dest) as f:
                 self.assertEqual(f.read(), "fixture-image-bytes")
 
+            # Negative control: without mkdir -p, cp fails on fresh dest
+            handoff_abs2 = os.path.join(docs_repo, "feat/PROJ-NEG")
+            os.makedirs(handoff_abs2)
+            no_mkdir = copy_block.replace(
+                f'mkdir -p "{docs_repo}', f'# mkdir -p "{docs_repo}')
+            no_mkdir = no_mkdir.replace(handoff_dir_rel, "feat/PROJ-NEG")
+            neg_script = (
+                f"#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -euo pipefail\n{no_mkdir}")
+            nr = subprocess.run(
+                ["bash", "-c", neg_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+                cwd=src_repo,
+            )
+            self.assertNotEqual(
+                nr.returncode, 0,
+                "Without mkdir -p, cp into missing dir must fail")
+
     # --- F6 (4518863345): NO predicate includes reference changes ---
 
     def test_f6_no_predicate_includes_reference(self) -> None:
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index d7b2d80c..817c77a1 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -68,9 +68,19 @@ applying review feedback and recommend `/handoff` to regenerate it. Resume
 `/respond` after the updated handoff is approved so reviewer feedback is applied
 to the current design context.
 
-Derive validated `{repo_identifier}` in `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` form
-from `docs_repo_remote`, preserving non-default host and port.
-Use this identifier for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
+Derive validated `{repo_host}`, `{owner}`, `{repo}`, and
+`{repo_identifier}` (`[HOST/]OWNER/REPO`) from the frozen
+`docs_repo_remote`, preserving non-default host and port.
+Use these for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
+Prefix every `$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT` invocation (fetch and reply)
+with command-scoped environment so the helper's `gh` calls target
+the correct host without ambient defaults:
+
+```text
+GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" …
+```
+
+Do not export these variables globally or modify the helper script.
 
 Resolve `{AI_WORKFLOWS_ROOT}` as the git root of the ai-workflows install
 (typically `git rev-parse --show-toplevel` from the workflow directory, or
@@ -89,7 +99,7 @@ review comments, top-level comments, and reviews in a single call and outputs
 a unified JSON array to stdout:
 
 ```bash
-python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" fetch --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --responses-log .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/responses.jsonl --include-review-threads
+GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" fetch --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --responses-log .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/responses.jsonl --include-review-threads
 ```
 
 The `--responses-log` flag excludes comment IDs already addressed in prior
@@ -350,13 +360,13 @@ Route each comment by its `type` field from the fetch output.
 For a `line_comment`, reply in-thread using the comment's `id`:
 
 ```bash
-python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md --comment-id {id}
+GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md --comment-id {id}
 ```
 
 For a `review` or `top_level` comment, post a top-level reply:
 
 ```bash
-python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
+GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
 ```
 
 If the reply command fails, report the error and continue without

From 57f7a6da1f5ec8f1536688f751dcb991e98afde1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:00:40 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 35/42] Fix 2 screenshot verification gaps: index metadata
 comparison, pre-copy refresh
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

screenshot-inspection §2: collect Screenshot Index footer
context_revision and prototype_iteration, defaulting missing/invalid
to unknown.

screenshot-inspection §4.5: expand binding comparison from 2-way
(header vs manifest) to 3-way (header vs index vs manifest). A
matching header+manifest cannot bypass a conflicting index value.

respond.md Step 4: add pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh that verifies
actual local bytes and updates stale authoring SHA-256 prefixes before
the handoff text is copied to the docs repo, preventing image-only
changes from carrying old checksums.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  37 ++--
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 159 ++++++++++++++++++
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  24 +++
 3 files changed, 208 insertions(+), 12 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index f977b354..c5f004ef 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -29,7 +29,11 @@ per image.
 
 Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
 declared `SS-N` IDs with their declared ref paths and SHA-256
-prefixes (when the index records them).
+prefixes (when the index records them). Also collect the Screenshot
+Index's own `context_revision` and `prototype_iteration` from its
+footer (the `**Context revision:** {R} | **Prototype iteration:** {N}`
+line produced by `/handoff`). Default missing, empty, dash (`—`), or
+unparseable footer fields to `unknown`.
 
 **Duplicate ID check.** Before matching, verify every declared SS-N
 ID is unique within the index. If any ID appears more than once,
@@ -239,19 +243,28 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
 
    Read the manifest's top-level `context_revision` and
    `prototype_iteration` (the actual published fields). Read the
-   handoff's metadata header for its declared revision/iteration. For
-   each image, record:
-
-   | Binding | Expected (handoff header) | Actual (manifest) | Match |
-   |---------|--------------------------|-------------------|-------|
-   | `context_revision` | {from header} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
-   | `prototype_iteration` | {from header} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
+   handoff's metadata header for its declared revision/iteration.
+   Use the Screenshot Index's own `context_revision` and
+   `prototype_iteration` collected in §2. For each image, compare
+   all three sources — header, index, and manifest:
+
+   | Binding | Header | Index (§2) | Manifest | Match |
+   |---------|--------|------------|----------|-------|
+   | `context_revision` | {from header} | {from index footer} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
+   | `prototype_iteration` | {from header} | {from index footer} | {from manifest} | `matched` / `mismatched` / `unknown` |
+
+   A binding is `matched` only when all three sources that are
+   present agree. A matching header and manifest must not bypass a
+   conflicting index value — any disagreement among available
+   sources is `mismatched`. When any source is missing, empty,
+   dash (`—`), or otherwise invalid, default that source to
+   `unknown`; if all available sources agree but at least one is
+   unknown, the binding is `unknown`. Never treat an absent or
+   unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
 
    Record binding status in the Notes column of the per-image schema
-   (keeping 9 columns) with the actual expected/actual values and
-   match status. Default missing, empty, dash (`—`), or otherwise
-   invalid binding fields to `unknown` — never treat an absent or
-   unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
+   (keeping 9 columns) with the actual header/index/manifest values
+   and match status.
 
    When any binding is `mismatched` or `unknown`, prompt the user
    **per image** with a separate named decision for each affected
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index ad3e9c66..01bfdaa6 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4934,5 +4934,164 @@ def test_f6_no_predicate_includes_reference(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("ref", " ".join(pos_header.split()))
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 11: review5834537131 regressions — index metadata + pre-copy
+#          refresh
+#
+# Finding 4519392905: screenshot-inspection.md must collect Screenshot
+# Index context_revision/prototype_iteration and compare three sources
+# (header, index, manifest) with explicit mismatched/unknown handling.
+#
+# Finding 4519392914: respond.md must refresh authoring Screenshot
+# Index checksums from verified actual bytes before handoff copying.
+# ===================================================================
+
+
+class TestR11IndexMetadataCollection(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519392905: §2 collects Screenshot Index footer bindings."""
+
+    def test_s2_collects_index_footer_context_revision(self) -> None:
+        """§2 collects context_revision from the Screenshot Index footer."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("context_revision", flat)
+        self.assertIn("footer", flat)
+
+    def test_s2_collects_index_footer_prototype_iteration(self) -> None:
+        """§2 collects prototype_iteration from the Screenshot Index footer."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("prototype_iteration", flat)
+        self.assertIn("footer", flat)
+
+    def test_s2_unknown_default_for_missing_footer(self) -> None:
+        """§2 defaults missing/dash/unparseable footer fields to unknown."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s2 = content.split("### 2.", 1)[1].split("### 3.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unparseable", flat)
+
+
+class TestR11ThreeWayBindingComparison(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519392905: §4 step 5 three-way header/index/manifest comparison."""
+
+    def test_s5_compares_three_sources(self) -> None:
+        """§4 step 5 compares all three sources: header, index, manifest."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s5.split())
+        self.assertIn("three sources", flat)
+        self.assertIn("header", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("Index (§2)", s5)
+        self.assertIn("Manifest", s5)
+
+    def test_s5_matching_header_manifest_cannot_bypass_conflicting_index(self) -> None:
+        """A matching header+manifest must not bypass a conflicting index."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s5.split())
+        self.assertIn(
+            "matching header and manifest must not bypass", flat)
+        self.assertIn("conflicting index value", flat)
+
+    def test_s5_disagreement_is_mismatched(self) -> None:
+        """Any disagreement among available sources is mismatched."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s5.split())
+        self.assertIn("disagreement among available", flat)
+        self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
+
+    def test_s5_all_agree_with_unknown_stays_unknown(self) -> None:
+        """All available sources agree but one unknown keeps binding unknown."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s5.split())
+        self.assertIn("all available sources agree but at least one is", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+
+    def test_s5_table_has_index_column(self) -> None:
+        """Binding comparison table has an Index (§2) column."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        # Table header must contain Index column
+        self.assertIn("Index (§2)", s5)
+        self.assertIn("{from index footer}", s5)
+
+
+class TestR11PreCopyChecksumRefresh(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519392914: respond.md refreshes authoring Screenshot Index
+    checksum from verified actual bytes before handoff copying."""
+
+    def test_refresh_section_exists(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh section exists in Step 4."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", step4)
+
+    def test_refresh_before_copy(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-copy refresh appears before the text copy command."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        refresh_pos = step4.find("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh")
+        copy_pos = step4.find(
+            'cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md"')
+        self.assertGreater(refresh_pos, -1, "Refresh section missing")
+        self.assertGreater(copy_pos, -1, "Handoff copy command missing")
+        self.assertLess(refresh_pos, copy_pos,
+                        "Refresh must appear before the text copy")
+
+    def test_refresh_uses_verified_actual_bytes(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh verifies actual local bytes, not just manifest."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("verified actual local bytes", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_handles_stale_prefix(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh updates stale prefixes from verified bytes checksum."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("stale", flat)
+        self.assertIn("prefix", flat)
+        self.assertIn("first 12", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_covers_image_only_change(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh handles image-only changes where handoff text was not
+        separately edited."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("image-only change", flat)
+        self.assertIn("handoff text", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_preserves_other_content(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh preserves non-screenshot content unchanged."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("Preserve", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unchanged", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 817c77a1..e145aae9 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -170,6 +170,30 @@ git -C "{docs_repo_path}" checkout {branch-name}
 git -C "{docs_repo_path}" pull --ff-only
 ```
 
+**Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh.** When approved changes include
+image byte, manifest, or digest updates, the authoring
+`05-handoff.md` may still contain stale SHA-256 prefixes in its
+Screenshot Index (e.g., an approved image replacement updated the
+authoring manifest but the handoff text was not separately edited).
+Before copying the handoff to the docs repo, compare each Screenshot
+Index SHA-256 prefix in the authoring `05-handoff.md` against the
+corresponding `sha256` in the authoring manifest at
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`. For each
+entry, verify the actual local bytes at
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}` match the
+manifest's `sha256` — verified actual local bytes take precedence.
+For each entry where the current Screenshot Index prefix does not
+match the first 12 characters of the verified actual-bytes digest,
+update the authoring `05-handoff.md` Screenshot Index row with the
+correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`) and update the authoring manifest
+`sha256` if the verified bytes also differ from the manifest. This
+ensures the published copy carries current checksums even when an
+approved image-only change did not alter the handoff text. If no
+authoring manifest exists, it contains no screenshots, or no prefixes
+are stale, skip this step. Preserve all other Screenshot Index
+columns, embedded image references, and non-screenshot handoff content
+unchanged.
+
 ```bash
 cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"
 ```

From a6bafdc1b514f53625dd86d125df8eabdbf5bc40 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:04:26 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 36/42] Fix pre-copy refresh: stop on byte/manifest mismatch,
 never auto-bless
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

Replace automatic manifest digest rewrite with a hard stop when
actual bytes differ from the approved manifest — directs researcher
to reconcile through existing capture/provenance/authorization flow.
Only refresh stale 12-hex display prefixes after byte/manifest
agreement is confirmed.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 32 +++++++++++++--
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   | 39 +++++++++++--------
 2 files changed, 51 insertions(+), 20 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 01bfdaa6..4a3cc11a 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -5051,14 +5051,16 @@ def test_refresh_before_copy(self) -> None:
         self.assertLess(refresh_pos, copy_pos,
                         "Refresh must appear before the text copy")
 
-    def test_refresh_uses_verified_actual_bytes(self) -> None:
-        """Refresh verifies actual local bytes, not just manifest."""
+    def test_refresh_compares_bytes_against_approved_manifest(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh compares actual local bytes against approved manifest."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
         self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
         block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(block.split())
-        self.assertIn("verified actual local bytes", flat)
+        self.assertIn("actual local bytes", flat)
+        self.assertIn("approved", flat)
+        self.assertIn("manifest", flat)
 
     def test_refresh_handles_stale_prefix(self) -> None:
         """Refresh updates stale prefixes from verified bytes checksum."""
@@ -5092,6 +5094,30 @@ def test_refresh_preserves_other_content(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("Preserve", flat)
         self.assertIn("unchanged", flat)
 
+    def test_mismatch_stops_before_copy(self) -> None:
+        """Bytes differing from approved manifest stops before handoff copy,
+        not an automatic digest rewrite."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop before the handoff copy", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not rewrite the manifest", flat)
+
+    def test_no_automatic_manifest_digest_rewrite(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh never automatically blesses unexpected bytes by
+        overwriting the approved manifest digest."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("Never automatically bless unexpected bytes", flat)
+        self.assertIn("overwriting the approved manifest digest", flat)
+        # Must direct to existing flow, not invent new one
+        self.assertIn("existing approved", flat)
+
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index e145aae9..5349800c 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -175,24 +175,29 @@ image byte, manifest, or digest updates, the authoring
 `05-handoff.md` may still contain stale SHA-256 prefixes in its
 Screenshot Index (e.g., an approved image replacement updated the
 authoring manifest but the handoff text was not separately edited).
-Before copying the handoff to the docs repo, compare each Screenshot
-Index SHA-256 prefix in the authoring `05-handoff.md` against the
-corresponding `sha256` in the authoring manifest at
-`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`. For each
-entry, verify the actual local bytes at
-`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}` match the
-manifest's `sha256` — verified actual local bytes take precedence.
-For each entry where the current Screenshot Index prefix does not
-match the first 12 characters of the verified actual-bytes digest,
+Before copying the handoff to the docs repo, for each entry in the
+authoring manifest at
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshot-manifest.json`, compute
+the SHA-256 of the actual local bytes at
+`.artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/screenshots/{filename}` and compare
+against the manifest's approved `sha256`. If actual bytes differ from
+the approved manifest digest, stop before the handoff copy — do not
+rewrite the manifest to match observed bytes. Direct the researcher
+to reconcile the image through the existing approved
+capture/provenance/authorization flow (re-curate via `/handoff` or
+update the manifest through `/revise`), then revalidate. Never
+automatically bless unexpected bytes by overwriting the approved
+manifest digest. Only after actual-byte and approved-manifest
+agreement, compare each Screenshot Index SHA-256 prefix in the
+authoring `05-handoff.md` against the first 12 characters of the
+confirmed manifest digest. For each entry where the prefix is stale,
 update the authoring `05-handoff.md` Screenshot Index row with the
-correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`) and update the authoring manifest
-`sha256` if the verified bytes also differ from the manifest. This
-ensures the published copy carries current checksums even when an
-approved image-only change did not alter the handoff text. If no
-authoring manifest exists, it contains no screenshots, or no prefixes
-are stale, skip this step. Preserve all other Screenshot Index
-columns, embedded image references, and non-screenshot handoff content
-unchanged.
+correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`). This ensures the published copy
+carries current checksums even when an approved image-only change did
+not alter the handoff text. If no authoring manifest exists, it
+contains no screenshots, or no prefixes are stale, skip this step.
+Preserve all other Screenshot Index columns, embedded image
+references, and non-screenshot handoff content unchanged.
 
 ```bash
 cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"

From 8b0dce4cc36f851d4b029dd2d3578c4407aed5eb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:42:43 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 37/42] Fix 5 review findings: binding rule, transport scheme,
 frozen SHA push, API host, caption reconciliation

- Inspection binding: manifest-absent with disagreeing header/index is
  mismatched, not forced unknown; unknown only when available agree
- Push destination: require HTTPS or SSH scheme before any ls-remote
  or push; reject http/git/unrecognized cleartext transports
- Push refspec: use frozen pending_attempt.commit_sha instead of
  mutable HEAD for all publish/respond push commands
- GH_HOST: extract hostname without SSH port; transport port 2222 is
  not the HTTPS API port; stop if API host unverified
- Pre-copy refresh: reconcile approved caption/alt_text from manifest
  before copy; preserve unrelated columns, not all columns

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   8 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |   5 +
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 262 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |   8 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  17 +-
 5 files changed, 282 insertions(+), 18 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index c5f004ef..7e2dd5b4 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -258,9 +258,11 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    conflicting index value — any disagreement among available
    sources is `mismatched`. When any source is missing, empty,
    dash (`—`), or otherwise invalid, default that source to
-   `unknown`; if all available sources agree but at least one is
-   unknown, the binding is `unknown`. Never treat an absent or
-   unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
+   `unknown`. When available (non-unknown) sources disagree, the
+   binding is `mismatched` regardless of whether other sources
+   are absent. Only when all available sources agree but at least
+   one is unknown is the binding `unknown`. Never treat an absent
+   or unrecognizable binding as vacuously `matched`.
 
    Record binding status in the Notes column of the per-image schema
    (keeping 9 columns) with the actual header/index/manifest values
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 965b0ea1..237cfd2f 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -190,6 +190,11 @@ pushing, resolve effective push destination(s):
 rules to reveal actual targets. Validate:
 
 1. Exactly one push URL exists (single approved destination).
+   Require the effective push URL to use HTTPS or SSH (including
+   scp-style `user@host:path`); reject `http://`, `git://`, and
+   unrecognized schemes before any `ls-remote` query or push —
+   credentials must not transit cleartext. Apply the same scheme
+   check on initial and retry paths.
 2. Normalize the resolved push URL to credential-free canonical
    identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`, with non-default port:
    `{host}:{port}/{owner}/{repo}`): strip userinfo, query
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 4a3cc11a..23a07f1f 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -3494,7 +3494,7 @@ def _push_commands_from_blocks(md_content: str) -> list[str]:
 
     def test_respond_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
         """Every git push in respond.md bash blocks uses explicit
-        origin remote AND HEAD:refs/heads refspec."""
+        origin remote AND frozen SHA:refs/heads refspec."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         cmds = self._push_commands_from_blocks(content)
         self.assertGreater(len(cmds), 0, "No push commands found")
@@ -3502,12 +3502,15 @@ def test_respond_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn("origin", cmd,
                           f"Push missing explicit remote: {cmd}")
             self.assertRegex(
-                cmd, r'HEAD:refs/heads/',
-                f"Push missing HEAD:refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+                cmd, r':refs/heads/',
+                f"Push missing :refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+            self.assertNotIn(
+                "HEAD:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                f"Push uses mutable HEAD instead of frozen SHA: {cmd}")
 
     def test_publish_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
         """Every git push in publish.md bash blocks uses explicit
-        origin remote AND HEAD:refs/heads refspec (including -u)."""
+        origin remote AND frozen SHA:refs/heads refspec."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
         cmds = self._push_commands_from_blocks(content)
         self.assertGreater(len(cmds), 0, "No push commands found")
@@ -3515,8 +3518,11 @@ def test_publish_all_push_commands_explicit(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn("origin", cmd,
                           f"Push missing explicit remote: {cmd}")
             self.assertRegex(
-                cmd, r'HEAD:refs/heads/',
-                f"Push missing HEAD:refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+                cmd, r':refs/heads/',
+                f"Push missing :refs/heads refspec: {cmd}")
+            self.assertNotIn(
+                "HEAD:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                f"Push uses mutable HEAD instead of frozen SHA: {cmd}")
 
     def test_bare_push_rejected(self) -> None:
         """Regression: bare 'git push' or branch-only push without
@@ -3537,9 +3543,9 @@ def test_bare_push_rejected(self) -> None:
                     self.assertNotEqual(
                         after_push, "",
                         f"{label} block {i}: bare 'git push' found")
-                    # Must have HEAD:refs/heads refspec
+                    # Must have :refs/heads refspec (frozen SHA or HEAD)
                     self.assertIn(
-                        "HEAD:refs/heads/", stripped,
+                        ":refs/heads/", stripped,
                         f"{label} block {i}: branch-only push: {stripped}")
 
     def test_respond_no_default_selection(self) -> None:
@@ -5119,5 +5125,245 @@ def test_no_automatic_manifest_digest_rewrite(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("existing approved", flat)
 
 
+
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 12: review5834760377 regressions — 5 verified findings
+#
+# (1) Manifest-absent binding must preserve disagreeing header/index
+#     as mismatched, not force both unknown.
+# (2) Push destination must reject unencrypted transports (HTTP/git).
+# (3) Push refspec must use frozen commit_sha, not mutable HEAD.
+#     Includes Git primitive proof.
+# (4) GH_HOST must not copy SSH port into HTTPS API address.
+# (5) Pre-copy refresh must reconcile approved caption/alt changes,
+#     not blindly preserve ALL columns.
+# ===================================================================
+
+
+class TestR12ManifestAbsentBindingDisagreement(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519574713: available header/index disagreement is mismatched
+    even when manifest is absent (one source unknown)."""
+
+    def test_disagreeing_available_is_mismatched(self) -> None:
+        """§4.5 says available (non-unknown) sources that disagree →
+        mismatched, regardless of absent sources."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s5.split())
+        self.assertIn("available (non-unknown) sources disagree", flat)
+        self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
+        self.assertIn("regardless of whether other sources", flat)
+        self.assertIn("are absent", flat)
+
+
+class TestR12TransportSchemeCheck(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519574723: effective push URL must use HTTPS or SSH; reject
+    HTTP/git/unrecognized before any ls-remote or push."""
+
+    def test_recipe_requires_https_or_ssh(self) -> None:
+        """Push destination validation requires HTTPS or SSH."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("HTTPS or SSH", flat)
+        self.assertIn("scp-style", flat)
+        self.assertIn("http://", flat)
+        self.assertIn("git://", flat)
+        self.assertIn("reject", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("cleartext", flat)
+
+    def test_scheme_check_before_ls_remote(self) -> None:
+        """Scheme check applies before any ls-remote query."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("before any", flat)
+        self.assertIn("ls-remote", flat)
+
+    def test_scheme_check_on_retry(self) -> None:
+        """Same scheme check applies on initial and retry paths."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("Push destination validation", 1)[1].split(
+            "On retry", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("initial and retry", flat)
+
+
+class TestR12FrozenSHAPushRefspec(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519574738: push commands use frozen commit_sha, not mutable HEAD.
+    Includes Git primitive proof that frozen SHA delivers exactly A when
+    checkout HEAD has moved to B."""
+
+    def test_publish_push_uses_commit_sha(self) -> None:
+        """Publish push bash blocks use {commit_sha}:refs/heads, not HEAD."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(content)
+        push_cmds = [
+            line.strip() for block in blocks
+            for line in block.splitlines()
+            if line.strip().startswith("git") and "push" in line
+        ]
+        self.assertGreater(len(push_cmds), 0)
+        for cmd in push_cmds:
+            self.assertIn("{commit_sha}:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                          f"Push must use frozen SHA: {cmd}")
+            self.assertNotIn("HEAD:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                             f"Push must NOT use HEAD: {cmd}")
+
+    def test_respond_push_uses_commit_sha(self) -> None:
+        """Respond push bash blocks use {commit_sha}:refs/heads, not HEAD."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(content)
+        push_cmds = [
+            line.strip() for block in blocks
+            for line in block.splitlines()
+            if line.strip().startswith("git") and "push" in line
+        ]
+        self.assertGreater(len(push_cmds), 0)
+        for cmd in push_cmds:
+            self.assertIn("{commit_sha}:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                          f"Push must use frozen SHA: {cmd}")
+            self.assertNotIn("HEAD:refs/heads/", cmd,
+                             f"Push must NOT use HEAD: {cmd}")
+
+    def test_frozen_sha_push_delivers_correct_commit(self) -> None:
+        """Git primitive proof: record commit A, move checkout HEAD to B,
+        push A:refs/heads/branch → remote receives A, not B.
+
+        Uses disposable temp bare repos; never touches real checkout.
+        Instantiates the SHIPPED documented push snippet."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "remote", "add", "origin", bare],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "-u", "origin", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Create commit A on feature branch
+            branch = "ux-design/FEAT-SHA"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", branch],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "feat-a.txt"), "commit A content\n")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "feat-a.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "commit A"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            sha_a = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+
+            # Move checkout HEAD to B (different branch)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "main"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "unrelated.txt"), "commit B\n")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "unrelated.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "commit B"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            sha_b = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rev-parse", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertNotEqual(sha_a, sha_b,
+                                "Test requires distinct SHAs")
+
+            # Execute the SHIPPED documented push snippet with frozen SHA
+            push = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin",
+                 f"{sha_a}:refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0, push.stderr)
+
+            # Verify remote received A, not B
+            remote_sha = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", bare, "rev-parse", branch],
+                capture_output=True, text=True).stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(
+                remote_sha, sha_a,
+                "Remote must receive frozen SHA A, not checkout HEAD B")
+            self.assertNotEqual(remote_sha, sha_b,
+                                "Remote must NOT receive checkout HEAD B")
+
+
+class TestR12GHHostNoSSHPort(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519574750: GH_HOST must not copy SSH transport port into HTTPS
+    API address (SSH:2222 ≠ HTTPS API:2222)."""
+
+    def test_respond_separates_api_host_from_ssh_port(self) -> None:
+        """Respond derives API host without SSH transport port."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("hostname without port", flat)
+        self.assertIn("SSH transport", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not the HTTPS API port", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_preserves_git_identity_for_push(self) -> None:
+        """Respond preserves full Git transport identity for push."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("full Git transport identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_stops_on_unverified_api_host(self) -> None:
+        """Respond stops before API calls if host not verified."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop before API calls", flat)
+
+
+class TestR12PreCopyRefreshReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519574758: pre-copy refresh reconciles approved caption/alt
+    changes instead of blindly preserving ALL columns."""
+
+    def test_refresh_reconciles_approved_caption_alt(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-copy refresh reconciles approved caption/alt changes
+        from manifest before the copy."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("caption", flat)
+        self.assertIn("alt_text", flat)
+        self.assertIn("reconcile", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_preserves_unrelated_not_all(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh preserves UNRELATED columns, not ALL other columns."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        # Must say "unrelated" not "all other"
+        self.assertIn("unrelated", flat.lower())
+        self.assertNotIn("all other Screenshot Index columns", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_no_unapproved_force(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh does not force unapproved text updates."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        self.assertIn("Do not force unapproved text updates", flat)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 97b8fdf7..7d1de00e 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -419,20 +419,20 @@ the pre-push PR gate and owned-path verification — for both new
 and existing PRs.
 
 **For an existing PR**, push to its branch when unpushed commits
-exist. Before pushing, verify the local branch HEAD matches the
-commit SHA from Step 6; refuse if unexpected ahead commits appear.
+exist. Before pushing, verify local HEAD matches the
+commit SHA from Step 6; refuse unexpected ahead commits.
 Keep its PR number, URL, and draft/ready status; do not run
 `gh pr create`. If a prior invocation committed but the push
 failed, this retries without re-running Steps 4–7.
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{commit_sha}:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
 ```
 
 **For a new PR**, push the branch and create a draft PR:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push -u origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{commit_sha}:refs/heads/{branch-name}"
 ```
 
 Create a draft PR:
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 5349800c..1088c461 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -70,7 +70,12 @@ to the current design context.
 
 Derive validated `{repo_host}`, `{owner}`, `{repo}`, and
 `{repo_identifier}` (`[HOST/]OWNER/REPO`) from the frozen
-`docs_repo_remote`, preserving non-default host and port.
+`docs_repo_remote`. For `{repo_host}` (used as `GH_HOST`),
+extract the hostname without port — a non-default SSH transport
+port (e.g., 2222) is not the HTTPS API port. Preserve the full
+Git transport identity including port for push operations
+separately. If the hostname is not a known GitHub API host and
+no verified API endpoint mapping exists, stop before API calls.
 Use these for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
 Prefix every `$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT` invocation (fetch and reply)
 with command-scoped environment so the helper's `gh` calls target
@@ -196,8 +201,14 @@ correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`). This ensures the published copy
 carries current checksums even when an approved image-only change did
 not alter the handoff text. If no authoring manifest exists, it
 contains no screenshots, or no prefixes are stale, skip this step.
-Preserve all other Screenshot Index columns, embedded image
+Preserve unrelated Screenshot Index columns, embedded image
 references, and non-screenshot handoff content unchanged.
+When the authoring manifest records approved caption or alt_text
+changes for a refreshed entry (differing from the current
+Screenshot Index text), reconcile them into the authoring
+`05-handoff.md` alongside the prefix update before the copy,
+or stop for researcher reconciliation if the scope is ambiguous.
+Do not force unapproved text updates into unchanged entries.
 
 ```bash
 cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"
@@ -353,7 +364,7 @@ rely on `push.default`, `branch.*.pushRemote`, or
 `remote.pushDefault` to choose the target:
 
 ```bash
-git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"
+git -C "{docs_repo_path}" push origin "{commit_sha}:refs/heads/{branch}"
 ```
 
 Only update `publish-metadata.json` after push succeeds — finalize from

From bc9e2057955d8a834caf426a74634092e1b4e6cb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 00:51:46 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 38/42] Refine 4 gap fulfillments: Notes binding, caption skip,
 verified API, extracted push proof
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Inspection Notes: manifest-absent no longer forces both unknown;
  disagreeing header/index preserved as mismatched per binding
- Pre-copy refresh: skip condition requires no caption/alt diffs too,
  not only no stale prefixes; caption-only changes no longer skipped
- API host: verified mapping replaces unconditional port strip; CLI
  rejects colon in host values; verified non-default API port preserved
- Frozen SHA proof: push test now extracts actual published bash block
  via _extract_bash_blocks instead of hand-copying subprocess command
- Recipe §4 PR lookup: uses verified API host, not Git transport port

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   6 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |   5 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 108 ++++++++++++++----
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  31 +++--
 4 files changed, 114 insertions(+), 36 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 7e2dd5b4..7c228d12 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -274,8 +274,10 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
    expected/actual/status (e.g.,
    `context_revision: mismatched, expected=r3 actual=r2, decision=accepted;
    prototype_iteration: unknown, expected=i2 actual=—, decision=accepted`).
-   When the manifest is absent, both bindings are `unknown` and each
-   needs its own explicit acceptance. One utterance explicitly
+   When the manifest is absent, each binding's status follows the
+   rules above independently — disagreeing header and index values
+   are `mismatched`, not forced `unknown`; each still needs its own
+   explicit acceptance. One utterance explicitly
    accepting both may record both decisions; an ambiguous aggregate
    legacy decision must not imply all bindings accepted. Missing,
    rejected, deferred, or unprompted decisions remain ineligible
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 237cfd2f..082e671a 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -319,8 +319,9 @@ pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
    unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
    `pending_attempt`.
    For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive validated
-   `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` from the frozen `docs_repo_remote`,
-   preserving non-default host and port, then look up PRs in
+   `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` using the verified API host (not Git
+   transport port) and `docs_repo_remote` owner/repo, then
+   look up PRs in
    **all states** by
    canonical head repository and head `branch` only — **without**
    filtering by `base_branch`. For each candidate, verify the PR's
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 23a07f1f..327a77e7 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4788,14 +4788,14 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
     # --- F3 (4518863315): host preservation in PR lookup ---
 
     def test_f3_pr_lookup_preserves_host(self) -> None:
-        """Recipe §4 PR lookup derives [HOST/]OWNER/REPO preserving
-        non-default host from docs_repo_remote."""
+        """Recipe §4 PR lookup derives [HOST/]OWNER/REPO using verified
+        API host from docs_repo_remote."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1]
         pr_section = after_push.split("No candidate found", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(pr_section.split())
         self.assertIn("[HOST/]OWNER/REPO", flat)
-        self.assertIn("preserving non-default host", flat)
+        self.assertIn("verified API host", flat)
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
 
     # --- F3b: respond fetch/reply commands use GH_HOST/GH_REPO prefix ---
@@ -5156,6 +5156,22 @@ def test_disagreeing_available_is_mismatched(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("regardless of whether other sources", flat)
         self.assertIn("are absent", flat)
 
+    def test_manifest_absent_notes_preserves_disagreement(self) -> None:
+        """The Notes/manifest-absent sentence must NOT force both
+        bindings to unknown when header and index disagree."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s5 = content.split("Check revision binding", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Aggregate status", 1)[0]
+        # Scope to the Notes/manifest-absent paragraph
+        notes = s5.split("Persist each decision", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(notes.split())
+        # Must NOT say "both bindings are unknown"
+        self.assertNotIn("both bindings are `unknown`", flat)
+        # Must say disagreeing header/index are mismatched
+        self.assertIn("disagreeing header and index", flat)
+        self.assertIn("mismatched", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not forced `unknown`", flat)
+
 
 class TestR12TransportSchemeCheck(unittest.TestCase):
     """4519574723: effective push URL must use HTTPS or SSH; reject
@@ -5231,10 +5247,12 @@ def test_respond_push_uses_commit_sha(self) -> None:
 
     def test_frozen_sha_push_delivers_correct_commit(self) -> None:
         """Git primitive proof: record commit A, move checkout HEAD to B,
-        push A:refs/heads/branch → remote receives A, not B.
+        execute SHIPPED documented push snippet instantiated to TEMP
+        destination → remote receives A, not B.
 
-        Uses disposable temp bare repos; never touches real checkout.
-        Instantiates the SHIPPED documented push snippet."""
+        Extracts the actual bash block from publish.md (block 10),
+        instantiates placeholders, and runs via _run_script. Uses
+        disposable temp bare repos; never touches real checkout."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
             repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
             bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
@@ -5278,12 +5296,20 @@ def test_frozen_sha_push_delivers_correct_commit(self) -> None:
             self.assertNotEqual(sha_a, sha_b,
                                 "Test requires distinct SHAs")
 
-            # Execute the SHIPPED documented push snippet with frozen SHA
-            push = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", "origin",
-                 f"{sha_a}:refs/heads/{branch}"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True)
-            self.assertEqual(push.returncode, 0, push.stderr)
+            # Extract SHIPPED push bash block from publish.md (block 10),
+            # instantiate placeholders, and run via _run_script
+            publish_md = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+            blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(publish_md)
+            push_block = blocks[10]
+            push_block = push_block.replace(
+                '"{docs_repo_path}"', f'"{repo}"')
+            push_block = push_block.replace(
+                "{commit_sha}", sha_a)
+            push_block = push_block.replace(
+                "{branch-name}", branch)
+            script = f"#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -euo pipefail\n{push_block}"
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
 
             # Verify remote received A, not B
             remote_sha = subprocess.run(
@@ -5300,15 +5326,15 @@ class TestR12GHHostNoSSHPort(unittest.TestCase):
     """4519574750: GH_HOST must not copy SSH transport port into HTTPS
     API address (SSH:2222 ≠ HTTPS API:2222)."""
 
-    def test_respond_separates_api_host_from_ssh_port(self) -> None:
-        """Respond derives API host without SSH transport port."""
+    def test_respond_derives_api_from_verified_mapping(self) -> None:
+        """Respond derives API host from verified mapping, not SSH port."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
             "Prefix every", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("hostname without port", flat)
-        self.assertIn("SSH transport", flat)
-        self.assertIn("not the HTTPS API port", flat)
+        self.assertIn("verified mapping", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not the Git transport port", flat)
+        self.assertIn("SSH port 2222 is not the HTTPS API port", flat)
 
     def test_respond_preserves_git_identity_for_push(self) -> None:
         """Respond preserves full Git transport identity for push."""
@@ -5317,15 +5343,39 @@ def test_respond_preserves_git_identity_for_push(self) -> None:
             "Prefix every", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("full Git transport identity", flat)
-        self.assertIn("push", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push separately", flat)
 
     def test_respond_stops_on_unverified_api_host(self) -> None:
-        """Respond stops before API calls if host not verified."""
+        """Respond stops before API calls if no verified mapping."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
             "Prefix every", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("stop before API calls", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop and request", flat)
+        self.assertIn("before any API calls", flat)
+        # Must not silently strip/fall back/guess
+        self.assertIn("do not silently strip", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_no_unconditional_port_strip(self) -> None:
+        """Respond must not unconditionally strip port — verified
+        non-default HTTPS API port must not be silently dropped."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        # Must not say "extract hostname without port" unconditionally
+        self.assertNotIn("extract the hostname without port", flat)
+        # Must preserve verified non-default API port
+        self.assertIn("verified non-default HTTPS API port", flat)
+
+    def test_recipe_pr_lookup_uses_verified_api_host(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 PR lookup uses verified API host, not Git port."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
+            "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("verified API host", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not Git transport port", flat)
 
 
 class TestR12PreCopyRefreshReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -5334,7 +5384,7 @@ class TestR12PreCopyRefreshReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def test_refresh_reconciles_approved_caption_alt(self) -> None:
         """Pre-copy refresh reconciles approved caption/alt changes
-        from manifest before the copy."""
+        from manifest before the copy, even when bytes unchanged."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
         self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
@@ -5343,6 +5393,22 @@ def test_refresh_reconciles_approved_caption_alt(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("caption", flat)
         self.assertIn("alt_text", flat)
         self.assertIn("reconcile", flat)
+        # Must apply even when bytes and prefix are unchanged
+        self.assertIn("even when bytes and prefix are unchanged", flat)
+
+    def test_refresh_skip_requires_no_caption_alt_changes(self) -> None:
+        """Refresh skip condition checks caption/alt too, not only
+        prefixes — description-only changes must not be skipped."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        refresh = content.split("Pre-copy Screenshot Index refresh", 1)
+        self.assertEqual(len(refresh), 2, "Refresh section missing")
+        block = refresh[1].split('cp ".artifacts/', 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(block.split())
+        # Skip requires BOTH no stale prefixes AND no caption/alt diffs
+        self.assertIn("no manifest caption or alt_text differs", flat)
+        # Must NOT skip on prefixes alone
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "no prefixes are stale, skip this step", flat)
 
     def test_refresh_preserves_unrelated_not_all(self) -> None:
         """Refresh preserves UNRELATED columns, not ALL other columns."""
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 1088c461..9db85497 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -71,11 +71,16 @@ to the current design context.
 Derive validated `{repo_host}`, `{owner}`, `{repo}`, and
 `{repo_identifier}` (`[HOST/]OWNER/REPO`) from the frozen
 `docs_repo_remote`. For `{repo_host}` (used as `GH_HOST`),
-extract the hostname without port — a non-default SSH transport
-port (e.g., 2222) is not the HTTPS API port. Preserve the full
-Git transport identity including port for push operations
-separately. If the hostname is not a known GitHub API host and
-no verified API endpoint mapping exists, stop before API calls.
+derive the API host from a verified mapping, not the Git
+transport port — SSH port 2222 is not the HTTPS API port, and
+the configured CLI rejects colon in host values. For well-known
+GitHub hosts (github.com, *.ghe.com), use the standard API
+endpoint; for other hosts, verify the API endpoint is supported
+by the configured CLI before use. If no verified mapping exists,
+stop and request the researcher to confirm the API endpoint
+before any API calls — do not silently strip a verified
+non-default HTTPS API port, fall back, or guess. Preserve the
+full Git transport identity including port for push separately.
 Use these for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
 Prefix every `$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT` invocation (fetch and reply)
 with command-scoped environment so the helper's `gh` calls target
@@ -200,15 +205,19 @@ update the authoring `05-handoff.md` Screenshot Index row with the
 correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`). This ensures the published copy
 carries current checksums even when an approved image-only change did
 not alter the handoff text. If no authoring manifest exists, it
-contains no screenshots, or no prefixes are stale, skip this step.
+contains no screenshots, skip this step. If all prefixes are
+current and no manifest caption or alt_text differs from the
+Screenshot Index text, also skip.
 Preserve unrelated Screenshot Index columns, embedded image
 references, and non-screenshot handoff content unchanged.
+For each entry where the SHA-256 prefix is stale, update the
+Screenshot Index row with the correct prefix (`{first 12 hex}…`).
 When the authoring manifest records approved caption or alt_text
-changes for a refreshed entry (differing from the current
-Screenshot Index text), reconcile them into the authoring
-`05-handoff.md` alongside the prefix update before the copy,
-or stop for researcher reconciliation if the scope is ambiguous.
-Do not force unapproved text updates into unchanged entries.
+changes for an entry (differing from the current Screenshot Index
+text), reconcile them into the authoring `05-handoff.md` before
+the copy — even when bytes and prefix are unchanged. Stop for
+researcher reconciliation if the scope is ambiguous. Do not
+force unapproved text updates into unchanged entries.
 
 ```bash
 cp ".artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/05-handoff.md" "{docs_repo_path}/{handoff_file_path}"

From 8c12106f93539ac996160beab73bbfdde191ee51 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 01:31:34 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 39/42] Fix 6 review findings: manifest uniqueness, rewrite
 guard, context rows, canonical port, GH_HOST, reply timeout
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Manifest ID uniqueness check before §4 identity hashing (screenshot-inspection.md)
- Second-rewrite guard in canonical exact reader using --get-url (screenshot-publish-stage.md)
- UI ingest 9-column rows for all declared IDs including unavailable (ingest.md)
- Publish Step 2 canonical identity with non-default port convention (publish.md)
- GH_HOST clarified as instance hostname, not API hostname (respond.md)
- Uncertain reply timeout reconciliation paragraph (respond.md)

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  10 +
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  17 +
 ui-design/skills/ingest.md                    |  13 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 409 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/publish.md                   |   6 +-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  43 +-
 6 files changed, 461 insertions(+), 37 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index 7c228d12..ca86e6cc 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -25,6 +25,16 @@ Read the manifest at `{MANIFEST_PATH}`. It contains per-image `sha256`,
 If the manifest is missing, warn the user and record `manifest: unavailable`
 per image.
 
+**Manifest ID uniqueness.** When the manifest is present and non-empty,
+verify every entry's `id` field is unique among manifest entries. If
+any ID appears more than once, stop before §4 identity verification —
+duplicate manifest IDs make digest selection ambiguous and must not be
+resolved by first-match or arbitrary choice. Direct the researcher to
+repair the authoring manifest (deduplicate or re-curate). Distinct
+entries with different IDs sharing the same `sha256` remain valid.
+Absent or empty manifests bypass this check (existing per-image
+`manifest: unavailable` rules apply).
+
 ### 2. Account for every declared index ID
 
 Read `{HANDOFF_FILE}`'s **Screenshot Index** section and collect all
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 082e671a..c08c1677 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -248,6 +248,23 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
 # Exact head ref query — canonical form for all callers.
 # Checked capture: a failed query is UNKNOWN and must exit nonzero,
 # never treated as empty/absent. Redact credential-bearing errors.
+
+# Second-rewrite guard: verify the frozen push URL is not rewritten
+# again by a local insteadOf/pushInsteadOf rule before the network
+# query.  --get-url expands insteadOf rules WITHOUT remote contact
+# (see git-scm.com/docs/git-ls-remote).  If the effective query URL
+# differs from the validated push URL, a second rewrite would send
+# the query (and subsequent push) to a different repository.
+_effective_url=""
+if ! _effective_url=$(git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote --get-url "$push_url" 2>/dev/null); then
+  echo "Error: cannot resolve effective query URL for push destination" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+if [ "$_effective_url" != "$push_url" ]; then
+  echo "Error: push URL would be rewritten by insteadOf to a different destination; stopping" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
 _lr_out=""
 if ! _lr_out=$(git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote --heads "$push_url" "refs/heads/{branch}" 2>/dev/null); then
   echo "Error: ls-remote query failed; cannot determine remote branch state" >&2
diff --git a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
index 2b35a9bd..6f6d7e96 100644
--- a/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
+++ b/ui-design/skills/ingest.md
@@ -458,18 +458,19 @@ structure:
 ### Screenshot Observations
 
 - **Screenshots:** {`inspected` / `partial` / `none` / `deferred` / `unavailable`}
-- **Manifest revision:** {context_revision from manifest, or "N/A"}
-- **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration from manifest, or "N/A"}
+- **Manifest revision:** {context_revision, or "N/A"}
+- **Manifest iteration:** {prototype_iteration, or "N/A"}
 
-- **Excluded embeds:** {excluded unmatched embed IDs with ref/reason, or "None"}
-- **Continuation:** {continuation decision/scope, or "N/A"}
+- **Excluded embeds:** {unmatched embed IDs with ref/reason, or "None"}
+- **Continuation:** {decision/scope, or "N/A"}
 
-{`inspected`/`partial`: one row per declared ID per inspection recipe.}
+{`inspected`/`partial`/`unavailable` with declared IDs: one 9-column
+ row per declared ID preserving Refs, reasons, and decisions.}
 
 | ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA | Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |
 |----|--------|----------|-----|-------------|-------------|-------------|------------|-------|
 
-{`none`/`deferred`/`unavailable`: one-line reason and per-image status.}
+{`none`/`deferred` with no declared IDs: no fabricated rows.}
 
 ### Feasibility & Phasing
 
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 327a77e7..342680e6 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4027,7 +4027,7 @@ def test_publish_step2_credential_free(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("privately", flat)
         self.assertIn("credential-free", flat)
         self.assertIn("do not display", flat)
-        self.assertIn("{host}/{owner}/{repo}", flat)
+        self.assertIn("{owner}/{repo}", flat)
 
     def test_publish_step3_no_remote_v(self) -> None:
         """Step 3 has no bare remote -v exposing raw URLs."""
@@ -4431,7 +4431,12 @@ def test_failed_query_exits_nonzero(self) -> None:
             fake_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "fake-bin")
             os.makedirs(fake_dir)
             fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
-            _w(fake_git, '#!/bin/sh\nexit 128\n')
+            # Handle --get-url (return URL unchanged) then fail on query
+            _w(fake_git,
+               '#!/bin/sh\n'
+               'p=""; for a in "$@"; do [ "$p" = "--get-url" ] '
+               '&& { echo "$a"; exit 0; }; p="$a"; done\n'
+               'exit 128\n')
             os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
 
             script = _extract_exact_reader_script("/dev/null", "test")
@@ -4449,8 +4454,12 @@ def test_malformed_sha_rejected(self) -> None:
             fake_dir = os.path.join(tmp, "fake-bin")
             os.makedirs(fake_dir)
             fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
+            # Handle --get-url (return URL unchanged) then return malformed
             _w(fake_git,
-               '#!/bin/sh\nprintf "ZZZNOTASHA\\trefs/heads/test\\n"\n')
+               '#!/bin/sh\n'
+               'p=""; for a in "$@"; do [ "$p" = "--get-url" ] '
+               '&& { echo "$a"; exit 0; }; p="$a"; done\n'
+               'printf "ZZZNOTASHA\\trefs/heads/test\\n"\n')
             os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
 
             script = _extract_exact_reader_script("/dev/null", "test")
@@ -4467,8 +4476,12 @@ def test_duplicate_ref_rejected(self) -> None:
             os.makedirs(fake_dir)
             fake_git = os.path.join(fake_dir, "git")
             sha = "a" * 40
+            # Handle --get-url (return URL unchanged) then return duplicate
             _w(fake_git,
-               f'#!/bin/sh\nprintf "{sha}\\trefs/heads/test\\n'
+               f'#!/bin/sh\n'
+               f'p=""; for a in "$@"; do [ "$p" = "--get-url" ] '
+               f'&& {{ echo "$a"; exit 0; }}; p="$a"; done\n'
+               f'printf "{sha}\\trefs/heads/test\\n'
                f'{sha}\\trefs/heads/test\\n"\n')
             os.chmod(fake_git, 0o755)
 
@@ -4764,26 +4777,36 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
                  f"url.{src_bare}/.insteadOf", fake_url],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            # Positive: extracted reader with -C targets DocsRepo
+            # Positive: reader with already-resolved push URL (docs_bare)
+            # and -C DocsRepo. The guard sees no rewrite (absolute
+            # path unchanged by --get-url), query returns DocsRepo SHA.
             script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
-                fake_url, "main", docs_repo)
+                docs_bare, "main", docs_repo)
             r = _run_script(script, cwd=src_repo)
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
             self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", r.stdout,
                           "Reader must return DocsRepo SHA via -C")
 
-            # Negative control: strip -C so CWD (SourceRepo) context
-            # resolves fake URL to src_bare — returns src SHA
-            no_c_script = script.replace(
+            # Negative control: use fake_url (needs insteadOf) and
+            # strip -C so CWD (SourceRepo) context resolves fake URL
+            # to src_bare via insteadOf — the second-rewrite guard
+            # detects this URL differs from the frozen push_url and
+            # rejects before any network query. This proves CWD
+            # context matters: wrong -C (or missing) causes a
+            # different insteadOf resolution that the guard catches,
+            # failing closed rather than querying the wrong repo.
+            neg_script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
+                fake_url, "main", src_repo)
+            no_c_script = neg_script.replace(
                 'git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote',
                 'git ls-remote')
             nr = _run_script(no_c_script, cwd=src_repo)
-            self.assertEqual(nr.returncode, 0, nr.stderr)
-            self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={src_sha}", nr.stdout,
-                          "Without -C, must resolve to SourceRepo SHA")
+            self.assertNotEqual(nr.returncode, 0,
+                                "Fake URL with insteadOf must be rejected "
+                                "by second-rewrite guard (fail closed)")
             self.assertNotIn(
                 f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", nr.stdout,
-                "Without -C, reader must not return DocsRepo SHA")
+                "Must not return DocsRepo SHA after guard rejects")
 
     # --- F3 (4518863315): host preservation in PR lookup ---
 
@@ -5327,13 +5350,13 @@ class TestR12GHHostNoSSHPort(unittest.TestCase):
     API address (SSH:2222 ≠ HTTPS API:2222)."""
 
     def test_respond_derives_api_from_verified_mapping(self) -> None:
-        """Respond derives API host from verified mapping, not SSH port."""
+        """Respond sets GH_HOST to instance hostname, not SSH port."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
             "Prefix every", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("verified mapping", flat)
-        self.assertIn("not the Git transport port", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not the Git SSH transport port", flat)
         self.assertIn("SSH port 2222 is not the HTTPS API port", flat)
 
     def test_respond_preserves_git_identity_for_push(self) -> None:
@@ -5431,5 +5454,359 @@ def test_refresh_no_unapproved_force(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("Do not force unapproved text updates", flat)
 
 
+# ===================================================================
+# Part 13: R13 review regressions — 6 verified findings
+#
+# (1) 4519903262: Manifest ID uniqueness before identity hashing.
+# (2) 4519903271: Second-rewrite guard in canonical exact reader.
+# (3) 4519903277: UI ingest 9-column rows for all declared IDs.
+# (4) 4519903284: Publish Step 2 canonical identity with port.
+# (5) 4519903294: GH_HOST = instance hostname, not API hostname.
+# (6) 4519903302: Reply timeout uncertain reconciliation.
+# ===================================================================
+
+
+class TestR13ManifestIDUniqueness(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903262: manifest ID uniqueness check before §4 identity."""
+
+    def test_manifest_uniqueness_in_s1(self) -> None:
+        """§1 checks manifest entries for duplicate IDs."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s1 = content.split("### 1.", 1)[1].split("### 2.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s1.split())
+        self.assertIn("Manifest ID uniqueness", flat)
+        self.assertIn("duplicate", flat)
+
+    def test_manifest_uniqueness_stops_before_s4(self) -> None:
+        """Duplicate manifest IDs stop before §4 identity verification."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s1 = content.split("### 1.", 1)[1].split("### 2.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s1.split())
+        self.assertIn("stop before §4", flat)
+        self.assertIn("identity verification", flat)
+
+    def test_no_first_match_selection(self) -> None:
+        """No first-match or arbitrary choice for duplicate IDs."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s1 = content.split("Manifest ID uniqueness", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 2.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s1.split())
+        self.assertIn("ambiguous", flat)
+        self.assertIn("must not be resolved by first-match", flat)
+
+    def test_distinct_ids_same_sha_valid(self) -> None:
+        """Distinct entries with different IDs sharing sha256 are valid."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s1 = content.split("Manifest ID uniqueness", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 2.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s1.split())
+        self.assertIn("Distinct entries", flat)
+        self.assertIn("valid", flat)
+
+    def test_absent_manifest_bypasses(self) -> None:
+        """Absent or empty manifests bypass the uniqueness check."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        s1 = content.split("Manifest ID uniqueness", 1)[1].split(
+            "### 2.", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(s1.split())
+        self.assertIn("Absent or empty", flat)
+        self.assertIn("bypass", flat)
+
+
+class TestR13SecondRewriteGuard(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903271: second-rewrite guard in canonical exact reader.
+
+    Executable Git proof using disposable local bare repos with
+    insteadOf config. No network queries to real SSH/HTTPS domains."""
+
+    def test_recipe_has_second_rewrite_guard(self) -> None:
+        """Recipe §4 has the second-rewrite guard using --get-url."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        block = content.split("Exact head ref query", 1)[1].split(
+            "```", 1)[1].split("```", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("--get-url", block)
+        self.assertIn("_effective_url", block)
+        self.assertIn("would be rewritten", block)
+
+    def test_guard_before_network_query(self) -> None:
+        """Second-rewrite guard appears before the network ls-remote."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        block = content.split("Exact head ref query", 1)[1].split(
+            "```", 1)[1].split("```", 1)[0]
+        guard_pos = block.find("--get-url")
+        query_pos = block.find("--heads")
+        self.assertGreater(guard_pos, -1, "Guard not found")
+        self.assertGreater(query_pos, -1, "Query not found")
+        self.assertLess(guard_pos, query_pos,
+                        "Guard must precede network query")
+
+    def test_stable_url_passes_guard(self) -> None:
+        """Local bare URL with no insteadOf passes the guard."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            bare = os.path.join(tmp, "remote.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", repo, bare],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            branch = "ux-design/FEAT-GUARD"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "checkout", "-b", branch],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(repo, "g.txt"), "guard")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "add", "g.txt"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "-C", repo, "commit", "-m", "g"],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "push", bare,
+                 f"HEAD:refs/heads/{branch}"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(bare, branch, repo)
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            self.assertIn("EXACT_SHA=", r.stdout)
+
+    def test_second_rewrite_rejected(self) -> None:
+        """Git proof: pushInsteadOf resolves push URL to A; a second
+        insteadOf in DocsRepo would rewrite A to B when passed to
+        ls-remote. The guard detects A≠B and rejects before any
+        network query.
+
+        Uses disposable temp bare repos with local config only;
+        no actual SSH/HTTPS queries to real domains."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            # Set up DocsRepo
+            docs_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
+            os.makedirs(docs_repo)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", docs_repo],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config", "user.email", "t@t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config", "user.name", "t"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            _w(os.path.join(docs_repo, "d.md"), "# D\n")
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "add", "d.md"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "commit", "-m", "init"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Create two bare remotes
+            bare_a = os.path.join(tmp, "remote-a.git")
+            bare_b = os.path.join(tmp, "remote-b.git")
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", docs_repo, bare_a],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", docs_repo, bare_b],
+                           capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # Configure a second insteadOf that rewrites bare_a to bare_b
+            # This simulates pushInsteadOf resolving to bare_a, then a
+            # local insteadOf rewriting bare_a to bare_b for queries
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config",
+                 f"url.{bare_b}/.insteadOf", f"{bare_a}/"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+
+            # The push URL is bare_a (already resolved by pushInsteadOf).
+            # When passed to ls-remote in DocsRepo context, insteadOf
+            # would rewrite bare_a/ to bare_b/ — the guard catches this.
+            script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
+                f"{bare_a}/", "main", docs_repo)
+            r = _run_script(script)
+            self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
+                                "Second rewrite must be rejected")
+            self.assertIn("rewritten", r.stderr,
+                          "Error must mention URL rewrite")
+            self.assertNotIn("EXACT_SHA", r.stdout,
+                             "Must not reach query after guard rejects")
+
+
+class TestR13IngestDeclaredIDRows(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903277: UI ingest 9-column rows for all declared IDs."""
+
+    def test_unavailable_with_declared_ids_has_rows(self) -> None:
+        """Template includes unavailable aggregate with declared IDs
+        in the row-producing group."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("### Screenshot Observations", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Feasibility", 1)[0]
+        # Row instruction covers unavailable when declared IDs exist
+        row_note = section.split("| ID |", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(row_note.split())
+        self.assertIn("unavailable", flat)
+        self.assertIn("declared IDs", flat)
+        self.assertIn("9-column", flat)
+
+    def test_none_deferred_no_fabricated_rows(self) -> None:
+        """none/deferred with no declared IDs produces no fabricated rows."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("### Screenshot Observations", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Feasibility", 1)[0]
+        after_table = section.split("|----|", 1)[1]
+        flat = " ".join(after_table.split())
+        self.assertIn("no fabricated rows", flat)
+
+    def test_nine_column_table_preserved(self) -> None:
+        """9-column table header preserved in template."""
+        content = _read("ui-design/skills/ingest.md")
+        section = content.split("### Screenshot Observations", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Feasibility", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn(
+            "| ID | Status | Identity | Ref | Expected SHA "
+            "| Observed SHA | Observation | Spec Match | Notes |",
+            section)
+
+
+class TestR13PublishCanonicalPort(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903284: publish Step 2 canonical identity includes port."""
+
+    def test_step2_same_canonical_form(self) -> None:
+        """Step 2 normalizes both current and legacy to same form."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step2.split())
+        # Both sides normalized to canonical identity
+        self.assertIn("Normalize both", flat)
+        self.assertIn("canonical identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("nondefaultport", flat)
+
+    def test_step2_strips_userinfo_query_fragment(self) -> None:
+        """Step 2 strips userinfo, query, and fragment."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step2.split())
+        self.assertIn("userinfo", flat)
+        self.assertIn("query", flat)
+        self.assertIn("fragment", flat)
+
+    def test_step2_credential_free(self) -> None:
+        """Step 2 stores only credential-free canonical form."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/publish.md")
+        step2 = content.split("### Step 2:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 3:", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(step2.split())
+        self.assertIn("credential-free", flat)
+
+
+class TestR13GHHostInstanceHostname(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903294: GH_HOST = instance hostname, not API hostname."""
+
+    def test_respond_instance_hostname(self) -> None:
+        """Respond sets GH_HOST to instance hostname, not API hostname."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not the API hostname", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_not_api_github_com(self) -> None:
+        """GH_HOST must not be api.github.com."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("api.github.com", flat)
+        # It says NOT the API hostname
+        self.assertIn("not the API hostname", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_cli_resolves_api(self) -> None:
+        """CLI resolves the API endpoint from the instance hostname."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("CLI resolves the API endpoint", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_repo_identifier_uses_instance_host(self) -> None:
+        """repo_identifier uses instance hostname, not API or port."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("repo_identifier", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname, not the API hostname", flat)
+
+    def test_respond_unknown_host_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Unknown or unsupported instance hostname stops."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Derive validated", 1)[1].split(
+            "Prefix every", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+        self.assertIn("unsupported", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+
+
+class TestR13ReplyTimeoutReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """4519903302: uncertain reply timeout reconciliation."""
+
+    def test_uncertain_outcome_section_exists(self) -> None:
+        """Respond Step 4 has uncertain reply outcome handling."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        step4 = content.split("### Step 4:", 1)[1].split(
+            "### Step 5:", 1)[0]
+        self.assertIn("Uncertain reply outcome", step4)
+
+    def test_no_automatic_repost(self) -> None:
+        """Uncertain timeout must not automatically repost."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("Do not automatically repost", flat)
+
+    def test_no_automatic_log_success(self) -> None:
+        """Uncertain timeout must not log as successful."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("log the reply as successful", flat)
+
+    def test_researcher_verification_required(self) -> None:
+        """Researcher must verify before retry or log."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("researcher", flat)
+        self.assertIn("check whether", flat)
+        self.assertIn("PR thread", flat)
+
+    def test_confirmed_posted_marks_original(self) -> None:
+        """Only confirmed posted reply marks original comment processed."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("confirmed posted reply", flat)
+        self.assertIn("original comment", flat)
+        self.assertIn("responses log", flat)
+
+    def test_confirmed_failure_can_retry(self) -> None:
+        """Confirmed failure can be retried under existing approval."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("confirmed failure", flat)
+        self.assertIn("retried", flat)
+        self.assertIn("approval", flat)
+
+    def test_unverifiable_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Unverifiable outcome must stop."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
+            "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("unverifiable", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/publish.md b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
index 7d1de00e..f3f94b8a 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/publish.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/publish.md
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ either check fails, stop, report the failed check, and ask the researcher to
 correct the path before continuing. Capture the remote URL privately via
 `git -C "{docs_repo_path}" remote get-url origin` — do not display
 or persist the raw value. Normalize both the captured URL and any
-existing `docs_repo_remote` from config to credential-free
-canonical identity (`{host}/{owner}/{repo}`), stripping userinfo,
-query, and fragment first. Compare; confirm with the researcher
+existing `docs_repo_remote` from config to canonical identity
+(`{host}[:nondefaultport]/{owner}/{repo}`), stripping userinfo,
+query, and fragment. Compare; confirm with the researcher
 (new config); store only the credential-free canonical form.
 
 If reading or validating the remote fails, stop before publishing, report the
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 9db85497..b93676d6 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -70,17 +70,23 @@ to the current design context.
 
 Derive validated `{repo_host}`, `{owner}`, `{repo}`, and
 `{repo_identifier}` (`[HOST/]OWNER/REPO`) from the frozen
-`docs_repo_remote`. For `{repo_host}` (used as `GH_HOST`),
-derive the API host from a verified mapping, not the Git
+`docs_repo_remote`. Set `{repo_host}` (used as `GH_HOST`) to
+the verified GitHub **instance hostname** (e.g., `github.com`
+or `github.example.com`), not the API hostname
+(`api.github.com`), not a URL or path, and not the Git SSH
 transport port — SSH port 2222 is not the HTTPS API port, and
-the configured CLI rejects colon in host values. For well-known
-GitHub hosts (github.com, *.ghe.com), use the standard API
-endpoint; for other hosts, verify the API endpoint is supported
-by the configured CLI before use. If no verified mapping exists,
-stop and request the researcher to confirm the API endpoint
-before any API calls — do not silently strip a verified
-non-default HTTPS API port, fall back, or guess. Preserve the
-full Git transport identity including port for push separately.
+the CLI resolves the API endpoint from the instance hostname
+internally. For well-known GitHub hosts (github.com,
+*.ghe.com), the instance hostname is sufficient; for other
+hosts, verify the instance hostname is recognized by the
+configured CLI before use. If the host is unknown or the
+instance-to-API mapping is unsupported, stop and request the
+researcher to confirm the GitHub instance hostname before any
+API calls — do not silently strip a verified non-default HTTPS
+API port, fall back, or guess. Preserve the full Git transport
+identity including port for push separately. Set
+`{repo_identifier}` to `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` using the instance
+hostname, not the API hostname or Git transport port.
 Use these for all PR lookup, view, and reply operations.
 Prefix every `$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT` invocation (fetch and reply)
 with command-scoped environment so the helper's `gh` calls target
@@ -418,8 +424,21 @@ For a `review` or `top_level` comment, post a top-level reply:
 GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
 ```
 
-If the reply command fails, report the error and continue without
-logging the failed reply.
+If the reply command fails with a definitive error (nonzero exit,
+HTTP 4xx/5xx), report the error and continue without logging.
+
+**Uncertain reply outcome.** If the reply command times out or
+returns an ambiguous transport error, the reply may have been
+posted before the failure was observed. Do not automatically
+repost or log the reply as successful — either action risks
+duplicates or false records. Instead, stop processing further
+comments and ask the researcher to check whether the intended
+reply appeared on the PR thread. Only a confirmed posted reply
+(researcher verification or visible in a subsequent fetch)
+marks the original comment as processed via the existing
+responses log. A confirmed failure (reply absent after
+verification) may be retried under the existing approval for
+that comment. An unverifiable outcome must stop — do not guess.
 
 After each successful reply, record its `id` so later respond rounds skip it:
 

From dd4b1d14624c47c5c6261fd9d1eb4589e1161c5b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 01:42:14 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 40/42] Refine 3 R13 fulfillments: reply classification, CWD
 proof, instance hostname
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Reply error: uncertainty precedence first; nonzero alone does not prove
  unposted; confirmed-post + local log failure stops and repairs existing
  responses log entry, does not repost
- SourceRepo-C negative control: same URL/DOCS_REPO_PATH, only remove -C;
  test_second_rewrite_rejected uses actual remote get-url --push and
  ls-remote --get-url with SSH→pushInsteadOf→HTTPS→insteadOf→local chain
- Recipe §4 new-PR paragraph: verified GitHub instance hostname, not API host

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |   5 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 133 +++++++++++-------
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  31 ++--
 3 files changed, 99 insertions(+), 70 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index c08c1677..0a102287 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -336,8 +336,9 @@ pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
    unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
    `pending_attempt`.
    For a new PR (`pr_number` is `null`): derive validated
-   `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` using the verified API host (not Git
-   transport port) and `docs_repo_remote` owner/repo, then
+   `[HOST/]OWNER/REPO` using the verified GitHub instance
+   hostname (not API hostname or Git transport port) and
+   `docs_repo_remote` owner/repo, then
    look up PRs in
    **all states** by
    canonical head repository and head `branch` only — **without**
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 342680e6..9bc44b67 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -4765,21 +4765,19 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
             self.assertNotEqual(docs_sha, src_sha,
                                 "Test requires distinct SHAs")
 
-            # Use url.*.insteadOf mapping so -C context matters:
-            # same fake URL resolves to different bare repos per CWD
-            fake_url = "fake://repo.example.com/"
-            subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config",
-                 f"url.{docs_bare}/.insteadOf", fake_url],
-                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # SourceRepo has insteadOf that rewrites docs_bare to
+            # src_bare — so CWD context changes URL resolution.
+            # DocsRepo has NO insteadOf for docs_bare (absolute path
+            # unchanged by --get-url in DocsRepo context).
             subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", src_repo, "config",
-                 f"url.{src_bare}/.insteadOf", fake_url],
+                 f"url.{src_bare}.insteadOf", docs_bare],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            # Positive: reader with already-resolved push URL (docs_bare)
-            # and -C DocsRepo. The guard sees no rewrite (absolute
-            # path unchanged by --get-url), query returns DocsRepo SHA.
+            # Positive: SAME inputs (docs_bare URL, docs_repo -C).
+            # Guard: git -C docs_repo ls-remote --get-url docs_bare
+            # returns docs_bare (no rewrite in DocsRepo). Query
+            # returns DocsRepo SHA.
             script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
                 docs_bare, "main", docs_repo)
             r = _run_script(script, cwd=src_repo)
@@ -4787,23 +4785,20 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn(f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", r.stdout,
                           "Reader must return DocsRepo SHA via -C")
 
-            # Negative control: use fake_url (needs insteadOf) and
-            # strip -C so CWD (SourceRepo) context resolves fake URL
-            # to src_bare via insteadOf — the second-rewrite guard
-            # detects this URL differs from the frozen push_url and
-            # rejects before any network query. This proves CWD
-            # context matters: wrong -C (or missing) causes a
-            # different insteadOf resolution that the guard catches,
-            # failing closed rather than querying the wrong repo.
-            neg_script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
-                fake_url, "main", src_repo)
-            no_c_script = neg_script.replace(
+            # Negative control: SAME URL and DOCS_REPO_PATH argument
+            # but strip -C so CWD (SourceRepo) context applies.
+            # Guard: git ls-remote --get-url docs_bare/ resolves via
+            # SourceRepo's insteadOf to src_bare — differs from
+            # push_url, guard rejects before any network query.
+            # Only variable changed: -C removal. Proves CWD context
+            # matters for the guard's URL resolution.
+            no_c_script = script.replace(
                 'git -C "$DOCS_REPO_PATH" ls-remote',
                 'git ls-remote')
             nr = _run_script(no_c_script, cwd=src_repo)
             self.assertNotEqual(nr.returncode, 0,
-                                "Fake URL with insteadOf must be rejected "
-                                "by second-rewrite guard (fail closed)")
+                                "Without -C, SourceRepo insteadOf rewrites "
+                                "docs_bare; guard must fail closed")
             self.assertNotIn(
                 f"EXACT_SHA={docs_sha}", nr.stdout,
                 "Must not return DocsRepo SHA after guard rejects")
@@ -4812,13 +4807,13 @@ def test_f2_canonical_reader_two_repo_regression(self) -> None:
 
     def test_f3_pr_lookup_preserves_host(self) -> None:
         """Recipe §4 PR lookup derives [HOST/]OWNER/REPO using verified
-        API host from docs_repo_remote."""
+        instance hostname from docs_repo_remote."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         after_push = content.split("After successful push", 1)[1]
         pr_section = after_push.split("No candidate found", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(pr_section.split())
         self.assertIn("[HOST/]OWNER/REPO", flat)
-        self.assertIn("verified API host", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname", flat)
         self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
 
     # --- F3b: respond fetch/reply commands use GH_HOST/GH_REPO prefix ---
@@ -5392,13 +5387,13 @@ def test_respond_no_unconditional_port_strip(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("verified non-default HTTPS API port", flat)
 
     def test_recipe_pr_lookup_uses_verified_api_host(self) -> None:
-        """Recipe §4 PR lookup uses verified API host, not Git port."""
+        """Recipe §4 PR lookup uses verified instance hostname, not Git port."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
         section = content.split("pr_number` is `null`", 1)[1].split(
             "first-publish recovery", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("verified API host", flat)
-        self.assertIn("not Git transport port", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname", flat)
+        self.assertIn("not API hostname or Git transport port", flat)
 
 
 class TestR12PreCopyRefreshReconciliation(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -5566,15 +5561,17 @@ def test_stable_url_passes_guard(self) -> None:
             self.assertIn("EXACT_SHA=", r.stdout)
 
     def test_second_rewrite_rejected(self) -> None:
-        """Git proof: pushInsteadOf resolves push URL to A; a second
-        insteadOf in DocsRepo would rewrite A to B when passed to
-        ls-remote. The guard detects A≠B and rejects before any
-        network query.
-
-        Uses disposable temp bare repos with local config only;
-        no actual SSH/HTTPS queries to real domains."""
+        """Git proof: origin has SSH fixture URL; pushInsteadOf
+        rewrites it to HTTPS fixture URL (safe, no contact).
+        A second insteadOf in DocsRepo rewrites HTTPS fixture
+        to local bare B. ACTUAL remote get-url --push origin
+        yields the HTTPS fixture. ACTUAL ls-remote --get-url
+        shows it resolves to a different local path. Shipped
+        extracted reader rejects BEFORE any network query.
+
+        Uses disposable temp repos with local config only;
+        no actual SSH/HTTPS push or query."""
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-            # Set up DocsRepo
             docs_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "docs-repo")
             os.makedirs(docs_repo)
             subprocess.run(["git", "init", "-b", "main", docs_repo],
@@ -5593,27 +5590,50 @@ def test_second_rewrite_rejected(self) -> None:
                 ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "commit", "-m", "init"],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            # Create two bare remotes
-            bare_a = os.path.join(tmp, "remote-a.git")
             bare_b = os.path.join(tmp, "remote-b.git")
-            subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", docs_repo, bare_a],
-                           capture_output=True, check=True)
             subprocess.run(["git", "clone", "--bare", docs_repo, bare_b],
                            capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            # Configure a second insteadOf that rewrites bare_a to bare_b
-            # This simulates pushInsteadOf resolving to bare_a, then a
-            # local insteadOf rewriting bare_a to bare_b for queries
+            # origin = SSH fixture (no-contact)
+            ssh_fixture = "ssh://fixture@host.invalid:2222/org/docs.git"
+            https_fixture = "https://host.invalid/org/docs.git"
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "remote", "add",
+                 "origin", ssh_fixture],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # pushInsteadOf rewrites SSH fixture → HTTPS fixture
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config",
+                 f"url.{https_fixture}.pushInsteadOf", ssh_fixture],
+                capture_output=True, check=True)
+            # Second insteadOf rewrites HTTPS fixture → local bare B
             subprocess.run(
                 ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "config",
-                 f"url.{bare_b}/.insteadOf", f"{bare_a}/"],
+                 f"url.{bare_b}/.insteadOf", https_fixture],
                 capture_output=True, check=True)
 
-            # The push URL is bare_a (already resolved by pushInsteadOf).
-            # When passed to ls-remote in DocsRepo context, insteadOf
-            # would rewrite bare_a/ to bare_b/ — the guard catches this.
+            # ACTUAL: remote get-url --push yields HTTPS fixture
+            push_url_r = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "remote", "get-url",
+                 "--push", "origin"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            push_url = push_url_r.stdout.strip()
+            self.assertEqual(push_url, https_fixture,
+                             "pushInsteadOf must yield HTTPS fixture")
+
+            # ACTUAL: ls-remote --get-url shows second rewrite
+            effective_r = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "ls-remote",
+                 "--get-url", push_url],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            effective = effective_r.stdout.strip()
+            self.assertNotEqual(effective, push_url,
+                                "Second insteadOf must rewrite the URL")
+            self.assertIn(bare_b, effective)
+
+            # EXECUTE shipped extracted reader — must reject
             script = _extract_exact_reader_script(
-                f"{bare_a}/", "main", docs_repo)
+                push_url, "main", docs_repo)
             r = _run_script(script)
             self.assertNotEqual(r.returncode, 0,
                                 "Second rewrite must be rejected")
@@ -5753,20 +5773,27 @@ def test_uncertain_outcome_section_exists(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("Uncertain reply outcome", step4)
 
     def test_no_automatic_repost(self) -> None:
-        """Uncertain timeout must not automatically repost."""
+        """Uncertain outcome must not automatically repost; nonzero
+        alone does not prove unposted."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
             "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
         self.assertIn("Do not automatically repost", flat)
+        # Nonzero exit does not prove the reply was not posted
+        self.assertIn("nonzero exit", flat)
+        self.assertIn("does not prove", flat)
 
-    def test_no_automatic_log_success(self) -> None:
-        """Uncertain timeout must not log as successful."""
+    def test_confirmed_post_log_failure_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Confirmed post + local log failure stops and repairs existing
+        responses record; does not repost."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         section = content.split("Uncertain reply outcome", 1)[1].split(
             "After each successful reply", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(section.split())
-        self.assertIn("log the reply as successful", flat)
+        self.assertIn("log write then fails", flat)
+        self.assertIn("repair the responses log", flat)
+        self.assertIn("do not repost", flat.lower())
 
     def test_researcher_verification_required(self) -> None:
         """Researcher must verify before retry or log."""
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index b93676d6..c53061e8 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -424,21 +424,22 @@ For a `review` or `top_level` comment, post a top-level reply:
 GH_HOST="{repo_host}" GH_REPO="{repo_identifier}" python3 "$PR_COMMENTS_SCRIPT" reply --owner {owner} --repo {repo} --pr {pr-number} --body-file .artifacts/ux-design/{issue-key}/tmp-reply.md
 ```
 
-If the reply command fails with a definitive error (nonzero exit,
-HTTP 4xx/5xx), report the error and continue without logging.
-
-**Uncertain reply outcome.** If the reply command times out or
-returns an ambiguous transport error, the reply may have been
-posted before the failure was observed. Do not automatically
-repost or log the reply as successful — either action risks
-duplicates or false records. Instead, stop processing further
-comments and ask the researcher to check whether the intended
-reply appeared on the PR thread. Only a confirmed posted reply
-(researcher verification or visible in a subsequent fetch)
-marks the original comment as processed via the existing
-responses log. A confirmed failure (reply absent after
-verification) may be retried under the existing approval for
-that comment. An unverifiable outcome must stop — do not guess.
+**Uncertain reply outcome.** If the reply command exits nonzero,
+times out, or returns an ambiguous error, the reply may have
+been posted before the failure was observed — a nonzero exit
+or 5xx alone does not prove the reply was not posted. Do not
+automatically repost or log the reply as successful — either
+action risks duplicates or false records. Stop processing
+further comments and ask the researcher to check whether the
+intended reply appeared on the PR thread (comment `--comment-id`
+from the original). Only a confirmed posted reply (researcher
+verification or visible in a subsequent fetch) marks the
+original comment as processed via the existing responses log;
+if the confirmed post's local log write then fails, stop and
+repair the responses log entry after confirmation — do not
+repost. A confirmed failure (reply absent after verification)
+may be retried under the existing approval for that comment.
+An unverifiable outcome must stop — do not guess.
 
 After each successful reply, record its `id` so later respond rounds skip it:
 

From b231fc0220a1921e9172ae8798ad42478e5b8ff3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 02:20:40 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 41/42] Fix 4 R14 review findings: repair manifest reload, late
 inspection hash, PR identity mapping, path rename detection
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- Inspection repair: both §2 and §4 repair branches now reload §1
  manifest (including duplicate-ID check) before re-matching/resolving.
  Changed manifest fields (top-level revision, per-entry digests)
  trigger rechecking all affected rows, not just repaired IDs.

- Late inspection failure: §4.4 preserves actually computed
  observed_sha and identity from §4.1 instead of replacing with
  dash. Status remains inspection-not-supported and image stays
  ineligible for citation per §5 Rule 1.

- PR identity mapping: pre-push and post-push PR revalidation now
  derives head repo identity from verified GitHub instance hostname
  (same GH_HOST mapping), not raw Git transport host:port. Unknown
  mapping stops before comparison. Transport identity with exact
  port preserved for push destination checks.

- Path rename detection: respond.md change detection now compares
  published_path alongside sha256, so same-ID same-SHA filename
  changes trigger copy/removal through existing staging blocks.
  Old paths not removed when still referenced by another retained ID.

14 focused test methods: repair reload ordering and global impact,
late failure hash preservation and ineligibility, PR identity
derivation and transport preservation, path rename detection and
shared-path guard, plus executable temp-Git rename proof.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |  57 ++--
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |  28 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 244 +++++++++++++++++-
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  16 ++
 4 files changed, 320 insertions(+), 25 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index ca86e6cc..ce1f0edb 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -85,12 +85,18 @@ If the user repairs the handoff (adds missing embeds or modifies
 the Screenshot Index), the caller must re-enter its
 published-input gate on the changed handoff/manifest before
 re-entering inspection — no private authoring fallback. Repair or
-wait is not partial authorization. Rerun §2 matching on the
-updated inputs. For affected IDs, replace previous `unavailable`
-rows with fresh matched results; preserve unaffected rows only if
-the embed is unchanged and still valid. Recalculate all aggregate
-totals before proceeding to §3. Do not append duplicate rows —
-each declared ID appears exactly once in the output.
+wait is not partial authorization. Reload §1 manifest (including
+the duplicate-ID check) on the updated inputs before rerunning
+§2 matching — a changed manifest (top-level `context_revision`,
+`prototype_iteration`, or per-entry digests) affects all rows,
+not just repaired IDs. Rerun §2 matching on the updated inputs,
+then §3–§4 for fresh index, header, and affected rows. For
+affected IDs, replace previous `unavailable` rows with fresh
+matched results; preserve unaffected rows only if the embed is
+unchanged, still valid, and no manifest field used by that row's
+§3–§4 processing changed. Recalculate all aggregate totals
+before proceeding. Do not append duplicate rows — each declared
+ID appears exactly once in the output.
 
 **Unmatched body embeds.** After matching declared IDs to embeds,
 scan the handoff body for image embeds (`![...](...)`) whose `SS-N`
@@ -157,13 +163,19 @@ does not override status-based eligibility.
 
 If the user repairs the source or access is restored, the caller
 must re-enter its published-input gate on the changed inputs
-before re-entering inspection. Rerun §3 resolution and §4
-identity/inspection (SHA, visual, bindings) for affected IDs.
-Replace previous unresolved rows and any superseded
-identity/binding decisions with fresh results; preserve unaffected
-rows only if still valid. Recalculate aggregate totals, status,
-and eligibility. Do not append duplicate rows — each declared ID
-appears exactly once in the output.
+before re-entering inspection. Reload §1 manifest (including
+the duplicate-ID check) before rerunning §3 resolution and §4
+identity/inspection (SHA, visual, bindings). If any manifest
+field used by identity verification (per-entry `sha256`) or
+binding checks (top-level `context_revision`,
+`prototype_iteration`) changed, recheck all rows that reference
+the changed fields — not just the repaired IDs. Replace
+previous unresolved rows, obsolete SHA comparisons, superseded
+binding/acceptance decisions, and aggregate/eligibility with
+fresh results; preserve only rows whose manifest inputs are
+unchanged and still valid. One row per declared ID. Do not
+append duplicate rows — each declared ID appears exactly once
+in the output.
 
 **For each resolved matched image from §3:**
 
@@ -240,11 +252,20 @@ appears exactly once in the output.
 
 4. **Inspection failure during resolved processing.** If a resolved
    image cannot be visually inspected at this stage (e.g., unsupported
-   format after successful download), record it using the unresolved
-   pair schema above with status `inspection-not-supported`. Apply the
-   same continuation handling: prompt the user to repair, wait, or
-   explicitly authorize partial continuation for this ID. Do not
-   fabricate observations from captions or alt text.
+   format after successful download), record it with status
+   `inspection-not-supported`. Unlike early unresolved cases
+   (§3 failures where no bytes were obtained), this image was
+   successfully resolved — §4.1 has already computed
+   `observed_sha` and `identity` and the `expected_sha` is
+   available from the manifest. Preserve those actually computed
+   values; record `observation: —` (not observed) and
+   `spec_match: —` (unknown). The image remains ineligible for
+   citation (§5 Rule 1 — status must be `inspected`) even when
+   identity is `verified` and partial authorization was granted.
+   9 output columns unchanged. Apply the same continuation
+   handling: prompt the user to repair, wait, or explicitly
+   authorize partial continuation for this ID. Do not fabricate
+   observations from captions or alt text.
 
 5. **Check revision binding (separate from identity).** Byte-identity
    verification (step 4.1) and revision-binding validity are
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 0a102287..4fe24333 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -220,8 +220,25 @@ push, apply these checks in order:
 
 1. **PR revalidation.** When `pr_number` is known (not `null`),
    verify the live PR is open, head branch matches `branch`,
-   head repo matches canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity, base
-   matches `base_branch`. Closed, merged, retargeted, mismatch,
+   base matches `base_branch`, and head repo matches the derived
+   PR identity. Derive the PR identity from `docs_repo_remote`
+   by using the already-verified GitHub instance hostname
+   (the same verified mapping used for `GH_HOST` — see
+   `/respond` Step 1) plus the same `owner/repo` from
+   `docs_repo_remote`: `{instance_hostname}/{owner}/{repo}`.
+   The derived PR identity uses the instance hostname, not the
+   raw Git transport host:port — SSH port 2222 is not the
+   GitHub instance identity. If the instance hostname mapping
+   is unknown, ambiguous, or unverified, stop and ask the
+   researcher before comparison — never assume that stripping
+   a non-default port yields the correct instance hostname.
+   Use the same derived PR identity consistently for pre-push
+   revalidation, metadata finalization (§4.3), and new-PR
+   candidate comparison. Keep `docs_repo_remote` and
+   `push_destination` as the canonical Git transport identity
+   with exact approved port for all push/query/destination
+   checks — the PR identity mapping does not bypass transport
+   validation. Closed, merged, retargeted, mismatch,
    missing, or unavailable → stop; retain `pending_attempt`. Not
    a cross-service atomic guarantee. Both `/publish` Step 8 and
    `/respond` push must consume this gate.
@@ -330,8 +347,11 @@ pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
 2. Remove `pending_attempt` from `publish-metadata.json`.
 3. **PR identity.** For an existing PR (`pr_number` is known),
    revalidate: fetch the live PR state and verify it is open with
-   head branch, head repository, and base branch matching the frozen
-   `pending_attempt` record and canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity.
+   head branch, base branch, and head repository matching the
+   frozen `pending_attempt` record. Compare the PR's head
+   repository against the derived PR identity (same
+   `{instance_hostname}/{owner}/{repo}` from the pre-push gate
+   §4 Step 1), not the raw `docs_repo_remote` transport identity.
    Closed, merged, changed head, changed base, missing PR, or
    unavailable tool → stop without writing final metadata; retain
    `pending_attempt`.
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index 9bc44b67..fe7abc5d 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -2492,7 +2492,7 @@ def test_head_repo_in_existing_pr_revalidation(self) -> None:
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
         # Existing PR path checks head repo and base branch
-        self.assertIn("head branch, head repository, and base branch", flat)
+        self.assertIn("head branch, base branch, and head repository", flat)
 
 
 class TestR5PrePushPRRevalidation(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -3008,7 +3008,7 @@ def test_s4_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
         s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s4.split())
         self.assertIn("published-input gate", flat)
-        self.assertIn("Rerun §3", flat)
+        self.assertIn("rerunning §3", flat)
         self.assertIn("superseded", flat)
         self.assertIn("Replace previous unresolved rows", flat)
         self.assertIn("still valid", flat)
@@ -3069,7 +3069,7 @@ def test_finalization_checks_base_branch(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
-        self.assertIn("base branch matching", flat)
+        self.assertIn("base branch", flat)
         self.assertIn("changed base", flat)
 
 
@@ -5835,5 +5835,243 @@ def test_unverifiable_stops(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("stop", flat.lower())
 
 
+class TestR14RepairReloadsManifest(unittest.TestCase):
+    """R14 4520265645: selective repair must reload §1 manifest."""
+
+    def test_s2_repair_reloads_manifest_before_matching(self) -> None:
+        """§2 repair branch reloads §1 manifest before rerunning matching."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        # Locate the §2 repair paragraph (after "repairs the handoff")
+        repair_s2 = content.split("repairs the handoff")[1].split(
+            "Unmatched body embeds")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(repair_s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("Reload §1 manifest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("duplicate-ID check", flat)
+        # Must reload before rerunning §2
+        reload_pos = flat.index("Reload §1")
+        rerun_pos = flat.index("Rerun §2")
+        self.assertLess(reload_pos, rerun_pos,
+                        "§1 reload must come before §2 rerun")
+
+    def test_s4_repair_reloads_manifest_before_resolution(self) -> None:
+        """§4 repair branch reloads §1 manifest before rerunning §3/§4."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        # Locate the §4 repair paragraph (after "repairs the source")
+        repair_s4 = content.split("repairs the source")[1].split(
+            "For each resolved")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(repair_s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("Reload §1 manifest", flat)
+        self.assertIn("duplicate-ID check", flat)
+        # Must reload before rerunning §3
+        reload_pos = flat.index("Reload §1")
+        rerun_pos = flat.index("rerunning §3")
+        self.assertLess(reload_pos, rerun_pos,
+                        "§1 reload must come before §3 rerun")
+
+    def test_manifest_change_rechecks_all_rows(self) -> None:
+        """Changed manifest fields affect all rows, not just repaired IDs."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        # Check §2 repair branch
+        repair_s2 = content.split("repairs the handoff")[1].split(
+            "Unmatched body embeds")[0]
+        flat_s2 = " ".join(repair_s2.split())
+        self.assertIn("affects all rows", flat_s2)
+        self.assertIn("not just repaired IDs", flat_s2)
+        # Check §4 repair branch
+        repair_s4 = content.split("repairs the source")[1].split(
+            "For each resolved")[0]
+        flat_s4 = " ".join(repair_s4.split())
+        self.assertIn("not just the repaired IDs", flat_s4)
+        self.assertIn("recheck all rows", flat_s4)
+
+
+class TestR14LateInspectionPreservesHash(unittest.TestCase):
+    """R14 4520265656: late failure preserves computed values."""
+
+    def test_late_failure_preserves_observed_sha(self) -> None:
+        """§4.4 preserves computed observed_sha, not dash."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Inspection failure during resolved")[1].split(
+            "Check revision binding")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        # Must preserve actually computed values
+        self.assertIn("Preserve those actually computed", flat)
+        self.assertIn("observed_sha", flat)
+        self.assertIn("identity", flat)
+        # Must NOT use unresolved pair schema (which dashes everything)
+        self.assertNotIn("unresolved pair schema", flat)
+
+    def test_late_failure_still_ineligible(self) -> None:
+        """Late failure with verified hash remains ineligible for citation."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Inspection failure during resolved")[1].split(
+            "Check revision binding")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("ineligible", flat)
+        self.assertIn("Rule 1", flat)
+        self.assertIn("status must be `inspected`", flat)
+
+    def test_late_failure_nine_columns(self) -> None:
+        """Late failure keeps 9 output columns."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
+        section = content.split("Inspection failure during resolved")[1].split(
+            "Check revision binding")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("9 output columns unchanged", flat)
+
+
+class TestR14PRIdentityMapping(unittest.TestCase):
+    """R14 4520265662: PR identity uses instance hostname mapping."""
+
+    def test_prepush_pr_gate_uses_instance_hostname(self) -> None:
+        """Pre-push PR revalidation uses derived instance hostname."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("PR revalidation")[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("instance hostname", flat)
+        self.assertIn("derived PR identity", flat)
+        # Must not compare raw transport host:port
+        self.assertIn("not the raw Git transport host:port", flat)
+
+    def test_postpush_pr_identity_uses_derived(self) -> None:
+        """Post-push PR identity check references pre-push derived identity."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        # §4.3 PR identity section
+        section = content.split("**PR identity.**")[1].split(
+            "For a new PR")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("derived PR identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance_hostname", flat)
+        self.assertNotIn("canonical `docs_repo_remote` identity", flat)
+
+    def test_pr_mapping_preserves_transport_identity(self) -> None:
+        """PR identity mapping does not bypass transport validation."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("PR revalidation")[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("does not bypass transport", flat)
+        self.assertIn("push_destination", flat)
+
+    def test_unknown_mapping_stops(self) -> None:
+        """Unknown instance hostname mapping stops before comparison."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        section = content.split("PR revalidation")[1].split(
+            "Owned-path verification")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(section.split())
+        self.assertIn("unknown", flat)
+        self.assertIn("stop", flat)
+        self.assertIn("never assume that stripping", flat)
+
+
+class TestR14RespondPathRename(unittest.TestCase):
+    """R14 outside-diff: path rename detection and reconciliation."""
+
+    def test_respond_detects_filename_change(self) -> None:
+        """respond.md detects filename/published_path change as update."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
+            "Handle removals")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(detect.split())
+        self.assertIn("published_path", flat)
+        self.assertIn("filename", flat)
+        self.assertIn("asset update", flat)
+        # Same ID + same SHA + different path = update
+        self.assertIn("unchanged `sha256`", flat)
+
+    def test_rename_copies_new_removes_old(self) -> None:
+        """Rename copies to new path and marks old path for removal."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
+            "Handle removals")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(detect.split())
+        self.assertIn("copied_filenames", flat)
+        self.assertIn("removed_filenames", flat)
+        self.assertIn("copy block", flat.lower())
+        self.assertIn("SHA validation", flat)
+
+    def test_shared_path_not_removed_when_retained(self) -> None:
+        """Old path not removed if another retained ID references it."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
+            "Handle removals")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(detect.split())
+        self.assertIn("another retained ID", flat)
+        self.assertIn("distinct IDs sharing refs are valid", flat)
+
+
+class TestR14RenameExecution(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
+    """R14 executable: rename stages new path, removes old, same bytes."""
+
+    def test_rename_stages_new_removes_old(self) -> None:
+        """Copy new filename, git rm old filename, same ID/SHA unchanged."""
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-R14")
+            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sd)
+            img_bytes = b"identical-image-bytes-for-rename-test"
+            # Initial commit with old filename
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
+            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-old-name.png"), "wb") as f:
+                f.write(img_bytes)
+            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-R14/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R14",
+                        copied=["SS-1-old-name.png"], manifest_written=True,
+                        msg="Init with old filename")
+            # Rename: copy same bytes to new filename, git rm old
+            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-new-name.png"), "wb") as f:
+                f.write(img_bytes)
+            subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
+                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                capture_output=True, check=True,
+            )
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff updated\n")
+            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"renamed":true}')
+            r = self._exec(
+                repo, "feat/PROJ-R14/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R14",
+                copied=["SS-1-new-name.png"], removed=["SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                manifest_written=True,
+                msg="Rename screenshot SS-1",
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+            # New filename committed
+            ls_new = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
+                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-new-name.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("SS-1-new-name.png", ls_new.stdout,
+                          "new filename must be tracked")
+            # Old filename removed
+            ls_old = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
+                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertEqual(ls_old.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "old filename must be removed")
+            # Same bytes in the new file
+            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-new-name.png"), "rb") as f:
+                self.assertEqual(f.read(), img_bytes,
+                                 "bytes must be identical after rename")
+            # Commit log shows the rename commit
+            log = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("Rename screenshot SS-1", log.stdout)
+            # Commit diff shows both add and delete
+            diff = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", repo, "diff-tree", "--no-commit-id",
+                 "--name-status", "-r", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIn("SS-1-new-name.png", diff.stdout)
+            self.assertIn("SS-1-old-name.png", diff.stdout)
+
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index c53061e8..06c82919 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -266,6 +266,22 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    - For each verified manifest entry, compare its `sha256` against the
      corresponding `screenshot_assets` entry in `publish-metadata.json`.
      Changed checksum → updated image.
+   - For each verified manifest entry with matching ID **and**
+     unchanged `sha256`, also compare the expected published path
+     (derived from the manifest's `filename` as
+     `{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}`) against the
+     `published_path` in `publish-metadata.json`. A different
+     filename or published path with the same ID and bytes is an
+     asset update: copy the validated file to the new path through
+     the existing copy block (step 4 above, with SHA validation),
+     and mark the previous `published_path` for removal. Collect
+     the new path in `copied_filenames` and the old filename in
+     `removed_filenames`. Do not remove an old path that is still
+     referenced by another retained ID's `published_path` in the
+     current manifest — distinct IDs sharing refs are valid.
+     Use previous recorded `screenshot_assets` paths for removal
+     targets; do not directory-walk or guess legacy filenames.
+     Unverifiable ownership stops reconciliation for that path.
    - Manifest entries absent from `publish-metadata.json` → newly added.
    - `publish-metadata.json` entries absent from the current manifest →
      removed.

From 61ccc994a64adcfcd558dc4388c03f8fa9503dc1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Chai Bot <chai-bot@redhat.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2026 02:33:52 +0000
Subject: [PATCH 42/42] =?UTF-8?q?Refine=20R14:=20=C2=A74=20repair=20runs?=
 =?UTF-8?q?=20=C2=A72,=20expected=5Fsha=20conditional,=20new-PR=20derived?=
 =?UTF-8?q?=20identity,=20rename=20scoped=20to=20Git/LFS?=
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit

- §4 repair branch now explicitly runs fresh §2 (header, index,
  matching) after §1 manifest reload before §3/§4 — changed
  handoff or refs must not reuse old matched pairs.

- Late inspection failure preserves expected_sha only when the
  manifest provides a digest for the image; absent/no-entry
  manifests get dash, not invented data.

- New-PR candidate comparison now uses derived PR identity
  ({instance_hostname}/{owner}/{repo}) instead of raw
  docs_repo_remote, consistent with pre-push and post-push gates.

- Path rename paragraph scoped to lfs/git mode only. Uses
  manifest filename (not nonexistent published_path). Collects
  basenames in copied_filenames/removed_filenames matching
  canonical stage expectations. Derives full retained filename
  set before removal check. External mode preserves existing
  approved immutable URL rules.

- Rename execution test uses extracted respond.md bash blocks
  (copy block 9, git rm block 7) with source/docs repo fixture,
  then canonical staging recipe. Valid manifest fixtures.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md      |   8 +-
 _shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md   |   7 +-
 .../scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py      | 224 +++++++++++++-----
 ux-design/skills/respond.md                   |  37 +--
 4 files changed, 195 insertions(+), 81 deletions(-)

diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
index ce1f0edb..f697ae30 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md
@@ -164,7 +164,9 @@ does not override status-based eligibility.
 If the user repairs the source or access is restored, the caller
 must re-enter its published-input gate on the changed inputs
 before re-entering inspection. Reload §1 manifest (including
-the duplicate-ID check) before rerunning §3 resolution and §4
+the duplicate-ID check), then rerun §2 header, index, and
+matching on the updated inputs — changed handoff or refs must
+not reuse old matched pairs. Then rerun §3 resolution and §4
 identity/inspection (SHA, visual, bindings). If any manifest
 field used by identity verification (per-entry `sha256`) or
 binding checks (top-level `context_revision`,
@@ -257,7 +259,9 @@ in the output.
    (§3 failures where no bytes were obtained), this image was
    successfully resolved — §4.1 has already computed
    `observed_sha` and `identity` and the `expected_sha` is
-   available from the manifest. Preserve those actually computed
+   available when the manifest provides a digest for this
+   image (`—` when the manifest is absent or has no entry).
+   Preserve those actually computed
    values; record `observation: —` (not observed) and
    `spec_match: —` (unknown). The image remains ineligible for
    citation (§5 Rule 1 — status must be `inspected`) even when
diff --git a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
index 4fe24333..428cb89e 100644
--- a/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
+++ b/_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md
@@ -363,9 +363,10 @@ pre-push value) and verify `exact_sha` equals
    **all states** by
    canonical head repository and head `branch` only — **without**
    filtering by `base_branch`. For each candidate, verify the PR's
-   head repository matches the canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}`
-   from `docs_repo_remote` — a different fork with the same branch
-   name is not a match. Then check `base_branch` on each matched
+   head repository matches the derived PR identity
+   (`{instance_hostname}/{owner}/{repo}` from the pre-push gate
+   §4 Step 1) — a different fork with the same branch name is not
+   a match. Then check `base_branch` on each matched
    candidate:
    - **Retargeted base** (head repo+branch matches but base
      differs from `pending_attempt.base_branch`): stop and retain
diff --git a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
index fe7abc5d..a068d2fe 100644
--- a/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
+++ b/ux-design/scripts/test_screenshot_lifecycle.py
@@ -2479,8 +2479,8 @@ def test_head_repo_match_in_pr_lookup(self) -> None:
             "Already-pushed", 1
         )[0]
         flat = " ".join(after_push.split())
-        self.assertIn("{host}/{owner}/{repo}", flat)
-        self.assertIn("docs_repo_remote", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance_hostname", flat)
+        self.assertIn("derived PR identity", flat)
         self.assertIn("different fork", flat)
         self.assertIn("not a match", flat)
 
@@ -3008,7 +3008,7 @@ def test_s4_rerun_after_repair(self) -> None:
         s4 = content.split("### 4.", 1)[1].split("### 5.", 1)[0]
         flat = " ".join(s4.split())
         self.assertIn("published-input gate", flat)
-        self.assertIn("rerunning §3", flat)
+        self.assertIn("rerun §3", flat)
         self.assertIn("superseded", flat)
         self.assertIn("Replace previous unresolved rows", flat)
         self.assertIn("still valid", flat)
@@ -5854,7 +5854,7 @@ def test_s2_repair_reloads_manifest_before_matching(self) -> None:
                         "§1 reload must come before §2 rerun")
 
     def test_s4_repair_reloads_manifest_before_resolution(self) -> None:
-        """§4 repair branch reloads §1 manifest before rerunning §3/§4."""
+        """§4 repair branch reloads §1, reruns §2, then §3/§4."""
         content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-inspection.md")
         # Locate the §4 repair paragraph (after "repairs the source")
         repair_s4 = content.split("repairs the source")[1].split(
@@ -5862,11 +5862,16 @@ def test_s4_repair_reloads_manifest_before_resolution(self) -> None:
         flat = " ".join(repair_s4.split())
         self.assertIn("Reload §1 manifest", flat)
         self.assertIn("duplicate-ID check", flat)
-        # Must reload before rerunning §3
+        self.assertIn("rerun §2", flat)
+        self.assertIn("old matched pairs", flat)
+        # Must reload §1, then §2, then §3
         reload_pos = flat.index("Reload §1")
-        rerun_pos = flat.index("rerunning §3")
-        self.assertLess(reload_pos, rerun_pos,
-                        "§1 reload must come before §3 rerun")
+        s2_pos = flat.index("rerun §2")
+        s3_pos = flat.index("rerun §3")
+        self.assertLess(reload_pos, s2_pos,
+                        "§1 reload must come before §2 rerun")
+        self.assertLess(s2_pos, s3_pos,
+                        "§2 rerun must come before §3 rerun")
 
     def test_manifest_change_rechecks_all_rows(self) -> None:
         """Changed manifest fields affect all rows, not just repaired IDs."""
@@ -5964,6 +5969,21 @@ def test_unknown_mapping_stops(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("stop", flat)
         self.assertIn("never assume that stripping", flat)
 
+    def test_new_pr_candidate_uses_derived_identity(self) -> None:
+        """New PR candidate comparison uses derived PR identity, not raw."""
+        content = _read("_shared/recipes/screenshot-publish-stage.md")
+        # New PR section starts after "For a new PR"
+        new_pr = content.split("For a new PR")[1].split(
+            "Retargeted base")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(new_pr.split())
+        # Must use derived identity
+        self.assertIn("derived PR identity", flat)
+        self.assertIn("instance_hostname", flat)
+        # Must NOT use raw docs_repo_remote for head repo comparison
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "canonical `{host}/{owner}/{repo}` from `docs_repo_remote`",
+            flat)
+
 
 class TestR14RespondPathRename(unittest.TestCase):
     """R14 outside-diff: path rename detection and reconciliation."""
@@ -5992,85 +6012,169 @@ def test_rename_copies_new_removes_old(self) -> None:
         self.assertIn("SHA validation", flat)
 
     def test_shared_path_not_removed_when_retained(self) -> None:
-        """Old path not removed if another retained ID references it."""
+        """Old basename not removed if in full retained filename set."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
+            "Handle removals")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(detect.split())
+        self.assertIn("retained current filename set", flat)
+        self.assertIn("only if its basename is not", flat)
+
+    def test_rename_scoped_to_git_lfs(self) -> None:
+        """Path rename detection is scoped to lfs/git mode, not external."""
+        content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+        detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
+            "Handle removals")[0]
+        flat = " ".join(detect.split())
+        self.assertIn("lfs", flat)
+        self.assertIn("git", flat)
+        self.assertIn("External mode keeps existing", flat)
+
+    def test_rename_uses_basenames_not_paths(self) -> None:
+        """copied_filenames and removed_filenames receive basenames."""
         content = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
         detect = content.split("Detect changes, additions, and removals")[1].split(
             "Handle removals")[0]
         flat = " ".join(detect.split())
-        self.assertIn("another retained ID", flat)
-        self.assertIn("distinct IDs sharing refs are valid", flat)
+        self.assertIn("**basename** in `copied_filenames`", flat)
+        self.assertIn("basename in `removed_filenames`", flat)
 
 
 class TestR14RenameExecution(_RecipeExecMixin, unittest.TestCase):
-    """R14 executable: rename stages new path, removes old, same bytes."""
+    """R14 executable: extracted respond copy/rm + canonical staging."""
 
     def test_rename_stages_new_removes_old(self) -> None:
-        """Copy new filename, git rm old filename, same ID/SHA unchanged."""
+        """Extracted respond copy block + git rm block + canonical staging.
+
+        Source repo has curated new-name bytes at the .artifacts path.
+        Docs repo has previously committed old-name + metadata.
+        Extracts actual bash blocks 9 (mkdir+cp) and 7 (git rm) from
+        respond.md, runs from source repo CWD with docs path absolute,
+        then canonical staging recipe commits rename.
+        """
+        import hashlib
+        import json
+
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
-            repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
-            d = os.path.join(repo, "feat/PROJ-R14")
-            sd = os.path.join(d, "screenshots")
-            os.makedirs(sd)
+            issue_key = "PROJ-RN14"
             img_bytes = b"identical-image-bytes-for-rename-test"
-            # Initial commit with old filename
-            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff\n")
-            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), "{}")
-            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-old-name.png"), "wb") as f:
+            img_sha = hashlib.sha256(img_bytes).hexdigest()
+
+            # --- Source repo (CWD) with curated new file ---
+            src_repo = os.path.join(tmp, "source-repo")
+            art_dir = os.path.join(
+                src_repo,
+                f".artifacts/ux-design/{issue_key}/screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(art_dir)
+            with open(os.path.join(art_dir, "SS-1-new-name.png"), "wb") as f:
                 f.write(img_bytes)
-            self._exec(repo, "feat/PROJ-R14/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R14",
-                        copied=["SS-1-old-name.png"], manifest_written=True,
-                        msg="Init with old filename")
-            # Rename: copy same bytes to new filename, git rm old
-            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-new-name.png"), "wb") as f:
+
+            # --- Docs repo with old filename committed ---
+            docs_repo = _setup_repo(tmp)
+            handoff_dir_rel = f"feat/{issue_key}"
+            hdir = os.path.join(docs_repo, handoff_dir_rel)
+            sdir = os.path.join(hdir, "screenshots")
+            os.makedirs(sdir)
+            _w(os.path.join(hdir, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff\n")
+            manifest = json.dumps([{
+                "id": "SS-1", "filename": "SS-1-old-name.png",
+                "sha256": img_sha, "caption": "test", "alt_text": "test",
+                "context_revision": "r1", "prototype_iteration": "1",
+            }])
+            _w(os.path.join(hdir, "screenshot-manifest.json"), manifest)
+            with open(os.path.join(sdir, "SS-1-old-name.png"), "wb") as f:
                 f.write(img_bytes)
-            subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "rm",
-                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-old-name.png"],
-                capture_output=True, check=True,
-            )
-            _w(os.path.join(d, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff updated\n")
-            _w(os.path.join(d, "screenshot-manifest.json"), '{"renamed":true}')
+            self._exec(
+                docs_repo, f"{handoff_dir_rel}/handoff.md",
+                handoff_dir_rel, copied=["SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                manifest_written=True, msg="Init with old filename")
+
+            # --- Extract block 9 (mkdir + cp) from respond.md ---
+            respond_md = _read("ux-design/skills/respond.md")
+            blocks = _extract_bash_blocks(respond_md)
+            copy_block = blocks[9]
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{docs_repo_path}", docs_repo)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{handoff_dir}", handoff_dir_rel)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{issue-key}", issue_key)
+            copy_block = copy_block.replace(
+                "{filename}", "SS-1-new-name.png")
+            copy_script = (
+                f"#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -euo pipefail\n{copy_block}")
+            r_cp = subprocess.run(
+                ["bash", "-c", copy_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, cwd=src_repo)
+            self.assertEqual(r_cp.returncode, 0, r_cp.stderr)
+
+            # --- Extract block 7 (git rm) from respond.md ---
+            rm_block = blocks[7]
+            rm_block = rm_block.replace(
+                "{docs_repo_path}", docs_repo)
+            rm_block = rm_block.replace(
+                "{handoff_dir}", handoff_dir_rel)
+            rm_block = rm_block.replace(
+                "{removed_filename}", "SS-1-old-name.png")
+            rm_script = (
+                f"#!/usr/bin/env bash\nset -euo pipefail\n{rm_block}")
+            r_rm = subprocess.run(
+                ["bash", "-c", rm_script],
+                capture_output=True, text=True, cwd=src_repo)
+            self.assertEqual(r_rm.returncode, 0, r_rm.stderr)
+
+            # Update handoff and manifest for renamed entry
+            _w(os.path.join(hdir, "handoff.md"), "# Handoff updated\n")
+            new_manifest = json.dumps([{
+                "id": "SS-1", "filename": "SS-1-new-name.png",
+                "sha256": img_sha, "caption": "test", "alt_text": "test",
+                "context_revision": "r1", "prototype_iteration": "1",
+            }])
+            _w(os.path.join(hdir, "screenshot-manifest.json"),
+               new_manifest)
+
+            # --- Canonical staging recipe ---
             r = self._exec(
-                repo, "feat/PROJ-R14/handoff.md", "feat/PROJ-R14",
-                copied=["SS-1-new-name.png"], removed=["SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                docs_repo, f"{handoff_dir_rel}/handoff.md",
+                handoff_dir_rel,
+                copied=["SS-1-new-name.png"],
+                removed=["SS-1-old-name.png"],
                 manifest_written=True,
-                msg="Rename screenshot SS-1",
-            )
+                msg="Rename screenshot SS-1")
             self.assertEqual(r.returncode, 0, r.stderr)
+
             # New filename committed
             ls_new = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
-                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-new-name.png"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
-            )
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "ls-files",
+                 f"{handoff_dir_rel}/screenshots/SS-1-new-name.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
             self.assertIn("SS-1-new-name.png", ls_new.stdout,
                           "new filename must be tracked")
             # Old filename removed
             ls_old = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "ls-files",
-                 "feat/PROJ-R14/screenshots/SS-1-old-name.png"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
-            )
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "ls-files",
+                 f"{handoff_dir_rel}/screenshots/SS-1-old-name.png"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
             self.assertEqual(ls_old.stdout.strip(), "",
                              "old filename must be removed")
-            # Same bytes in the new file
-            with open(os.path.join(sd, "SS-1-new-name.png"), "rb") as f:
-                self.assertEqual(f.read(), img_bytes,
-                                 "bytes must be identical after rename")
-            # Commit log shows the rename commit
-            log = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "log", "--oneline", "-1"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
-            )
-            self.assertIn("Rename screenshot SS-1", log.stdout)
-            # Commit diff shows both add and delete
+            # Same bytes
+            dest = os.path.join(sdir, "SS-1-new-name.png")
+            with open(dest, "rb") as f:
+                self.assertEqual(f.read(), img_bytes)
+            # Commit diff shows add + delete
             diff = subprocess.run(
-                ["git", "-C", repo, "diff-tree", "--no-commit-id",
-                 "--name-status", "-r", "HEAD"],
-                capture_output=True, text=True,
-            )
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "diff-tree",
+                 "--no-commit-id", "--name-status", "-r", "HEAD"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
             self.assertIn("SS-1-new-name.png", diff.stdout)
             self.assertIn("SS-1-old-name.png", diff.stdout)
+            # No owned staged deletions left
+            st = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", docs_repo, "diff", "--cached",
+                 "--name-only"],
+                capture_output=True, text=True)
+            self.assertEqual(st.stdout.strip(), "",
+                             "no owned staged deletions after commit")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/ux-design/skills/respond.md b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
index 06c82919..53c5de07 100644
--- a/ux-design/skills/respond.md
+++ b/ux-design/skills/respond.md
@@ -266,22 +266,27 @@ Otherwise, apply the same validation and storage gates as `/publish`:
    - For each verified manifest entry, compare its `sha256` against the
      corresponding `screenshot_assets` entry in `publish-metadata.json`.
      Changed checksum → updated image.
-   - For each verified manifest entry with matching ID **and**
-     unchanged `sha256`, also compare the expected published path
-     (derived from the manifest's `filename` as
-     `{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}`) against the
-     `published_path` in `publish-metadata.json`. A different
-     filename or published path with the same ID and bytes is an
-     asset update: copy the validated file to the new path through
-     the existing copy block (step 4 above, with SHA validation),
-     and mark the previous `published_path` for removal. Collect
-     the new path in `copied_filenames` and the old filename in
-     `removed_filenames`. Do not remove an old path that is still
-     referenced by another retained ID's `published_path` in the
-     current manifest — distinct IDs sharing refs are valid.
-     Use previous recorded `screenshot_assets` paths for removal
-     targets; do not directory-walk or guess legacy filenames.
-     Unverifiable ownership stops reconciliation for that path.
+   - **Path rename (`lfs` or `git` mode only).** For each verified
+     manifest entry with matching ID **and** unchanged `sha256`,
+     compare the manifest's `filename` against the `published_path`
+     in `publish-metadata.json` `screenshot_assets` for that ID
+     (derive the current expected path as
+     `{handoff_dir}/screenshots/{filename}`). A different filename
+     with the same ID and bytes is an asset update. First derive
+     the full retained current filename set from all current
+     verified manifest entries' `filename` fields. Copy the
+     validated new file through the existing copy block (step 4
+     above, with SHA validation); collect the validated new
+     **basename** in `copied_filenames`. For the old recorded
+     path: extract its validated **basename** after ownership and
+     containment checks against the previous `screenshot_assets`
+     entry. Remove the old tracked path only if its basename is not
+     in the full retained current filename set; collect each removed
+     basename in `removed_filenames`. Do not directory-walk or guess
+     legacy filenames; unverifiable ownership stops reconciliation.
+     External mode keeps existing approved immutable URL
+     verification, reference rewrite, and metadata — no local
+     copy or hosted byte deletion.
    - Manifest entries absent from `publish-metadata.json` → newly added.
    - `publish-metadata.json` entries absent from the current manifest →
      removed.