diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index 857873e8..d60460bf 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -46,7 +46,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"gstack","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"gstack","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -207,20 +209,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/autoplan/SKILL.md b/autoplan/SKILL.md
index 21a7cc27..8cc9ef58 100644
--- a/autoplan/SKILL.md
+++ b/autoplan/SKILL.md
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"autoplan","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"autoplan","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -299,20 +301,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/benchmark/SKILL.md b/benchmark/SKILL.md
index e8a2762c..e2a90c0a 100644
--- a/benchmark/SKILL.md
+++ b/benchmark/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"benchmark","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"benchmark","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -209,20 +211,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/browse/SKILL.md b/browse/SKILL.md
index 0410b964..f93aa4d2 100644
--- a/browse/SKILL.md
+++ b/browse/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"browse","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"browse","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -209,20 +211,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/canary/SKILL.md b/canary/SKILL.md
index b55096d6..bec05638 100644
--- a/canary/SKILL.md
+++ b/canary/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"canary","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"canary","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -274,20 +276,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/codex/SKILL.md b/codex/SKILL.md
index 04cc19b5..0ff0334d 100644
--- a/codex/SKILL.md
+++ b/codex/SKILL.md
@@ -49,7 +49,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"codex","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"codex","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -293,20 +295,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/connect-chrome/SKILL.md b/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
index c310d52d..1b4b4937 100644
--- a/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
+++ b/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
@@ -46,7 +46,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"connect-chrome","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"connect-chrome","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -290,20 +292,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/cso/SKILL.md b/cso/SKILL.md
index bb2c30ee..61cd8d3e 100644
--- a/cso/SKILL.md
+++ b/cso/SKILL.md
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"cso","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"cso","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -278,20 +280,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/design-consultation/SKILL.md b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
index 43ef83d6..ad52f7bf 100644
--- a/design-consultation/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
@@ -53,7 +53,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"design-consultation","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"design-consultation","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -297,20 +299,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/design-review/SKILL.md b/design-review/SKILL.md
index 3db5a59e..2451f439 100644
--- a/design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -53,7 +53,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -297,20 +299,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
index aceb179e..3ab9d08c 100644
--- a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
@@ -50,7 +50,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"design-shotgun","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"design-shotgun","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -276,20 +278,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md b/document-release/SKILL.md
index f5a9a019..0e614d1c 100644
--- a/document-release/SKILL.md
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md
@@ -50,7 +50,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"document-release","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"document-release","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -276,20 +278,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/investigate/SKILL.md b/investigate/SKILL.md
index 96a183ed..c34de52b 100644
--- a/investigate/SKILL.md
+++ b/investigate/SKILL.md
@@ -64,7 +64,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"investigate","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"investigate","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -290,20 +292,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
index 8742baee..9e0e2944 100644
--- a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -47,7 +47,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"land-and-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"land-and-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -291,20 +293,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/office-hours/SKILL.md b/office-hours/SKILL.md
index 919d1a82..fe22f3c8 100644
--- a/office-hours/SKILL.md
+++ b/office-hours/SKILL.md
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"office-hours","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"office-hours","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -299,20 +301,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
index 4ef828c5..d2b0f547 100644
--- a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
@@ -53,7 +53,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"plan-ceo-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"plan-ceo-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -297,20 +299,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
index 2630d35a..eead482f 100644
--- a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -51,7 +51,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"plan-design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"plan-design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -295,20 +297,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
index 4a2eeadc..20a7371d 100644
--- a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"plan-eng-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"plan-eng-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -296,20 +298,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/qa-only/SKILL.md b/qa-only/SKILL.md
index 86c520e9..10ba60c6 100644
--- a/qa-only/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa-only/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"qa-only","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"qa-only","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -292,20 +294,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/qa/SKILL.md b/qa/SKILL.md
index 36e76153..22463c37 100644
--- a/qa/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa/SKILL.md
@@ -54,7 +54,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"qa","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"qa","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -298,20 +300,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/retro/SKILL.md b/retro/SKILL.md
index d2988ca1..b69d1952 100644
--- a/retro/SKILL.md
+++ b/retro/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"retro","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"retro","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -274,20 +276,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/review/SKILL.md b/review/SKILL.md
index a029ddc2..68ebe86f 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md
+++ b/review/SKILL.md
@@ -51,7 +51,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -295,20 +297,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts b/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
index 2e4feedd..99003ecf 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
@@ -8,8 +8,9 @@ import type { TemplateContext } from './types';
  * repo mode detection, and telemetry.
  *
  * Telemetry data flow:
- *   1. Always: local JSONL append to ~/.gstack/analytics/ (inline, inspectable)
+ *   1. If _TEL != "off": local JSONL append to ~/.gstack/analytics/ (inline, inspectable)
  *   2. If _TEL != "off" AND binary exists: gstack-telemetry-log for remote reporting
+ *   When telemetry is off, nothing is written anywhere. Clean trust contract.
  */
 
 function generatePreambleBash(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
@@ -52,7 +53,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: \${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"${ctx.skillName}","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "\${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"${ctx.skillName}","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -376,20 +379,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \\
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \\
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \\
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \\
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 \`\`\`
 
 Replace \`SKILL_NAME\` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, \`OUTCOME\` with
 success/error/abort, and \`USED_BROWSE\` with true/false based on whether \`$B\` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
index f5cca124..34ba6235 100644
--- a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
@@ -45,7 +45,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"setup-browser-cookies","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"setup-browser-cookies","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -206,20 +208,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
index 7c648c91..42b1c05c 100644
--- a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -51,7 +51,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"setup-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"setup-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -277,20 +279,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer
 
diff --git a/ship/SKILL.md b/ship/SKILL.md
index e0a1c330..44e053e3 100644
--- a/ship/SKILL.md
+++ b/ship/SKILL.md
@@ -49,7 +49,9 @@ _SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
 echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
 echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
 mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
-echo '{"skill":"ship","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+if [ "${_TEL:-off}" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"ship","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
 # zsh-compatible: use find instead of glob to avoid NOMATCH error
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
@@ -293,20 +295,22 @@ Run this bash:
 _TEL_END=$(date +%s)
 _TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
 rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
-# Local analytics (always available, no binary needed)
-echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
-# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
-if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
-  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
-    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
-    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+# Local + remote telemetry (both gated by _TEL setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+  echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+  if [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+      --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+      --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+  fi
 fi
 ```
 
 Replace `SKILL_NAME` with the actual skill name from frontmatter, `OUTCOME` with
 success/error/abort, and `USED_BROWSE` with true/false based on whether `$B` was used.
-If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". The local JSONL always logs. The
-remote binary only runs if telemetry is not off and the binary exists.
+If you cannot determine the outcome, use "unknown". Both local JSONL and remote
+telemetry only run if telemetry is not off. The remote binary additionally requires
+the binary to exist.
 
 ## Plan Status Footer