feat(retro,preamble): gstack-shortcut debt ledger — accepted shortcuts leave a joined trail

When the user accepts an option that is BOTH Completeness <= 7 AND a
durable-scope call, the decision ledger entry (gstack-decision-log, ceiling +
upgrade trigger in the rationale) is the source of truth, and the agent marks
each cut corner in code with gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade
when <trigger> — same edit, no follow-up question, never agent-initiated.

/retro Step 11.5 harvests markers into a debt ledger (grep || true — zero
matches is the healthy case; skill installs and docs excluded), joins on the
decision id so nothing double-counts, tags unlinked and no-trigger rot risks,
and closes with 'N markers, M with no trigger.'

/review suppressions: a marker with ceiling+trigger downgrades a would-be
Completeness Gaps finding to acknowledged debt. Redaction test pins that the
marker ships untouched (the ledger is the point) — it does not match the
TODO(owner) hygiene shape.

Format from dietrichgebert/ponytail's ponytail-debt; store inverted to gstack's
existing decision ledger.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Fable 5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

autoplan/SKILL.md

@@ -134,6 +134,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

canary/SKILL.md

@@ -127,6 +127,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

codex/SKILL.md

@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

context-restore/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

context-save/SKILL.md

@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

cso/SKILL.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

design-consultation/SKILL.md

@@ -153,6 +153,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

design-html/SKILL.md

@@ -134,6 +134,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

design-review/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

design-shotgun/SKILL.md

@@ -148,6 +148,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

devex-review/SKILL.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

document-generate/SKILL.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

document-release/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

health/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

investigate/SKILL.md

@@ -168,6 +168,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ios-clean/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ios-design-review/SKILL.md

@@ -133,6 +133,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ios-fix/SKILL.md

@@ -134,6 +134,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ios-qa/SKILL.md

@@ -137,6 +137,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ios-sync/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

land-and-deploy/SKILL.md

@@ -126,6 +126,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

landing-report/SKILL.md

@@ -128,6 +128,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

learn/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

office-hours/SKILL.md

@@ -164,6 +164,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

pair-agent/SKILL.md

@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md

@@ -156,6 +156,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

plan-design-review/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

plan-devex-review/SKILL.md

@@ -134,6 +134,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

plan-eng-review/SKILL.md

@@ -132,6 +132,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

plan-tune/SKILL.md

@@ -139,6 +139,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

qa-only/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

qa/SKILL.md

@@ -135,6 +135,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

retro/SKILL.md

@@ -149,6 +149,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.
@@ -783,6 +785,32 @@ If the time window is 14 days or more, use the `WEEK:` lines (w0 = the week cont
 - If the anchor date is today or yesterday, the streak is live: "Team shipping streak: 47 consecutive days" / "Your shipping streak: 32 consecutive days"
 - If the anchor is older, the streak is broken: report 0 days and note the last shipping day.
 
+### Step 11.5: Shortcut Debt Ledger
+
+Harvest deliberate `gstack-shortcut(...)` markers — the trail left when the user
+accepted a Completeness ≤ 7 option (see the AskUserQuestion Format section). Zero
+matches is the healthy case, not a failure:
+
+```bash
+grep -rn "gstack-shortcut(" . \
+  --exclude-dir=.git --exclude-dir=node_modules --exclude-dir=vendor \
+  --exclude-dir=.claude --exclude-dir=dist \
+  --exclude="SKILL.md" --exclude="*.md.tmpl" 2>/dev/null || true
+```
+
+(The exclusions keep docs that merely document the convention — generated
+SKILL.md, templates, skill installs — out of the ledger.)
+
+For each hit, one ledger row: `<file>:<line>, <what was simplified>. ceiling: <X>. upgrade: <Y>.`
+- Markers carry a decision id (`dec-<id>`): join against `gstack-decision-search`
+  output — the ledger entry is the source of truth; never double-count a marker
+  against its resurfaced decision.
+- Markers WITHOUT an id: tag `unlinked`.
+- Markers naming no upgrade trigger: tag `no-trigger` — those are the ones that
+  silently rot.
+
+End the section with: `N markers, M with no trigger.` If none: `No shortcut debt. Clean ledger.`
+
 ### Step 12: Load History & Compare
 
 Before saving the new snapshot, check for prior retro history:

retro/SKILL.md.tmpl

@@ -309,6 +309,32 @@ If the time window is 14 days or more, use the `WEEK:` lines (w0 = the week cont
 - If the anchor date is today or yesterday, the streak is live: "Team shipping streak: 47 consecutive days" / "Your shipping streak: 32 consecutive days"
 - If the anchor is older, the streak is broken: report 0 days and note the last shipping day.
 
+### Step 11.5: Shortcut Debt Ledger
+
+Harvest deliberate `gstack-shortcut(...)` markers — the trail left when the user
+accepted a Completeness ≤ 7 option (see the AskUserQuestion Format section). Zero
+matches is the healthy case, not a failure:
+
+```bash
+grep -rn "gstack-shortcut(" . \
+  --exclude-dir=.git --exclude-dir=node_modules --exclude-dir=vendor \
+  --exclude-dir=.claude --exclude-dir=dist \
+  --exclude="SKILL.md" --exclude="*.md.tmpl" 2>/dev/null || true
+```
+
+(The exclusions keep docs that merely document the convention — generated
+SKILL.md, templates, skill installs — out of the ledger.)
+
+For each hit, one ledger row: `<file>:<line>, <what was simplified>. ceiling: <X>. upgrade: <Y>.`
+- Markers carry a decision id (`dec-<id>`): join against `gstack-decision-search`
+  output — the ledger entry is the source of truth; never double-count a marker
+  against its resurfaced decision.
+- Markers WITHOUT an id: tag `unlinked`.
+- Markers naming no upgrade trigger: tag `no-trigger` — those are the ones that
+  silently rot.
+
+End the section with: `N markers, M with no trigger.` If none: `No shortcut debt. Clean ledger.`
+
 ### Step 12: Load History & Compare
 
 Before saving the new snapshot, check for prior retro history:

review/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

review/checklist.md

@@ -180,3 +180,4 @@ the fix, it's ASK.
 - Eval threshold changes (max_actionable, min scores) — these are tuned empirically and change constantly
 - Harmless no-ops (e.g., `.reject` on an element that's never in the array)
 - ANYTHING already addressed in the diff you're reviewing — read the FULL diff before commenting
+- A gap covered by a `gstack-shortcut(dec-*)` marker naming a ceiling and upgrade trigger — that is acknowledged debt with a ledger entry, not a Completeness Gaps finding

scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-ask-user-format.ts

@@ -62,6 +62,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use \`Completeness: N/10\` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: \`Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.\`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via \`gstack-decision-log\` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with \`gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>\` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: \`✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice\`.
 
 Neutral posture: \`Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way\`; \`(recommended)\` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

setup-deploy/SKILL.md

@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

setup-gbrain/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

ship/SKILL.md

@@ -131,6 +131,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

skillify/SKILL.md

@@ -128,6 +128,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

spec/SKILL.md

@@ -129,6 +129,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

sync-gbrain/SKILL.md

@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ ELI10 is always present, in plain English, not function names. Recommendation is
 
 Completeness: use `Completeness: N/10` only when options differ in coverage. 10 = complete, 7 = happy path, 3 = shortcut. If options differ in kind, write: `Note: options differ in kind, not coverage — no completeness score.`
 
+Accepted shortcuts leave a trail: when the user selects an option that is BOTH Completeness ≤ 7 AND a durable-scope call (architecture or scope-cut — never a turn-level choice), log it via `gstack-decision-log` with the ceiling and the upgrade trigger in the rationale, and — as part of implementing that option, same edit, no follow-up question — mark each cut corner in code with `gstack-shortcut(dec-<id>): <ceiling>, upgrade when <trigger>` in the language's comment syntax. Never agent-initiated: the marker exists only downstream of the user's explicit choice. /retro harvests these into a debt ledger, joined on the decision id.
+
 Pros / cons: use ✅ and ❌. Minimum 2 pros and 1 con per option when the choice is real; Minimum 40 characters per bullet. Hard-stop escape for one-way/destructive confirmations: `✅ No cons — this is a hard-stop choice`.
 
 Neutral posture: `Recommendation: <default> — this is a taste call, no strong preference either way`; `(recommended)` STAYS on the default option for AUTO_DECIDE.

test/redact-engine.test.ts

@@ -380,6 +380,15 @@ describe("LOW patterns surface only", () => {
     );
     expect(f?.tier).toBe("LOW");
   });
+  test("gstack-shortcut(dec-*) debt marker survives redaction untouched", () => {
+    // The shortcut ledger convention (AskUserQuestion Format / /retro Step 11.5)
+    // ships in commits and PR bodies BY DESIGN — the ledger is the point. It
+    // must not be caught by hygiene.todo's TODO(owner) shape or anything else.
+    const marker =
+      "// gstack-shortcut(dec-a1b2c3): global lock, upgrade when throughput matters";
+    const result = scan(marker, { repoVisibility: "public" });
+    expect(result.findings).toHaveLength(0);
+  });
 });
 
 describe("placeholder suppression (per-span)", () => {