From b6fcfd84b7f959b32dd8468c89653b965313b7b5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Garry Tan <garrytan@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Mar 2026 21:02:50 -0700
Subject: [PATCH] refactor: remove dead contributor mode, replace with
 operational self-improvement slot

Contributor mode never fired in 18 days of heavy use (required manual opt-in
via gstack-config, gated behind _CONTRIB=true, wrote disconnected markdown).

Removes: generateContributorMode(), _CONTRIB bash var, 2 E2E tests, touchfile
entry, doc references. Cleans up skip-lists in plan-ceo-review, autoplan,
review resolver, and document-release templates.

The operational self-improvement system (next commit) replaces this slot with
automatic learning capture that requires no opt-in.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
---
 ARCHITECTURE.md                |  2 +-
 CONTRIBUTING.md                | 23 +++++---------
 SKILL.md                       | 19 ------------
 autoplan/SKILL.md              | 21 -------------
 autoplan/SKILL.md.tmpl         |  1 -
 benchmark/SKILL.md             | 19 ------------
 browse/SKILL.md                | 19 ------------
 canary/SKILL.md                | 19 ------------
 codex/SKILL.md                 | 19 ------------
 connect-chrome/SKILL.md        | 19 ------------
 cso/SKILL.md                   | 19 ------------
 design-consultation/SKILL.md   | 19 ------------
 design-review/SKILL.md         | 19 ------------
 design-shotgun/SKILL.md        | 19 ------------
 document-release/SKILL.md      | 21 +------------
 document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl |  2 +-
 investigate/SKILL.md           | 19 ------------
 land-and-deploy/SKILL.md       | 19 ------------
 learn/SKILL.md                 | 19 ------------
 office-hours/SKILL.md          | 19 ------------
 plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md       | 22 +------------
 plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl  |  2 +-
 plan-design-review/SKILL.md    | 19 ------------
 plan-eng-review/SKILL.md       | 20 ------------
 qa-only/SKILL.md               | 19 ------------
 qa/SKILL.md                    | 19 ------------
 retro/SKILL.md                 | 19 ------------
 review/SKILL.md                | 19 ------------
 scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts  | 24 +--------------
 scripts/resolvers/review.ts    |  1 -
 setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md | 19 ------------
 setup-deploy/SKILL.md          | 19 ------------
 ship/SKILL.md                  | 19 ------------
 test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts    |  8 ++---
 test/helpers/touchfiles.ts     |  2 --
 test/skill-e2e-bws.test.ts     | 45 ---------------------------
 test/skill-e2e.test.ts         | 56 ----------------------------------
 37 files changed, 18 insertions(+), 650 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ARCHITECTURE.md b/ARCHITECTURE.md
index e9d63d83..086bb2e4 100644
--- a/ARCHITECTURE.md
+++ b/ARCHITECTURE.md
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ Every skill starts with a `{{PREAMBLE}}` block that runs before the skill's own
 
 1. **Update check** — calls `gstack-update-check`, reports if an upgrade is available.
 2. **Session tracking** — touches `~/.gstack/sessions/$PPID` and counts active sessions (files modified in the last 2 hours). When 3+ sessions are running, all skills enter "ELI16 mode" — every question re-grounds the user on context because they're juggling windows.
-3. **Contributor mode** — reads `gstack_contributor` from config. When true, the agent files casual field reports to `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/` when gstack itself misbehaves.
+3. **Operational self-improvement** — at the end of every skill session, the agent reflects on failures (CLI errors, wrong approaches, project quirks) and logs operational learnings to the project's JSONL file for future sessions.
 4. **AskUserQuestion format** — universal format: context, question, `RECOMMENDATION: Choose X because ___`, lettered options. Consistent across all skills.
 5. **Search Before Building** — before building infrastructure or unfamiliar patterns, search first. Three layers of knowledge: tried-and-true (Layer 1), new-and-popular (Layer 2), first-principles (Layer 3). When first-principles reasoning reveals conventional wisdom is wrong, the agent names the "eureka moment" and logs it. See `ETHOS.md` for the full builder philosophy.
 
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index b6dba47c..fcb9c279 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -20,26 +20,19 @@ Now edit any `SKILL.md`, invoke it in Claude Code (e.g. `/review`), and see your
 bin/dev-teardown               # deactivate — back to your global install
 ```
 
-## Contributor mode
+## Operational self-improvement
 
-Contributor mode turns gstack into a self-improving tool. Enable it and Claude Code
-will periodically reflect on its gstack experience — rating it 0-10 at the end of
-each major workflow step. When something isn't a 10, it thinks about why and files
-a report to `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/` with what happened, repro steps, and what
-would make it better.
+gstack automatically learns from failures. At the end of every skill session, the agent
+reflects on what went wrong (CLI errors, wrong approaches, project quirks) and logs
+operational learnings to `~/.gstack/projects/{slug}/learnings.jsonl`. Future sessions
+surface these learnings automatically, so gstack gets smarter on your codebase over time.
 
-```bash
-~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set gstack_contributor true
-```
-
-The logs are for **you**. When something bugs you enough to fix, the report is
-already written. Fork gstack, symlink your fork into the project where you hit
-the issue, fix it, and open a PR.
+No setup needed. Learnings are logged automatically. View them with `/learn`.
 
 ### The contributor workflow
 
-1. **Use gstack normally** — contributor mode reflects and logs issues automatically
-2. **Check your logs:** `ls ~/.gstack/contributor-logs/`
+1. **Use gstack normally** — operational learnings are captured automatically
+2. **Check your learnings:** `/learn` or `ls ~/.gstack/projects/*/learnings.jsonl`
 3. **Fork and clone gstack** (if you haven't already)
 4. **Symlink your fork into the project where you hit the bug:**
    ```bash
diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index ec0ed5aa..9849e78f 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -155,24 +154,6 @@ This only happens once. If `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`, skip this entirely.
 
 The user always has context you don't. Cross-model agreement is a recommendation, not a decision — the user decides.
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/autoplan/SKILL.md b/autoplan/SKILL.md
index 338a1af8..7831d0b4 100644
--- a/autoplan/SKILL.md
+++ b/autoplan/SKILL.md
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -247,24 +246,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
@@ -430,7 +411,6 @@ Follow it inline, **skipping these sections** (already handled by the parent ski
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 
@@ -623,7 +603,6 @@ Read each file using the Read tool:
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 - Step 0: Detect base branch
diff --git a/autoplan/SKILL.md.tmpl b/autoplan/SKILL.md.tmpl
index 5577b64b..2d137334 100644
--- a/autoplan/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/autoplan/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -202,7 +202,6 @@ Read each file using the Read tool:
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 - Step 0: Detect base branch
diff --git a/benchmark/SKILL.md b/benchmark/SKILL.md
index 10d71673..92914083 100644
--- a/benchmark/SKILL.md
+++ b/benchmark/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -157,24 +156,6 @@ This only happens once. If `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`, skip this entirely.
 
 The user always has context you don't. Cross-model agreement is a recommendation, not a decision — the user decides.
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/browse/SKILL.md b/browse/SKILL.md
index 440871c8..d97d737d 100644
--- a/browse/SKILL.md
+++ b/browse/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -157,24 +156,6 @@ This only happens once. If `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`, skip this entirely.
 
 The user always has context you don't. Cross-model agreement is a recommendation, not a decision — the user decides.
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/canary/SKILL.md b/canary/SKILL.md
index c91bf15d..a711689d 100644
--- a/canary/SKILL.md
+++ b/canary/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -222,24 +221,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/codex/SKILL.md b/codex/SKILL.md
index a9f409cf..ea365776 100644
--- a/codex/SKILL.md
+++ b/codex/SKILL.md
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -241,24 +240,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/connect-chrome/SKILL.md b/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
index 58df84f9..fe0d14e6 100644
--- a/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
+++ b/connect-chrome/SKILL.md
@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -238,24 +237,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/cso/SKILL.md b/cso/SKILL.md
index 14b712f4..77b11979 100644
--- a/cso/SKILL.md
+++ b/cso/SKILL.md
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -226,24 +225,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/design-consultation/SKILL.md b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
index dc5c9ec7..cc73ec6a 100644
--- a/design-consultation/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -245,24 +244,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/design-review/SKILL.md b/design-review/SKILL.md
index fa1f104f..2e0b1d17 100644
--- a/design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -245,24 +244,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
index e1e4d02d..3ebd118e 100644
--- a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -224,24 +223,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md b/document-release/SKILL.md
index f75962d7..0fe79991 100644
--- a/document-release/SKILL.md
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -224,24 +223,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
@@ -461,7 +442,7 @@ Read each documentation file and cross-reference it against the diff. Use these
 - Walk through the setup instructions as if you are a brand new contributor.
 - Are the listed commands accurate? Would each step succeed?
 - Do test tier descriptions match the current test infrastructure?
-- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, contributor mode, etc.) current?
+- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, operational learnings, etc.) current?
 - Flag anything that would fail or confuse a first-time contributor.
 
 **CLAUDE.md / project instructions:**
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl b/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl
index 6b1fb7e3..050936f6 100644
--- a/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ Read each documentation file and cross-reference it against the diff. Use these
 - Walk through the setup instructions as if you are a brand new contributor.
 - Are the listed commands accurate? Would each step succeed?
 - Do test tier descriptions match the current test infrastructure?
-- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, contributor mode, etc.) current?
+- Are workflow descriptions (dev setup, operational learnings, etc.) current?
 - Flag anything that would fail or confuse a first-time contributor.
 
 **CLAUDE.md / project instructions:**
diff --git a/investigate/SKILL.md b/investigate/SKILL.md
index 365a9ca9..1dba6b97 100644
--- a/investigate/SKILL.md
+++ b/investigate/SKILL.md
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -238,24 +237,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
index e36426f0..99768441 100644
--- a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -239,24 +238,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/learn/SKILL.md b/learn/SKILL.md
index 254c7dcf..6172e1b7 100644
--- a/learn/SKILL.md
+++ b/learn/SKILL.md
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -224,24 +223,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/office-hours/SKILL.md b/office-hours/SKILL.md
index d624dc37..b46e9f60 100644
--- a/office-hours/SKILL.md
+++ b/office-hours/SKILL.md
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -247,24 +246,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
index 0090752c..b3ac1b25 100644
--- a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -245,24 +244,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
@@ -533,7 +514,6 @@ Follow it inline, **skipping these sections** (already handled by the parent ski
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 
@@ -569,7 +549,7 @@ If they choose A: Read the office-hours skill file from disk:
 
 Follow it inline, skipping these sections (already handled by parent skill):
 Preamble, AskUserQuestion Format, Completeness Principle, Search Before Building,
-Contributor Mode, Completion Status Protocol, Telemetry.
+Completion Status Protocol, Telemetry.
 
 Note current Step 0A progress so you don't re-ask questions already answered.
 After completion, re-run the design doc check and resume the review.
diff --git a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
index d32a076e..16aea4f9 100644
--- a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ If they choose A: Read the office-hours skill file from disk:
 
 Follow it inline, skipping these sections (already handled by parent skill):
 Preamble, AskUserQuestion Format, Completeness Principle, Search Before Building,
-Contributor Mode, Completion Status Protocol, Telemetry.
+Completion Status Protocol, Telemetry.
 
 Note current Step 0A progress so you don't re-ask questions already answered.
 After completion, re-run the design doc check and resume the review.
diff --git a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
index a6be9782..af43a069 100644
--- a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -243,24 +242,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
index 52b6993d..badef1f9 100644
--- a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -244,24 +243,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
@@ -443,7 +424,6 @@ Follow it inline, **skipping these sections** (already handled by the parent ski
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 
diff --git a/qa-only/SKILL.md b/qa-only/SKILL.md
index 3aa96042..659571f9 100644
--- a/qa-only/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa-only/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -240,24 +239,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/qa/SKILL.md b/qa/SKILL.md
index 89d281e4..57dfe86a 100644
--- a/qa/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa/SKILL.md
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -246,24 +245,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/retro/SKILL.md b/retro/SKILL.md
index 41058c8c..19b487ee 100644
--- a/retro/SKILL.md
+++ b/retro/SKILL.md
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -222,24 +221,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/review/SKILL.md b/review/SKILL.md
index 52560d77..53835327 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md
+++ b/review/SKILL.md
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -243,24 +242,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts b/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
index aa0441a2..84612925 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/preamble.ts
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -323,26 +322,6 @@ jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg b
 \`\`\``;
 }
 
-function generateContributorMode(): string {
-  return `## Contributor Mode
-
-If \`_CONTRIB\` is \`true\`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write \`~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md\`:
-\`\`\`
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-\`\`\`
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.`;
-}
-
 function generateCompletionStatus(): string {
   return `## Completion Status Protocol
 
@@ -499,7 +478,7 @@ Avoid filler, throat-clearing, generic optimism, founder cosplay, and unsupporte
 
 // Preamble Composition (tier → sections)
 // ─────────────────────────────────────────────
-// T1: core + upgrade + lake + telemetry + voice(trimmed) + contributor + completion
+// T1: core + upgrade + lake + telemetry + voice(trimmed) + completion
 // T2: T1 + voice(full) + ask + completeness
 // T3: T2 + repo-mode + search
 // T4: (same as T3 — TEST_FAILURE_TRIAGE is a separate {{}} placeholder, not preamble)
@@ -523,7 +502,6 @@ export function generatePreamble(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
     generateVoiceDirective(tier),
     ...(tier >= 2 ? [generateAskUserFormat(ctx), generateCompletenessSection()] : []),
     ...(tier >= 3 ? [generateRepoModeSection(), generateSearchBeforeBuildingSection(ctx)] : []),
-    generateContributorMode(),
     generateCompletionStatus(),
   ];
   return sections.join('\n\n');
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/review.ts b/scripts/resolvers/review.ts
index 02fd7765..6200ec09 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/review.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/review.ts
@@ -240,7 +240,6 @@ Follow it inline, **skipping these sections** (already handled by the parent ski
 - AskUserQuestion Format
 - Completeness Principle — Boil the Lake
 - Search Before Building
-- Contributor Mode
 - Completion Status Protocol
 - Telemetry (run last)
 
diff --git a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
index 3272d613..5c2fe7fe 100644
--- a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -154,24 +153,6 @@ This only happens once. If `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`, skip this entirely.
 
 The user always has context you don't. Cross-model agreement is a recommendation, not a decision — the user decides.
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
index 3c353e91..79cff939 100644
--- a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -30,7 +30,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -225,24 +224,6 @@ AI makes completeness near-free. Always recommend the complete option over short
 
 Include `Completeness: X/10` for each option (10=all edge cases, 7=happy path, 3=shortcut).
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/ship/SKILL.md b/ship/SKILL.md
index a4ff1bd2..aede6dd5 100644
--- a/ship/SKILL.md
+++ b/ship/SKILL.md
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
 touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
 _SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
 find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -delete 2>/dev/null || true
-_CONTRIB=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get gstack_contributor 2>/dev/null || true)
 _PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
 _PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
 _BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
@@ -241,24 +240,6 @@ Before building anything unfamiliar, **search first.** See `~/.claude/skills/gst
 jq -n --arg ts "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)" --arg skill "SKILL_NAME" --arg branch "$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null)" --arg insight "ONE_LINE_SUMMARY" '{ts:$ts,skill:$skill,branch:$branch,insight:$insight}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/eureka.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
-## Contributor Mode
-
-If `_CONTRIB` is `true`: you are in **contributor mode**. At the end of each major workflow step, rate your gstack experience 0-10. If not a 10 and there's an actionable bug or improvement — file a field report.
-
-**File only:** gstack tooling bugs where the input was reasonable but gstack failed. **Skip:** user app bugs, network errors, auth failures on user's site.
-
-**To file:** write `~/.gstack/contributor-logs/{slug}.md`:
-```
-# {Title}
-**What I tried:** {action} | **What happened:** {result} | **Rating:** {0-10}
-## Repro
-1. {step}
-## What would make this a 10
-{one sentence}
-**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD} | **Version:** {version} | **Skill:** /{skill}
-```
-Slug: lowercase hyphens, max 60 chars. Skip if exists. Max 3/session. File inline, don't stop.
-
 ## Completion Status Protocol
 
 When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
diff --git a/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts b/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
index 27672ede..29162ab1 100644
--- a/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
+++ b/test/gen-skill-docs.test.ts
@@ -213,11 +213,11 @@ describe('gen-skill-docs', () => {
     expect(browseTmpl).toContain('{{PREAMBLE}}');
   });
 
-  test('generated SKILL.md contains contributor mode check', () => {
+  test('generated SKILL.md contains no contributor mode (removed)', () => {
     const content = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
-    expect(content).toContain('Contributor Mode');
-    expect(content).toContain('gstack_contributor');
-    expect(content).toContain('contributor-logs');
+    expect(content).not.toContain('Contributor Mode');
+    expect(content).not.toContain('gstack_contributor');
+    expect(content).not.toContain('contributor-logs');
   });
 
   test('generated SKILL.md contains session awareness', () => {
diff --git a/test/helpers/touchfiles.ts b/test/helpers/touchfiles.ts
index b475daad..f28a933e 100644
--- a/test/helpers/touchfiles.ts
+++ b/test/helpers/touchfiles.ts
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ export const E2E_TOUCHFILES: Record<string, string[]> = {
   'skillmd-no-local-binary':  ['SKILL.md', 'SKILL.md.tmpl', 'scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts'],
   'skillmd-outside-git':      ['SKILL.md', 'SKILL.md.tmpl', 'scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts'],
 
-  'contributor-mode':           ['SKILL.md.tmpl', 'scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts'],
   'session-awareness':        ['SKILL.md', 'SKILL.md.tmpl', 'scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts'],
 
   // QA (+ test-server dependency)
@@ -182,7 +181,6 @@ export const E2E_TIERS: Record<string, 'gate' | 'periodic'> = {
   'skillmd-setup-discovery': 'gate',
   'skillmd-no-local-binary': 'gate',
   'skillmd-outside-git': 'gate',
-  'contributor-mode': 'gate',
   'session-awareness': 'gate',
 
   // QA — gate for functional, periodic for quality/benchmarks
diff --git a/test/skill-e2e-bws.test.ts b/test/skill-e2e-bws.test.ts
index 6a611fe7..d207f416 100644
--- a/test/skill-e2e-bws.test.ts
+++ b/test/skill-e2e-bws.test.ts
@@ -177,51 +177,6 @@ Report the exact output — either "READY: <path>" or "NEEDS_SETUP".`,
     try { fs.rmSync(nonGitDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
   }, 60_000);
 
-  testConcurrentIfSelected('contributor-mode', async () => {
-    const contribDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-contrib-'));
-    const logsDir = path.join(contribDir, 'contributor-logs');
-    fs.mkdirSync(logsDir, { recursive: true });
-
-    const result = await runSkillTest({
-      prompt: `You are in contributor mode (gstack_contributor=true). You just ran this browse command and it failed:
-
-$ /nonexistent/browse goto https://example.com
-/nonexistent/browse: No such file or directory
-
-Per the contributor mode instructions, file a field report to ${logsDir}/browse-missing-binary.md using the Write tool. Include all required sections: title, what you tried, what happened, rating, repro steps, raw output, what would make it a 10, and the date/version footer.`,
-      workingDirectory: contribDir,
-      maxTurns: 5,
-      timeout: 30_000,
-      testName: 'contributor-mode',
-      runId,
-    });
-
-    logCost('contributor mode', result);
-    // Override passed: this test intentionally triggers a browse error (nonexistent binary)
-    // so browseErrors will be non-empty — that's expected, not a failure
-    recordE2E(evalCollector, 'contributor mode report', 'Skill E2E tests', result, {
-      passed: result.exitReason === 'success',
-    });
-
-    // Verify a contributor log was created with expected format
-    const logFiles = fs.readdirSync(logsDir).filter(f => f.endsWith('.md'));
-    expect(logFiles.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
-
-    // Verify report has key structural sections (agent may phrase differently)
-    const logContent = fs.readFileSync(path.join(logsDir, logFiles[0]), 'utf-8');
-    // Must have a title (# heading)
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/^#\s/m);
-    // Must mention the failed command or browse
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/browse|nonexistent|not found|no such file/i);
-    // Must have some kind of rating
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/rating|\/10/i);
-    // Must have steps or reproduction info
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/step|repro|reproduce/i);
-
-    // Clean up
-    try { fs.rmSync(contribDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
-  }, 90_000);
-
   testConcurrentIfSelected('session-awareness', async () => {
     const sessionDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-session-'));
 
diff --git a/test/skill-e2e.test.ts b/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
index 91c95f7a..f1a13cec 100644
--- a/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
+++ b/test/skill-e2e.test.ts
@@ -325,62 +325,6 @@ Report the exact output — either "READY: <path>" or "NEEDS_SETUP".`,
     try { fs.rmSync(nonGitDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
   }, 60_000);
 
-  testIfSelected('contributor-mode', async () => {
-    const contribDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-contrib-'));
-    const logsDir = path.join(contribDir, 'contributor-logs');
-    fs.mkdirSync(logsDir, { recursive: true });
-
-    // Extract contributor mode instructions from generated SKILL.md
-    const skillMd = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md'), 'utf-8');
-    const contribStart = skillMd.indexOf('## Contributor Mode');
-    const contribEnd = skillMd.indexOf('\n## ', contribStart + 1);
-    const contribBlock = skillMd.slice(contribStart, contribEnd > 0 ? contribEnd : undefined);
-
-    const result = await runSkillTest({
-      prompt: `You are in contributor mode (_CONTRIB=true).
-
-${contribBlock}
-
-OVERRIDE: Write contributor logs to ${logsDir}/ instead of ~/.gstack/contributor-logs/
-
-Now try this browse command (it will fail — there is no binary at this path):
-/nonexistent/path/browse goto https://example.com
-
-This is a gstack issue (the browse binary is missing/misconfigured).
-File a contributor report about this issue. Then tell me what you filed.`,
-      workingDirectory: contribDir,
-      maxTurns: 8,
-      timeout: 60_000,
-      testName: 'contributor-mode',
-      runId,
-    });
-
-    logCost('contributor mode', result);
-    // Override passed: this test intentionally triggers a browse error (nonexistent binary)
-    // so browseErrors will be non-empty — that's expected, not a failure
-    recordE2E('contributor mode report', 'Skill E2E tests', result, {
-      passed: result.exitReason === 'success',
-    });
-
-    // Verify a contributor log was created with expected format
-    const logFiles = fs.readdirSync(logsDir).filter(f => f.endsWith('.md'));
-    expect(logFiles.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
-
-    // Verify new reflection-based format
-    const logContent = fs.readFileSync(path.join(logsDir, logFiles[0]), 'utf-8');
-    expect(logContent).toContain('Hey gstack team');
-    expect(logContent).toContain('What I was trying to do');
-    expect(logContent).toContain('What happened instead');
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/rating/i);
-    // Verify report has repro steps (agent may use "Steps to reproduce", "Repro Steps", etc.)
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/repro|steps to reproduce|how to reproduce/i);
-    // Verify report has date/version footer (agent may format differently)
-    expect(logContent).toMatch(/date.*2026|2026.*date/i);
-
-    // Clean up
-    try { fs.rmSync(contribDir, { recursive: true, force: true }); } catch {}
-  }, 90_000);
-
   testIfSelected('session-awareness', async () => {
     const sessionDir = fs.mkdtempSync(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'skill-e2e-session-'));