Bounded rhythm
Lookup, small edits, formatting, and transformations with clear checks.
Model routing
Choose the
engine.
A model has a capability ceiling. Effort controls how much room it gets to reason. Route by uncertainty and verification cost.
Default work
Normal implementation where the contract is clear but context matters.
Ambiguity
Planning, architecture, security judgment, and hard failures.
Two knobs
Capability
× effort
ROUTING RULE
strong model + high effort → frame ambiguity · light model + low effort → bounded execution · raise one knob at a time → compare evidence Sequence
Spend judgment
where it compounds.
Plan Strong model: scope, risks, acceptance, and worktree split.
Build Focused worker: smallest context and lightest model that can pass.
Review Independent pass when missed issues cost more than the call.