diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index a17f4aa..04dbb9d 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -10,6 +10,5 @@ dist/
 /site/
 /_site/
 
-# gate evidence (pre-GitHub era): curated records live at tag archive/pre-github;
-# raw session captures are local-only
+# gate evidence (pre-GitHub era) — local-only, never tracked
 /gates/
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 052b01a..5c49a68 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -136,7 +136,6 @@ pip install -e '.[dev]'
 pytest
 ```
 
-## License & history
+## License
 
-Licensed under [Apache-2.0](LICENSE). The pre-GitHub PRD, specs, and phase-gate evidence live at
-the git tag `archive/pre-github`.
\ No newline at end of file
+Licensed under [Apache-2.0](LICENSE).
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index bbc2b8c..1926d0e 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -29,6 +29,3 @@
 New capabilities and design changes go through [proposals/](../proposals/README.md) and GitHub
 issues. Docs in this directory describe the **current** system; a proposal that lands
 updates them in the same PR.
-
-Pre-GitHub history (the PRD, numbered specs 01–15, and phase-gate evidence for Phases 0–29) is
-preserved at the git tag `archive/pre-github`.
diff --git a/docs/architecture.md b/docs/architecture.md
index c16a344..05c4178 100644
--- a/docs/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/architecture.md
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ guess, not a proof.
 
 ```
 src/ea_core/        # the deterministic engine + `ea` CLI
-tests/              # unit + e2e contract tests (incl. per-gate e2e suites)
+tests/              # unit + e2e contract tests (incl. per-feature e2e suites)
 plugins/            # the two adapter surfaces (ea-claude, ea-antigravity)
 packs/              # production method packs (open-agile-architecture,
                     #   enterprise-architecture, lean-ux, …)
diff --git a/docs/decisions/README.md b/docs/decisions/README.md
index 01a1048..ca41d6d 100644
--- a/docs/decisions/README.md
+++ b/docs/decisions/README.md
@@ -4,9 +4,7 @@ Short records of the **still-binding** design decisions whose *why* is not obvio
 reference docs — the constraints a future change must either respect or deliberately revisit
 (via a [proposal](../../proposals/)).
 
-Historical context: these distill the D1–D41 decision log of the pre-GitHub era PRD. The full
-log, the numbered specs, and the phase-gate evidence live in git history at the tag
-**`archive/pre-github`**.
+Historical context: these distill the D1–D41 decision log of the pre-GitHub era PRD.
 
 | # | Decision |
 |---|---|
diff --git a/proposals/0001-ea-show.md b/proposals/0001-ea-show.md
index 522d691..64ee280 100644
--- a/proposals/0001-ea-show.md
+++ b/proposals/0001-ea-show.md
@@ -12,13 +12,13 @@ Agents inspecting a single artifact today either read the whole file from disk o
 `report`/`validate` output to the purpose. There is no read verb that returns one artifact's
 front-matter (and body) through the contract, and no way to trim the response to the needed
 fields — the read-side `--fields` projection (spec 09; spec numbers, like D-numbers, refer to
-the archived pre-GitHub record at `archive/pre-github`) covers the record/key-shaped verbs only.
+the archived pre-GitHub record) covers the record/key-shaped verbs only.
 
 Reading files directly costs tokens (the body rides along even when only one field is needed),
 bypasses the self-describing not-found contract, and pushes resolution logic (scope
 fall-through, layering) onto every surface — a per-host duplication P2 exists to prevent.
 
-The gap was deferred deliberately: D28/D29 (at `archive/pre-github`) kept artifact front-matter
+The gap was deferred deliberately: D28/D29 kept artifact front-matter
 out of `graph dependency --fields` because inlining it would either break the purely-subtractive
 invariant or bloat the default output, and pointed instead at "a purpose-built single-artifact
 `ea show --fields`, where trimming front-matter is naturally subtractive". The Phase-19 advisory
diff --git a/proposals/0002-validate-warning-dead-renames.md b/proposals/0002-validate-warning-dead-renames.md
index c225346..0f01abf 100644
--- a/proposals/0002-validate-warning-dead-renames.md
+++ b/proposals/0002-validate-warning-dead-renames.md
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
 A manifest `renames:` entry whose `from` names no rule the active set actually renamed is
 **silently ignored** at materialization. The overlay maps a pack's published rule id to a local
-id (`{pack, kind: rule, from, to}`, decision 0007, D38 at `archive/pre-github`); the mapping is
+id (`{pack, kind: rule, from, to}`, decision 0007, D38); the mapping is
 consulted only through `materialize.local_rule` while walking selected methods
 (`src/ea_core/materialize.py`). An entry that no selected method reaches is never applied and
 never reported — the closure just doesn't call `local_rule` with that key.
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_archetype_migrate.py b/tests/e2e/test_archetype_migrate.py
index 12bcb34..fe470bf 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_archetype_migrate.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_archetype_migrate.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-7 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): write-side — ``ea migrate`` (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Write-side — ``ea migrate``.
 
 An existing ``startup-light`` configuration evolves to ``enterprise-heavy`` via a
 reviewed, confirmed plan that **preserves prior deliberate choices** and **surfaces
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
 ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2]
 
 MANIFEST = "ea.manifest.yaml"
-INDEX = "definitions/index.yaml"  # the pack@version integrity lock (Phase 14)
+INDEX = "definitions/index.yaml"  # the pack@version integrity lock
 NEW_DEFS = [
     "definitions/methods/data-modeling.yaml",
     "definitions/methods/service-design.yaml",
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ def test_drift_after_plan_is_refused(repo):
 
 
 def test_migrate_plan_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("migrate", "enterprise-heavy")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("migrate", "enterprise-heavy")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_authoring_flow.py b/tests/e2e/test_authoring_flow.py
index 2f8a8a6..bf43978 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_authoring_flow.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_authoring_flow.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-2 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the exact CLI sequence the plugin drives —
+"""The exact CLI sequence the plugin drives —
 adopt -> scaffold -> commit x2 -> validate — via the direct contract.
 """
 
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def test_commit_drift_guard_refuses_bad_token(repo):
     assert code == 4 and bad["status"] == "error"
 
 
-# --- the full gate flow -----------------------------------------------------
+# --- the full flow -----------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_full_authoring_flow_validates_green(repo):
     apply_cli("scaffold", "principle", "--project", "payments", "--id", "data-locality")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_body_sections_detail.py b/tests/e2e/test_body_sections_detail.py
index 4ef10dd..c5c656d 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_body_sections_detail.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_body_sections_detail.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
-"""Phase-20 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): richer methods & artifacts — schema + fixtures (D34).
+"""Richer methods & artifacts — schema + fixtures.
 
 A type may declare an **advisory** ``body.sections`` and a method step an optional
-``detail`` (spec 03 §3/§6). The core validates them structurally, carries them
+``detail``. The core validates them structurally, carries them
 through materialization, and exposes ``sections`` on the loaded model — while
 ``scaffold``/``commit`` behaviour is unchanged (sections are guidance, not a gate).
 ``enterprise-heavy`` pins the enriched ``core-ea@1.1.0``, so adopting it
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def _bootstrap(repo: Path):
 
 
 def test_enriched_pack_validates():
-    """The enriched fixture pack is structurally valid (spec 03 §9)."""
+    """The enriched fixture pack is structurally valid."""
     assert pack_mod.validate(pack_mod.load(PACK)) == []
 
 
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ def test_body_sections_survive_materialization(repo):
 
 
 def test_model_exposes_type_sections(repo):
-    """The loaded model surfaces sections in declared order (Phase-21/22 will read them)."""
+    """The loaded model surfaces sections in declared order."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     model = model_mod.load(Repo.discover())
     cap = model.definitions.types["capability"]
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def test_step_detail_survives_materialization(repo):
 
 
 def test_scaffold_body_still_empty(repo):
-    """D34: sections are guidance only — ``scaffold`` still writes a front-matter-only
+    """Sections are guidance only — ``scaffold`` still writes a front-matter-only
     skeleton with an empty body (no pre-seeded headings)."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     apply_cli("project", "create", "payments")
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def test_scaffold_body_still_empty(repo):
 
 
 def test_malformed_body_sections_rejected():
-    """Structural guards: duplicate / invalid section id (spec 03 §3, D34)."""
+    """Structural guards: duplicate / invalid section id."""
     dup = pack_mod.load(PACK)
     dup["artifact_types"][0]["body"]["sections"].append(
         {"id": "statement", "heading": "Dup", "guidance": "x"})
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_cli_version.py b/tests/e2e/test_cli_version.py
index f6084db..0e96567 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_cli_version.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_cli_version.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-0 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): ea version envelope + exit code + reproducibility."""
+"""``ea version`` envelope + exit code + reproducibility."""
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ def test_version_envelope_and_exit():
 def test_version_output_is_reproducible():
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("version")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("version")
-    assert raw1 == raw2  # byte-identical (NFR-1)
+    assert raw1 == raw2  # byte-identical (P1)
 
 
 def test_unsupported_contract_version_is_usage_error():
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_commit_diff.py b/tests/e2e/test_commit_diff.py
index 2160371..19a123e 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_commit_diff.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_commit_diff.py
@@ -1,13 +1,12 @@
-"""Phase-29 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): reviewable commit delta — `data.diff` on the commit dry-run.
+"""Reviewable commit delta — `data.diff` on the commit dry-run.
 
 Because the core performs the write, a re-commit (a new artifact version) was not reviewable: the
 dry-run returned the full ``preview`` (the after) but nothing showing *what changed* vs. disk. The
 core now emits a deterministic ``data.diff`` (unified diff of the assembled content against the current
-file) on the ``commit`` dry-run — beside ``plan`` (which files) and ``preview`` (the after). Refines
-spec 07 §4. First core change since Phase 27.
+file) on the ``commit`` dry-run — beside ``plan`` (which files) and ``preview`` (the after).
 
 Both halves: the objective checks below, and a recorded re-commit session (the diff shown before the
-confirm) captured in ``gates/phase-29.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``).
+confirm) captured in a recorded session.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -99,11 +98,11 @@ def test_both_hosts_teach_data_diff_at_review():
         spine = (ROOT / "plugins" / host / ARCH / "SKILL.md").read_text()
         assert "data.diff" in authoring and "delta" in authoring.lower()
         assert "data.diff" in spine
-        # Presentation (post-D41 feedback): render it readably & proactively, not on demand.
+        # Presentation (later feedback): render it readably & proactively, not on demand.
         for text in (authoring, spine):
             assert "```diff" in text                       # a fenced diff block → red/green rendering
             assert "proactive" in text.lower() or "without being asked" in text.lower()
-    # authoring.md stays byte-identical across hosts (the D33 single-source invariant)
+    # authoring.md stays byte-identical across hosts (the single-source invariant)
     c = (ROOT / "plugins" / "ea-claude" / ARCH / "reference" / "authoring.md").read_bytes()
     a = (ROOT / "plugins" / "ea-antigravity" / ARCH / "reference" / "authoring.md").read_bytes()
     assert c == a
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_discovery_verbs.py b/tests/e2e/test_discovery_verbs.py
index 024975f..58f155b 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_discovery_verbs.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_discovery_verbs.py
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-"""Phase-17 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): preset & pack discovery — the read verbs that let a
-surface enumerate the selectable building blocks before choosing one (spec 11 §6).
+"""Preset & pack discovery — the read verbs that let a
+surface enumerate the selectable building blocks before choosing one.
 
 An agent had no contract-native way to see the adoptable presets / packs: it
 shelled to ``ls``/``find`` and parsed internal YAML, and ``manifest adopt
-<unknown>`` named only the search path — the D31 "defaults to startup-light" root
+<unknown>`` named only the search path — the "defaults to startup-light" root
 cause. Four read verbs (``preset list``/``show``, ``pack list``/``show``) plus a
 self-describing not-found error that enumerates the valid ids inline close it.
-All read-only (``ok``/exit 0), pin-native (``pack@version``), projectable (spec 09).
+All read-only (``ok``/exit 0), pin-native (``pack@version``), projectable.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def env_paths(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_preset_list_summarizes_each_choice(env_paths):
-    """Per-preset summary → an agent compares + picks in one call (spec 11 §3.1)."""
+    """Per-preset summary → an agent compares + picks in one call."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("preset", "list")
     assert code == 0 and env["status"] == "ok"
     by_id = {p["id"]: p for p in env["data"]["presets"]}
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def test_preset_show_returns_the_full_resolved_preset(env_paths):
 
 
 def test_unknown_preset_enumerates_available_ids(env_paths):
-    """``preset show <unknown>`` → exit 2 listing the valid ids (spec 11 §4)."""
+    """``preset show <unknown>`` → exit 2 listing the valid ids."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("preset", "show", "bogus")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
     msg = env["diagnostics"][0]["message"]
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ def test_unknown_preset_enumerates_available_ids(env_paths):
 
 
 def test_manifest_adopt_unknown_enumerates_presets(env_paths):
-    """The D31 root-cause command: ``adopt <unknown>`` now teaches the choice.
+    """The root-cause command: ``adopt <unknown>`` now teaches the choice.
 
     It routes through the same resolver, so fixing the resolver fixes adopt for
     free — proven on the very command that exhibited the gap.
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ def test_unknown_pack_version_enumerates_available(env_paths):
 
 
 def test_bare_pack_id_requires_an_explicit_version(env_paths):
-    """Pin-native (D27): ``pack show core-ea`` enumerates that pack's versions."""
+    """Pin-native: ``pack show core-ea`` enumerates that pack's versions."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("pack", "show", "core-ea")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
     msg = env["diagnostics"][0]["message"]
@@ -112,14 +112,14 @@ def test_bare_pack_id_requires_an_explicit_version(env_paths):
 
 
 def test_discovery_reads_are_byte_stable(env_paths):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     _, _, a = run_cli("pack", "list")
     _, _, b = run_cli("pack", "list")
     assert a == b and a.strip().startswith("{")
 
 
 def test_discovery_verbs_are_projectable(env_paths):
-    """Read verbs carry spec-09 projection: discover then trim (subtractive)."""
+    """Read verbs carry projection: discover then trim (subtractive)."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("pack", "show", "core-ea@1.1.0", "--list-fields")
     assert code == 0 and "methods" in env["data"]["fields"]
 
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_drift_guard.py b/tests/e2e/test_drift_guard.py
index 6023d4e..5876cc1 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_drift_guard.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_drift_guard.py
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
-"""Phase-13 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): multi-writer concurrency — resolved by DECISION (D26).
+"""Multi-writer concurrency — resolved by DECISION.
 
-Q11 is resolved **without** building a concurrency-control subsystem. The unit of
+Concurrency is resolved **without** building a concurrency-control subsystem. The unit of
 work is a single writer on a git worktree/branch; **git** mediates reconciliation
 *between* writers (branch/merge/rebase, which never silently drop a write); and the
-D5 confirmation-token drift guard already enforces single-writer safety *within* one
-tree. Phase 13 is therefore rescoped from "implement a concurrency model" to a
+confirmation-token drift guard already enforces single-writer safety *within* one
+tree. This is therefore rescoped from "implement a concurrency model" to a
 one-line protocol hardening — a ``create`` now binds the prior absence of its path,
 so a create-create race trips the same drift guard as an update/delete — plus this
-gate, which proves the end-to-end property the original phase demanded: **two writers
+test, which proves the end-to-end property demanded: **two writers
 against the same source of truth never silently lose a write.**
 
 Three cases, one per layer of the model:
 
 1. **intra-tree drift** — a second same-tree writer's stale ``--confirm`` is refused
-   (exit 4); the existing D5 mechanism *is* single-writer-per-worktree enforcement.
+   (exit 4); the existing mechanism *is* single-writer-per-worktree enforcement.
 2. **create-create** — two writers creating the same artifact: the second is refused
    and the first's file is intact (no clobber). The protocol-level backstop for a
    caller without a pre-flight check is unit-tested in
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_full_surface_flow.py b/tests/e2e/test_full_surface_flow.py
index 4a47336..d1a7689 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_full_surface_flow.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_full_surface_flow.py
@@ -1,15 +1,15 @@
-"""Phase-8 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the second adapter surface.
+"""The second adapter surface.
 
-The Antigravity plugin is a *thin adapter* — it changes no core code (spec 08 §8);
+The Antigravity plugin is a *thin adapter* — it changes no core code;
 its proof is that the **exact CLI sequence the plugin drives** runs green over the
-unchanged contract. That sequence extends the Phase-2 flow (adopt → scaffold/commit
-×2) with a final **promotion**, matching the gate's "tailors → authors → promotes":
+unchanged contract. That sequence extends the flow (adopt → scaffold/commit
+×2) with a final **promotion**, matching "tailors → authors → promotes":
 
     init → manifest adopt startup-light → scaffold/commit principle
          → scaffold/commit capability → promote principle → validate --all
 
 The conversational surface itself (the judgment layer) is proven separately by a
-recorded real ``agy`` session under ``gates/phase-8.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``) (P5-3); this test pins the
+recorded real ``agy`` session (P5-3); this test pins the
 contract path that session rides, including the two-phase ``--confirm`` token at every
 guarded write and the cross-scope fall-through after promotion.
 """
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ def test_full_surface_flow_authors_promotes_and_validates_green(repo):
     """The whole plugin sequence, end to end, lands green on the unchanged core."""
     _author(repo)
 
-    # Flow C — promote the principle to Org via a reviewed, confirmed plan (spec 08 §6.5).
+    # Flow C — promote the principle to Org via a reviewed, confirmed plan.
     env, code, _ = apply_cli("promote", "principle", "data-locality", "--project", "payments")
     assert code == 0 and env["status"] == "ok"
     assert env["data"]["applied"] == {"created": 1, "updated": 0, "deleted": 1}
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def test_every_guarded_write_is_two_phase(repo):
     """Each guarded write the surface drives plans first (token), refusing a bare apply path.
 
     A dry-run returns a confirmation_token and writes nothing; only the --confirm re-run
-    applies. This is the one write protocol (spec 07 §8) the second surface reuses verbatim.
+    applies. This is the one write protocol the second surface reuses verbatim.
     """
     # scaffold dry-run: token present, nothing on disk.
     plan, code, _ = run_cli("scaffold", "principle", "--project", "payments",
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_graph_dependency.py b/tests/e2e/test_graph_dependency.py
index c49a4d9..02155d5 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_graph_dependency.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_graph_dependency.py
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
-"""Phase-5 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): read-side — the first ``graph`` kind, ``dependency``.
+"""Read-side — the first ``graph`` kind, ``dependency``.
 
 A repository emits a deterministic, byte-stable dependency graph for one scope
 via direct CLI use, with **dangling references surfaced deterministically**
-(the named gate criterion). Like ``coverage`` and unlike ``validate``, a graph
+(the named criterion). Like ``coverage`` and unlike ``validate``, a graph
 *describes* and never judges — a dangling reference keeps the graph
-``status: ok`` (exit 0); the invalid/exit-3 verdict is ``validate``'s alone
-(spec 02 §4.1). Traversal respects visibility (spec 05 §3-4): a project's graph
+``status: ok`` (exit 0); the invalid/exit-3 verdict is ``validate``'s alone.
+Traversal respects visibility: a project's graph
 falls through to the Org artifacts it depends on, never into another project.
 
-Cycle detection — the engine's third Phase-5 capability — is proven against the
+Cycle detection — the engine's third capability — is proven against the
 engine directly in ``tests/unit/test_graph.py`` (the ``core-ea`` pack has no
 self-referential relationship to form one through the CLI).
 """
@@ -99,8 +99,8 @@ def test_dependency_graph_has_resolved_edge(repo):
 def test_project_graph_falls_through_to_org(repo):
     """A project capability governed-by an Org principle → a cross-scope edge.
 
-    The transitive closure pulls the Org node into the project's graph (spec 05
-    §3 fall-through), proving traversal honours visibility.
+    The transitive closure pulls the Org node into the project's graph (fall-through),
+    proving traversal honours visibility.
     """
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "org/business/principle/data-locality.md", PRINCIPLE)
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ def test_dangling_reference_is_surfaced_not_a_failure(repo):
 
 
 def test_dependency_graph_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1) — the determinism gate."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1) — the determinism gate."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/principle/data-locality.md", PRINCIPLE)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/capability/billing.md",
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ def test_empty_scope_is_an_empty_graph(repo):
 
 
 def test_missing_scope_is_a_usage_error(repo):
-    """No scope selector → usage error (exit 2), never a graph — spec 02 §9."""
+    """No scope selector → usage error (exit 2), never a graph."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     env, code, _ = run_cli("graph", "dependency")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_headless_governance.py b/tests/e2e/test_headless_governance.py
index f35d1fb..0e94080 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_headless_governance.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_headless_governance.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
-"""Phase-3 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): headless CI governance over the unchanged core.
+"""Headless CI governance over the unchanged core.
 
 A CI job gates a build on ``ea validate --all``. The proof is provider-neutral:
-it asserts the *contract* a pipeline relies on (spec 02 §4/§6/§11) rather than
+it asserts the *contract* a pipeline relies on rather than
 any one CI system's YAML. The whole point of UC2 is the exit-code distinction —
 an **invalid architecture** (exit 3) must be separable from a **tooling/operator
 problem** (exit 1/2/4), and the JSON envelope on stdout is the machine-readable
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def _write(root: Path, rel: str, text: str):
 Rationale.
 """
 
-# A valid capability: has its owner and ≥1 governed-by principle (spec 06 §3.3).
+# A valid capability: has its owner and ≥1 governed-by principle.
 CAPABILITY_OK = """\
 ---
 domain: business
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ def _write(root: Path, rel: str, text: str):
 Billing.
 """
 
-# spec 06 §4 Phase-3 fixture: a capability missing its governed-by relationship
+# fixture: a capability missing its governed-by relationship
 # (cardinality 1..*), so the architecture is invalid though every file parses.
 CAPABILITY_BROKEN = """\
 ---
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def test_valid_repo_passes_the_build(repo):
 
 
 def test_invalid_repo_fails_the_build(repo):
-    """Red build: the spec-06 fixture (capability missing governed-by) → exit 3 + report."""
+    """Red build: the fixture (capability missing governed-by) → exit 3 + report."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/capability/billing.md", CAPABILITY_BROKEN)
     env, code, raw = run_cli("validate", "--all")
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ def test_tooling_problem_is_distinct_from_invalid(repo):
     """UC2: a usage problem is exit 2, never 3 — CI must not read it as 'invalid architecture'."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/capability/billing.md", CAPABILITY_OK)
-    # No scope selector → usage error (spec 02 §9), distinct from a validation failure.
+    # No scope selector → usage error, distinct from a validation failure.
     env, code, _ = run_cli("validate")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
     assert code != 3
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_inspection_verbs.py b/tests/e2e/test_inspection_verbs.py
index 964c26c..bd2c1f5 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_inspection_verbs.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_inspection_verbs.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
-"""Phase-21 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): type & method inspection verbs (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Type & method inspection verbs.
 
-Two facet read verbs hand the D34 guidance to the agent on demand: ``ea type show
+Two facet read verbs hand the guidance to the agent on demand: ``ea type show
 <type>`` (fields + field guidance + advisory body sections + relationship metadata)
 and ``ea method show <id>`` (summary + requires + steps with detail). Both are
-read-only (``ok``/exit 0), enumerate the active ids on a miss (the Phase-17
-pattern), and honour ``--fields`` projection (spec 09). ``enterprise-heavy`` pins
+read-only (``ok``/exit 0), enumerate the active ids on a miss, and honour ``--fields`` projection. ``enterprise-heavy`` pins
 the enriched ``core-ea@1.1.0``.
 """
 
@@ -43,7 +42,7 @@ def test_type_show_returns_fields_sections_relationships(repo):
     # advisory body sections, in declared order
     assert [s["id"] for s in data["sections"]] == ["definition", "outcomes", "notes"]
     assert all(s["heading"] and s["guidance"] for s in data["sections"])
-    # relationship METADATA only — no live candidates (spec 13 §1)
+    # relationship METADATA only — no live candidates
     gov = next(r for r in data["relationships"] if r["name"] == "governed-by")
     assert gov["target_type"] == "principle" and gov["cardinality"] == "1..*"
     assert "candidates" not in gov
@@ -65,7 +64,7 @@ def test_method_show_returns_steps_with_detail(repo):
     assert data["requires"]["rules"] == ["caps-unique", "refs-resolve"]
     steps = data["steps"]
     assert all(s["guide"] for s in steps)           # terse headline
-    assert all(s["detail"].strip() for s in steps)  # the D34 learnable detail
+    assert all(s["detail"].strip() for s in steps)  # the learnable detail
     assert steps[0]["produces"] == "capability"
 
 
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_manifest_domain_verbs.py b/tests/e2e/test_manifest_domain_verbs.py
index e339d11..8a8110f 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_manifest_domain_verbs.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_manifest_domain_verbs.py
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-"""Phase-24 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the ``ea manifest domain add|set-types|remove`` verb
-family — incremental manifest tailoring (D36, spec 04 §4.1).
+"""The ``ea manifest domain add|set-types|remove`` verb
+family — incremental manifest tailoring.
 
 Extending a *live* manifest used to be half-supported: ``method add`` re-materializes
 ``definitions/`` but never touches the manifest ``domains``, so an incrementally
 added type lands unmapped and ``scaffold`` rejects it ("no domain permits type X").
 The only fix was to clone a preset. This family closes that gap with guarded,
 in-place edits of ``domains`` that reuse ``manifest.validate_structural`` plus a
-type↔active-type guard (spec 04 §9).
+type↔active-type guard.
 
 The headline flow needs **no new fixture**: adopt ``startup-light`` → ``method add
 core-ea@1.1.0#data-modeling`` (``entity`` arrives unmapped) → ``manifest domain add
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_method_deprecation.py b/tests/e2e/test_method_deprecation.py
index be54227..5ab2ae0 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_method_deprecation.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_method_deprecation.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
-"""Phase-11 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): method deprecation (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Method deprecation.
 
 An org deprecates a method repository-wide through the Manifest's
-``policies.methods.<id>.status`` section. The gate proves, over the existing
+``policies.methods.<id>.status`` section. This proves, over the existing
 two-pack ``regulated-startup`` fixture, that deprecating ``control-mapping``:
 
 * is recorded keyed by **method id** (a guarded Manifest write);
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_authoring_verbs.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_authoring_verbs.py
index 1165ba4..74a579e 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_authoring_verbs.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_authoring_verbs.py
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
-"""Phase-27 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): pack-authoring capability.
+"""Pack-authoring capability.
 
 Two deterministic core verbs — ``ea pack new`` (guarded scaffold of a valid skeleton) and
 ``ea pack validate`` (the pure ``pack.validate`` checker surfaced as a read verb) — plus the
-new ``ea-methodologist`` skill (host-parity, like Phase 19). The **compose** test proves an
-authored pack materializes green **without a preset**, via the Phase-24/25 tailoring verbs.
+new ``ea-methodologist`` skill (host-parity). The **compose** test proves an
+authored pack materializes green **without a preset**, via the tailoring verbs.
 
 The recorded ea-methodologist session (model a described methodology → a validating, composing
-pack) is the other half of the gate and lives in ``gates/phase-27.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``).
+pack) is the other half — a recorded authoring session.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def sandbox(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 # --- ea pack new -----------------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_pack_new_scaffolds_a_skeleton_that_validates_unedited(sandbox):
-    """The §2.1 invariant: `pack new` → `pack validate` is green with ZERO edits."""
+    """The invariant: `pack new` → `pack validate` is green with ZERO edits."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("pack", "new", "my-method", "--title", "My Method")
     assert code == 0 and env["status"] == "ok"
     assert env["data"]["plan"]["creates"] == ["packs/my-method/0.1.0/pack.yaml"]
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def test_pack_new_scaffolds_a_skeleton_that_validates_unedited(sandbox):
 
 
 def test_pack_new_is_byte_stable(sandbox):
-    """Same header → identical skeleton (NFR-1) — the token is content-bound."""
+    """Same header → identical skeleton (P1) — the token is content-bound."""
     a = run_cli("pack", "new", "p", "--title", "T")[0]["data"]["confirmation_token"]
     b = run_cli("pack", "new", "p", "--title", "T")[0]["data"]["confirmation_token"]
     assert a == b
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ def test_pack_validate_reports_sorted_errors_exit3(sandbox):
     env, code, _ = run_cli("pack", "validate", str(p))
     assert code == 3 and env["status"] == "invalid" and env["data"]["valid"] is False
     errs = env["data"]["errors"]
-    assert errs == sorted(errs)                       # deterministic order (NFR-1)
+    assert errs == sorted(errs)                       # deterministic order (P1)
     assert any("applies_to" in e for e in errs) and any("params.field" in e for e in errs)
 
 
@@ -121,9 +121,9 @@ def test_authored_pack_composes_and_materializes_green(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 
 
 # --- ea-methodologist skill: host single-source guard -----------------------
-# gate19 guards the same invariant for ea-architect only; this new skill needs its
-# own guard against silent drift between its two plugin copies (D33 sync-by-copy).
-# Two load-bearing checks (not the full gate19 battery): the copies stay in sync,
+# test_skill_parity guards the same invariant for ea-architect only; this new skill needs its
+# own guard against silent drift between its two plugin copies (sync-by-copy).
+# Two load-bearing checks (not the full test_skill_parity battery): the copies stay in sync,
 # and the new skill is actually wired into the Antigravity manifest.
 
 CLAUDE = ROOT / "plugins" / "ea-claude" / "skills" / "ea-methodologist"
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_enterprise_architecture.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_enterprise_architecture.py
index 31df33d..8c4cb76 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_enterprise_architecture.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_enterprise_architecture.py
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
-"""Phase-23b gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the Enterprise Architecture production pack + preset —
-the rich, rigorous, four-domain end of the Phase-23 production library (D35).
+"""The Enterprise Architecture production pack + preset —
+the rich, rigorous, four-domain end of the production library.
 
 Grounded in the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM) and its four-domain content
 metamodel (the ``togaf`` name is avoided as the id for trademark reasons; the framework is
-referenced descriptively). Like the 23a/23c gates this resolves against the **production
+referenced descriptively). Like the other production packs this resolves against the **production
 library home** (repo-root ``packs/`` + ``presets/``), proving the real, shippable
-``enterprise-architecture`` pair end-to-end: the pack validates (spec 03 §9), the preset is
-discoverable (spec 11) and adopts into its full closure (12 types / 7 methods / 26 rules),
+``enterprise-architecture`` pair end-to-end: the pack validates, the preset is
+discoverable and adopts into its full closure (12 types / 7 methods / 26 rules),
 the optional ``enum`` fields are surfaced by ``type show`` yet omitted from the scaffold, the
-``decomposes-into`` + ``acyclic`` hierarchy fires, and — the 23b signature — the **rigorous
+``decomposes-into`` + ``acyclic`` hierarchy fires, and — this pack's signature — the **rigorous
 traceability** holds: a full Technology → Application → Business realization spine commits and
 validates green, while the **first library use of the** ``must_be_referenced`` **rule kind**
 flags an orphan business service that no process realizes.
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def env_paths(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures (D35)."""
+    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures."""
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PACK_PATH", str(ROOT / "packs"))
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PRESET_PATH", str(ROOT / "presets"))
     monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
@@ -63,13 +63,13 @@ def _commit(typ, aid, domain, front):
     assert code == 0 and env["status"] == "ok", env
 
 
-# --- pack validity (spec 03 §9) --------------------------------------------
+# --- pack validity --------------------------------------------
 
 def test_pack_validates():
     assert pack_mod.validate(pack_mod.load(PACK)) == []
 
 
-# --- discovery (spec 11) ----------------------------------------------------
+# --- discovery ----------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_preset_is_listed(env_paths):
     env, code, _ = run_cli("preset", "list")
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def test_pack_show_lists_twelve_types_and_seven_methods(env_paths):
     assert len(data["rules"]) == 26
 
 
-# --- adopt materializes the full closure (spec 03 §7) ----------------------
+# --- adopt materializes the full closure ----------------------
 
 def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     types = {p.stem for p in (repo / "definitions/types").glob("*.yaml")}
@@ -109,14 +109,14 @@ def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     # the seven acyclic hierarchies reached the store
     assert {"ent-requirements-acyclic", "ent-capabilities-acyclic", "ent-processes-acyclic",
             "ent-app-components-acyclic", "ent-tech-nodes-acyclic"} <= rules
-    # the six no-orphan traceability rules reached the store (the 23b signature)
+    # the six no-orphan traceability rules reached the store (this pack's signature)
     assert {"ent-requirements-satisfied", "ent-capabilities-supported",
             "ent-business-services-realized", "ent-app-services-provided",
             "ent-components-hosted", "ent-tech-services-provided"} <= rules
     assert "ent-refs-resolve" in rules
 
 
-# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix (spec 13 §10) ----------------
+# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix ----------------
 
 def test_optional_enums_are_shown_but_omitted_from_scaffold(repo):
     # type show surfaces the optional enums (discoverable, P4)
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ def test_optional_enums_are_shown_but_omitted_from_scaffold(repo):
 
 def test_full_traceable_spine_commits_green(repo):
     """A complete Technology → Application → Business chain authored top-down, satisfying
-    every required edge AND all six no-orphan rules, validates green (the 23b signature)."""
+    every required edge AND all six no-orphan rules, validates green (this pack's signature)."""
     # governance
     _commit("architecture-principle", "secure-by-design", "governance",
             {"statement": "Security and privacy are designed in, never bolted on."})
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_fetch.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_fetch.py
index db56c84..d1c9585 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_fetch.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_fetch.py
@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
-"""Phase-14 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): upstream pack registry & distribution — resolves Q5 (D27).
+"""Upstream pack registry & distribution.
 
 An upstream *source* is a **git remote** or a **local directory**. ``ea pack fetch``
 brings exact ``pack@version`` artifacts into a content-stable local **cache**;
 selection, materialization, and ``ea migrate`` then run **offline** against the
-cache, deterministically and reproducibly (NFR-1/3). Version resolution is
+cache, deterministically and reproducibly (P1). Version resolution is
 **pin-native** — a selection names an exact immutable ``pack@version``; evolving to
 a newer version is a deliberate ``ea migrate``, never an implicit float. A
 ``definitions/index.yaml`` lock records each active pack's content digest and
-refuses a *same-version* drift (a published version is immutable — spec 03 §10).
+refuses a *same-version* drift (a published version is immutable).
 
 Cases:
 1. **git-remote fetch → offline select/materialize** — the source is deleted after
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_lean_ux.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_lean_ux.py
index 959111f..721051c 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_lean_ux.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_lean_ux.py
@@ -1,16 +1,16 @@
-"""Phase-23c gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the Lean UX production pack + preset — the lighter,
-startup/UI-UX on-ramp of the Phase-23 production library (D35).
+"""The Lean UX production pack + preset — the lighter,
+startup/UI-UX on-ramp of the production library.
 
-Like the 23a flagship gate, this resolves against the **production library home**
+Like the flagship Open Agile Architecture pack, this resolves against the **production library home**
 (repo-root ``packs/`` + ``presets/``), not ``tests/fixtures/`` — proving the real,
-shippable ``lean-ux`` pair end-to-end: the pack validates (spec 03 §9), the preset is
-discoverable (spec 11) and adopts into its full closure (8 types / 6 methods / 12 rules),
+shippable ``lean-ux`` pair end-to-end: the pack validates, the preset is
+discoverable and adopts into its full closure (8 types / 6 methods / 12 rules),
 the optional ``enum`` fields are surfaced by ``type show`` yet omitted from the scaffold,
 a leaf artifact commits green, and the ``decomposes-into`` + ``acyclic`` hierarchy fires.
 
 A final test proves the **composition story** the user accepted: a single manifest that
 adopts ``lean-ux`` and pulls in an ``open-agile-architecture`` method, then uses the
-Phase-25 relationship overlay to add the two cross-pack edges (``metric`` measures
+relationship overlay to add the two cross-pack edges (``metric`` measures
 ``outcome``; ``feature`` realizes ``capability``) — and both resolve green at validate.
 """
 
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def env_paths(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures (D35)."""
+    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures."""
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PACK_PATH", str(ROOT / "packs"))
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PRESET_PATH", str(ROOT / "presets"))
     monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
@@ -58,13 +58,13 @@ def repo(env_paths):
     return env_paths
 
 
-# --- pack validity (spec 03 §9) --------------------------------------------
+# --- pack validity --------------------------------------------
 
 def test_pack_validates():
     assert pack_mod.validate(pack_mod.load(PACK)) == []
 
 
-# --- discovery (spec 11) ----------------------------------------------------
+# --- discovery ----------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_preset_is_listed(env_paths):
     env, code, _ = run_cli("preset", "list")
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def test_pack_show_lists_eight_types_and_six_methods(env_paths):
     assert len(data["rules"]) == 12
 
 
-# --- adopt materializes the full closure (spec 03 §7) ----------------------
+# --- adopt materializes the full closure ----------------------
 
 def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     types = {p.stem for p in (repo / "definitions/types").glob("*.yaml")}
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     assert "refs-resolve" in rules and len(rules) == 12
 
 
-# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix (spec 13 §10) ----------------
+# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix ----------------
 
 def test_optional_enums_are_shown_but_omitted_from_scaffold(repo):
     # type show surfaces the optional enums (discoverable, P4)
@@ -157,24 +157,24 @@ def test_decompose_cycle_is_rejected(repo):
                for d in val["diagnostics"])
 
 
-# --- composition with O-AA via the Phase-25 relationship overlay ------------
+# --- composition with O-AA via the relationship overlay ------------
 
 def test_composes_with_oaa_via_overlay(env_paths):
     """One manifest, two packs: the overlay adds metric→outcome and feature→capability,
-    and both cross-pack edges resolve green at validate (the accepted 23c composition)."""
+    and both cross-pack edges resolve green at validate (the accepted composition)."""
     repo = env_paths
     apply_cli("init")
     apply_cli("manifest", "adopt", "lean-ux")
     apply_cli("project", "create", "demo")
-    # lean-ux + O-AA both ship a natural `refs-resolve` rule (Phase 26, D38): resolve the
+    # lean-ux + O-AA both ship a natural `refs-resolve` rule: resolve the
     # cross-pack clash with a manifest rename of the pack being pulled in, *before* the add.
     apply_cli("manifest", "rename", "add", "--pack", "open-agile-architecture",
               "--kind", "rule", "--from", "refs-resolve", "--to", "oaa-refs-resolve")
     # pull an O-AA method in, bringing its outcome + capability types into the closure
     apply_cli("method", "add", "open-agile-architecture@1.0.0#capability-mapping")
-    # method add writes definitions but not domains (D36) — map the new types into one
+    # method add writes definitions but not domains — map the new types into one
     apply_cli("manifest", "domain", "add", "oaa", "--types", "outcome,capability,principle")
-    # the two cross-pack overlay edges (D37): metric measures outcome, feature realizes capability
+    # the two cross-pack overlay edges: metric measures outcome, feature realizes capability
     apply_cli("manifest", "relationship", "add", "measures",
               "--source", "metric", "--target", "outcome", "--cardinality", "0..*")
     apply_cli("manifest", "relationship", "add", "realizes",
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_open_agile_architecture.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_open_agile_architecture.py
index 95d1986..f76aace 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_open_agile_architecture.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_open_agile_architecture.py
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
-"""Phase-23a gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the Open Agile Architecture (O-AA) production pack +
-preset — the flagship of the Phase-23 production library (D35).
+"""The Open Agile Architecture (O-AA) production pack +
+preset — the flagship of the production library.
 
-Unlike every prior gate (which points at ``tests/fixtures/``), this one resolves
+Unlike every prior suite (which points at ``tests/fixtures/``), this one resolves
 against the **production library home** — repo-root ``packs/`` + ``presets/`` — to
 prove the real, shippable ``open-agile-architecture`` pair end-to-end: the pack
-validates (spec 03 §9), the preset is discoverable (spec 11) and adopts into the
+validates, the preset is discoverable and adopts into the
 full closure (9 types / 7 methods / 18 rules), the optional ``enum`` fields the
 now-fixed ``derive_stub`` unblocked are surfaced by ``type show`` yet omitted from
 the scaffold, a leaf artifact commits green, and the broad ``decomposes-into`` +
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def env_paths(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures (D35)."""
+    """Resolve against the PRODUCTION home, not the fixtures."""
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PACK_PATH", str(ROOT / "packs"))
     monkeypatch.setenv("EA_PRESET_PATH", str(ROOT / "presets"))
     monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
@@ -55,13 +55,13 @@ def repo(env_paths):
     return env_paths
 
 
-# --- pack validity (spec 03 §9) --------------------------------------------
+# --- pack validity --------------------------------------------
 
 def test_pack_validates():
     assert pack_mod.validate(pack_mod.load(PACK)) == []
 
 
-# --- discovery (spec 11) ----------------------------------------------------
+# --- discovery ----------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_preset_is_listed(env_paths):
     env, code, _ = run_cli("preset", "list")
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def test_pack_show_lists_nine_types_and_seven_methods(env_paths):
     assert len(data["rules"]) == 18
 
 
-# --- adopt materializes the full closure (spec 03 §7) ----------------------
+# --- adopt materializes the full closure ----------------------
 
 def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     types = {p.stem for p in (repo / "definitions/types").glob("*.yaml")}
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ def test_adopt_materializes_full_closure(repo):
     assert "refs-resolve" in rules and len(rules) == 18
 
 
-# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix (spec 13 §10) ----------------
+# --- optional-enum showcase + derive_stub fix ----------------
 
 def test_optional_enums_are_shown_but_omitted_from_scaffold(repo):
     # type show surfaces the optional enums (discoverable, P4)
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_pack_version_migrate.py b/tests/e2e/test_pack_version_migrate.py
index 55adf06..295b328 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_pack_version_migrate.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_pack_version_migrate.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
-"""Phase-10 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): cross-pack-**version** migration (resolves Q12).
+"""Cross-pack-**version** migration.
 
-``ea migrate pack@version`` makes a pack version bump first-class (spec 03 §10;
-spec 04 §5). It re-pins every active method of that pack to a new **immutable**
+``ea migrate pack@version`` makes a pack version bump first-class. It re-pins every active method of that pack to a new **immutable**
 version, re-materializes ``definitions/`` to the new closure, and **re-types**
 already-authored artifacts — re-validating them against the new types/rules and
 surfacing (never auto-fixing, never blocking) the incompatibilities the bump
@@ -11,7 +10,7 @@
 ``@1.0.0`` (minimal: capability/principle) and ``@1.1.0`` (adds entity/service
 modeling + an *optional* ``maturity`` field on ``capability``). ``startup-light``
 pins ``@1.0.0``; migrating a startup-light repo to ``@1.1.0`` is the proving case.
-This retires D18's "enrich ``core-ea@1.0.0`` in place" shortcut — the enrichment now
+This retires the earlier "enrich ``core-ea@1.0.0`` in place" shortcut — the enrichment now
 lives in its **own** version, leaving ``@1.0.0`` immutable and still resolvable.
 """
 
@@ -217,7 +216,7 @@ def test_noop_when_already_pinned(repo):
 
 
 def test_version_migrate_plan_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     _bootstrap_startup_light(repo)
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("migrate", "core-ea@1.1.0")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("migrate", "core-ea@1.1.0")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_policies_carry_forward.py b/tests/e2e/test_policies_carry_forward.py
index 0ecf0bc..796e63b 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_policies_carry_forward.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_policies_carry_forward.py
@@ -1,14 +1,13 @@
-"""Phase-12 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): durable governance across archetype operations (D25).
+"""Durable governance across archetype operations.
 
-A method deprecation lives in the Manifest's ``policies`` section (Phase 11, D23).
+A method deprecation lives in the Manifest's ``policies`` section.
 Until now ``manifest adopt`` and archetype ``migrate`` rewrote the Manifest from the
 preset/merge and **dropped** that section, so a deprecation had to be re-issued after
-evolving an archetype. This gate proves the merge now **carries org-authored governance
-forward verbatim**: presets ship no policies (governance is layered *after* adoption,
-spec 04 §6), so there is nothing to merge — only the org's live deprecation to preserve.
+evolving an archetype. This proves the merge now **carries org-authored governance
+forward verbatim**: presets ship no policies (governance is layered *after* adoption), so there is nothing to merge — only the org's live deprecation to preserve.
 
 Over the two-pack ``regulated-startup`` fixture (``control-mapping`` deprecates the
-stranded ``control`` type), the gate shows that after ``migrate``/``adopt`` of an
+stranded ``control`` type), the test shows that after ``migrate``/``adopt`` of an
 archetype the deprecation:
 
 * is **retained** — still blocks a new use and still grandfathers an existing one —
@@ -118,7 +117,7 @@ def test_adopt_carries_deprecation_forward(repo):
     before = _deprecated(repo)["control-mapping"]
 
     # `adopt` rebuilds the Manifest from the preset wholesale; the org's governance is
-    # layered *after* adoption (spec 04 §6) and must be carried forward, not dropped.
+    # layered *after* adoption and must be carried forward, not dropped.
     apply_cli("manifest", "adopt", "regulated-startup")
 
     assert _deprecated(repo)["control-mapping"] == before    # carried forward verbatim
@@ -139,7 +138,7 @@ def test_carry_forward_is_byte_stable(repo):
     policies_text_before = "policies:" in (repo / MANIFEST).read_text("utf-8")
     assert policies_text_before
 
-    # The migrate plan is reproducible (NFR-1) even with a policy present…
+    # The migrate plan is reproducible (P1) even with a policy present…
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("migrate", "enterprise-heavy")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("migrate", "enterprise-heavy")
     assert raw1 == raw2 and raw1.strip().startswith("{")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_projection_cli.py b/tests/e2e/test_projection_cli.py
index 8de86aa..bb4a533 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_projection_cli.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_projection_cli.py
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
-"""Phase-15 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): read-side projection — the subtractive ``--fields``
-primitive proven end-to-end through the CLI (spec 09 §6).
+"""Read-side projection — the subtractive ``--fields``
+primitive proven end-to-end through the CLI.
 
 A surface fetches only the slice it needs: ``--fields`` trims a read command's
 ``data`` to the named top-level keys; ``--list-fields`` enumerates the set; an
 unknown field is a self-describing usage error (exit 2). Projection is read-only
-— a projected ``validate`` keeps its exit-3 verdict — and byte-stable (NFR-1).
-``graph dependency`` is deliberately *not* projectable in v0.1 (deferred — D29).
+— a projected ``validate`` keeps its exit-3 verdict — and byte-stable (P1).
+``graph dependency`` is deliberately *not* projectable in v0.1 (deferred).
 
-The measured token-cost drop (the agent-track's reason for existing) is recorded
-in ``gates/phase-15.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``); ``test_projection_shrinks_the_payload`` is its check.
+The measured token-cost drop (the agent-track's reason for existing) is asserted
+by ``test_projection_shrinks_the_payload``.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ def test_fields_trims_to_named_top_level_keys(repo):
 
 
 def test_projection_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs + identical --fields → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs + identical --fields → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("report", "coverage", "--scope", "org", "--fields", "summary")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("report", "coverage", "--scope", "org", "--fields", "summary")
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ def test_projected_validate_keeps_its_exit_3_verdict(repo):
 
 
 def test_graph_dependency_does_not_accept_fields(repo):
-    """Graph projection is deferred (D29): --fields is an unknown flag → exit 2."""
+    """Graph projection is deferred: --fields is an unknown flag → exit 2."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     env, code, _ = run_cli("graph", "dependency", "--scope", "org", "--fields", "nodes")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ def test_unprojected_read_is_unchanged(repo):
 def test_projection_shrinks_the_payload(repo):
     """The agent-track's reason for existing: the projected slice is smaller.
 
-    Recorded in gates/phase-15.md (tag archive/pre-github). With even one domain the per-domain matrix
+    With even one domain the per-domain matrix
     dominates; ``--fields summary`` keeps only the roll-up.
     """
     _bootstrap(repo)
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_promote.py b/tests/e2e/test_promote.py
index e18a793..7d7eeff 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_promote.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_promote.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-6 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): write-side — ``ea promote`` (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Write-side — ``ea promote``.
 
 A project artifact is promoted to the Org scope via a reviewed, confirmed plan —
 copied **verbatim**, the project file removed (no duplicate), inbound references
@@ -6,12 +6,12 @@
 make a blocked promotion a *verdict* on the proposed source of truth (``status:
 invalid``, exit 3, with the same diagnostic codes ``validate`` emits):
 
-* a would-be-dangling outbound reference **blocks** (spec 05 §5);
-* a same-``(type, id)`` Org artifact **refuses** — no shadowing (spec 05 §3.3).
+* a would-be-dangling outbound reference **blocks**;
+* a same-``(type, id)`` Org artifact **refuses** — no shadowing.
 
-The outbound pre-check reuses the Phase-5 traversal engine (``outbound_refs``).
+The outbound pre-check reuses the traversal engine (``outbound_refs``).
 The move is one guarded change, so plan/apply drift is refused (exit 4) by the
-same verify-before-delete token that backs ``project delete`` (spec 05 §7).
+same verify-before-delete token that backs ``project delete``.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -102,14 +102,14 @@ def test_promote_plan_then_apply_moves_artifact(repo):
     assert code == 0 and env["status"] == "ok"
     assert env["data"]["applied"] == {"created": 1, "updated": 0, "deleted": 1}
     assert (repo / ORG_PRIN).exists() and not (repo / PROJ_PRIN).exists()
-    # Verbatim copy — no rewrite (spec 05 §5).
+    # Verbatim copy — no rewrite.
     assert (repo / ORG_PRIN).read_text("utf-8") == _principle("data-locality")
 
 
 def test_inbound_reference_falls_through_after_promotion(repo):
     """A project capability that referenced the artifact keeps resolving — to Org now.
 
-    The gate's "leaves a project reference, no duplicate": the project copy is gone,
+    The requirement "leaves a project reference, no duplicate": the project copy is gone,
     yet the capability's ``governed-by`` falls through to the Org copy with no rewrite.
     """
     _bootstrap(repo)
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ def test_would_dangle_outbound_blocks(repo):
 
 
 def test_shadow_refuses(repo):
-    """Org already holding the (type, id) refuses promotion — no shadowing (§3.3)."""
+    """Org already holding the (type, id) refuses promotion — no shadowing."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, ORG_PRIN, _principle("data-locality"))
     _write(repo, PROJ_PRIN, _principle("data-locality"))
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ def test_shadow_refuses(repo):
 
 
 def test_promote_plan_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, PROJ_PRIN, _principle("data-locality"))
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("promote", "principle", "data-locality", "--project", "payments")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_relationship_overlay.py b/tests/e2e/test_relationship_overlay.py
index e2a56bd..ac548f4 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_relationship_overlay.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_relationship_overlay.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-"""Phase-25 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the ``ea manifest relationship`` overlay — repo-level
-cross-pack relationship tailoring (D37, spec 04 §4.2).
+"""The ``ea manifest relationship`` overlay — repo-level
+cross-pack relationship tailoring.
 
 A pack cannot declare a relationship whose ``target_type`` lives in another pack
 (pack validation + closure both reject a foreign target). So with the
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ def test_remove_rejects_unknown_overlay_row(repo):
     assert code != 0
 
 
-# --- the overlay survives archetype operations (D37: carried like policies) --
+# --- the overlay survives archetype operations (carried like policies) --
 
 def test_overlay_survives_migrate(repo):
     apply_cli("manifest", "relationship", "add", "addresses",
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_rename_overlay.py b/tests/e2e/test_rename_overlay.py
index a3083d6..bd36def 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_rename_overlay.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_rename_overlay.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-26 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): pack-independent materialization via a manifest
+"""Pack-independent materialization via a manifest
 **rename overlay** (the accepted extended model b).
 
 Two packs may now ship the same natural id (every pack needs a ``refs-resolve``-style
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_report_coverage.py b/tests/e2e/test_report_coverage.py
index 0adc2f2..5f6b9ff 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_report_coverage.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_report_coverage.py
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
-"""Phase-4 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): the first real ``report`` kind — ``coverage``.
+"""The first real ``report`` kind — ``coverage``.
 
 A repository emits a deterministic, byte-stable ``coverage`` report as
 CI-consumable JSON via direct CLI use. Coverage answers "which permitted types
-are present/missing per domain" (spec 04 §4) for one scope; unlike ``validate``
+are present/missing per domain" for one scope; unlike ``validate``
 it describes rather than judges, so a sparse scope is still ``status: ok``
-(exit 0) — the invalid/exit-3 distinction (spec 02 §4.1) is not coverage's job.
+(exit 0) — the invalid/exit-3 distinction is not coverage's job.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ def _bootstrap(repo: Path):
 
 
 def test_coverage_reports_present_and_missing_per_domain(repo):
-    """The spec-06 fixture has a capability but no principle → one present, one missing."""
+    """The fixture has a capability but no principle → one present, one missing."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/principle/data-locality.md", PRINCIPLE)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/capability/billing.md", CAPABILITY)
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ def test_missing_type_is_reported_not_a_failure(repo):
 
 
 def test_coverage_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1) — the determinism gate."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1) — the determinism gate."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     _write(repo, "projects/payments/business/capability/billing.md", CAPABILITY)
 
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ def test_org_scope_is_independent_of_projects(repo):
 
 
 def test_missing_scope_is_a_usage_error(repo):
-    """No scope selector → usage error (exit 2), never a report — spec 02 §9."""
+    """No scope selector → usage error (exit 2), never a report."""
     _bootstrap(repo)
     env, code, _ = run_cli("report", "coverage")
     assert code == 2 and env["status"] == "error"
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_running_methods_parity.py b/tests/e2e/test_running_methods_parity.py
index 3aeae63..a8cc2a2 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_running_methods_parity.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_running_methods_parity.py
@@ -1,15 +1,15 @@
-"""Phase-28 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): guided method run — ``ea-architect`` walks a method.
+"""Guided method run — ``ea-architect`` walks a method.
 
-Surface-only — **no** ``src/ea_core`` change (like Phases 8/16/19). This phase adds ONE new
+Surface-only — **no** ``src/ea_core`` change. This adds ONE new
 host-agnostic reference flow, ``reference/running-methods.md``, to the ``ea-architect`` skill: a
 method-agnostic, eliciting walk-through loop over the *existing* method data (``ea method show`` →
 ground on ``report coverage`` → walk each step, authoring each produced artifact via the reused Flow B
-inner loop → advising-style summary). No core verb, no schema change (spec 15).
+inner loop → advising-style summary). No core verb, no schema change.
 
-The objective half extends the Phase-19 host-parity guard to the new file, and asserts the surface-only
+The objective half extends the existing host-parity guard to the new file, and asserts the surface-only
 invariant directly: no ``ea method run``/``next`` core verb exists. The recorded ea-architect session
-(walk a method end-to-end → several green artifacts → advisory summary) is the other half of the gate and
-lives in ``gates/phase-28.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``).
+(walk a method end-to-end → several green artifacts → advisory summary) is the other half — a recorded
+guided-run session.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@
 CLAUDE = ROOT / "plugins" / "ea-claude" / "skills" / "ea-architect"
 ANTI = ROOT / "plugins" / "ea-antigravity" / "skills" / "ea-architect"
 
-# The new flow this phase adds. gate19 guards the full pre-existing set; this gate
-# proves the new file joins it under the same single-source invariant (D33 sync-by-copy).
+# The new flow this suite adds. test_skill_parity guards the full pre-existing set; this test
+# proves the new file joins it under the same single-source invariant (sync-by-copy).
 NEW_FLOW = "running-methods"
 
 
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ def test_no_core_method_run_verb_added():
 
 
 def test_method_subcommands_unchanged_from_phase27():
-    """The method verb catalog is exactly Phase 27's — this phase adds no CLI surface."""
+    """The method verb catalog is unchanged — this suite adds no CLI surface."""
     env, code, _ = run_cli("method", "bogus-subcommand")
     assert code == 2
     msg = env["diagnostics"][0]["message"]           # "...choose from add, remove, list, ..."
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_show_verb.py b/tests/e2e/test_show_verb.py
index 6a6cfb7..9bea78c 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_show_verb.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_show_verb.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Proposal 0001 gate: ``ea show`` — single-artifact inspect verb.
+"""``ea show`` — single-artifact inspect verb.
 
 ``ea show <type> <id> [--project <pid>] [--fields …] [--list-fields]`` returns one
 resolved artifact's front-matter as flat top-level ``data`` keys plus the two
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ def test_fields_trims_subtractively_including_absent_optional(repo):
 
 
 def test_projection_is_read_only(repo):
-    """--fields never touches status/diagnostics (spec 09 §3.1)."""
+    """--fields never touches status/diagnostics."""
     _write(repo, "org/business/principle/data-locality.md", _principle("data-locality"))
     _write(repo, "org/business/capability/billing.md", _capability("billing"))
     bare, _, _ = run_cli("show", "capability", "billing")
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_skill_parity.py b/tests/e2e/test_skill_parity.py
index 5952108..208deea 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_skill_parity.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_skill_parity.py
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-"""Phase-19 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): architect advisory assistant + multi-file skill restructure (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Architect advisory assistant + multi-file skill restructure.
 
-Surface-only — **no** ``src/ea_core`` change (like Phases 8/16). The ``ea-architect`` skill is
+Surface-only — **no** ``src/ea_core`` change. The ``ea-architect`` skill is
 restructured into *one skill, multi-file progressive disclosure*: a lean ``SKILL.md`` spine plus
-one-level-deep ``reference/`` files loaded on demand. The objective half of the gate is the
+one-level-deep ``reference/`` files loaded on demand. The objective half is the
 **host-parity invariant** that proves the two surfaces re-host the SAME judgment+advisory agent (P2):
 
 * every ``reference/`` file is 100% host-agnostic → **byte-identical** across both plugins;
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 * the ``/ea`` launcher is byte-identical and host-agnostic across both plugins.
 
 The recorded advisory session (ask-state → synthesized picture → grounded next-steps) is the
-other half of the gate and lives in ``gates/phase-19.md`` (tag ``archive/pre-github``).
+other half — a recorded advisory session.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
     "discovery",
     "tailoring",
     "authoring",
-    "running-methods",  # Phase 28 (D40) — guided method run; guarded in full by test_running_methods_parity
+    "running-methods",  # guided method run; guarded in full by test_running_methods_parity
     "promotion",
     "migration",
     "reading",
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def test_reference_files_present_exactly_both_hosts():
 
 
 def test_reference_files_byte_identical_across_hosts():
-    """The single-source invariant: reference/ files sync verbatim (host-agnostic, D33 fork 6)."""
+    """The single-source invariant: reference/ files sync verbatim (host-agnostic)."""
     for name in REFERENCE_FILES:
         c = (CLAUDE / "reference" / f"{name}.md").read_bytes()
         a = (ANTI / "reference" / f"{name}.md").read_bytes()
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def test_reference_files_carry_no_host_token():
 
 
 def test_skill_spine_differs_only_by_host_line():
-    """The two spines are identical apart from the one marked host line (Phase-16 corral, kept)."""
+    """The two spines are identical apart from the one marked host line (the corral, kept)."""
     assert _body_without_host_line(CLAUDE / "SKILL.md") == _body_without_host_line(ANTI / "SKILL.md")
     claude_host = [ln for ln in (CLAUDE / "SKILL.md").read_text().splitlines() if "host:" in ln]
     anti_host = [ln for ln in (ANTI / "SKILL.md").read_text().splitlines() if "host:" in ln]
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_source_of_truth_flow.py b/tests/e2e/test_source_of_truth_flow.py
index 3ec7413..c048b9c 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_source_of_truth_flow.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_source_of_truth_flow.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""Phase-1 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): full source-of-truth flow via the direct CLI."""
+"""Full source-of-truth flow via the direct CLI."""
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
diff --git a/tests/e2e/test_two_pack_compose.py b/tests/e2e/test_two_pack_compose.py
index 4073585..08ec834 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/test_two_pack_compose.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/test_two_pack_compose.py
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-"""Phase-9 gate (archived at tag archive/pre-github): breadth — a **second Method Pack** (archived at tag archive/pre-github).
+"""Breadth — a **second Method Pack**.
 
 A second, self-contained pack (`risk-controls@1.0.0` — a risk register + the
 controls that mitigate risks, a different domain than `core-ea`) is selectable
-**alongside** `core-ea`. The gate proves three things over the **unchanged** core:
+**alongside** `core-ea`. This proves three things over the **unchanged** core:
 
 * a Manifest selecting methods from **two** packs materializes one `definitions/`
   drawn from both and **validates green** — each materialized file keeps its own
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
   a rule that only a *selected* method requires (`risk-mitigated`) is the one that
   governs.
 
-The only core change is an additive collision guard in ``materialize`` (D21); the
+The only core change is an additive collision guard in ``materialize``; the
 pack itself is pure data (M4).
 """
 
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ def test_same_pack_sharing_a_type_is_not_a_false_collision(repo):
 # --- determinism ------------------------------------------------------------
 
 def test_two_pack_adopt_plan_is_byte_stable(repo):
-    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (NFR-1)."""
+    """Identical inputs → byte-identical stdout (P1)."""
     apply_cli("init")
     _, _, raw1 = run_cli("manifest", "adopt", "regulated-startup")
     _, _, raw2 = run_cli("manifest", "adopt", "regulated-startup")