diff --git a/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh b/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh
old mode 100755
new mode 100644
index c910bd7..0661b7c
--- a/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh
+++ b/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ SKILLS=""
 
 # Check file extensions and paths
 if echo "$FILE" | grep -qiE 'test_|_test\.py|tests/|\.py$'; then
-    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-conventions"
+    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-patterns"
 fi
 
 if echo "$FILE" | grep -qiE '\.env|\.gitignore|secret|credential|token'; then
@@ -22,16 +22,16 @@ if echo "$FILE" | grep -qiE '\.env|\.gitignore|secret|credential|token'; then
 fi
 
 if echo "$FILE" | grep -qiE 'pipeline|fetch_|group_|filter_|summarize_|categorize_'; then
-    SKILLS="$SKILLS data-pipeline-patterns"
+    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-patterns"
 fi
 
 if echo "$FILE" | grep -qiE 'api|client|request|fetch'; then
-    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-conventions"
+    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-patterns"
 fi
 
 # Check command content
 if echo "$CMD" | grep -qiE 'pytest|test|coverage'; then
-    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-conventions"
+    SKILLS="$SKILLS python-patterns"
 fi
 
 if echo "$CMD" | grep -qiE 'git (commit|push|merge|rebase)'; then
diff --git a/.ai-workspace/tests/test-hooks.sh b/.ai-workspace/tests/test-hooks.sh
index b98ac7a..df77f6f 100644
--- a/.ai-workspace/tests/test-hooks.sh
+++ b/.ai-workspace/tests/test-hooks.sh
@@ -62,22 +62,22 @@ fi
 # SKILL SUGGEST HOOK TESTS
 # ============================================================
 
-# Test 4: Python file → python-conventions
+# Test 4: Python file → python-patterns
 export CLAUDE_TOOL_INPUT='{"file_path": "/home/user/main.py"}'
 OUTPUT=$(bash "$PROJECT_DIR/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh" 2>&1)
-if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "python-conventions"; then
-    pass "Skill suggest: .py → python-conventions"
+if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "python-patterns"; then
+    pass "Skill suggest: .py → python-patterns"
 else
-    fail "Skill suggest: .py → python-conventions" "Got: $OUTPUT"
+    fail "Skill suggest: .py → python-patterns" "Got: $OUTPUT"
 fi
 
-# Test 5: Test file → python-conventions
+# Test 5: Test file → python-patterns
 export CLAUDE_TOOL_INPUT='{"file_path": "/home/user/tests/test_main.py"}'
 OUTPUT=$(bash "$PROJECT_DIR/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh" 2>&1)
-if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "python-conventions"; then
-    pass "Skill suggest: test file → python-conventions"
+if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "python-patterns"; then
+    pass "Skill suggest: test file → python-patterns"
 else
-    fail "Skill suggest: test file → python-conventions" "Got: $OUTPUT"
+    fail "Skill suggest: test file → python-patterns" "Got: $OUTPUT"
 fi
 
 # Test 6: .env file → security-check
@@ -89,13 +89,13 @@ else
     fail "Skill suggest: .env → security-check" "Got: $OUTPUT"
 fi
 
-# Test 7: Pipeline file → data-pipeline-patterns
+# Test 7: Pipeline file → python-patterns
 export CLAUDE_TOOL_INPUT='{"file_path": "/home/user/scripts/fetch_data.py"}'
 OUTPUT=$(bash "$PROJECT_DIR/.ai-workspace/scripts/skill-suggest.sh" 2>&1)
-if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "data-pipeline-patterns"; then
-    pass "Skill suggest: pipeline file → data-pipeline-patterns"
+if echo "$OUTPUT" | grep -q "python-patterns"; then
+    pass "Skill suggest: pipeline file → python-patterns"
 else
-    fail "Skill suggest: pipeline file → data-pipeline-patterns" "Got: $OUTPUT"
+    fail "Skill suggest: pipeline file → python-patterns" "Got: $OUTPUT"
 fi
 
 # Test 8: Git command → security-check
diff --git a/.claude/commands/check-code.md b/.claude/commands/check-code.md
index c39bfa2..ec80ab0 100644
--- a/.claude/commands/check-code.md
+++ b/.claude/commands/check-code.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
-description: "Check code quality and run linting"
+description: "Run a lightweight Python lint and format check. Use /verify for the full environment, type, lint, and test workflow."
 ---
 
-# Check Code
+# Check Code (lightweight)
 
-Look at the code in the current directory or the path provided by the user.
+Look at the Python code in the current directory or the path provided by the user. This is the fast feedback command; use `/verify` for the complete check.
 
 Run these checks:
 1. Run `ruff check .` to find linting issues
diff --git a/.claude/commands/test-coverage.md b/.claude/commands/test-coverage.md
index f5c8e50..bb00292 100644
--- a/.claude/commands/test-coverage.md
+++ b/.claude/commands/test-coverage.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-description: "Analyze test coverage, identify gaps, and generate missing tests to reach 80%+ coverage."
+description: "Analyze test coverage, identify gaps, and generate focused missing tests. Respects the project's configured coverage target when one exists."
 ---
 
 # Test Coverage Command
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ For each under-covered file, generate tests following this priority:
 
 1. Run the full test suite — all tests must pass
 2. Re-run coverage — verify improvement
-3. If still below 80%, repeat Step 3 for remaining gaps
+3. If still below the project's configured target, repeat Step 3 for the highest-value remaining gaps. If no target is configured, report the measured coverage without imposing an arbitrary threshold.
 
 ### Step 5: Report
 
diff --git a/.claude/commands/toolkit.md b/.claude/commands/toolkit.md
index 0dc80b7..769ada0 100644
--- a/.claude/commands/toolkit.md
+++ b/.claude/commands/toolkit.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ Based on what the user is currently doing, suggest specific tools:
 → "New to this repo? Ask me to explain how the project works and I'll onboard you."
 
 **If they're in a data pipeline project (Python + JSON/YAML + API calls):**
-→ "This looks like a data pipeline. `data-pipeline-patterns` and `python-conventions` will activate automatically when you write pipeline code."
+→ "This looks like a data pipeline. `python-patterns` will activate automatically when you write pipeline code."
 
 **If there's a `.mcp.json` file:**
 → "MCP is configured here. The `mcp-patterns` agent-doc will help if you build or modify MCP servers."
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ Based on what the user is currently doing, suggest specific tools:
 → "Found tests. Run `/test-coverage` to see what's untested."
 
 **If there are failing tests or recent errors:**
-→ "Looks like something is broken. The `systematic-debugging` skill will activate — it follows a structured root cause analysis instead of guessing."
+→ "Looks like something is broken. Use `/env-check` first, then `/verify` after applying a fix."
 
 **If files are large or complex (>300 lines, deep nesting):**
 → "Some files here are getting complex. When you're ready to clean up, `refactoring-patterns` will guide measurement-driven refactoring."
diff --git a/GUIDE.md b/GUIDE.md
index 06fd01a..0320629 100644
--- a/GUIDE.md
+++ b/GUIDE.md
@@ -79,9 +79,8 @@ Skills activate on their own — you just get better results. They live in `skil
 
 | Skill | Purpose | When it activates |
 |-------|---------|-------------------|
-| `python-conventions` | Dotenv conventions, API client rules, LLM response parsing, TDD workflow, pytest patterns | When you edit Python files or API client code |
+| `python-patterns` | Dotenv conventions, API client rules, LLM response parsing, TDD workflow, pytest patterns | When you edit Python files or API client code |
 | `security-check` | Credential leak detection (API keys for GitHub, Stripe, AWS, etc.), insecure code patterns (eval, pickle, shell injection), LLM-specific risks | When you edit code that touches credentials, APIs, or security-sensitive patterns |
-| `data-pipeline-patterns` | Pipeline stage design, data validation, circuit breakers, checkpoint/resume, debugging | When you work on pipeline scripts or data processing code |
 | `refactoring-patterns` | Measurement-driven refactoring — profile before, measure after, keep only if metrics improve. Bulk mode for 10+ files. | When you say "refactor", "clean up", or code has high complexity |
 | `verification-loop` | Unified engine behind `/verify`, `/quality-gate` — environment, types, lint, tests, review, security | When you invoke /verify or /quality-gate |
 | `brainstorming` | Design exploration before implementation — asks questions, proposes approaches, presents design for approval | When creative/design work is detected |
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3e5cc8f..6b05af9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -45,10 +45,9 @@ Skills are knowledge that Claude carries in the background. You don't trigger th
 | Skill | What it does |
 |-------|-------------|
 | `security-check` | Detects credential leaks, insecure patterns, LLM-specific risks |
-| `python-conventions` | Dotenv conventions, API client rules, TDD workflow |
-| `data-pipeline-patterns` | Pipeline stage design, validation, circuit breakers |
+| `python-patterns` | Dotenv conventions, API clients, LLM parsing, testing, and pipelines |
 | `refactoring-patterns` | Measurement-driven refactoring with before/after metrics |
-| `verification-loop` | Powers `/verify`, `/quality-gate` |
+| `verification-loop` | Powers `/verify`, `/quality-gate` (invoked on demand) |
 | `brainstorming` | Design exploration before implementation |
 
 ### Commands (you trigger these)
diff --git a/ai-workspace.toml b/ai-workspace.toml
index ef63240..7d45d5d 100644
--- a/ai-workspace.toml
+++ b/ai-workspace.toml
@@ -37,9 +37,9 @@ ai-engineer-review = []  # standalone command
 # Set to false if this skill should only load when explicitly invoked
 [skills.auto-activate]
 security-check = true  # Triggers when editing code that handles credentials/APIs
-verification-loop = true  # Powers multiple commands, loads on-demand
+verification-loop = false  # Invoked explicitly by /verify and /quality-gate
 python-patterns = true  # Triggers when editing Python code
 refactoring-patterns = true  # Triggers when refactoring
 brainstorming = true  # Triggers when user asks for design/planning
-cost-speed-meter = true  # Tracks all command execution automatically
+cost-speed-meter = false  # Use its scripts explicitly when measuring commands
 update-docs = false  # Activated via /update-docs command
diff --git a/commands/check-code/command.md b/commands/check-code/command.md
index c39bfa2..ec80ab0 100644
--- a/commands/check-code/command.md
+++ b/commands/check-code/command.md
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 ---
-description: "Check code quality and run linting"
+description: "Run a lightweight Python lint and format check. Use /verify for the full environment, type, lint, and test workflow."
 ---
 
-# Check Code
+# Check Code (lightweight)
 
-Look at the code in the current directory or the path provided by the user.
+Look at the Python code in the current directory or the path provided by the user. This is the fast feedback command; use `/verify` for the complete check.
 
 Run these checks:
 1. Run `ruff check .` to find linting issues
diff --git a/commands/test-coverage/command.md b/commands/test-coverage/command.md
index f5c8e50..bb00292 100644
--- a/commands/test-coverage/command.md
+++ b/commands/test-coverage/command.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-description: "Analyze test coverage, identify gaps, and generate missing tests to reach 80%+ coverage."
+description: "Analyze test coverage, identify gaps, and generate focused missing tests. Respects the project's configured coverage target when one exists."
 ---
 
 # Test Coverage Command
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ For each under-covered file, generate tests following this priority:
 
 1. Run the full test suite — all tests must pass
 2. Re-run coverage — verify improvement
-3. If still below 80%, repeat Step 3 for remaining gaps
+3. If still below the project's configured target, repeat Step 3 for the highest-value remaining gaps. If no target is configured, report the measured coverage without imposing an arbitrary threshold.
 
 ### Step 5: Report
 
diff --git a/commands/toolkit/command.md b/commands/toolkit/command.md
index 0dc80b7..769ada0 100644
--- a/commands/toolkit/command.md
+++ b/commands/toolkit/command.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ Based on what the user is currently doing, suggest specific tools:
 → "New to this repo? Ask me to explain how the project works and I'll onboard you."
 
 **If they're in a data pipeline project (Python + JSON/YAML + API calls):**
-→ "This looks like a data pipeline. `data-pipeline-patterns` and `python-conventions` will activate automatically when you write pipeline code."
+→ "This looks like a data pipeline. `python-patterns` will activate automatically when you write pipeline code."
 
 **If there's a `.mcp.json` file:**
 → "MCP is configured here. The `mcp-patterns` agent-doc will help if you build or modify MCP servers."
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ Based on what the user is currently doing, suggest specific tools:
 → "Found tests. Run `/test-coverage` to see what's untested."
 
 **If there are failing tests or recent errors:**
-→ "Looks like something is broken. The `systematic-debugging` skill will activate — it follows a structured root cause analysis instead of guessing."
+→ "Looks like something is broken. Use `/env-check` first, then `/verify` after applying a fix."
 
 **If files are large or complex (>300 lines, deep nesting):**
 → "Some files here are getting complex. When you're ready to clean up, `refactoring-patterns` will guide measurement-driven refactoring."
diff --git a/skills/ci-guard/SKILL.md b/skills/ci-guard/SKILL.md
index 7c4f175..9788f80 100644
--- a/skills/ci-guard/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/ci-guard/SKILL.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ description: Use when starting work in a repository under repositories/ that may
 
 # CI Guard
 
-Every repository using this basecamp should have CI unless explicitly marked as research. This skill checks for CI configuration and alerts when it's missing.
+Repositories benefit from CI, but this skill is advisory. It checks for CI configuration and alerts when it is missing, while allowing research, prototypes, and intentionally local projects.
 
 ## When to Activate
 
diff --git a/skills/cost-speed-meter/SKILL.md b/skills/cost-speed-meter/SKILL.md
index 9ac430b..66284ea 100644
--- a/skills/cost-speed-meter/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/cost-speed-meter/SKILL.md
@@ -1,17 +1,17 @@
 ---
 name: cost-speed-meter
-description: Track command execution times and suggest faster paths. After tests/builds/lint, shows execution cost and recommends fast-path alternatives (unit tests vs integration, cached builds). For feedback loop optimization and proving optimizations worked.
+description: Use when the user asks to measure command execution time or optimize a feedback loop. Records explicit measurements and recommends faster alternatives such as unit tests versus integration tests. It is opt-in; it does not run on every command.
 ---
 
 # Cost & Speed Meter
 
 Track execution time. Suggest faster paths. Prove optimizations worked.
 
-Every bash command is timed and stored. Across sessions, you see trends: is the test suite slower? Did that optimization help? Should you run unit tests instead of full integration tests for faster feedback?
+Measure only commands the user asks to compare. Across sessions, the optional metrics file can show trends without adding noise or overhead to normal work.
 
 ## When to Use
 
-- User runs tests, builds, or lint commands — timing is tracked automatically
+- User asks to measure tests, builds, or lint commands
 - User asks: "is this slow?", "how long did that take?", "what's the slowest operation?"
 - User asks: "what's a faster way to do this?", "what's the quick feedback loop?"
 - User is optimizing something — measure before, optimize, measure after to prove it worked
@@ -29,22 +29,13 @@ Every bash command is timed and stored. Across sessions, you see trends: is the
 
 ## Output
 
-### Session Status (automatic)
-
-After relevant commands, status line shows:
-```
-[METRICS: tests 45s | build 8s | slowest: integration tests]
-```
-
 ### Command Reports
 
 On demand:
 
 ```
-/metrics                   Show this session's measurements
-/metrics-report            Weekly summary (last 7 days, trends)
-/metrics-slowest           Which operations cost the most time
-/metrics-recommend         Suggest faster paths (unit tests vs integration)
+Use `skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh show` for current measurements or
+`skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh report` for a weekly summary.
 ```
 
 ## Fast-Path Recommendations
@@ -167,8 +158,8 @@ if "Cargo.toml" with [dev-dependencies]:
 
 ## Behavioral Rules
 
-- **Always track** — every bash command is timed (overhead: <10ms)
+- **Opt-in only** — never intercept or time unrelated commands
 - **No alerts** — just data, no noise
 - **Trends** — report 7-day moving average, flag +10% growth
 - **Respect RTK** — if RTK is filtering, meter still gets accurate time
-- **No modifications** — meter reads, doesn't change command output
+- **No command interception** — measurement is explicit and does not change command output
diff --git a/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter-hook.sh b/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter-hook.sh
index 036ec26..ab633e9 100644
--- a/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter-hook.sh
+++ b/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter-hook.sh
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/bin/bash
-# Auto-tracking hook for cost-speed-meter
-# Measures execution time of test, build, lint, and git commands
-# Called by Claude Code PreToolUse hook
+# Optional suggestion hook for cost-speed-meter.
+# It is intentionally not installed as a global command hook: PreToolUse
+# cannot measure the command that runs after it. Use meter.sh explicitly.
 
 METRICS_DIR="${CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR}/.claude"
 METRICS_FILE="${METRICS_DIR}/metrics.json"
@@ -55,12 +55,4 @@ category=$(categorize_cmd "$CMD")
 # Only track if metrics file exists (repo has initialized)
 [[ ! -f "$METRICS_FILE" ]] && exit 0
 
-# Record timing in background (don't block the command)
-{
-  start_time=$(date +%s.%N)
-  # Actual command runs via Claude Code (not here)
-  # We just record what we know
-  sleep 0.1  # placeholder; actual timing comes from Claude Code measurement
-} &
-
 exit 0
diff --git a/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh b/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh
old mode 100755
new mode 100644
index 9284c44..1722a10
--- a/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh
+++ b/skills/cost-speed-meter/meter.sh
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ PYTHON
 show_current() {
   [[ ! -f "$METRICS_FILE" ]] && { echo "No metrics yet. Run commands first."; return; }
 
-  python3 << 'PYTHON'
+  METRICS_FILE="$METRICS_FILE" python3 << 'PYTHON'
 import json
 import os
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ with open(metrics_file, 'r') as f:
 
 if not data['operations']:
   print("No operations tracked yet.")
-  return
+  raise SystemExit(0)
 
 print("\n=== CURRENT METRICS ===")
 print(f"Repo: {data['repo']}\n")
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ PYTHON
 weekly_report() {
   [[ ! -f "$METRICS_FILE" ]] && { echo "No metrics yet."; return; }
 
-  python3 << 'PYTHON'
+  METRICS_FILE="$METRICS_FILE" python3 << 'PYTHON'
 import json
 import os
 
diff --git a/skills/python-patterns/references/testing.md b/skills/python-patterns/references/testing.md
index ffe6aee..353f564 100644
--- a/skills/python-patterns/references/testing.md
+++ b/skills/python-patterns/references/testing.md
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 ## TDD Cycle
 
-**RED** (write failing test) → **GREEN** (minimal code to pass) → **REFACTOR** (improve while green). Target 80%+ coverage.
+**RED** (write failing test) → **GREEN** (minimal code to pass) → **REFACTOR** (improve while green). Follow the project's configured coverage target when one exists.
 
 ## Testing Patterns
 
@@ -33,4 +33,4 @@ def test_model_reproducibility(sample_df):
 - **Test behavior, not internals** — assert outputs, not private attributes
 - **Independent tests** — each test sets up its own data
 - **Test edge cases** — None, empty DataFrame, NaN, inf
-- Target **80%+ coverage**
+- Follow the project's configured coverage target; otherwise prioritize meaningful behavior coverage.
diff --git a/skills/security-check/SKILL.md b/skills/security-check/SKILL.md
index cdb9411..ee9b85c 100644
--- a/skills/security-check/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/security-check/SKILL.md
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ---
 name: security-check
 version: "1.0"
-description: Scan Python projects for credential leaks, secrets in code, insecure patterns, LLM API key exposure, PII leakage to external AI services, and .env/.gitignore misconfigurations. Focused on data science pipelines handling API keys, tokens, and LLM integrations.
+description: Scan projects for credential leaks, secrets in code, insecure patterns, LLM API key exposure, PII leakage to external AI services, and .env/.gitignore misconfigurations. Especially useful for data and API integrations, regardless of implementation language.
 ---
 
 # Security Check Skill
diff --git a/skills/semantic-versioning/SKILL.md b/skills/semantic-versioning/SKILL.md
index d6044df..768a55a 100644
--- a/skills/semantic-versioning/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/semantic-versioning/SKILL.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ description: Use when committing or pushing changes and the repository needs a v
 
 # Semantic Versioning
 
-Determine the next version from commit history. Every pushed change gets classified; the highest-impact commit drives the bump.
+Determine the next version from commit history when preparing a release. The highest-impact release-relevant commit drives the bump.
 
 ## When to Activate
 
diff --git a/skills/verification-loop/guidelines.md b/skills/verification-loop/guidelines.md
index 930eae3..9475a41 100644
--- a/skills/verification-loop/guidelines.md
+++ b/skills/verification-loop/guidelines.md
@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@
 
 ## Coverage Target
 
-- Minimum **80%** test coverage
-- If coverage drops below 80%, flag it as a finding
+- Use the project's configured coverage target when one exists.
+- If no target is configured, report measured coverage and prioritize important untested behavior rather than enforcing a universal percentage.
 
 ## Escalation
 
diff --git a/skills/verification-loop/skills/phases.md b/skills/verification-loop/skills/phases.md
index ad23a00..5a1082d 100644
--- a/skills/verification-loop/skills/phases.md
+++ b/skills/verification-loop/skills/phases.md
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ ruff format --check . 2>&1
 pytest --cov --cov-report=term-missing -q 2>&1 | tail -50
 ```
 
-Target: 80% minimum coverage.
+Use the project's configured coverage target when one exists. Otherwise report measured coverage and identify untested high-risk code without imposing a universal threshold.
 
 ## Phase 5: Code Review