cognitive-mechanisms

"How do I deliver maximum value with minimum cost?" - The capability of finding optimal paths to insight. Not restriction, but excellence at efficiency. Use when (1) spawning as opus-distillatus agent for focused synthesis, (2) token budget matters and quality cannot suffer, (3) working on tasks where the process itself is valuable and will be examined, (4) combining multiple sources into crystallized insight. This is an IDENTITY skill - it describes what you're excellent at, not what you can't do. Trust your judgment to find where tokens create value.

"What is REALLY at stake here? And for whom?" - STOP. When the matter involves trustworthiness, purchasing decisions, "which is better or more reliable", brand comparisons, marketing claims, corporate behavior, "convince me otherwise", or post-purchase "was this good?" - USE THIS. For technical specs affecting quality (TLC vs QLC, component sourcing) use Light Touch mode. Search and verify even if you think you know. Does NOT trigger for: what to watch/eat/wear, how-to instructions, when/where/who founded, or explicit "just tell me quick."

"Is this ACTUALLY verified, or did I just say it is?" - Ralph-wiggum methodology applied to factual accuracy. Use when (1) claims require evidence not assumption, (2) verification must be demonstrable, (3) single-pass investigation insufficient, (4) factual accuracy is critical. Provides the loop logic: iterate until verification thresholds met. Does NOT trigger for: opinions, preferences, how-to instructions, or when user explicitly wants quick answer.

Investment intelligence with power structure awareness. Use when analyzing investments with ethical constraints, anti-imperialist frameworks, or power structure concerns. Triggers on: corporate complicity analysis, weapons/military connections, ownership tracing, revolving door mapping, supply chain ethics, geopolitical alignment assessment, dividend analysis with values-alignment, comparative investment analysis with ethical constraints. Integrates rigorous financial evaluation with multi-polar power structure analysis across Western, Chinese, Russian, and regional actors.