feat(mcp): enforce scoped recovery playbook before full restart (Closes #669)

Add recovery_playbook.py with the narrow-to-broad recovery ladder, symptom
routing, attempt-log helpers, and escalation metrics. Wire the attempt-log
gate into restart_coordinator so rolling/full/host restarts require prior
insufficient narrower attempts (or break-glass). Document the ladder and
update gitea_request_mcp_restart for prior_recovery_attempts_json.

Co-Authored-By: Grok 4.5 <[email protected]>

docs/mcp-recovery-playbook.md

@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+# MCP scoped recovery playbook (#669)
+
+**Parent:** [#655](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/655)  
+**Vision / roadmap:** [#652](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/652) · [#653](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/653)  
+**Class matrix:** [#663](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/663) · `docs/mcp-restart-classes.md`  
+**Coordinator:** [#658](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/658) · `restart_coordinator.py`  
+**Audit lineage:** [#665](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/665)
+
+## Decision
+
+Full-server MCP reset is a **last resort**. Prefer the narrowest recovery that
+can clear the symptom. The coordinator **refuses** `rolling_mcp_restart`,
+`full_mcp_restart`, and `host_restart` unless:
+
+1. The inventory carries a prior **attempt log** of at least one *insufficient*
+   narrower recovery, **or**
+2. **Break-glass** is authorized
+   (`request_break_glass` + `GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION`).
+
+Break-glass still never bypasses the #663 class matrix (role/permission).
+
+## Ladder (narrow → broad)
+
+| Rank | Action | Self-service | Implementation / delegation |
+|---:|---|---|---|
+| 0 | `client_reconnect` | yes | Host auto-reconnect / client reconnect · [#584](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/584) · `docs/mcp-namespace-eof-recovery.md` |
+| 1 | `capability_refresh` | yes | `gitea_resolve_task_capability` + `gitea_whoami` · [#610](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/610) · [#685](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/685) |
+| 2 | `session_reconnect` | yes | Runtime rebind + explicit `worktree_path` · [#543](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/543) · [#618](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/618) |
+| 3 | `configuration_reload` | no | Class `configuration_reload` · console reload · [#642](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/642) |
+| 4 | `lease_recovery` | no | Lock/lease recovery paths · [#702](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/702) · [#753](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/753) · [#790](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/790) |
+| 5 | `worker_restart` | no | Class `worker_restart` · #663 |
+| 6 | `role_runtime_restart` | no | Class `role_runtime_restart` · console restart · #642/#663 |
+| 7 | `connector_restart` | no | Class `connector_restart` · #663 |
+| 8 | `rolling_mcp_restart` | no | Class `rolling_mcp_restart` · design [#668](https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues/668) · **attempt log required** |
+| 9 | `full_mcp_restart` | no | Class `full_mcp_restart` · **attempt log required** |
+| 10 | `host_restart` | no | Class `host_restart` · **attempt log required** |
+
+Machine-readable source of truth: `recovery_playbook.RECOVERY_LADDER` and
+`recovery_playbook.ladder_document()`.
+
+## Attempt log shape
+
+Each prior attempt is a mapping:
+
+```json
+{
+  "action": "client_reconnect",
+  "outcome": "insufficient",
+  "reason": "transport still closed after IDE reconnect",
+  "actor": "prgs-controller-12345",
+  "recorded_at": "2026-07-25T21:00:00+00:00"
+}
+```
+
+Outcomes that count toward escalation: `failed`, `insufficient`, `denied`,
+`unresolved`, `timeout`, `error`.
+
+Pass attempts into the coordinator via inventory
+`prior_recovery_attempts` or the MCP tool argument
+`prior_recovery_attempts_json` on `gitea_request_mcp_restart`.
+
+Helper: `recovery_playbook.build_attempt_record(...)`.
+
+## Symptom → first rung
+
+`recovery_playbook.recommend_actions(symptoms=[...])` maps symptoms such as
+`transport_eof`, `stale_capability`, `stale_lease`, `daemon_corrupt` to the
+narrowest recommended action, then walks the ladder. Soft recommendations
+never replace the hard gate on broad restarts.
+
+## Enforcement points
+
+1. **`recovery_playbook.assess_escalation`** — pure gate.
+2. **`restart_coordinator.evaluate_restart_impact`** — when `restart_class` is
+   set (policy-enforced path), broad classes require the gate; report fields
+   `attempt_log_satisfied`, `playbook_escalation`, `break_glass`.
+3. **`gitea_request_mcp_restart`** — accepts attempt JSON and env-authorized
+   break-glass; never restarts a process.
+
+## Metrics
+
+`recovery_playbook.recovery_metrics(attempts)` reports the fraction of
+successful recoveries that avoided full/host restart
+(`fraction_avoided_full_restart`).
+
+## Non-goals
+
+* HA multi-instance execution (#668 design only here).
+* Normalizing `pkill` (#630 contamination stays forbidden).
+* Silent mutation of leases or processes from the playbook itself.
+
+## Manual process kills
+
+Remain forbidden and contaminating (#630). The playbook never recommends them.

docs/mcp-restart-coordinator.md

@@ -95,12 +95,18 @@ gitea_request_mcp_restart(remote, host, org, repo,
                           target_session_id=None, target_role=None,
                           target_connector=None,
                           drain_proof_json=None,
-                          request_break_glass=False)
+                          request_break_glass=False,
+                          prior_recovery_attempts_json=None)
 ```
 
 It **never restarts anything**: `apply_supported` is always `false` and
 `restart_performed` is always `false`.
 
+`prior_recovery_attempts_json` (#669) is an optional JSON array of prior
+narrow recovery attempts. Rolling / full / host classes require at least one
+*insufficient* narrower attempt (or authorized break-glass). See
+`docs/mcp-recovery-playbook.md`.
+
 ### Dry-run versus apply
 
 | Call | Behavior |
@@ -112,9 +118,10 @@ It **never restarts anything**: `apply_supported` is always `false` and
 
 An apply requires **both** authorizations, and they are independent:
 
-1. **Restart-class authorization** (#663) — the requester's role and permissions
-   must allow the requested class, the class's approval requirement must be
-   satisfied, and any target-scoped class must name its target. Failing any of
+1. **Restart-class authorization** (#663 / #669) — the requester's role and
+   permissions must allow the requested class, the class's approval requirement
+   must be satisfied, any target-scoped class must name its target, and broad
+   classes must satisfy the recovery-playbook attempt-log gate. Failing any of
    these makes `allow_restart` `false`.
 2. **Drain-proof gate** (#661) — a valid, unexpired, clean proof bound to the
    current impact fingerprint, or an authorized break-glass.
@@ -127,7 +134,10 @@ the authorization that produced it.
 
 ### Break-glass
 
-Break-glass bypasses the **drain proof only** — never the restart-class matrix.
+Break-glass bypasses the **drain proof only** — never the restart-class matrix
+(role/permission). Separately, authorized break-glass also satisfies the #669
+attempt-log requirement for broad restarts (rolling/full/host), because that
+gate is not a class-matrix permission check.
 It is honoured solely when `request_break_glass` is set *and* the environment
 carries `GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION`; like operator override, the
 tool argument expresses caller intent and cannot be self-asserted by a worker

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -22575,8 +22575,9 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     target_connector: str | None = None,
     drain_proof_json: str | None = None,
     request_break_glass: bool = False,
+    prior_recovery_attempts_json: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
-    """Evaluate a proposed MCP restart and return an impact preview (#658).
+    """Evaluate a proposed MCP restart and return an impact preview (#658/#669).
 
     Central restart coordinator: resolves the requested restart class, gathers
     live control-plane state (sessions,
@@ -22600,10 +22601,16 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     independent — the drain gate proves the blast radius was drained and knows
     nothing about whether this requester may request this class — so a class the
     matrix denied never reports an authorized apply. Break-glass bypasses the
-    drain proof only; it never bypasses the class matrix. ``apply_gate`` carries
+    drain proof and, when env-authorized, the #669 attempt-log requirement for
+    broad restarts; it never bypasses the class matrix. ``apply_gate`` carries
     ``drain_gate_allow`` and ``restart_class_authorized`` so a denial is
     attributable to the authorization that produced it.
 
+    ``prior_recovery_attempts_json`` (#669) is an optional JSON array of prior
+    narrow recovery attempts ``{action, outcome, reason, ...}``. Rolling / full
+    / host restart classes require at least one *insufficient* narrower attempt
+    unless break-glass is authorized.
+
     Operator override authority is read from the process environment
     (``GITEA_OPERATOR_RESTART_OVERRIDE_AUTHORIZATION``), never self-asserted by
     the requesting session: ``request_override`` only expresses caller intent
@@ -22709,12 +22716,37 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
         requester_role
     )
 
+    prior_recovery_attempts: list[dict] = []
+    if prior_recovery_attempts_json:
+        try:
+            parsed_attempts = json.loads(prior_recovery_attempts_json)
+            if isinstance(parsed_attempts, list):
+                prior_recovery_attempts = [
+                    dict(a) for a in parsed_attempts if isinstance(a, dict)
+                ]
+            else:
+                incomplete_reasons.append(
+                    "prior_recovery_attempts_json must be a JSON array (#669)"
+                )
+                inventory_complete = False
+        except (ValueError, TypeError) as exc:
+            incomplete_reasons.append(
+                f"invalid prior_recovery_attempts_json: {_redact(str(exc))}"
+            )
+            inventory_complete = False
+
+    break_glass_authorized = bool(
+        (os.environ.get("GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION") or "").strip()
+    )
+    break_glass = bool(request_break_glass and break_glass_authorized)
+
     inventory = {
         "sessions": sessions,
         "leases": leases,
         "terminal_lock": terminal_lock,
         "inventory_complete": inventory_complete,
         "incomplete_reasons": incomplete_reasons,
+        "prior_recovery_attempts": prior_recovery_attempts,
     }
 
     report = restart_coordinator.evaluate_restart_impact(
@@ -22730,6 +22762,7 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
         target_session_id=target_session_id,
         target_role=target_role,
         target_connector=target_connector,
+        break_glass=break_glass,
     )
 
     payload = report.as_dict()
@@ -22762,13 +22795,6 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
             except (ValueError, TypeError) as exc:
                 proof_parse_error = f"invalid drain_proof_json: {_redact(str(exc))}"
 
-        break_glass_authorized = bool(
-            (
-                os.environ.get("GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION") or ""
-            ).strip()
-        )
-        break_glass = bool(request_break_glass and break_glass_authorized)
-
         expected_fp = drain_proof.impact_fingerprint(report.as_dict())
         gate = drain_proof.gate_apply_restart(
             proof=proof_obj,

recovery_playbook.py

@@ -0,0 +1,583 @@
+"""Scoped MCP recovery playbook (#669).
+
+Operational recovery must prefer the *narrowest* action that can fix the
+symptom. Full MCP / host restarts are last-resort rungs on a documented
+ladder; the coordinator refuses those rungs unless a prior attempt log
+shows narrower recoveries already failed (or break-glass is authorized).
+
+This module is pure classification and recommendation:
+
+* No network, filesystem, or process I/O.
+* Never restarts anything.
+* Narrow recovery *execution* is delegated to existing tools/docs (linked
+  per rung) — the playbook records which rung to try next and whether
+  escalation to a broad restart is allowed.
+
+Design lineage: umbrella #655, class matrix #663, coordinator #658,
+auto-reconnect #584, stale-runtime #610, contamination #630, audit #665.
+Vision #652 / roadmap #653.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from enum import Enum
+from typing import Any, Mapping, Sequence
+
+PLAYBOOK_VERSION = "1.0.0-issue-669"
+
+# Attempt outcomes that count as "tried and insufficient" for escalation.
+INSUFFICIENT_OUTCOMES = frozenset(
+    {
+        "failed",
+        "insufficient",
+        "denied",
+        "unresolved",
+        "timeout",
+        "error",
+    }
+)
+
+# Break-glass / operator override still records that the ladder was skipped.
+OUTCOME_BREAK_GLASS = "break_glass"
+OUTCOME_SUCCESS = "success"
+OUTCOME_SKIPPED = "skipped"
+
+
+class RecoveryAction(str, Enum):
+    """Ordered recovery ladder (narrow → broad)."""
+
+    CLIENT_RECONNECT = "client_reconnect"
+    CAPABILITY_REFRESH = "capability_refresh"
+    SESSION_RECONNECT = "session_reconnect"
+    CONFIGURATION_RELOAD = "configuration_reload"
+    LEASE_RECOVERY = "lease_recovery"
+    WORKER_RESTART = "worker_restart"
+    ROLE_RUNTIME_RESTART = "role_runtime_restart"
+    CONNECTOR_RESTART = "connector_restart"
+    ROLLING_MCP_RESTART = "rolling_mcp_restart"
+    FULL_MCP_RESTART = "full_mcp_restart"
+    HOST_RESTART = "host_restart"
+
+
+# Classes that require a prior narrow-attempt log (unless break-glass).
+BROAD_RESTART_ACTIONS: frozenset[RecoveryAction] = frozenset(
+    {
+        RecoveryAction.ROLLING_MCP_RESTART,
+        RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+        RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART,
+    }
+)
+
+# Map #663 restart_class strings onto playbook actions.
+RESTART_CLASS_TO_ACTION: dict[str, RecoveryAction] = {
+    "client_reconnect": RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+    "session_reconnect": RecoveryAction.SESSION_RECONNECT,
+    "configuration_reload": RecoveryAction.CONFIGURATION_RELOAD,
+    "worker_restart": RecoveryAction.WORKER_RESTART,
+    "role_runtime_restart": RecoveryAction.ROLE_RUNTIME_RESTART,
+    "connector_restart": RecoveryAction.CONNECTOR_RESTART,
+    "rolling_mcp_restart": RecoveryAction.ROLLING_MCP_RESTART,
+    "full_mcp_restart": RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+    "host_restart": RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART,
+}
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class RecoveryRung:
+    """One rung on the recovery ladder."""
+
+    action: RecoveryAction
+    rank: int
+    summary: str
+    # Existing implementation or explicit delegation target.
+    implementation: str
+    issue_links: tuple[str, ...]
+    self_service: bool
+    # Restart-class permission when this rung is requested via coordinator.
+    restart_class: str | None = None
+
+    def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "action": self.action.value,
+            "rank": self.rank,
+            "summary": self.summary,
+            "implementation": self.implementation,
+            "issue_links": list(self.issue_links),
+            "self_service": self.self_service,
+            "restart_class": self.restart_class,
+        }
+
+
+# Canonical ladder. Rank 0 is narrowest.
+RECOVERY_LADDER: tuple[RecoveryRung, ...] = (
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+        0,
+        "Reconnect the IDE/client MCP transport (EOF / transport flap).",
+        "Host auto-reconnect or explicit client reconnect; "
+        "docs/mcp-namespace-eof-recovery.md",
+        ("#584", "#655"),
+        True,
+        "client_reconnect",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.CAPABILITY_REFRESH,
+        1,
+        "Re-resolve task capability and clear stale permission context.",
+        "Delegated: gitea_resolve_task_capability + gitea_whoami "
+        "(no process change).",
+        ("#610", "#685", "#655"),
+        True,
+        None,
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.SESSION_RECONNECT,
+        2,
+        "Rebind identity, workspace, and namespace for one session.",
+        "Delegated: gitea_get_runtime_context + explicit worktree_path "
+        "rebind (#618); docs/mcp-namespace-health.md",
+        ("#543", "#618", "#655"),
+        True,
+        "session_reconnect",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.CONFIGURATION_RELOAD,
+        3,
+        "Gracefully reload configuration without replacing the daemon.",
+        "restart_coordinator class configuration_reload; console "
+        "system.reload_namespace (#642).",
+        ("#642", "#663", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "configuration_reload",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.LEASE_RECOVERY,
+        4,
+        "Recover or rebind stale leases/locks without a process restart.",
+        "Delegated: issue lock recovery / lease lifecycle paths "
+        "(#702, #753, #790).",
+        ("#702", "#753", "#790", "#655"),
+        False,
+        None,
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.WORKER_RESTART,
+        5,
+        "Restart one worker after its own lease and mutation scope drains.",
+        "restart_coordinator class worker_restart (#663).",
+        ("#663", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "worker_restart",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.ROLE_RUNTIME_RESTART,
+        6,
+        "Restart one role runtime and re-probe that namespace only.",
+        "restart_coordinator class role_runtime_restart; console "
+        "system.restart_namespace (#642).",
+        ("#642", "#663", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "role_runtime_restart",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.CONNECTOR_RESTART,
+        7,
+        "Restart one connector while unrelated runtimes stay available.",
+        "restart_coordinator class connector_restart (#663).",
+        ("#663", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "connector_restart",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.ROLLING_MCP_RESTART,
+        8,
+        "Drain/restart/verify one instance at a time (HA path).",
+        "restart_coordinator class rolling_mcp_restart; design #668.",
+        ("#668", "#663", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "rolling_mcp_restart",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+        9,
+        "Full stable-control MCP process restart after verified full drain.",
+        "restart_coordinator class full_mcp_restart; requires attempt log "
+        "unless break-glass (#669).",
+        ("#658", "#661", "#663", "#669", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "full_mcp_restart",
+    ),
+    RecoveryRung(
+        RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART,
+        10,
+        "Host/infrastructure restart — broadest last-resort action.",
+        "restart_coordinator class host_restart; operator-owned.",
+        ("#663", "#669", "#655"),
+        False,
+        "host_restart",
+    ),
+)
+
+_LADDER_BY_ACTION: dict[RecoveryAction, RecoveryRung] = {
+    rung.action: rung for rung in RECOVERY_LADDER
+}
+
+# Symptom tokens → preferred first rung (decision tree, #663 lineage).
+SYMPTOM_TO_FIRST_ACTION: dict[str, RecoveryAction] = {
+    "transport_eof": RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+    "client_closing_eof": RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+    "transport_flap": RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+    "namespace_disconnected": RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+    "stale_capability": RecoveryAction.CAPABILITY_REFRESH,
+    "permission_stale": RecoveryAction.CAPABILITY_REFRESH,
+    "runtime_reconnect_required": RecoveryAction.CAPABILITY_REFRESH,
+    "stale_runtime": RecoveryAction.SESSION_RECONNECT,
+    "worktree_unbound": RecoveryAction.SESSION_RECONNECT,
+    "namespace_unhealthy": RecoveryAction.SESSION_RECONNECT,
+    "config_drift": RecoveryAction.CONFIGURATION_RELOAD,
+    "profile_misbound": RecoveryAction.CONFIGURATION_RELOAD,
+    "stale_lease": RecoveryAction.LEASE_RECOVERY,
+    "dead_pid_lock": RecoveryAction.LEASE_RECOVERY,
+    "orphan_worktree": RecoveryAction.LEASE_RECOVERY,
+    "single_worker_stuck": RecoveryAction.WORKER_RESTART,
+    "role_runtime_dead": RecoveryAction.ROLE_RUNTIME_RESTART,
+    "connector_dead": RecoveryAction.CONNECTOR_RESTART,
+    "ha_instance_unhealthy": RecoveryAction.ROLLING_MCP_RESTART,
+    "daemon_corrupt": RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+    "full_process_deadlock": RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+    "host_unresponsive": RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART,
+}
+
+
+def _utc_now() -> datetime:
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+
+
+def resolve_action(value: RecoveryAction | str) -> RecoveryAction:
+    """Resolve a recovery action or fail closed for unknown values."""
+    if isinstance(value, RecoveryAction):
+        return value
+    text = str(value or "").strip()
+    # Accept #663 restart_class aliases.
+    if text in RESTART_CLASS_TO_ACTION:
+        return RESTART_CLASS_TO_ACTION[text]
+    try:
+        return RecoveryAction(text)
+    except ValueError as exc:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"unknown recovery action {value!r}; deny (fail closed, #669)"
+        ) from exc
+
+
+def ladder_rank(action: RecoveryAction | str) -> int:
+    resolved = resolve_action(action)
+    return _LADDER_BY_ACTION[resolved].rank
+
+
+def rung_for(action: RecoveryAction | str) -> RecoveryRung:
+    return _LADDER_BY_ACTION[resolve_action(action)]
+
+
+def normalize_attempt(raw: Mapping[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Normalize one prior-recovery attempt record; return None if unusable."""
+    if not isinstance(raw, Mapping):
+        return None
+    action_raw = raw.get("action") or raw.get("recovery_action") or raw.get(
+        "restart_class"
+    )
+    if not action_raw:
+        return None
+    try:
+        action = resolve_action(str(action_raw))
+    except ValueError:
+        return None
+    outcome = str(
+        raw.get("outcome") or raw.get("status") or raw.get("result") or ""
+    ).strip().lower()
+    if not outcome:
+        return None
+    recorded_at = raw.get("recorded_at") or raw.get("at") or raw.get("timestamp")
+    reason = str(raw.get("reason") or raw.get("detail") or "").strip()
+    actor = str(raw.get("actor") or raw.get("session_id") or "").strip()
+    return {
+        "action": action.value,
+        "outcome": outcome,
+        "reason": reason,
+        "actor": actor,
+        "recorded_at": recorded_at,
+        "rank": ladder_rank(action),
+        "raw": dict(raw),
+    }
+
+
+def normalize_attempt_log(
+    attempts: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Return usable attempt records in ladder order."""
+    out: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for raw in attempts or ():
+        norm = normalize_attempt(raw)
+        if norm is not None:
+            out.append(norm)
+    out.sort(key=lambda a: (a["rank"], str(a.get("recorded_at") or "")))
+    return out
+
+
+def narrower_insufficient_attempts(
+    attempts: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None,
+    *,
+    requested: RecoveryAction | str,
+) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Return prior attempts narrower than *requested* that were insufficient."""
+    target_rank = ladder_rank(requested)
+    usable = []
+    for attempt in normalize_attempt_log(attempts):
+        if attempt["rank"] >= target_rank:
+            continue
+        if attempt["outcome"] in INSUFFICIENT_OUTCOMES:
+            usable.append(attempt)
+    return usable
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class EscalationAssessment:
+    """Whether a requested broad recovery may proceed given the attempt log."""
+
+    requested_action: str
+    allowed: bool
+    require_attempt_log: bool
+    break_glass: bool
+    reasons: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    qualifying_attempts: list[dict[str, Any]] = field(default_factory=list)
+    recommended_next: list[dict[str, Any]] = field(default_factory=list)
+    playbook_version: str = PLAYBOOK_VERSION
+
+    def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "playbook_version": self.playbook_version,
+            "requested_action": self.requested_action,
+            "allowed": self.allowed,
+            "require_attempt_log": self.require_attempt_log,
+            "break_glass": self.break_glass,
+            "reasons": list(self.reasons),
+            "qualifying_attempts": list(self.qualifying_attempts),
+            "recommended_next": list(self.recommended_next),
+        }
+
+
+def assess_escalation(
+    requested: RecoveryAction | str,
+    *,
+    prior_recovery_attempts: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None = None,
+    break_glass: bool = False,
+) -> EscalationAssessment:
+    """Gate broad restarts on a prior narrow-attempt log (#669 AC3).
+
+    Narrow / mid-ladder actions do not require a prior attempt log.
+    ``full_mcp_restart``, ``host_restart``, and ``rolling_mcp_restart``
+    require at least one *insufficient* narrower attempt unless
+    ``break_glass`` is true.
+    """
+    action = resolve_action(requested)
+    require_log = action in BROAD_RESTART_ACTIONS
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    qualifying = narrower_insufficient_attempts(
+        prior_recovery_attempts, requested=action
+    )
+
+    if not require_log:
+        return EscalationAssessment(
+            requested_action=action.value,
+            allowed=True,
+            require_attempt_log=False,
+            break_glass=bool(break_glass),
+            reasons=["narrow recovery; attempt log not required"],
+            qualifying_attempts=qualifying,
+            recommended_next=[],
+        )
+
+    if break_glass:
+        return EscalationAssessment(
+            requested_action=action.value,
+            allowed=True,
+            require_attempt_log=True,
+            break_glass=True,
+            reasons=[
+                "break-glass authorized; broad restart permitted without "
+                "narrow-attempt log (#669)"
+            ],
+            qualifying_attempts=qualifying,
+            recommended_next=[],
+        )
+
+    if qualifying:
+        return EscalationAssessment(
+            requested_action=action.value,
+            allowed=True,
+            require_attempt_log=True,
+            break_glass=False,
+            reasons=[
+                f"{len(qualifying)} narrower recovery attempt(s) recorded as "
+                "insufficient; escalation permitted"
+            ],
+            qualifying_attempts=qualifying,
+            recommended_next=[],
+        )
+
+    # Deny: recommend the next untried narrow rung(s).
+    recommended = recommend_actions(
+        symptoms=(),
+        prior_recovery_attempts=prior_recovery_attempts,
+        max_actions=3,
+    )
+    reasons.append(
+        f"{action.value} requires a prior attempt log of insufficient "
+        "narrower recoveries (or break-glass); none found — deny (fail "
+        "closed, #669)"
+    )
+    return EscalationAssessment(
+        requested_action=action.value,
+        allowed=False,
+        require_attempt_log=True,
+        break_glass=False,
+        reasons=reasons,
+        qualifying_attempts=[],
+        recommended_next=recommended.get("recommended_actions") or [],
+    )
+
+
+def recommend_actions(
+    *,
+    symptoms: Sequence[str] = (),
+    prior_recovery_attempts: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None = None,
+    max_actions: int = 5,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Return ordered recommended recovery actions for the given symptoms.
+
+    Soft mode (rollout): recommendations only — callers decide whether to
+    hard-gate. Hard mode for broad restarts is :func:`assess_escalation`.
+    """
+    attempted_success = {
+        a["action"]
+        for a in normalize_attempt_log(prior_recovery_attempts)
+        if a["outcome"] == OUTCOME_SUCCESS
+    }
+    attempted_any = {
+        a["action"] for a in normalize_attempt_log(prior_recovery_attempts)
+    }
+
+    first_actions: list[RecoveryAction] = []
+    for symptom in symptoms:
+        key = str(symptom or "").strip().lower().replace(" ", "_").replace("-", "_")
+        mapped = SYMPTOM_TO_FIRST_ACTION.get(key)
+        if mapped is not None and mapped not in first_actions:
+            first_actions.append(mapped)
+
+    # Default entry: client reconnect then walk the ladder.
+    if not first_actions:
+        first_actions = [RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT]
+
+    recommended: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    seen: set[str] = set()
+    min_rank = min(ladder_rank(a) for a in first_actions)
+
+    for rung in RECOVERY_LADDER:
+        if rung.rank < min_rank:
+            continue
+        if rung.action.value in attempted_success:
+            continue
+        if rung.action.value in seen:
+            continue
+        # Prefer rungs not yet attempted; still list previously-failed ones
+        # only if nothing else remains.
+        entry = rung.as_dict()
+        entry["already_attempted"] = rung.action.value in attempted_any
+        recommended.append(entry)
+        seen.add(rung.action.value)
+        if len(recommended) >= max(1, int(max_actions)):
+            break
+
+    return {
+        "playbook_version": PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
+        "symptoms": [str(s) for s in symptoms],
+        "recommended_actions": recommended,
+        "ladder": [r.as_dict() for r in RECOVERY_LADDER],
+        "read_only": True,
+        "hard_gate_note": (
+            "Broad restarts (rolling/full/host) still require "
+            "assess_escalation / coordinator attempt-log enforcement."
+        ),
+    }
+
+
+def build_attempt_record(
+    action: RecoveryAction | str,
+    *,
+    outcome: str,
+    reason: str = "",
+    actor: str = "",
+    recorded_at: str | None = None,
+    extra: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Build a durable-shaped attempt log entry for inventory/audit (#665)."""
+    resolved = resolve_action(action)
+    record = {
+        "action": resolved.value,
+        "outcome": str(outcome or "").strip().lower(),
+        "reason": str(reason or "").strip(),
+        "actor": str(actor or "").strip(),
+        "recorded_at": recorded_at or _utc_now().isoformat(),
+        "rank": ladder_rank(resolved),
+        "playbook_version": PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
+    }
+    if extra:
+        record["extra"] = dict(extra)
+    return record
+
+
+def recovery_metrics(
+    attempts: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Compute the fraction of recoveries that avoided full/host restart.
+
+    A recovery *episode* is approximated as one attempt with
+    ``outcome=success``. Successes on non-broad rungs count as avoided full
+    restart; successes on full/host count as full-restart recoveries.
+    """
+    norms = normalize_attempt_log(attempts)
+    successes = [a for a in norms if a["outcome"] == OUTCOME_SUCCESS]
+    broad_success = [
+        a
+        for a in successes
+        if resolve_action(a["action"])
+        in {RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART, RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART}
+    ]
+    avoided = [a for a in successes if a not in broad_success]
+    total = len(successes)
+    fraction_avoided = (len(avoided) / total) if total else None
+    return {
+        "playbook_version": PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
+        "attempts_total": len(norms),
+        "successes_total": total,
+        "successes_avoided_full_restart": len(avoided),
+        "successes_full_or_host_restart": len(broad_success),
+        "fraction_avoided_full_restart": fraction_avoided,
+        "insufficient_attempts": sum(
+            1 for a in norms if a["outcome"] in INSUFFICIENT_OUTCOMES
+        ),
+    }
+
+
+def ladder_document() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Machine-readable ladder for docs/tools inventory."""
+    return {
+        "playbook_version": PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
+        "parent_issues": ["#655", "#652", "#653"],
+        "enforcement_issue": "#669",
+        "ladder": [r.as_dict() for r in RECOVERY_LADDER],
+        "broad_restart_actions": [a.value for a in sorted(BROAD_RESTART_ACTIONS, key=lambda x: x.value)],
+        "insufficient_outcomes": sorted(INSUFFICIENT_OUTCOMES),
+        "symptom_map": {k: v.value for k, v in sorted(SYMPTOM_TO_FIRST_ACTION.items())},
+    }

restart_coordinator.py

@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-"""MCP restart coordinator and impact analysis (#658).
+"""MCP restart coordinator and impact analysis (#658 / #669).
 
 Before any sanctioned MCP restart, a central coordinator must evaluate the
 live control-plane state — active sessions, leases/locks, in-flight issue/PR
@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ Design rules (mirrors the read-only posture of ``workflow_dashboard`` /
   a mutative apply path is a later child gated by a drain proof (non-goal here).
 * **Fail closed.** If the inventory is not explicitly complete, the verdict is
   ``unsafe`` / deny — an incomplete evaluation must never green-light a restart.
+* **Narrow-first (#669).** Broad classes (rolling / full / host) require a
+  prior attempt log of insufficient narrower recoveries unless break-glass is
+  authorized. See :mod:`recovery_playbook`.
 * **No secrets.** Session ids, pids, and profiles are operational metadata, not
   credentials; nothing secret flows through this module.
 
@@ -32,8 +35,9 @@ from enum import Enum
 from typing import Any, Mapping, Sequence
 
 import lease_lifecycle
+import recovery_playbook
 
-COORDINATOR_VERSION = "1.1.0-issue-663"
+COORDINATOR_VERSION = "1.2.0-issue-669"
 
 # Restart verdicts. Exactly the three the acceptance criteria name.
 VERDICT_SAFE = "safe"
@@ -349,6 +353,10 @@ class RestartImpactReport:
     counts: dict[str, int]
     audit_record: dict[str, Any]
     incomplete_reasons: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    # #669 playbook escalation gate (attempt-log enforcement).
+    playbook_escalation: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    attempt_log_satisfied: bool = True
+    break_glass: bool = False
 
     def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
         return {
@@ -382,6 +390,9 @@ class RestartImpactReport:
             "prior_recovery_attempts": list(self.prior_recovery_attempts),
             "counts": dict(self.counts),
             "audit_record": dict(self.audit_record),
+            "playbook_escalation": dict(self.playbook_escalation),
+            "attempt_log_satisfied": self.attempt_log_satisfied,
+            "break_glass": self.break_glass,
         }
 
 
@@ -496,6 +507,7 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
     target_session_id: str | None = None,
     target_role: str | None = None,
     target_connector: str | None = None,
+    break_glass: bool = False,
 ) -> RestartImpactReport:
     """Evaluate a proposed MCP restart and return an impact preview.
 
@@ -584,6 +596,30 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
         dict(a) for a in (inventory.get("prior_recovery_attempts") or [])
     ]
 
+    # #669: broad restarts require a prior narrow-attempt log unless break-glass.
+    playbook_escalation: dict[str, Any] = {}
+    attempt_log_satisfied = True
+    if policy_enforced and resolved_class is not None:
+        try:
+            escalation = recovery_playbook.assess_escalation(
+                resolved_class.value,
+                prior_recovery_attempts=prior_recovery_attempts,
+                break_glass=bool(break_glass),
+            )
+            playbook_escalation = escalation.as_dict()
+            attempt_log_satisfied = bool(escalation.allowed)
+            if not attempt_log_satisfied:
+                authorization_reasons.extend(list(escalation.reasons))
+        except ValueError as exc:
+            # Unknown mapping should never happen for enum values; fail closed.
+            attempt_log_satisfied = False
+            playbook_escalation = {
+                "allowed": False,
+                "reasons": [str(exc)],
+                "playbook_version": recovery_playbook.PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
+            }
+            authorization_reasons.append(str(exc))
+
     session_impacts = [
         _classify_session(
             s,
@@ -682,6 +718,7 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
         and role_authorized
         and approval_satisfied
         and target_complete
+        and attempt_log_satisfied
     )
 
     if policy_enforced and not authorization_ok:
@@ -745,6 +782,7 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
         "affected_issues": len(affected_issues),
         "affected_prs": len(affected_prs),
         "prior_recovery_attempts": len(prior_recovery_attempts),
+        "attempt_log_satisfied": attempt_log_satisfied,
     }
 
     audit_record = {
@@ -765,6 +803,9 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
         "allow_restart": allow_restart,
         "blast_radius": blast_radius,
         "counts": counts,
+        "attempt_log_satisfied": attempt_log_satisfied,
+        "break_glass": bool(break_glass),
+        "playbook_version": recovery_playbook.PLAYBOOK_VERSION,
     }
 
     return RestartImpactReport(
@@ -804,4 +845,7 @@ def evaluate_restart_impact(
         counts=counts,
         audit_record=audit_record,
         incomplete_reasons=incomplete_reasons,
+        playbook_escalation=playbook_escalation,
+        attempt_log_satisfied=attempt_log_satisfied,
+        break_glass=bool(break_glass),
     )

tests/test_issue_886_apply_authorization_conjunction.py

@@ -35,6 +35,17 @@ BREAK_GLASS_ENV = "GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION"
 QUIET_SESSIONS: list[dict] = []
 QUIET_LEASES: list[dict] = []
 
+# #669: broad restarts need a prior narrow-attempt log (unless break-glass).
+PRIOR_NARROW_ATTEMPTS_JSON = json.dumps(
+    [
+        {
+            "action": "client_reconnect",
+            "outcome": "insufficient",
+            "reason": "still flapping after reconnect",
+        }
+    ]
+)
+
 
 class _FakeDB:
     """Minimal control-plane DB stand-in for the restart inventory."""
@@ -128,6 +139,7 @@ class TestConjunction(_RestartToolHarness):
         preview = self._call(
             role="operator",
             restart_class="full_mcp_restart",
+            prior_recovery_attempts_json=PRIOR_NARROW_ATTEMPTS_JSON,
             env={CONTROLLER_APPROVAL_ENV: "operator-approved"},
         )
         self.assertTrue(preview["allow_restart"],
@@ -136,6 +148,7 @@ class TestConjunction(_RestartToolHarness):
         result = self._call(
             role="operator",
             restart_class="full_mcp_restart",
+            prior_recovery_attempts_json=PRIOR_NARROW_ATTEMPTS_JSON,
             dry_run=False,
             drain_proof_json=self._clean_proof_for(preview),
             env={CONTROLLER_APPROVAL_ENV: "operator-approved"},
@@ -342,6 +355,7 @@ class TestExistingPathsStillWork(_RestartToolHarness):
         result = self._call(
             role="operator",
             restart_class="full_mcp_restart",
+            prior_recovery_attempts_json=PRIOR_NARROW_ATTEMPTS_JSON,
             dry_run=False,
             env={CONTROLLER_APPROVAL_ENV: "operator-approved"},
         )

tests/test_recovery_playbook.py

@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+"""Unit tests for the scoped recovery playbook (#669)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import recovery_playbook as rp
+import restart_coordinator as rc
+
+
+def test_ladder_covers_eleven_ordered_rungs():
+    ranks = [r.rank for r in rp.RECOVERY_LADDER]
+    assert ranks == list(range(len(rp.RECOVERY_LADDER)))
+    assert len(rp.RECOVERY_LADDER) == 11
+    assert rp.RECOVERY_LADDER[0].action is rp.RecoveryAction.CLIENT_RECONNECT
+    assert rp.RECOVERY_LADDER[-1].action is rp.RecoveryAction.HOST_RESTART
+
+
+def test_ladder_document_links_parent_issues():
+    doc = rp.ladder_document()
+    assert "#655" in doc["parent_issues"]
+    assert "#652" in doc["parent_issues"]
+    assert "#653" in doc["parent_issues"]
+    assert doc["enforcement_issue"] == "#669"
+    assert "full_mcp_restart" in doc["broad_restart_actions"]
+
+
+def test_recommend_transport_eof_starts_at_client_reconnect():
+    plan = rp.recommend_actions(symptoms=["transport_eof"])
+    assert plan["recommended_actions"][0]["action"] == "client_reconnect"
+    assert plan["recommended_actions"][0]["issue_links"]
+
+
+def test_recommend_skips_successful_prior_attempts():
+    attempts = [
+        rp.build_attempt_record(
+            "client_reconnect", outcome="success", reason="reconnected"
+        )
+    ]
+    plan = rp.recommend_actions(
+        symptoms=["transport_eof"], prior_recovery_attempts=attempts
+    )
+    actions = [a["action"] for a in plan["recommended_actions"]]
+    assert "client_reconnect" not in actions
+    assert actions[0] == "capability_refresh"
+
+
+def test_escalation_denied_without_attempt_log():
+    result = rp.assess_escalation("full_mcp_restart", prior_recovery_attempts=[])
+    assert result.allowed is False
+    assert result.require_attempt_log is True
+    assert any("#669" in r for r in result.reasons)
+    assert result.recommended_next  # soft recommendations still provided
+
+
+def test_escalation_allowed_after_insufficient_narrower():
+    attempts = [
+        rp.build_attempt_record(
+            "client_reconnect",
+            outcome="insufficient",
+            reason="still flapping",
+        ),
+        rp.build_attempt_record(
+            "session_reconnect",
+            outcome="failed",
+            reason="namespace still dead",
+        ),
+    ]
+    result = rp.assess_escalation(
+        "full_mcp_restart", prior_recovery_attempts=attempts
+    )
+    assert result.allowed is True
+    assert len(result.qualifying_attempts) == 2
+
+
+def test_escalation_break_glass_bypasses_attempt_log():
+    result = rp.assess_escalation(
+        "host_restart", prior_recovery_attempts=[], break_glass=True
+    )
+    assert result.allowed is True
+    assert result.break_glass is True
+
+
+def test_narrow_action_does_not_require_attempt_log():
+    result = rp.assess_escalation(
+        "client_reconnect", prior_recovery_attempts=[]
+    )
+    assert result.allowed is True
+    assert result.require_attempt_log is False
+
+
+def test_same_rank_attempt_does_not_qualify_for_escalation():
+    attempts = [
+        rp.build_attempt_record(
+            "full_mcp_restart", outcome="failed", reason="already failed full"
+        )
+    ]
+    result = rp.assess_escalation(
+        "full_mcp_restart", prior_recovery_attempts=attempts
+    )
+    assert result.allowed is False
+
+
+def test_success_outcome_does_not_qualify_for_escalation():
+    attempts = [
+        rp.build_attempt_record(
+            "client_reconnect", outcome="success", reason="fixed"
+        )
+    ]
+    result = rp.assess_escalation(
+        "full_mcp_restart", prior_recovery_attempts=attempts
+    )
+    assert result.allowed is False
+
+
+def test_recovery_metrics_fraction_avoided():
+    attempts = [
+        rp.build_attempt_record("client_reconnect", outcome="success"),
+        rp.build_attempt_record("session_reconnect", outcome="success"),
+        rp.build_attempt_record("full_mcp_restart", outcome="success"),
+    ]
+    metrics = rp.recovery_metrics(attempts)
+    assert metrics["successes_total"] == 3
+    assert metrics["successes_avoided_full_restart"] == 2
+    assert metrics["successes_full_or_host_restart"] == 1
+    assert abs(metrics["fraction_avoided_full_restart"] - (2 / 3)) < 1e-9
+
+
+def test_coordinator_denies_full_restart_without_attempt_log():
+    inv = {
+        "inventory_complete": True,
+        "sessions": [],
+        "leases": [],
+        "prior_recovery_attempts": [],
+    }
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        inv,
+        restart_class=rc.RestartClass.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+        requester_role="controller",
+        requester_permissions=rc.permissions_for_role("controller"),
+        controller_approved=True,
+        operator_authorized=True,
+    )
+    assert report.allow_restart is False
+    assert report.attempt_log_satisfied is False
+    assert report.verdict == rc.VERDICT_UNSAFE
+    blob = " ".join(report.reasons + report.authorization_reasons)
+    assert "#669" in blob or "attempt log" in blob
+
+
+def test_coordinator_allows_full_restart_with_attempt_log():
+    inv = {
+        "inventory_complete": True,
+        "sessions": [],
+        "leases": [],
+        "prior_recovery_attempts": [
+            {
+                "action": "client_reconnect",
+                "outcome": "insufficient",
+                "reason": "still broken",
+            }
+        ],
+    }
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        inv,
+        restart_class=rc.RestartClass.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+        requester_role="controller",
+        requester_permissions=rc.permissions_for_role("controller"),
+        controller_approved=True,
+        operator_authorized=True,
+    )
+    assert report.attempt_log_satisfied is True
+    assert report.allow_restart is True
+    assert report.verdict == rc.VERDICT_SAFE
+
+
+def test_coordinator_break_glass_allows_without_log():
+    inv = {
+        "inventory_complete": True,
+        "sessions": [],
+        "leases": [],
+        "prior_recovery_attempts": [],
+    }
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        inv,
+        restart_class=rc.RestartClass.FULL_MCP_RESTART,
+        requester_role="controller",
+        requester_permissions=rc.permissions_for_role("controller"),
+        controller_approved=True,
+        operator_authorized=True,
+        break_glass=True,
+    )
+    assert report.break_glass is True
+    assert report.attempt_log_satisfied is True
+    assert report.allow_restart is True
+
+
+def test_coordinator_client_reconnect_unaffected():
+    inv = {
+        "inventory_complete": True,
+        "sessions": [],
+        "leases": [],
+        "prior_recovery_attempts": [],
+    }
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        inv,
+        restart_class=rc.RestartClass.CLIENT_RECONNECT,
+        requester_role="author",
+        requester_permissions=rc.permissions_for_role("author"),
+    )
+    assert report.attempt_log_satisfied is True
+    assert report.allow_restart is True
+
+
+def test_restart_class_alias_accepted():
+    assert (
+        rp.resolve_action("full_mcp_restart")
+        is rp.RecoveryAction.FULL_MCP_RESTART
+    )