fix(gate): stop classifying stale-runtime blocks as permission denials (Closes #897)

Stale-runtime and runtime-mode mutation refusals previously shared the
permission-denial channel, so permission_report claimed a missing op the
active profile already held and recommended gitea_activate_profile.
Typed blocker_kind payloads report reconnect-only recovery for staleness,
omit permission_report for non-permission gates, and fail closed when a
permission_report would invent a missing permission the profile holds.

allocator_service.py

@@ -133,10 +133,15 @@ ROLE_ACTIONS: dict[str, tuple[tuple[str, ...], tuple[str, ...]]] = {
 
 
 # Body phrases that prove an issue is an implementation container, not a
-# unit of direct author work (#844). Matched case-insensitively against the
+# unit of direct author work (#844 / #854). Matched case-insensitively against
-# issue body. Title alone is never sufficient (ordinary issues may mention
+# the issue body. Title alone is never sufficient (ordinary issues may mention
-# "epic" incidentally).
+# "epic", "roadmap", "vision", or "umbrella" incidentally).
+#
+# #854 extends the #844 marker set so product-vision (#652), phased-roadmap
+# (#653), and umbrella (#655) coordination records — which do not use the word
+# "epic" — are classified with the same semantic exclusion as epic containers.
 _CHILD_ONLY_BODY_MARKERS: tuple[str, ...] = (
+    # Epic / child-only (#844, live #631)
     "implementation is delivered via child issues only",
     "implementation is delivered through child issues only",
     "implementation is delivered via child issues",
@@ -150,9 +155,26 @@ _CHILD_ONLY_BODY_MARKERS: tuple[str, ...] = (
     "coordination container",
     "child-only container",
     "implementation is delegated to child",
+    # Vision / roadmap / umbrella coordination (#854, live #652/#653/#655).
+    # Prefer authoritative non-implementation / child-only scope language over
+    # bare words like "roadmap" so ordinary implementable issues that mention
+    # a parent vision or roadmap stay eligible.
+    "do not implement features on this issue",
+    "implementing features on this roadmap issue",
+    "implementation is via linked children only",
+    "no product feature claimed complete on this issue alone",
+    "phased delivery roadmap and epic sequencing",
+    "this issue is the enduring source of truth",
+    "enduring source of truth for the",
+    "canonical product vision — enduring source of truth",
+    "canonical product vision - enduring source of truth",
+    "state: vision-active",
+    "state: roadmap-active",
 )
 
-# Explicit epic / umbrella labels (structured evidence preferred over title).
+# Explicit epic / umbrella / vision / roadmap labels (structured evidence
+# preferred over title). Tracker alone is *not* included — ordinary issues
+# may carry a tracker label without being non-implementable containers.
 _EPIC_LABELS: frozenset[str] = frozenset(
     {
         "type:epic",
@@ -161,6 +183,16 @@ _EPIC_LABELS: frozenset[str] = frozenset(
         "scope:epic",
         "type:umbrella",
         "umbrella",
+        "kind:umbrella",
+        "scope:umbrella",
+        "type:vision",
+        "vision",
+        "kind:vision",
+        "scope:vision",
+        "type:roadmap",
+        "roadmap",
+        "kind:roadmap",
+        "scope:roadmap",
     }
 )
 
@@ -222,16 +254,45 @@ class WorkCandidate:
         }
 
 
+def _title_container_prefix(title_l: str) -> str | None:
+    """Return a coordination-title prefix token if *title_l* uses one (#854).
+
+    Title prefixes alone never exclude; they only corroborate body/label
+    evidence. Ordinary issues may say "roadmap" or "vision" mid-title.
+    """
+    for prefix, token in (
+        ("epic:", "title_epic_prefix"),
+        ("epic ", "title_epic_prefix"),
+        ("umbrella:", "title_umbrella_prefix"),
+        ("umbrella ", "title_umbrella_prefix"),
+        ("roadmap:", "title_roadmap_prefix"),
+        ("roadmap ", "title_roadmap_prefix"),
+        ("product vision:", "title_vision_prefix"),
+        ("product vision ", "title_vision_prefix"),
+        ("vision:", "title_vision_prefix"),
+        ("vision ", "title_vision_prefix"),
+    ):
+        if title_l.startswith(prefix):
+            return token
+    return None
+
+
 def classify_epic_or_child_only_container(
     c: WorkCandidate,
 ) -> tuple[bool, str | None]:
-    """Return whether *c* is an epic / child-only implementation container (#844).
+    """Return whether *c* is a non-implementable coordination container (#844/#854).
 
     Exclusion uses structured evidence first (labels, body scope language).
-    A bare title containing the word "epic" is **not** enough — ordinary
+    A bare title containing the words "epic", "roadmap", "vision", or
-    implementable issues may mention epics incidentally. A title that is
+    "umbrella" is **not** enough — ordinary implementable issues may mention
-    explicitly prefixed ``Epic:`` only counts when the body also proves
+    those terms incidentally. Explicit title prefixes (``Epic:``, ``Roadmap:``,
-    child-only / no-direct-implementation scope (or an epic label is present).
+    ``Product vision:``, ``Umbrella:``) only count when the body also proves
+    child-only / no-direct-implementation scope (or a container label is
+    present).
+
+    Covers epic, product-vision, phased-roadmap, umbrella, and child-only
+    records so the allocator never assigns coordination containers as direct
+    author work.
 
     PRs are never classified as containers here (they already have a head).
     """
@@ -245,25 +306,28 @@ def classify_epic_or_child_only_container(
     title_l = title.lower()
 
     body_hits = [m for m in _CHILD_ONLY_BODY_MARKERS if m in body_l]
-    title_epic_prefix = title_l.startswith("epic:") or title_l.startswith("epic ")
+    title_prefix = _title_container_prefix(title_l)
 
     if epic_label:
         detail = f"label={epic_label[0]}"
         if body_hits:
             detail = f"{detail}; body_marker={body_hits[0]!r}"
+        if title_prefix:
+            detail = f"{title_prefix}; {detail}"
         return True, detail
 
     if body_hits:
-        # Body proves child-only / umbrella scope. Title "Epic:" is corroborating
+        # Body proves child-only / vision / roadmap / umbrella scope. Title
-        # but not required — containers without the word still exclude.
+        # prefixes are corroborating but not required — containers without the
+        # title word still exclude.
         detail = f"body_marker={body_hits[0]!r}"
-        if title_epic_prefix:
+        if title_prefix:
-            detail = f"title_epic_prefix; {detail}"
+            detail = f"{title_prefix}; {detail}"
         return True, detail
 
-    # Title-only "Epic:" without body scope evidence is insufficient (#844 AC:
+    # Title-only coordination prefix without body scope evidence is
-    # eligibility does not rely solely on the word "Epic" in a title).
+    # insufficient (#844/#854 AC: eligibility does not rely solely on a title
-    # Similarly, incidental "epic" mid-title without markers stays eligible.
+    # word). Incidental mid-title mentions without markers stay eligible.
     return False, None
 
 

docs/webui-local-dev.md

@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ status, onboarding checklist state, and the fail-closed error payloads (#635).
 | `/system-health` | System-health dashboard — readiness, version/uptime, dependencies, MCP namespaces, stale-runtime parity (#639) |
 | `/queue` | Live PR and issue queue dashboard (#429) |
 | `/api/queue` | JSON queue export with pagination metadata |
+| `/traffic` | Workflow traffic-control view — runnable, leased, blocked, needs-controller, terminal-complete (#640) |
+| `/api/traffic` | JSON traffic-control export with state classifications and next safe role actions |
 | `/projects` | Project registry list with status and onboarding progress (#427, #635) |
 | `/projects/{id}` | Project detail + onboarding checklist |
 | `/api/v1/projects` | Versioned JSON registry export (#635) |
@@ -85,6 +87,35 @@ Most routes are GET-only. POST/PUT/PATCH/DELETE return `405` with
 `read-only-mvp`, except `/audit` and `/api/audit` which accept POST for
 local validator preview only (no Gitea mutations, no server-side storage).
 
+### Traffic-control state vocabulary (#640)
+
+The traffic view classifies each open issue/PR into exactly one bucket:
+
+| Bucket | Meaning | Operator implication |
+|--------|---------|----------------------|
+| **runnable** | No active lease, no block reason, safe for its expected role | Next role may start work |
+| **leased** | Active author claim or reviewer PR lease | Do not stomp; wait or adopt via role tools |
+| **blocked** | Dependency, missing head pin, conflict, or unmet dependency | Author remediation first |
+| **needs_controller** | Contaminated, controller-only diagnosis, or `status:blocked` | Controller only |
+| **terminal_complete** | Reconciler / terminal-lock territory | Reconciler cleanup path |
+
+`status:blocked` items route to **needs_controller**, not **blocked**:
+`expected_role_for_candidate` sends them to the controller, and the blocker
+reason renders in either bucket.
+
+**Live path contracts (do not invent):**
+
+- PR head pins come from `QueueItem.signals["head_sha"]` (full SHA). Display
+  `extra["head_sha"]` is truncated and must never be used for routing.
+- Reviewer leases are keyed as `(pr, pr_number)` only — never via a linked
+  `issue_number` on the same lease marker.
+- Issue claims come from `claim_inventory["entries"]`
+  (`issue_claim_heartbeat.build_claim_inventory`). There is no `active_claims`
+  key.
+- Queue display badges are only: `blocked`, `claimed`, `duplicate`, `stale`,
+  `in-review`, `open`. Review verdicts (`request-changes`, `approved`) are
+  **not** queue badges; traffic does not invent them from the queue loader.
+
 ## System health API (#634)
 
 `GET /api/v1/system/health` is the structured, read-only health surface for

gitea_mcp_server.py

@@ -2068,6 +2068,7 @@ import lease_lifecycle  # noqa: E402
 import lease_policy  # noqa: E402
 import workflow_dashboard  # noqa: E402  # #605 live queue/lease dashboard
 import restart_coordinator  # noqa: E402  # #658 MCP restart coordinator/impact
+import drain_proof  # noqa: E402  # #661 pre-restart drain proof and hard gate
 import incident_bridge  # noqa: E402
 import sentry_observability  # noqa: E402  (#606 optional Sentry observability)
 import sentry_incident_bridge  # noqa: E402  (#607 Sentry→Gitea incident bridge)
@@ -9551,15 +9552,13 @@ def gitea_edit_pr(
     if closing:
         gate_reasons = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.pr.close")
         if gate_reasons:
-            return {
+            return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-                "success": False,
+                "gitea.pr.close",
-                "performed": False,
+                gate_reasons,
-                "pr_number": pr_number,
+                pr_number=pr_number,
-                "requested_state": "closed",
+                requested_state="closed",
-                "required_permission": "gitea.pr.close",
+                required_permission="gitea.pr.close",
-                "reasons": gate_reasons,
+            )
-                "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.pr.close"),
-            }
 
     h, o, r = _resolve(remote, host, org, repo)
     auth = _auth(h)
@@ -13822,13 +13821,17 @@ def gitea_view_issue(
 
 def _permission_block_report(required_operation: str,
                              identity: str | None = None) -> dict:
-    """Structured, LLM-safe explanation of a permission denial (#142).
+    """Structured, LLM-safe explanation of a permission denial (#142, #897).
 
     Built only after a gate has already refused; it adds guidance to the
     refusal and never widens any permission, performs network I/O, or
     raises (fail-soft: degrades to a minimal fail-closed report). Names
     configured profiles only — never auth references, tokens, endpoint
     URLs, or keychain IDs.
+
+    #897: never fabricate a missing permission when the active profile
+    already allows the operation. That path is a diagnostic defect (the
+    refusal was not a permission denial), not a cue to switch profiles.
     """
     report = {
         "requested_operation": required_operation,
@@ -13840,6 +13843,7 @@ def _permission_block_report(required_operation: str,
         "matching_configured_profiles": [],
         "runtime_switching_supported": False,
         "different_mcp_namespace_required": True,
+        "diagnostic_defect": False,
         "exact_safe_next_action": (
             "Ask the operator to fix GITEA_MCP_CONFIG/GITEA_MCP_PROFILE; "
             "the active profile could not be resolved (fail closed)."),
@@ -13854,6 +13858,32 @@ def _permission_block_report(required_operation: str,
     report["active_allowed_operations"] = (
         profile.get("allowed_operations") or [])
 
+    # #897: fail closed as a diagnostic defect when the active profile
+    # already holds the operation — callers must not invent "missing".
+    try:
+        holds, _hold_reason = gitea_config.check_operation(
+            required_operation,
+            profile.get("allowed_operations") or [],
+            profile.get("forbidden_operations") or [],
+        )
+    except Exception:
+        holds = False
+    if holds:
+        report["missing_permission"] = None
+        report["required_permission"] = required_operation
+        report["diagnostic_defect"] = True
+        report["different_mcp_namespace_required"] = False
+        report["exact_safe_next_action"] = (
+            "Diagnostic defect: the active profile already allows "
+            f"{required_operation}. This is not a permission denial — "
+            "inspect blocker_kind / reasons (stale-runtime or runtime-mode). "
+            "Do not call gitea_activate_profile or switch MCP sessions."
+        )
+        report["matching_configured_profiles"] = [
+            p for p in [profile.get("profile_name")] if p
+        ]
+        return report
+
     matching = []
     try:
         config = gitea_config.load_config() or {}
@@ -13902,6 +13932,205 @@ def _permission_block_report(required_operation: str,
     return report
 
 
+def _reason_is_stale_runtime(reason: str) -> bool:
+    """True when *reason* is a master-parity / stale-daemon refusal (#897)."""
+    r = (reason or "").lower()
+    if not r:
+        return False
+    if "stale relative to live master" in r:
+        return True
+    if "server code is stale" in r:
+        return True
+    if "daemon is stale" in r:
+        return True
+    if "started at commit" in r and "workspace master is now" in r:
+        return True
+    if "mcp server started at" in r and "stale" in r:
+        return True
+    if "restart the server to load the current capability gates" in r:
+        return True
+    if "restart/reconnect before mutating" in r:
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def _reason_is_runtime_mode(reason: str) -> bool:
+    """True when *reason* is a stable-control / runtime-mode refusal (#897)."""
+    r = (reason or "").lower()
+    if not r:
+        return False
+    if _reason_is_stale_runtime(reason):
+        return False
+    if "runtime mode could not be assessed" in r:
+        return True
+    if "runtime mode is" in r:
+        return True
+    if "stable control runtime" in r:
+        return True
+    if "dev-test" in r and ("runtime" in r or "production" in r):
+        return True
+    if "development worktree" in r or "dev worktree" in r:
+        return True
+    if "launched from a 'branches/" in r or "launched from a \"branches/" in r:
+        return True
+    if "process-root / active-workspace alignment" in r:
+        return True
+    if "namespace" in r and "reproof" in r:
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def _reason_is_permission(reason: str) -> bool:
+    """True when *reason* is a genuine profile-permission denial (#897)."""
+    r = (reason or "").lower()
+    if not r:
+        return False
+    if _reason_is_stale_runtime(reason) or _reason_is_runtime_mode(reason):
+        return False
+    if "profile could not be resolved" in r:
+        return True
+    if "profile has no configured allowed operations" in r:
+        return True
+    if "profile forbids" in r:
+        return True
+    if "profile is not allowed to" in r:
+        return True
+    if "unrecognized forbidden operation" in r:
+        return True
+    return False
+
+
+def _classify_operation_gate_reasons(reasons: list[str]) -> dict:
+    """Partition gate reasons into stale / runtime-mode / permission (#897)."""
+    stale: list[str] = []
+    runtime_mode: list[str] = []
+    permission: list[str] = []
+    other: list[str] = []
+    for reason in reasons or []:
+        if _reason_is_stale_runtime(reason):
+            stale.append(reason)
+        elif _reason_is_runtime_mode(reason):
+            runtime_mode.append(reason)
+        elif _reason_is_permission(reason):
+            permission.append(reason)
+        else:
+            other.append(reason)
+    return {
+        "stale_runtime": stale,
+        "runtime_mode": runtime_mode,
+        "permission": permission,
+        "other": other,
+    }
+
+
+def _stale_runtime_reconnect_action() -> str:
+    """Sanctioned recovery for a stale daemon — reconnect only (#685/#897)."""
+    return (
+        "Reconnect the IDE/client MCP session so the server reloads at the "
+        "current master head. Do not call gitea_activate_profile or switch "
+        "MCP role sessions — profile switching does not clear a stale daemon."
+    )
+
+
+def _build_operation_gate_refusal(
+    required_operation: str,
+    reasons: list[str],
+    **extra_fields,
+) -> dict:
+    """Structured gate refusal with typed blockers (#897).
+
+    Stale-runtime and runtime-mode refusals never attach a
+    ``permission_report`` and never recommend profile switching. True
+    permission denials still get ``permission_report``. When both apply,
+    causes are reported separately under distinct fields.
+    """
+    classified = _classify_operation_gate_reasons(reasons)
+    stale = classified["stale_runtime"]
+    runtime_mode = classified["runtime_mode"]
+    permission = classified["permission"]
+    other = classified["other"]
+
+    blocked: dict = {
+        "success": False,
+        "performed": False,
+        "reasons": list(reasons),
+        "mutation_performed": False,
+        "session_context_audit": session_ctx.mutation_context_audit_fields(),
+        "gate_reason_classes": {
+            "stale_runtime": list(stale),
+            "runtime_mode": list(runtime_mode),
+            "permission": list(permission),
+            "other": list(other),
+        },
+    }
+
+    if stale:
+        parity = _current_master_parity()
+        blocked["blocker_kind"] = "runtime_reconnect_required"
+        blocked["restart_required"] = True
+        blocked["stop_required"] = True
+        blocked["startup_head"] = parity.get("startup_head")
+        blocked["current_head"] = parity.get("current_head")
+        blocked["daemon_start_head"] = (
+            parity.get("daemon_start_head") or parity.get("startup_head")
+        )
+        blocked["local_head"] = (
+            parity.get("local_head") or parity.get("current_head")
+        )
+        blocked["live_remote_head"] = parity.get("live_remote_head")
+        blocked["live_stale"] = bool(parity.get("live_stale"))
+        blocked["live_known"] = bool(parity.get("live_known"))
+        blocked["exact_safe_next_action"] = _stale_runtime_reconnect_action()
+        if permission or other:
+            blocked["permission_block_reasons"] = list(permission) + list(other)
+            blocked["stale_runtime_reasons"] = list(stale)
+        # Never attach permission_report for a staleness refusal.
+        blocked.update(extra_fields)
+        return blocked
+
+    if runtime_mode:
+        blocked["blocker_kind"] = "runtime_mode_blocked"
+        blocked["restart_required"] = False
+        blocked["stop_required"] = True
+        blocked["exact_safe_next_action"] = (
+            "Real workflow mutations run only on the promoted stable control "
+            "runtime. Promote/reload the stable runtime; do not call "
+            "gitea_activate_profile or switch MCP role sessions to clear a "
+            "runtime-mode block."
+        )
+        if permission or other:
+            blocked["permission_block_reasons"] = list(permission) + list(other)
+            blocked["runtime_mode_reasons"] = list(runtime_mode)
+        blocked.update(extra_fields)
+        return blocked
+
+    # Pure permission (or unclassified-as-permission) denial.
+    blocked["blocker_kind"] = "permission_denied"
+    blocked["permission_report"] = _permission_block_report(required_operation)
+    blocked.update(extra_fields)
+    return blocked
+
+
+def _permission_report_for_gate_reasons(
+    required_operation: str,
+    reasons: list[str] | None,
+) -> dict | None:
+    """Attach ``permission_report`` only for true permission denials (#897).
+
+    Call sites that historically always attached a permission report after
+    ``_profile_operation_gate`` should use this so stale/runtime refusals
+    do not emit a fabricated missing-permission payload.
+    """
+    if not reasons:
+        return None
+    classified = _classify_operation_gate_reasons(reasons)
+    if classified["stale_runtime"] or classified["runtime_mode"]:
+        return None
+    if not (classified["permission"] or classified["other"]):
+        return None
+    return _permission_block_report(required_operation)
+
+
 def _role_for_operation(op: str) -> str | None:
     # Normalize op first
     try:
@@ -14078,7 +14307,7 @@ def _master_parity_block(op: str) -> list[str]:
 
 
 def _profile_operation_gate(op: str) -> list[str]:
-    """Profile permission check for a single gated operation (#126, #216, #420).
+    """Profile permission check for a single gated operation (#126, #216, #420, #897).
 
     Issue discussion comments are gated separately from the gitea.pr.*
     review/merge family: listing requires ``gitea.read``, creating requires
@@ -14091,21 +14320,26 @@ def _profile_operation_gate(op: str) -> list[str]:
     capability gate that has since been merged, and when the runtime itself is
     not the promoted stable control runtime (#615) -- a dev/test or unknown
     runtime holds production credentials but has not been promoted.
+
+    #897: collect *all* independent refusal classes (stale, runtime-mode,
+    permission) rather than short-circuiting after the first. Callers that
+    only need a boolean still treat any non-empty list as blocked; typed
+    consumers (``_build_operation_gate_refusal``) can separate causes.
     """
-    stale_reasons = _master_parity_block(op)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
-    if stale_reasons:
+    reasons.extend(_master_parity_block(op))
-        return stale_reasons
+    reasons.extend(_runtime_mode_block(op))
-    runtime_reasons = _runtime_mode_block(op)
-    if runtime_reasons:
-        return runtime_reasons
     try:
         profile = get_profile()
     except Exception as exc:
-        return [f"profile could not be resolved (fail closed): {_redact(str(exc))}"]
+        reasons.append(
+            f"profile could not be resolved (fail closed): {_redact(str(exc))}"
+        )
+        return reasons
     op_ok, op_reason = gitea_config.check_operation(
         op, profile["allowed_operations"], profile["forbidden_operations"])
     if op_ok:
-        return []
+        return reasons
 
     if _try_auto_switch_for_operation(op):
         try:
@@ -14113,17 +14347,26 @@ def _profile_operation_gate(op: str) -> list[str]:
             op_ok, op_reason = gitea_config.check_operation(
                 op, profile["allowed_operations"], profile["forbidden_operations"])
             if op_ok:
-                return []
+                return reasons
         except Exception as exc:
-            return [f"profile could not be resolved (fail closed): {_redact(str(exc))}"]
+            reasons.append(
+                f"profile could not be resolved (fail closed): {_redact(str(exc))}"
+            )
+            return reasons
 
     if op_reason == "no-allowed-operations":
-        return ["profile has no configured allowed operations (fail closed)"]
+        reasons.append(
-    if op_reason == "forbidden":
+            "profile has no configured allowed operations (fail closed)"
-        return [f"profile forbids '{op}'"]
+        )
-    if op_reason == "invalid-forbidden-entry":
+    elif op_reason == "forbidden":
-        return ["profile has an unrecognized forbidden operation entry (fail closed)"]
+        reasons.append(f"profile forbids '{op}'")
-    return [f"profile is not allowed to {op}"]
+    elif op_reason == "invalid-forbidden-entry":
+        reasons.append(
+            "profile has an unrecognized forbidden operation entry (fail closed)"
+        )
+    else:
+        reasons.append(f"profile is not allowed to {op}")
+    return reasons
 
 
 def _mutation_config_authority_block(required_operation: str) -> dict | None:
@@ -14343,10 +14586,14 @@ def _session_context_mutation_block(
 
 
 def _profile_permission_block(required_operation: str, **extra_fields) -> dict | None:
-    """Structured permission denial for gated tools (#69, #142).
+    """Structured operation-gate denial for gated tools (#69, #142, #897).
 
     Returns a block dict when the active profile forbids *required_operation*,
-    or ``None`` when the gate passes. Never performs network I/O.
+    the daemon is stale, or the runtime mode is not mutation-safe — or
+    ``None`` when the gate passes. Never performs network I/O.
+
+    #897: stale-runtime and runtime-mode refusals are typed
+    (``blocker_kind``) and never carry a ``permission_report``.
     """
     req_role = "reviewer" if any(required_operation.startswith(p) for p in (
         "gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.request_changes", "gitea.pr.review"
@@ -14356,15 +14603,9 @@ def _profile_permission_block(required_operation: str, **extra_fields) -> dict |
 
     reasons = _profile_operation_gate(required_operation)
     if reasons:
-        blocked = {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            required_operation, reasons, **extra_fields
-            "performed": False,
+        )
-            "reasons": reasons,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report(required_operation),
-            "session_context_audit": session_ctx.mutation_context_audit_fields(),
-        }
-        blocked.update(extra_fields)
-        return blocked
 
     auth_block = _mutation_config_authority_block(required_operation)
     if auth_block is not None:
@@ -14493,20 +14734,14 @@ def gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease(
     """Acquire a per-PR reviewer lease before review/merge mutations (#407)."""
     read_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.read")
     if read_block:
-        return {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            "gitea.read", read_block, acquired=False
-            "acquired": False,
+        )
-            "reasons": read_block,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.read"),
-        }
     comment_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.pr.comment")
     if comment_block:
-        return {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            "gitea.pr.comment", comment_block, acquired=False
-            "acquired": False,
+        )
-            "reasons": comment_block,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.pr.comment"),
-        }
 
     # task=acquire_reviewer_pr_lease so verify_preflight_purity runs shared #604
     # anti-stomp for the declared lease-acquire mutation inventory entry.
@@ -14622,20 +14857,14 @@ def gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
     """
     read_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.read")
     if read_block:
-        return {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            "gitea.read", read_block, acquired=False
-            "acquired": False,
+        )
-            "reasons": read_block,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.read"),
-        }
     comment_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.pr.comment")
     if comment_block:
-        return {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            "gitea.pr.comment", comment_block, acquired=False
-            "acquired": False,
+        )
-            "reasons": comment_block,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.pr.comment"),
-        }
     merge_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.pr.merge")
     if merge_block:
         return {
@@ -19374,14 +19603,12 @@ def gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge(
     # Permission: author branch push / PR mutation surface.
     push_block = _profile_operation_gate("gitea.branch.push")
     if push_block:
-        return {
+        return _build_operation_gate_refusal(
-            "success": False,
+            "gitea.branch.push",
-            "performed": False,
+            push_block,
-            "mutation_allowed": False,
+            mutation_allowed=False,
-            "reasons": push_block,
+            role_kind=role,
-            "permission_report": _permission_block_report("gitea.branch.push"),
+        )
-            "role_kind": role,
-        }
 
     if role != "author":
         pre = pr_sync_status.assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
@@ -22342,6 +22569,8 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     request_override: bool = False,
     session_id: str | None = None,
     limit: int = 200,
+    drain_proof_json: str | None = None,
+    request_break_glass: bool = False,
 ) -> dict:
     """Evaluate a proposed MCP restart and return an impact preview (#658).
 
@@ -22351,10 +22580,15 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     verdict, so the console (#642/#652) and operators can see what a restart
     would disrupt *before* any concurrent LLM work is destroyed.
 
-    This tool is **dry-run and never restarts anything.** The mutative apply
+    This tool **never restarts a process.** In dry-run (the default) it returns
-    path is a separate child gated by a drain proof (non-goal here); calling
+    only the impact preview. With ``dry_run=False`` it enforces the #661 hard
-    with ``dry_run=False`` still performs no restart and reports that apply is
+    gate: the apply request must present a valid, unexpired, clean drain proof
-    not yet available.
+    (``drain_proof_json``) or it is denied and a durable incident descriptor is
+    returned under ``incident``. Break-glass is the only bypass and is honoured
+    only when ``request_break_glass`` is set *and* the environment carries
+    ``GITEA_BREAKGLASS_RESTART_AUTHORIZATION``. Even an authorized gate performs
+    no restart here; actual execution is a further child. The gate outcome is
+    reported under ``apply_gate`` / ``apply_authorized``.
 
     Operator override authority is read from the process environment
     (``GITEA_OPERATOR_RESTART_OVERRIDE_AUTHORIZATION``), never self-asserted by
@@ -22473,12 +22707,54 @@ def gitea_request_mcp_restart(
     payload["requesting_session_id"] = sid
     payload["operator_override_requested"] = bool(request_override)
     payload["operator_override_authorized"] = operator_authorized
+    # Actual restart execution remains a further child; this tool never restarts
+    # a process. What #661 adds is the *hard gate*: an apply request (dry_run
+    # False) must present a valid, unexpired, clean drain proof, or it is denied
+    # and a durable incident is raised. Break-glass is the only bypass and its
+    # authorization is read from the environment, never self-asserted.
     payload["apply_supported"] = False
     if not dry_run:
-        payload["reasons"] = list(payload.get("reasons") or []) + [
+        proof_obj: dict | None = None
-            "apply requested but not supported: sanctioned restart apply is "
+        proof_parse_error: str | None = None
-            "gated by a drain proof (separate child); no restart performed (#658)"
+        if drain_proof_json:
-        ]
+            try:
+                parsed = json.loads(drain_proof_json)
+                proof_obj = parsed if isinstance(parsed, dict) else None
+                if proof_obj is None:
+                    proof_parse_error = "drain_proof_json is not a JSON object"
+            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,
+            break_glass=break_glass,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint=expected_fp,
+            requesting_session_id=sid,
+        )
+        gate_payload = gate.as_dict()
+        if proof_parse_error and not break_glass:
+            gate_payload["reasons"] = [proof_parse_error] + list(
+                gate_payload.get("reasons") or []
+            )
+        payload["apply_gate"] = gate_payload
+        payload["apply_authorized"] = gate.allow
+        payload["break_glass_requested"] = bool(request_break_glass)
+        payload["break_glass_authorized"] = break_glass_authorized
+        # Even an authorized gate performs no restart here: execution is a later
+        # child. The gate proves the apply path *would* be permitted.
+        payload["reasons"] = list(payload.get("reasons") or []) + list(
+            gate_payload.get("reasons") or []
+        )
+        if not gate.allow and gate.incident is not None:
+            payload["incident"] = gate.incident
     return payload
 
 

tests/test_drain_proof.py

@@ -0,0 +1,907 @@
+"""Tests for the pre-restart drain proof and hard gate (#661).
+
+Covers the acceptance criteria:
+
+1. Restart apply without a proof fails closed.
+2. A successful drain produces a verifiable proof.
+3. An open unsafe mutation makes the proof fail (multi-session fixture).
+4. Pass / fail / expired verification paths.
+
+Plus the security posture: forged/tampered proofs are rejected, break-glass is
+the only bypass and is never silent, a stale blast-radius fingerprint rejects a
+proof, and no per-process secret ever leaks into a serialized artifact.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+
+import drain_proof as dp
+import restart_coordinator as rc
+
+
+NOW = datetime(2026, 7, 24, 6, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+SECRET = b"unit-test-drain-proof-secret-0123456789abcdef"
+
+
+def _live_pid() -> int:
+    return os.getpid()
+
+
+def _clean_drain_state() -> dict:
+    """Every drain action succeeded, no sessions outstanding."""
+
+    return {
+        "assignments_stopped": True,
+        "checkpoints_complete": True,
+        "handoffs_verified": True,
+        "leases_handled": True,
+        "acks": {},  # no other live sessions to acknowledge
+        "ack_timeout_policy_applied": False,
+    }
+
+
+def _safe_report() -> dict:
+    """Impact report with no other live work: a restart here is safe."""
+
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        {"sessions": [], "leases": [], "inventory_complete": True},
+        now=NOW,
+        requesting_session_id="prgs-controller-1-req",
+    )
+    return report.as_dict()
+
+
+def _unsafe_mutation_report() -> dict:
+    """Multi-session report: a second session holds a live author mutation."""
+
+    sessions = [
+        {
+            "session_id": "prgs-controller-1-req",
+            "role": "controller",
+            "profile": "prgs-controller",
+            "pid": _live_pid(),
+            "status": "active",
+            "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+        },
+        {
+            "session_id": "prgs-author-99",
+            "role": "author",
+            "profile": "prgs-author",
+            "pid": _live_pid(),
+            "status": "active",
+            "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+        },
+    ]
+    leases = [
+        {
+            "lease_id": "lease-mut",
+            "session_id": "prgs-author-99",
+            "role": "author",
+            "phase": "implementing",
+            "work_kind": "issue",
+            "work_number": 661,
+            "worktree_path": "branches/issue-661",
+            "freshness": {"freshness": "active"},
+        }
+    ]
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        {"sessions": sessions, "leases": leases, "inventory_complete": True},
+        now=NOW,
+        requesting_session_id="prgs-controller-1-req",
+    )
+    return report.as_dict()
+
+
+class BuildDrainProofTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_clean_drain_produces_verifiable_clean_proof(self):
+        """AC#2: a successful drain produces a verifiable proof."""
+
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            requesting_session_id="prgs-controller-1-req",
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+        self.assertEqual(proof.failed_checks, [])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            {c.name for c in proof.checks}, set(dp.REQUIRED_CHECKS)
+        )
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(
+            proof.as_dict(), now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result.valid, result.reasons)
+        self.assertFalse(result.expired)
+        self.assertFalse(result.tampered)
+
+    def test_open_mutation_makes_proof_unclean(self):
+        """AC#3: an unsafe mutation still in flight fails the proof."""
+
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_unsafe_mutation_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_NO_INFLIGHT_MUTATIONS, proof.failed_checks)
+        # Leases-handled also fails: the report still shows a disruptive lease.
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_LEASES_HANDLED, proof.failed_checks)
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(proof.as_dict(), now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+
+    def test_incomplete_inventory_fails_no_mutations_check(self):
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report={"inventory_complete": False},
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_NO_INFLIGHT_MUTATIONS, proof.failed_checks)
+
+    def test_missing_checkpoint_flag_fails_closed(self):
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        del state["checkpoints_complete"]
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(), drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_CHECKPOINTS_COMPLETE, proof.failed_checks)
+
+    def test_non_true_flags_fail_closed(self):
+        """A truthy-but-not-True value (e.g. the string 'yes') must not pass."""
+
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state["assignments_stopped"] = "yes"
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(), drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_ASSIGNMENTS_STOPPED, proof.failed_checks)
+
+    def test_ack_timeout_policy_satisfies_ack_check(self):
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state["acks"] = {"prgs-author-99": "pending"}
+        state["ack_timeout_policy_applied"] = True
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(), drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        names = {c.name: c.passed for c in proof.checks}
+        self.assertTrue(names[dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT])
+
+    def test_outstanding_acks_without_timeout_fail(self):
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state["acks"] = {"prgs-author-99": "pending"}
+        state["ack_timeout_policy_applied"] = False
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(), drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT, proof.failed_checks)
+
+    def test_all_acked_satisfies_ack_check(self):
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state["acks"] = {"prgs-author-99": "acked", "prgs-author-2": "acknowledged"}
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(), drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        names = {c.name: c.passed for c in proof.checks}
+        self.assertTrue(names[dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT])
+
+
+class VerifyDrainProofTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def _clean_proof_dict(self) -> dict:
+        return dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+
+    def test_missing_proof_is_invalid(self):
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(None, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertIsNone(result.proof_id)
+
+    def test_expired_proof_is_invalid(self):
+        """AC#4: an expired proof fails verification."""
+
+        proof = self._clean_proof_dict()
+        later = NOW + timedelta(seconds=dp.DEFAULT_PROOF_TTL_SECONDS + 1)
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(proof, now=later, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertTrue(result.expired)
+
+    def test_proof_valid_just_before_expiry(self):
+        proof = self._clean_proof_dict()
+        almost = NOW + timedelta(seconds=dp.DEFAULT_PROOF_TTL_SECONDS - 1)
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(proof, now=almost, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertTrue(result.valid, result.reasons)
+
+    def test_wrong_secret_rejected(self):
+        """A proof minted in a prior process (different secret) will not verify."""
+
+        proof = self._clean_proof_dict()
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(proof, now=NOW, secret=b"other-secret")
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertTrue(result.tampered)
+
+    def test_flipping_clean_flag_is_detected(self):
+        """Forging clean=True on an unclean proof breaks the signature."""
+
+        unclean = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_unsafe_mutation_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+        self.assertFalse(unclean["clean"])
+        unclean["clean"] = True  # forge
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(unclean, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertTrue(result.tampered)
+
+    def test_tampering_a_check_is_detected(self):
+        unclean = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_unsafe_mutation_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+        for c in unclean["checks"]:
+            if c["name"] == dp.CHECK_NO_INFLIGHT_MUTATIONS:
+                c["passed"] = True  # forge the failing check to pass
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(unclean, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertTrue(result.tampered)
+
+    def test_missing_required_check_rejected(self):
+        proof = self._clean_proof_dict()
+        proof["checks"] = [
+            c for c in proof["checks"] if c["name"] != dp.CHECK_HANDOFFS_OK
+        ]
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(proof, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+
+    def test_stale_fingerprint_rejected(self):
+        proof = self._clean_proof_dict()
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(
+            proof,
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint="deadbeef",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+
+    def test_matching_fingerprint_accepted(self):
+        report = _safe_report()
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=report,
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+        fp = dp.impact_fingerprint(report)
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(
+            proof, now=NOW, secret=SECRET, expected_impact_fingerprint=fp
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result.valid, result.reasons)
+
+
+class GateApplyRestartTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def _clean_proof_dict(self) -> dict:
+        return dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+
+    def test_apply_without_proof_denied(self):
+        """AC#1: restart apply without a proof fails closed + raises incident."""
+
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(proof=None, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_DENY)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(decision.incident)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            decision.incident["kind"], "restart_drain_gate_denied"
+        )
+
+    def test_apply_with_valid_proof_allowed(self):
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=self._clean_proof_dict(), now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(decision.allow)
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_ALLOW)
+        self.assertIsNone(decision.incident)
+
+    def test_apply_with_expired_proof_denied_with_incident(self):
+        later = NOW + timedelta(seconds=dp.DEFAULT_PROOF_TTL_SECONDS + 5)
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=self._clean_proof_dict(), now=later, secret=SECRET
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(decision.incident)
+
+    def test_apply_with_unclean_proof_denied(self):
+        """AC#3 at the gate: an unsafe-mutation proof is denied."""
+
+        unclean = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_unsafe_mutation_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        ).as_dict()
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(proof=unclean, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(decision.incident)
+
+    def test_break_glass_allows_without_proof_but_records_bypass(self):
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=None, now=NOW, secret=SECRET, break_glass=True
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(decision.allow)
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_BREAK_GLASS)
+        self.assertTrue(decision.break_glass)
+        self.assertIsNone(decision.incident)
+        self.assertTrue(decision.audit_record["break_glass"])
+
+    def test_denied_gate_carries_stale_fingerprint_reason(self):
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=self._clean_proof_dict(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint="not-the-fingerprint",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+
+
+class SecretHygieneTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_secret_never_serialized(self):
+        proof = dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=_safe_report(),
+            drain_state=_clean_drain_state(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+        )
+        blob = dp._canonical(proof.as_dict())
+        self.assertNotIn(SECRET.decode(), blob)
+        # The signature is a hex digest, not the raw secret.
+        self.assertNotIn(SECRET.hex(), blob)
+
+    def test_incident_descriptor_has_no_secret(self):
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(proof=None, now=NOW, secret=SECRET)
+        blob = dp._canonical(decision.incident)
+        self.assertNotIn(SECRET.decode(), blob)
+
+
+def _drained_report_with_live_sessions(count: int) -> dict:
+    """Report with ``count`` other live sessions but nothing in flight.
+
+    Every other checklist item passes against this report, so a failure
+    isolates the acknowledgement check rather than tripping on mutations.
+    """
+
+    sessions = [
+        {
+            "session_id": "prgs-controller-1-req",
+            "role": "controller",
+            "profile": "prgs-controller",
+            "pid": _live_pid(),
+            "status": "active",
+            "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+        }
+    ]
+    for index in range(count):
+        sessions.append(
+            {
+                "session_id": f"prgs-author-{index}",
+                "role": "author",
+                "profile": "prgs-author",
+                "pid": _live_pid(),
+                "status": "active",
+                "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+            }
+        )
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        {"sessions": sessions, "leases": [], "inventory_complete": True},
+        now=NOW,
+        requesting_session_id="prgs-controller-1-req",
+    )
+    return report.as_dict()
+
+
+class AcknowledgementFailClosedTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Acknowledgement evidence must fail closed unless explicitly verified.
+
+    Regression cover for the reviewed fail-open on PR #882: an absent ``acks``
+    key collapsed to ``{}`` and was read as "no other live sessions required to
+    acknowledge", so a proof minted clean and the restart gate allowed while the
+    impact report still showed other live sessions.
+    """
+
+    def _state(self, **overrides) -> dict:
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state.pop("acks", None)
+        state["ack_timeout_policy_applied"] = False
+        state.update(overrides)
+        return state
+
+    def _acks_check(self, proof) -> dp.DrainCheck:
+        return next(c for c in proof.checks if c.name == dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT)
+
+    def _build(self, report: dict, state: dict):
+        return dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=report, drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+
+    def assertAcksFailClosed(self, report: dict, state: dict) -> None:
+        proof = self._build(report, state)
+        self.assertFalse(self._acks_check(proof).passed)
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT, proof.failed_checks)
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+
+    # --- missing / null / empty / malformed ------------------------------
+
+    def test_missing_acks_key_with_live_sessions_fails_closed(self):
+        """The exact reviewed defect: absent key, three other live sessions."""
+        report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(3)
+        self.assertEqual(report["counts"]["sessions_live_other"], 3)
+        state = self._state()
+        self.assertNotIn("acks", state)
+        proof = self._build(report, state)
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertFalse(check.passed)
+        self.assertNotIn("no other live sessions", check.detail)
+        self.assertIn("fail closed", check.detail)
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        self.assertEqual(proof.failed_checks, [dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT])
+
+    def test_none_acks_with_live_sessions_fails_closed(self):
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            _drained_report_with_live_sessions(2), self._state(acks=None)
+        )
+
+    def test_empty_acks_with_live_sessions_fails_closed(self):
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            _drained_report_with_live_sessions(1), self._state(acks={})
+        )
+
+    def test_malformed_acks_fail_closed(self):
+        for malformed in ([], "ack", 7, ("ack",), True):
+            with self.subTest(malformed=malformed):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    _drained_report_with_live_sessions(1),
+                    self._state(acks=malformed),
+                )
+
+    # --- stale / unproven values -----------------------------------------
+
+    def test_stale_or_unproven_ack_values_fail_closed(self):
+        for value in ("pending", "stale", "unknown", "", None, True, 1, NOW):
+            with self.subTest(value=value):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    _drained_report_with_live_sessions(1),
+                    self._state(acks={"prgs-author-0": value}),
+                )
+
+    def test_partial_coverage_fails_closed(self):
+        """Fewer acknowledgements than the report's live-session count."""
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            _drained_report_with_live_sessions(3),
+            self._state(acks={"prgs-author-0": "ack"}),
+        )
+
+    def test_one_unacked_entry_among_many_fails_closed(self):
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            _drained_report_with_live_sessions(2),
+            self._state(acks={"prgs-author-0": "ack", "prgs-author-1": "pending"}),
+        )
+
+    def test_unproven_live_session_count_fails_closed(self):
+        """A missing or malformed count cannot prove nobody had to acknowledge."""
+        malformed_counts = (
+            None,
+            {},
+            {"sessions_live_other": None},
+            {"sessions_live_other": "3"},
+            {"sessions_live_other": -1},
+            {"sessions_live_other": True},
+        )
+        for counts in malformed_counts:
+            with self.subTest(counts=counts):
+                report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(0)
+                if counts is None:
+                    report.pop("counts", None)
+                else:
+                    report["counts"] = counts
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state())
+
+    # --- valid evidence still passes -------------------------------------
+
+    def test_complete_valid_acks_pass(self):
+        report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(2)
+        state = self._state(
+            acks={"prgs-author-0": "ack", "prgs-author-1": "acknowledged"}
+        )
+        proof = self._build(report, state)
+        self.assertTrue(self._acks_check(proof).passed)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+        self.assertEqual(proof.failed_checks, [])
+
+    def test_no_other_live_sessions_still_passes(self):
+        """Intended behavior retained: zero live sessions needs no acks."""
+        report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(0)
+        self.assertEqual(report["counts"]["sessions_live_other"], 0)
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state())
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertTrue(check.passed)
+        self.assertIn("sessions_live_other=0", check.detail)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+
+    # --- timeout policy cannot become a second fail-open ------------------
+
+    def test_unproven_timeout_policy_cannot_open_the_gate(self):
+        for value in (None, "true", "yes", 1, "True", [], {}):
+            with self.subTest(value=value):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    _drained_report_with_live_sessions(2),
+                    self._state(ack_timeout_policy_applied=value),
+                )
+
+    def test_explicit_timeout_policy_permits(self):
+        proof = self._build(
+            _drained_report_with_live_sessions(2),
+            self._state(ack_timeout_policy_applied=True),
+        )
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertTrue(check.passed)
+        self.assertIn("timeout policy", check.detail)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+
+    # --- the gate itself must deny ---------------------------------------
+
+    def test_failed_ack_check_denies_the_restart_gate(self):
+        report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(3)
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state())
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=proof.as_dict(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint=dp.impact_fingerprint(report),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_DENY)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(decision.incident)
+
+    def test_unclean_ack_proof_fails_verification(self):
+        report = _drained_report_with_live_sessions(3)
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state())
+        result = dp.verify_drain_proof(
+            proof.as_dict(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint=dp.impact_fingerprint(report),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result.valid)
+        self.assertFalse(result.clean)
+
+
+def _identity_report(*, requester: str, others: tuple[str, ...]) -> dict:
+    """Report with explicitly named requester and other live sessions.
+
+    Unlike :func:`_drained_report_with_live_sessions`, the session ids are
+    chosen by the caller so a test can supply acknowledgements for the *wrong*
+    identities while keeping the count correct.
+    """
+
+    sessions = [
+        {
+            "session_id": requester,
+            "role": "controller",
+            "profile": "prgs-controller",
+            "pid": _live_pid(),
+            "status": "active",
+            "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+        }
+    ]
+    for session_id in others:
+        sessions.append(
+            {
+                "session_id": session_id,
+                "role": "author",
+                "profile": "prgs-author",
+                "pid": _live_pid(),
+                "status": "active",
+                "last_heartbeat_at": NOW.isoformat(),
+            }
+        )
+    report = rc.evaluate_restart_impact(
+        {"sessions": sessions, "leases": [], "inventory_complete": True},
+        now=NOW,
+        requesting_session_id=requester,
+    )
+    return report.as_dict()
+
+
+class AcknowledgementIdentityBindingTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Acknowledgement coverage must be bound to session identity, not counted.
+
+    Regression cover for the second reviewed fail-open on PR #882 (review 582,
+    blocker B1): coverage compared ``acked_count`` against
+    ``counts.sessions_live_other``, so acknowledgements supplied for the
+    requesting session and for ids that do not exist satisfied the obligations
+    of the live sessions that never answered. The required identities are
+    carried by the report itself — ``ack_state`` keys and ``affected_sessions``
+    filtered on ``live and not is_requester`` — and only an acknowledgement
+    keyed by one of those ids may count for it.
+    """
+
+    def _state(self, **overrides) -> dict:
+        state = _clean_drain_state()
+        state.pop("acks", None)
+        state["ack_timeout_policy_applied"] = False
+        state.update(overrides)
+        return state
+
+    def _acks_check(self, proof) -> dp.DrainCheck:
+        return next(c for c in proof.checks if c.name == dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT)
+
+    def _build(self, report: dict, state: dict):
+        return dp.build_drain_proof(
+            impact_report=report, drain_state=state, now=NOW, secret=SECRET
+        )
+
+    def assertAcksFailClosed(self, report: dict, state: dict) -> dp.DrainCheck:
+        """Failure must propagate through the check, the proof, and the gate."""
+
+        proof = self._build(report, state)
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertFalse(check.passed)
+        self.assertFalse(proof.clean)
+        self.assertIn(dp.CHECK_ACKS_OR_TIMEOUT, proof.failed_checks)
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=proof.as_dict(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint=dp.impact_fingerprint(report),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_DENY)
+        self.assertFalse(decision.allow)
+        return check
+
+    # --- the reviewer's exact reproduction --------------------------------
+
+    def test_requester_plus_unknown_id_cannot_satisfy_two_live_sessions(self):
+        """Review 582 B1 verbatim: requester + a nonexistent session.
+
+        ``sessions_live_other=2`` with ``ack_state`` naming ``other-0`` and
+        ``other-1``; the drain state supplies an acknowledgement from the
+        requesting session itself and from a session that does not exist. The
+        count matches, the identities do not.
+        """
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        self.assertEqual(report["counts"]["sessions_live_other"], 2)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            report["ack_state"], {"other-0": "pending", "other-1": "pending"}
+        )
+        state = self._state(acks={"req": "ack", "totally-bogus-session": "ack"})
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, state)
+        self.assertIn("other-0", check.detail)
+        self.assertIn("other-1", check.detail)
+        self.assertIn("fail closed", check.detail)
+
+    # --- wrong / unknown / requester identities ---------------------------
+
+    def test_sufficient_count_of_wrong_ids_fails_closed(self):
+        """Right cardinality, wrong identities: two acks, neither required."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        state = self._state(acks={"ghost-a": "ack", "ghost-b": "ack"})
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, state)
+        self.assertIn("do not count", check.detail)
+
+    def test_more_acks_than_required_still_fails_on_wrong_ids(self):
+        """Coverage cannot be bought with volume: five acks, none required."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        state = self._state(acks={f"ghost-{i}": "acknowledged" for i in range(5)})
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, state)
+
+    def test_partial_identity_match_fails_closed(self):
+        """One required id acknowledged, the rest padded with unknown ids."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(
+            requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1", "other-2")
+        )
+        state = self._state(
+            acks={"other-0": "ack", "ghost-1": "ack", "ghost-2": "ack"}
+        )
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, state)
+        self.assertIn("other-1", check.detail)
+        self.assertIn("other-2", check.detail)
+
+    def test_requester_ack_never_satisfies_another_sessions_obligation(self):
+        """The requester is excluded from the required set and stays excluded."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        requester_rows = [s for s in report["affected_sessions"] if s["is_requester"]]
+        self.assertEqual([s["session_id"] for s in requester_rows], ["req"])
+        self.assertNotIn("req", report["ack_state"])
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={"req": "ack"}))
+        self.assertIn("other-0", check.detail)
+
+    def test_fabricated_ids_do_not_count_toward_coverage(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        for bogus in ("", " ", "other-0 extra", "OTHER-0", "other-01", "0"):
+            with self.subTest(bogus=bogus):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={bogus: "ack"}))
+
+    # --- per-session state must be explicitly valid ------------------------
+
+    def test_unproven_per_session_states_fail_closed(self):
+        """A required id present but not explicitly acknowledged fails closed."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        for value in ("pending", "stale", "unknown", "", None, True, 1, NOW):
+            with self.subTest(value=value):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    report,
+                    self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack", "other-1": value}),
+                )
+
+    def test_report_ack_state_placeholder_is_never_read_as_an_ack(self):
+        """``ack_state`` values are the report's own placeholders, not evidence."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report["ack_state"] = {"other-0": "ack"}
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state())
+
+    # --- missing / malformed / contradictory identity evidence -------------
+
+    def test_missing_identity_evidence_fails_closed(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report.pop("ack_state", None)
+        report.pop("affected_sessions", None)
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"}))
+        self.assertIn("no session-identity evidence", check.detail)
+
+    def test_malformed_ack_state_fails_closed(self):
+        for malformed in ([], "other-0", 7, None, ("other-0",)):
+            with self.subTest(malformed=malformed):
+                report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+                report["ack_state"] = malformed
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"})
+                )
+
+    def test_non_string_ack_state_key_fails_closed(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report["ack_state"] = {7: "pending"}
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"}))
+
+    def test_malformed_affected_sessions_fails_closed(self):
+        for malformed in ("sessions", 7, {"session_id": "other-0"}, [None], [7]):
+            with self.subTest(malformed=malformed):
+                report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+                report.pop("ack_state", None)
+                report["affected_sessions"] = malformed
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"})
+                )
+
+    def test_affected_sessions_without_explicit_booleans_fails_closed(self):
+        """``live``/``is_requester`` must be real booleans, never inferred."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report.pop("ack_state", None)
+        for row in report["affected_sessions"]:
+            if row["session_id"] == "other-0":
+                row["is_requester"] = "false"
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"}))
+
+    def test_affected_sessions_missing_live_flag_fails_closed(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report.pop("ack_state", None)
+        for row in report["affected_sessions"]:
+            row.pop("live", None)
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack"}))
+
+    def test_contradictory_ack_state_and_affected_sessions_fails_closed(self):
+        """Both views present and disagreeing is unresolvable, not a tie-break."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        report["ack_state"] = {"other-0": "pending", "other-9": "pending"}
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack", "other-9": "ack"})
+        )
+        self.assertIn("contradicts itself", check.detail)
+
+    def test_identity_count_mismatch_fails_closed(self):
+        """Identity evidence that cannot be reconciled with the count denies."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        report["counts"] = dict(report["counts"], sessions_live_other=1)
+        check = self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+            report, self._state(acks={"other-0": "ack", "other-1": "ack"})
+        )
+        self.assertIn("cannot be reconciled", check.detail)
+
+    def test_broken_identity_evidence_outranks_timeout_policy(self):
+        """The sanctioned timeout path cannot paper over an unreadable report."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        report["ack_state"] = "not-a-mapping"
+        self.assertAcksFailClosed(report, self._state(ack_timeout_policy_applied=True))
+
+    # --- legitimate success is preserved -----------------------------------
+
+    def test_every_required_session_acknowledged_passes(self):
+        report = _identity_report(
+            requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1", "other-2")
+        )
+        state = self._state(
+            acks={
+                "other-0": "ack",
+                "other-1": "acked",
+                "other-2": "acknowledged",
+            }
+        )
+        proof = self._build(report, state)
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertTrue(check.passed)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+        self.assertEqual(proof.failed_checks, [])
+        self.assertIn("acknowledged by identity", check.detail)
+        decision = dp.gate_apply_restart(
+            proof=proof.as_dict(),
+            now=NOW,
+            secret=SECRET,
+            expected_impact_fingerprint=dp.impact_fingerprint(report),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(decision.verdict, dp.GATE_ALLOW)
+        self.assertTrue(decision.allow)
+
+    def test_required_session_ack_tolerates_surrounding_whitespace(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state(acks={" other-0 ": " ACK "}))
+        self.assertTrue(self._acks_check(proof).passed)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+
+    def test_no_other_live_sessions_still_passes_with_identity_evidence(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=())
+        self.assertEqual(report["counts"]["sessions_live_other"], 0)
+        self.assertEqual(report["ack_state"], {})
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state())
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertTrue(check.passed)
+        self.assertIn("sessions_live_other=0", check.detail)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+
+    def test_explicit_timeout_policy_retains_intended_behavior(self):
+        """Valid, correctly typed timeout evidence still permits the check."""
+
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0", "other-1"))
+        proof = self._build(report, self._state(ack_timeout_policy_applied=True))
+        check = self._acks_check(proof)
+        self.assertTrue(check.passed)
+        self.assertIn("timeout policy", check.detail)
+        self.assertTrue(proof.clean)
+
+    def test_timeout_policy_still_strictly_typed_under_identity_binding(self):
+        report = _identity_report(requester="req", others=("other-0",))
+        for value in (None, "true", "True", 1, [], {}):
+            with self.subTest(value=value):
+                self.assertAcksFailClosed(
+                    report, self._state(ack_timeout_policy_applied=value)
+                )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_854_semantic_container_exclusion.py

@@ -0,0 +1,378 @@
+"""Allocator semantic container exclusion for vision/roadmap/umbrella (#854).
+
+#844 excluded epic / child-only containers (live #631) but product-vision
+(#652), phased-roadmap (#653), and umbrella (#655) coordination records still
+ranked as implementable work. This module is the live-equivalent canary:
+
+* #631 / #652 / #653 / #655-shaped records are all excluded in one inventory.
+* Independently executable children remain eligible and can be selected.
+* Ordinary issues that merely mention vision / roadmap / umbrella stay eligible.
+* Excluded containers never receive assignments or workflow leases.
+* Structured skip reason ``epic_or_child_only_container`` is reported.
+* Candidate-set fingerprint remains stable after exclusions.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+
+from allocator_service import (
+    OUTCOME_ASSIGNED,
+    OUTCOME_PREVIEW,
+    SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER,
+    WorkCandidate,
+    allocate_next_work,
+    candidate_set_fingerprint,
+    classify_epic_or_child_only_container,
+)
+from control_plane_db import ControlPlaneDB
+
+REMOTE = "prgs"
+ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+
+# Minimal bodies mirroring live coordination records (not full issue text).
+_EPIC_631_BODY = """
+## Scope (umbrella)
+
+This epic owns the **product roadmap and linkage** for the Web Console.
+Implementation is delivered via child issues only.
+
+## Explicit non-goals
+
+* Do not implement product features in this epic issue itself.
+* No product feature implementation is claimed complete solely on this epic.
+"""
+
+_VISION_652_BODY = """
+## Canonical product vision — enduring source of truth
+
+**This issue is the enduring source of truth for the MCP Control Plane Web Console product vision.**
+
+## Implementation linkage
+
+* **Do not implement features on this issue.**
+* Sequencing: roadmap issue + #631 children.
+
+## Canonical issue state
+
+```text
+STATE: vision-active
+WHO_IS_NEXT: controller (triage/ordering) / author (implementation of linked children only)
+```
+"""
+
+_ROADMAP_653_BODY = """
+## Purpose
+
+This issue is the **phased delivery roadmap and epic sequencing** for the MCP Control Plane Web Console.
+
+## Non-goals
+
+* Implementing features on this roadmap issue.
+* Deleting vision items by omitting them from phases without #652 change log.
+
+## Canonical issue state
+
+```text
+STATE: roadmap-active
+WHO_IS_NEXT: author
+```
+"""
+
+_UMBRELLA_655_BODY = """
+## Scope (umbrella)
+
+This issue owns the **canonical restart-governance program**. Implementation is via linked children only.
+
+## Acceptance criteria (umbrella)
+
+6. No product feature claimed complete on this issue alone.
+"""
+
+_CHILD_BODY = """
+## Problem
+
+Operators need a workflow-event timeline model for Phase 1.
+
+## Acceptance criteria
+
+- [ ] Timeline model API exists
+"""
+
+
+def _issue(
+    number: int,
+    *,
+    title: str = "",
+    body: str = "",
+    labels: tuple[str, ...] = ("status:ready", "type:feature"),
+    priority: int = 20,
+) -> WorkCandidate:
+    return WorkCandidate(
+        kind="issue",
+        number=number,
+        state="open",
+        labels=labels,
+        title=title or f"issue {number}",
+        body=body,
+        priority=priority,
+    )
+
+
+def _live_shaped_containers() -> list[WorkCandidate]:
+    return [
+        _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        ),
+        _issue(
+            652,
+            title="Product vision: MCP Control Plane Web Console (canonical)",
+            body=_VISION_652_BODY,
+        ),
+        _issue(
+            653,
+            title="Roadmap: MCP Control Plane Web Console (phased delivery)",
+            body=_ROADMAP_653_BODY,
+        ),
+        _issue(
+            655,
+            title="Umbrella: Governed MCP restart coordination and zero-disruption recovery",
+            body=_UMBRELLA_655_BODY,
+        ),
+    ]
+
+
+class ClassifySemanticContainersTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_652_vision_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            652,
+            title="Product vision: MCP Control Plane Web Console (canonical)",
+            body=_VISION_652_BODY,
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(detail)
+        self.assertIn("body_marker", detail or "")
+
+    def test_653_roadmap_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            653,
+            title="Roadmap: MCP Control Plane Web Console (phased delivery)",
+            body=_ROADMAP_653_BODY,
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIn("body_marker", detail or "")
+
+    def test_655_umbrella_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            655,
+            title="Umbrella: Governed MCP restart coordination and zero-disruption recovery",
+            body=_UMBRELLA_655_BODY,
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIn("body_marker", detail or "")
+
+    def test_631_still_container_after_854(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            631,
+            title="Epic: MCP Control Plane Web Console",
+            body=_EPIC_631_BODY,
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIn("body_marker", detail or "")
+
+    def test_incidental_vision_roadmap_umbrella_words_not_container(self) -> None:
+        cases = (
+            (
+                "Document vision handoff conventions",
+                "Update docs so implementable issues that mention a vision "
+                "remain independently executable.",
+            ),
+            (
+                "Clarify roadmap sequencing notes",
+                "Write a short note about how the roadmap issue relates to children.",
+            ),
+            (
+                "Umbrella recovery checklist for authors",
+                "Authors should still implement the concrete recovery fix here.",
+            ),
+            (
+                "Product vision wording in the help text",
+                "Fix a typo in the operator-facing help string that says product vision.",
+            ),
+        )
+        for title, body in cases:
+            with self.subTest(title=title):
+                c = _issue(900, title=title, body=body)
+                is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+                self.assertFalse(is_c)
+                self.assertIsNone(detail)
+
+    def test_title_prefix_alone_not_container(self) -> None:
+        for title in (
+            "Epic: something mentioned only in title",
+            "Roadmap: title only without body scope",
+            "Product vision: title only without body scope",
+            "Umbrella: title only without body scope",
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(title=title):
+                c = _issue(
+                    901,
+                    title=title,
+                    body="Implement a concrete fix for the allocator skip list.",
+                )
+                is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+                self.assertFalse(is_c)
+                self.assertIsNone(detail)
+
+    def test_roadmap_label_alone_is_container(self) -> None:
+        c = _issue(
+            902,
+            title="Console delivery sequencing",
+            body="Track phased delivery only.",
+            labels=("status:ready", "type:roadmap"),
+        )
+        is_c, detail = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertTrue(is_c)
+        self.assertIn("type:roadmap", detail or "")
+
+    def test_child_referencing_parent_policy_stays_eligible(self) -> None:
+        """Children may quote parent policy without becoming containers."""
+        c = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=(
+                _CHILD_BODY
+                + "\n\nParent #652 says do not implement on the vision issue; "
+                "this child is the implementable unit."
+            ),
+        )
+        is_c, _ = classify_epic_or_child_only_container(c)
+        self.assertFalse(is_c)
+
+
+class AllocateSemanticContainerExclusionTest(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self) -> None:
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.addCleanup(self._tmp.cleanup)
+        self.db = ControlPlaneDB(os.path.join(self._tmp.name, "cp.sqlite3"))
+
+    def _alloc(self, candidates, **kwargs):
+        defaults = dict(
+            session_id="sess-854",
+            role="author",
+            remote=REMOTE,
+            org=ORG,
+            repo=REPO,
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            username="jcwalker3",
+            claims={},
+            apply=False,
+        )
+        defaults.update(kwargs)
+        return allocate_next_work(self.db, candidates=candidates, **defaults)
+
+    def test_live_equivalent_canary_excludes_all_containers_selects_child(self) -> None:
+        containers = _live_shaped_containers()
+        child = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=_CHILD_BODY,
+        )
+        inventory = containers + [child]
+        res = self._alloc(inventory, apply=False)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_PREVIEW)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 637)
+
+        skipped = {s["number"]: s for s in res["skipped"]}
+        for number in (631, 652, 653, 655):
+            self.assertIn(number, skipped, res["skipped"])
+            self.assertEqual(
+                skipped[number]["reason_code"],
+                SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER,
+            )
+            self.assertIn(
+                SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER, skipped[number]["reason"]
+            )
+
+    def test_containers_cannot_receive_assignment_or_lease(self) -> None:
+        containers = _live_shaped_containers()
+        res = self._alloc(containers, apply=True)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertNotEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_ASSIGNED)
+        self.assertIsNone(res.get("assignment"))
+        self.assertIsNone(res.get("selected"))
+        skipped = {s["number"]: s for s in res["skipped"]}
+        for number in (631, 652, 653, 655):
+            self.assertEqual(
+                skipped[number]["reason_code"],
+                SKIP_EPIC_OR_CHILD_ONLY_CONTAINER,
+            )
+
+        leases = []
+        if hasattr(self.db, "list_active_leases"):
+            leases = self.db.list_active_leases(
+                remote=REMOTE, org=ORG, repo=REPO
+            )
+        if not leases and hasattr(self.db, "list_leases"):
+            leases = self.db.list_leases(remote=REMOTE, org=ORG, repo=REPO)
+        for lease in leases or []:
+            work_number = (
+                lease.get("work_number") if isinstance(lease, dict) else None
+            )
+            self.assertNotIn(work_number, {631, 652, 653, 655})
+
+    def test_apply_selects_child_not_container(self) -> None:
+        containers = _live_shaped_containers()
+        child = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=_CHILD_BODY,
+        )
+        res = self._alloc(containers + [child], apply=True)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["outcome"], OUTCOME_ASSIGNED)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 637)
+        self.assertEqual(res["assignment"]["work_number"], 637)
+
+    def test_fingerprint_stable_with_containers_present(self) -> None:
+        containers = _live_shaped_containers()
+        child = _issue(
+            637,
+            title="Web Console: Workflow-event timeline model (Phase 1)",
+            body=_CHILD_BODY,
+        )
+        inventory = containers + [child]
+        fp_before = candidate_set_fingerprint(inventory)
+        res = self._alloc(inventory, apply=False)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 637)
+        # Allocator reports the same CAS fingerprint for the full candidate set.
+        reported = res.get("candidate_set_fingerprint")
+        self.assertEqual(reported, fp_before)
+        # Re-fingerprint of the same inventory is byte-stable.
+        self.assertEqual(candidate_set_fingerprint(inventory), fp_before)
+
+    def test_incidental_mentions_remain_eligible(self) -> None:
+        ordinary = _issue(
+            700,
+            title="Document roadmap handoff conventions",
+            body="Write runbook text about vision vs roadmap vs child issues.",
+        )
+        res = self._alloc([ordinary], apply=False)
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["selected"]["number"], 700)
+        self.assertEqual(res["skipped"], [])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_897_permission_stale_runtime_classification.py

@@ -0,0 +1,453 @@
+"""#897: stale-runtime / runtime-mode refusals must not look like permission denials.
+
+Acceptance criteria (issue #897):
+
+* Stale-runtime and runtime-mode refusals are typed distinctly from
+  profile-permission refusals (distinct ``blocker_kind``).
+* A refusal caused by staleness or runtime mode never emits a
+  ``permission_report`` and never names a permission the active profile holds.
+* ``_permission_block_report`` verifies the active profile actually lacks the
+  operation before reporting it missing.
+* A stale-runtime refusal reports reconnect-only recovery and never recommends
+  ``gitea_activate_profile`` or an MCP session switch.
+* The blocker payload states the observed heads (parity fields).
+* Matrix across author / reviewer / merger / reconciler profiles.
+* Regression: ``gitea_create_issue`` on a stale daemon under ``prgs-author``
+  never returns ``missing_permission: gitea.issue.create``.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_mcp_server as mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+
+SHA_START = "7af40fb5ff7debd5e9165fe97d9c7c279358e175"
+SHA_LIVE = "2f4dec832327513118f2fe92b74da25d124a01cb"
+
+ROLE_MATRIX = (
+    (
+        "prgs-author",
+        "author",
+        "gitea.issue.create",
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.close",
+            "gitea.branch.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.repo.commit",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.request_changes"],
+        "gitea.pr.merge",  # forbidden op for pure-permission case
+    ),
+    (
+        "prgs-reviewer",
+        "reviewer",
+        "gitea.pr.review",
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.pr.review",
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.create"],
+        "gitea.branch.push",
+    ),
+    (
+        "prgs-merger",
+        "merger",
+        "gitea.pr.merge",
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.create"],
+        "gitea.branch.push",
+    ),
+    (
+        "prgs-reconciler",
+        "reconciler",
+        "gitea.branch.delete",
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.branch.delete",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.pr.close",
+            "gitea.issue.close",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+        "gitea.pr.merge",
+    ),
+)
+
+
+def _profile(name: str, role: str, allowed: list[str], forbidden: list[str]) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "profile_name": name,
+        "role": role,
+        "role_kind": role,
+        "allowed_operations": list(allowed),
+        "forbidden_operations": list(forbidden),
+        "identity": "test-user",
+    }
+
+
+def _config(profiles: dict) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "version": 2,
+        "profiles": {
+            name: {
+                "role": p["role"],
+                "allowed_operations": p["allowed_operations"],
+                "forbidden_operations": p["forbidden_operations"],
+            }
+            for name, p in profiles.items()
+        },
+        "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": True},
+    }
+
+
+class Issue897Helpers(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_classify_stale_reason_strings(self):
+        stale = (
+            f"live remote master is {SHA_LIVE[:12]} but the MCP server started "
+            f"at {SHA_START[:12]}; the daemon is stale relative to live master "
+            "-- restart/reconnect before mutating"
+        )
+        classified = mcp_server._classify_operation_gate_reasons([stale])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["stale_runtime"], [stale])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["permission"], [])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["runtime_mode"], [])
+
+    def test_classify_permission_reason(self):
+        reason = "profile is not allowed to gitea.pr.merge"
+        classified = mcp_server._classify_operation_gate_reasons([reason])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["permission"], [reason])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["stale_runtime"], [])
+
+    def test_classify_runtime_mode_reason(self):
+        reason = (
+            "runtime mode is 'dev-test' and the mutation targets the "
+            "production repository; dev/test runtimes must not mutate real "
+            "issues or PRs (ADR: stable control runtime vs dev runtime)"
+        )
+        classified = mcp_server._classify_operation_gate_reasons([reason])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["runtime_mode"], [reason])
+        self.assertEqual(classified["stale_runtime"], [])
+
+
+class Issue897PermissionBlockReport(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_holds_op_is_diagnostic_defect_not_missing_permission(self):
+        profile = _profile(
+            "prgs-author",
+            "author",
+            ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create", "gitea.issue.comment"],
+            [],
+        )
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config", return_value=_config({"prgs-author": profile})
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "is_runtime_switching_enabled", return_value=True
+        ):
+            report = mcp_server._permission_block_report("gitea.issue.create")
+        self.assertTrue(report.get("diagnostic_defect"), report)
+        self.assertIsNone(report.get("missing_permission"), report)
+        action = (report.get("exact_safe_next_action") or "").lower()
+        # Must not *recommend* profile switching; mentioning the forbidden
+        # action in a "do not call" instruction is fine.
+        self.assertNotIn("call gitea_activate_profile with", action)
+        self.assertNotIn("switch to the author mcp session", action)
+        self.assertNotIn("switch to the reviewer mcp session", action)
+        self.assertIn("diagnostic defect", action)
+
+    def test_true_missing_permission_still_reports(self):
+        profile = _profile(
+            "prgs-author",
+            "author",
+            ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create"],
+            ["gitea.pr.merge"],
+        )
+        reviewer = _profile(
+            "prgs-reviewer",
+            "reviewer",
+            ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.approve"],
+            [],
+        )
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config,
+            "load_config",
+            return_value=_config({"prgs-author": profile, "prgs-reviewer": reviewer}),
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "is_runtime_switching_enabled", return_value=True
+        ):
+            report = mcp_server._permission_block_report("gitea.pr.merge")
+        self.assertFalse(report.get("diagnostic_defect"), report)
+        self.assertEqual(report.get("missing_permission"), "gitea.pr.merge")
+        self.assertIn("prgs-reviewer", report.get("matching_configured_profiles") or [])
+
+
+class Issue897GateRefusalMatrix(unittest.TestCase):
+    def _stale_parity(self) -> dict:
+        return {
+            "in_parity": True,
+            "stale": False,
+            "restart_required": True,
+            "determinable": True,
+            "startup_head": SHA_START,
+            "current_head": SHA_START,
+            "daemon_start_head": SHA_START,
+            "local_head": SHA_START,
+            "live_remote_head": SHA_LIVE,
+            "live_known": True,
+            "live_stale": True,
+            "mutation_safe": False,
+            "reasons": [
+                f"live remote master is {SHA_LIVE[:12]} but the MCP server "
+                f"started at {SHA_START[:12]}; the daemon is stale relative "
+                "to live master -- restart/reconnect before mutating"
+            ],
+        }
+
+    def test_stale_plus_permitted_op_all_roles(self):
+        for name, role, permitted_op, allowed, forbidden, _forbidden_op in ROLE_MATRIX:
+            with self.subTest(profile=name, op=permitted_op):
+                profile = _profile(name, role, allowed, forbidden)
+                parity = self._stale_parity()
+                with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_current_master_parity", return_value=parity
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_master_parity_block", return_value=list(parity["reasons"])
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_runtime_mode_block", return_value=[]
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server.session_ctx,
+                    "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+                    return_value={"session_profile": name},
+                ):
+                    blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(permitted_op)
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked, name)
+                assert blocked is not None
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    blocked.get("blocker_kind"),
+                    "runtime_reconnect_required",
+                    blocked,
+                )
+                self.assertNotIn("permission_report", blocked, blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(blocked.get("restart_required"), blocked)
+                self.assertEqual(blocked.get("startup_head"), SHA_START, blocked)
+                self.assertEqual(blocked.get("live_remote_head"), SHA_LIVE, blocked)
+                action = (blocked.get("exact_safe_next_action") or "").lower()
+                self.assertIn("reconnect", action)
+                self.assertNotIn("call gitea_activate_profile with", action)
+                self.assertNotIn("switch to the author mcp session", action)
+                self.assertNotIn("switch to the reviewer mcp session", action)
+
+    def test_fresh_plus_forbidden_op_all_roles(self):
+        for name, role, _permitted, allowed, forbidden, forbidden_op in ROLE_MATRIX:
+            with self.subTest(profile=name, op=forbidden_op):
+                profile = _profile(name, role, allowed, forbidden)
+                with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_master_parity_block", return_value=[]
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_runtime_mode_block", return_value=[]
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server.session_ctx,
+                    "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+                    return_value={"session_profile": name},
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server.gitea_config,
+                    "load_config",
+                    return_value=_config({name: profile}),
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server.gitea_config, "is_runtime_switching_enabled", return_value=False
+                ):
+                    blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(forbidden_op)
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked, name)
+                assert blocked is not None
+                self.assertEqual(blocked.get("blocker_kind"), "permission_denied", blocked)
+                self.assertIn("permission_report", blocked, blocked)
+                report = blocked["permission_report"]
+                self.assertEqual(report.get("missing_permission"), forbidden_op, report)
+                self.assertFalse(report.get("diagnostic_defect"), report)
+                # No runtime reconnect fields for pure permission denial
+                self.assertNotEqual(
+                    blocked.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required"
+                )
+
+    def test_stale_plus_forbidden_op_both_causes_separated(self):
+        for name, role, _permitted, allowed, forbidden, forbidden_op in ROLE_MATRIX:
+            with self.subTest(profile=name, op=forbidden_op):
+                profile = _profile(name, role, allowed, forbidden)
+                parity = self._stale_parity()
+                stale_reason = parity["reasons"][0]
+                with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_current_master_parity", return_value=parity
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_master_parity_block", return_value=[stale_reason]
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_runtime_mode_block", return_value=[]
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+                ), patch.object(
+                    mcp_server.session_ctx,
+                    "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+                    return_value={"session_profile": name},
+                ):
+                    # Gate collects both classes; force permission reason too.
+                    with patch.object(
+                        mcp_server,
+                        "_profile_operation_gate",
+                        return_value=[
+                            stale_reason,
+                            f"profile is not allowed to {forbidden_op}",
+                        ],
+                    ):
+                        blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(forbidden_op)
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                assert blocked is not None
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    blocked.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required", blocked
+                )
+                self.assertNotIn("permission_report", blocked, blocked)
+                self.assertIn("permission_block_reasons", blocked, blocked)
+                self.assertIn("stale_runtime_reasons", blocked, blocked)
+                classes = blocked.get("gate_reason_classes") or {}
+                self.assertTrue(classes.get("stale_runtime"), classes)
+                self.assertTrue(classes.get("permission"), classes)
+
+    def test_runtime_mode_block_no_permission_report(self):
+        profile = _profile(
+            "prgs-author",
+            "author",
+            ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create"],
+            [],
+        )
+        runtime_reason = (
+            "runtime mode is 'dev-test' and the mutation targets the "
+            "production repository; dev/test runtimes must not mutate real "
+            "issues or PRs (ADR: stable control runtime vs dev runtime)"
+        )
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_master_parity_block", return_value=[]
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_runtime_mode_block", return_value=[runtime_reason]
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.session_ctx,
+            "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+            return_value={"session_profile": "prgs-author"},
+        ):
+            blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block("gitea.issue.create")
+        self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+        assert blocked is not None
+        self.assertEqual(blocked.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_mode_blocked", blocked)
+        self.assertNotIn("permission_report", blocked, blocked)
+        action = (blocked.get("exact_safe_next_action") or "").lower()
+        self.assertNotIn("call gitea_activate_profile with", action)
+        self.assertIn("stable control runtime", action)
+
+
+class Issue897CreateIssueRegression(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_create_issue_stale_daemon_never_missing_issue_create(self):
+        """Regression AC: stale prgs-author create_issue must not claim missing create."""
+        profile = _profile(
+            "prgs-author",
+            "author",
+            [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.issue.create",
+                "gitea.issue.comment",
+                "gitea.branch.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.repo.commit",
+            ],
+            [],
+        )
+        stale_reason = (
+            f"live remote master is {SHA_LIVE[:12]} but the MCP server started "
+            f"at {SHA_START[:12]}; the daemon is stale relative to live master "
+            "-- restart/reconnect before mutating"
+        )
+        parity = {
+            "in_parity": True,
+            "stale": False,
+            "restart_required": True,
+            "determinable": True,
+            "startup_head": SHA_START,
+            "current_head": SHA_START,
+            "daemon_start_head": SHA_START,
+            "local_head": SHA_START,
+            "live_remote_head": SHA_LIVE,
+            "live_known": True,
+            "live_stale": True,
+            "mutation_safe": False,
+            "reasons": [stale_reason],
+        }
+
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_current_master_parity", return_value=parity
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_master_parity_block", return_value=[stale_reason]
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_runtime_mode_block", return_value=[]
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.session_ctx,
+            "mutation_context_audit_fields",
+            return_value={"session_profile": "prgs-author"},
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_mutation_config_authority_block", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_session_context_mutation_block", return_value=None
+        ):
+            blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(
+                "gitea.issue.create", remote="prgs"
+            )
+
+        self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+        assert blocked is not None
+        self.assertEqual(blocked.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required")
+        self.assertNotIn("permission_report", blocked)
+        # Even if a caller still built a raw report, holds-check must not claim missing.
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile):
+            raw = mcp_server._permission_block_report("gitea.issue.create")
+        self.assertIsNone(raw.get("missing_permission"), raw)
+        self.assertNotEqual(raw.get("missing_permission"), "gitea.issue.create")
+
+    def test_permission_report_for_gate_reasons_skips_stale(self):
+        stale = (
+            f"live remote master is {SHA_LIVE[:12]} but the MCP server started "
+            f"at {SHA_START[:12]}; the daemon is stale relative to live master "
+            "-- restart/reconnect before mutating"
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            mcp_server._permission_report_for_gate_reasons(
+                "gitea.issue.comment", [stale]
+            )
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_webui_traffic_control.py

@@ -0,0 +1,408 @@
+"""Tests for web UI workflow traffic-control view (#640)."""
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest import mock
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+from starlette.testclient import TestClient
+
+from webui.app import create_app
+from webui.traffic_loader import (
+    TrafficItem,
+    TrafficSnapshot,
+    load_traffic_snapshot,
+    snapshot_to_dict,
+)
+from webui.traffic_views import render_traffic_page
+from allocator_service import WorkCandidate
+
+
+class TestTrafficClassification(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_runnable_candidate_classification(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=640,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Web Console: Workflow traffic-control view (Phase 1)",
+            priority=20,
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand])
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.runnable), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.runnable[0].number, 640)
+        self.assertTrue(snap.runnable[0].is_safe)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.runnable[0].traffic_state, "runnable")
+
+    def test_blocked_dependency_candidate_classification(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=643,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Web Console: Requests & intent preview (Phase 2)",
+            priority=20,
+            dependency_unmet=True,
+            dependency_reason="issue#643 depends on unresolved issue(s) #640; they are not closed",
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand])
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.blocked), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.blocked[0].number, 643)
+        self.assertFalse(snap.blocked[0].is_safe)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.blocked[0].traffic_state, "blocked")
+        self.assertIn("depends on unresolved issue(s) #640", snap.blocked[0].block_reason)
+
+    def test_leased_candidate_classification(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=640,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:in-progress",),
+            title="Web Console: Workflow traffic-control view (Phase 1)",
+            priority=20,
+        )
+        lease = {
+            "kind": "issue",
+            "number": 640,
+            "session_id": "prgs-author-12345",
+            "role": "author",
+            "status": "active",
+        }
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand], leases=[lease])
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.leased), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.leased[0].number, 640)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.leased[0].traffic_state, "leased")
+        self.assertIsNotNone(snap.leased[0].lease_info)
+
+    def test_needs_controller_candidate_classification(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=700,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:blocked",),
+            title="Controller intervention needed",
+            priority=10,
+            blocked=True,
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand])
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.needs_controller), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(snap.needs_controller[0].number, 700)
+
+
+class TestTrafficLoader(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_snapshot_to_dict_export(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=640,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Traffic control test",
+            priority=20,
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand])
+        data = snapshot_to_dict(snap)
+        self.assertEqual(data["project_id"], "gitea-tools")
+        self.assertEqual(len(data["runnable"]), 1)
+        self.assertTrue(data["inventory_complete"])
+
+    def test_fail_closed_error_handling(self):
+        with mock.patch("webui.traffic_loader.load_queue_snapshot", side_effect=RuntimeError("Gitea connection failed")):
+            snap = load_traffic_snapshot()
+        self.assertIsNotNone(snap.fetch_error)
+        self.assertIn("Failed to load traffic state", snap.fetch_error)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.runnable), 0)
+        self.assertFalse(snap.inventory_complete)
+
+
+class TestTrafficLivePath(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Live path tests: inject QueueSnapshot + LeaseSnapshot (no candidates=).
+
+    Covers the production ``load_traffic_snapshot()`` branch that ``/traffic``
+    and ``/api/traffic`` actually execute (#640 B1–B5).
+    """
+
+    FULL_SHA = "069a9af7e6aa2c2994e07199d1b0814819457017"
+
+    def _queue(
+        self,
+        *,
+        prs=(),
+        issues=(),
+    ):
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueSnapshot
+
+        return QueueSnapshot(
+            project_id="gitea-tools",
+            repo_label="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            prs=tuple(prs),
+            issues=tuple(issues),
+            pr_pagination=None,
+            issue_pagination=None,
+            fetch_error=None,
+        )
+
+    def _lease(
+        self,
+        *,
+        claim_inventory=None,
+        reviewer_leases=(),
+    ):
+        from webui.lease_loader import LeaseSnapshot
+
+        return LeaseSnapshot(
+            project_id="gitea-tools",
+            repo_label="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            issue_lock=None,
+            claim_inventory=claim_inventory or {"entries": [], "counts": {}},
+            reviewer_leases=tuple(reviewer_leases),
+            duplicate_prs=(),
+            duplicate_branches=(),
+            collision_history=(),
+            fetch_error=None,
+        )
+
+    def test_live_pr_uses_full_head_sha_and_is_runnable(self):
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueItem
+
+        pr = QueueItem(
+            number=885,
+            title="traffic control",
+            badges=("in-review",),
+            extra={"head_sha": self.FULL_SHA[:12], "linked_issue": "640"},
+            signals={
+                "head_sha": self.FULL_SHA,
+                "mergeable": True,
+                "labels": (),
+                "linked_issue": 640,
+            },
+        )
+        q = self._queue(prs=[pr])
+        l = self._lease()
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(
+            fetch_queue_snapshot=lambda: q,
+            fetch_lease_snapshot=lambda: l,
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(snap.fetch_error)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.runnable), 1)
+        item = snap.runnable[0]
+        self.assertEqual(item.kind, "pr")
+        self.assertEqual(item.number, 885)
+        self.assertEqual(item.head_sha, self.FULL_SHA)
+        self.assertNotEqual(item.head_sha, self.FULL_SHA[:12])
+        self.assertIsNone(item.block_reason)
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.blocked), 0)
+
+    def test_live_pr_without_head_sha_is_blocked(self):
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueItem
+
+        pr = QueueItem(
+            number=1,
+            title="missing pin",
+            badges=("open",),
+            extra={"head_sha": ""},
+            signals={"head_sha": "", "mergeable": True, "labels": ()},
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(
+            fetch_queue_snapshot=lambda: self._queue(prs=[pr]),
+            fetch_lease_snapshot=lambda: self._lease(),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap.blocked) + len(snap.needs_controller), 1)
+        item = (snap.blocked or snap.needs_controller)[0]
+        self.assertIn("missing head_sha", (item.block_reason or "").lower())
+
+    def test_reviewer_lease_keys_by_pr_not_linked_issue(self):
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueItem
+
+        pr = QueueItem(
+            number=885,
+            title="leased pr",
+            badges=("in-review",),
+            extra={"head_sha": self.FULL_SHA[:12]},
+            signals={"head_sha": self.FULL_SHA, "mergeable": True, "labels": ()},
+        )
+        issue = QueueItem(
+            number=640,
+            title="linked issue",
+            badges=("open",),
+            extra={},
+            signals={"labels": ()},
+        )
+        # Marker-shaped record: has both pr_number and issue_number; must
+        # attach to the PR only (B2).
+        reviewer_lease = {
+            "pr_number": 885,
+            "issue_number": 640,
+            "phase": "validating",
+            "reviewer_identity": "sysadmin",
+            "session_id": "review-sess-1",
+        }
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(
+            fetch_queue_snapshot=lambda: self._queue(prs=[pr], issues=[issue]),
+            fetch_lease_snapshot=lambda: self._lease(reviewer_leases=[reviewer_lease]),
+        )
+        leased_prs = [i for i in snap.leased if i.kind == "pr" and i.number == 885]
+        self.assertEqual(len(leased_prs), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(leased_prs[0].lease_info.get("pr_number"), 885)
+        # Issue 640 must not inherit the reviewer lease just because issue_number
+        # is present on the marker.
+        for item in list(snap.leased) + list(snap.runnable) + list(snap.blocked):
+            if item.kind == "issue" and item.number == 640:
+                self.assertIsNone(
+                    item.lease_info,
+                    "reviewer lease must not attach to linked issue #640",
+                )
+                break
+        else:
+            self.fail("expected issue #640 in traffic snapshot")
+
+    def test_claim_inventory_entries_key_marks_issue_leased(self):
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueItem
+
+        issue = QueueItem(
+            number=640,
+            title="claimed issue",
+            badges=("claimed",),
+            extra={},
+            signals={"labels": ("status:in-progress",)},
+        )
+        inventory = {
+            "entries": [
+                {
+                    "issue_number": 640,
+                    "status": "active",
+                    "latest_heartbeat": {"session_id": "author-sess-9"},
+                    "reasons": ["claim has structured heartbeat proof"],
+                }
+            ],
+            "counts": {"active": 1},
+            "in_progress_total": 1,
+        }
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(
+            fetch_queue_snapshot=lambda: self._queue(issues=[issue]),
+            fetch_lease_snapshot=lambda: self._lease(claim_inventory=inventory),
+        )
+        leased_issues = [i for i in snap.leased if i.kind == "issue" and i.number == 640]
+        self.assertEqual(len(leased_issues), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(leased_issues[0].traffic_state, "leased")
+
+    def test_active_claims_key_is_ignored(self):
+        """B3 regression: fictional ``active_claims`` must not create lease_info."""
+        from webui.queue_loader import QueueItem
+
+        issue = QueueItem(
+            number=640,
+            title="open issue",
+            badges=("open",),
+            extra={},
+            signals={"labels": ()},
+        )
+        # Only the broken key — must NOT produce lease_info. Entries-less
+        # inventory is empty (entries is the real claim_inventory key).
+        inventory = {
+            "active_claims": [
+                {
+                    "kind": "issue",
+                    "number": 640,
+                    "issue_number": 640,
+                    "status": "active",
+                },
+            ],
+            "counts": {},
+        }
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(
+            fetch_queue_snapshot=lambda: self._queue(issues=[issue]),
+            fetch_lease_snapshot=lambda: self._lease(claim_inventory=inventory),
+        )
+        items = [
+            i
+            for i in (
+                list(snap.runnable)
+                + list(snap.leased)
+                + list(snap.blocked)
+                + list(snap.needs_controller)
+            )
+            if i.kind == "issue" and i.number == 640
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(len(items), 1)
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            items[0].lease_info,
+            "active_claims is not a real inventory key; entries-only",
+        )
+
+
+class TestTrafficRoutesAndRendering(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.client = TestClient(create_app())
+
+    def test_traffic_html_page_rendering(self):
+        cand1 = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=640,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Traffic View Implementation",
+            priority=20,
+        )
+        cand2 = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=643,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Dependent Feature",
+            priority=20,
+            dependency_unmet=True,
+            dependency_reason="issue#643 depends on unresolved issue(s) #640; they are not closed",
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand1, cand2])
+        with mock.patch("webui.app.load_traffic_snapshot", return_value=snap):
+            response = self.client.get("/traffic")
+        
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+        self.assertIn("Workflow Traffic Control", response.text)
+        self.assertIn("1. Runnable Lanes", response.text)
+        self.assertIn("3. Blocked Items", response.text)
+        self.assertIn("Traffic View Implementation", response.text)
+        self.assertIn("depends on unresolved issue(s) #640", response.text)
+
+    def test_api_traffic_json_route(self):
+        cand = WorkCandidate(
+            kind="issue",
+            number=640,
+            state="open",
+            labels=("status:ready",),
+            title="Traffic View API Test",
+            priority=20,
+        )
+        snap = load_traffic_snapshot(candidates=[cand])
+        with mock.patch("webui.app.load_traffic_snapshot", return_value=snap):
+            response = self.client.get("/api/traffic")
+        
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+        data = response.json()
+        self.assertEqual(data["project_id"], "gitea-tools")
+        self.assertEqual(len(data["runnable"]), 1)
+        self.assertEqual(data["runnable"][0]["number"], 640)
+
+    def test_render_traffic_fail_closed_page(self):
+        snap = TrafficSnapshot(
+            project_id="gitea-tools",
+            repo_label="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            runnable=(),
+            leased=(),
+            blocked=(),
+            needs_controller=(),
+            terminal_complete=(),
+            next_roles=(),
+            fetch_error="Gitea credentials unavailable for gitea.prgs.cc",
+            inventory_complete=False,
+        )
+        html = render_traffic_page(snap)
+        self.assertIn("Traffic data unavailable", html)
+        self.assertIn("Fail closed", html)
+        self.assertNotIn("1. Runnable Lanes", html)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

webui/app.py

@@ -42,6 +42,8 @@ from webui.lease_loader import load_lease_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as lease_sn
 from webui.lease_views import render_leases_page
 from webui.queue_loader import load_queue_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as queue_snapshot_to_dict
 from webui.queue_views import render_queue_page
+from webui.traffic_loader import load_traffic_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as traffic_snapshot_to_dict
+from webui.traffic_views import render_traffic_page
 from webui.worktree_scanner import load_hygiene_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as worktree_snapshot_to_dict
 from webui.worktree_views import render_worktrees_page
 from webui.runtime_health import load_runtime_snapshot, snapshot_to_dict as runtime_snapshot_to_dict
@@ -80,6 +82,7 @@ def _stub_page(title: str, description: str) -> HTMLResponse:
 
 
 _LEGACY_PAGES = (
+    ("/traffic", "Traffic", "workflow traffic-control view (#640)"),
     ("/queue", "Queue", "live PR and issue dashboard (#429)"),
     ("/projects", "Projects", "registry and onboarding (#427)"),
     ("/prompts", "Prompts", "canonical workflow prompt library (#428)"),
@@ -200,6 +203,15 @@ async def api_queue(_request: Request) -> JSONResponse:
     return JSONResponse(queue_snapshot_to_dict(load_queue_snapshot()))
 
 
+async def traffic(_request: Request) -> HTMLResponse:
+    snapshot = load_traffic_snapshot()
+    return HTMLResponse(render_traffic_page(snapshot))
+
+
+async def api_traffic(_request: Request) -> JSONResponse:
+    return JSONResponse(traffic_snapshot_to_dict(load_traffic_snapshot()))
+
+
 def _load_project_registry() -> tuple[ProjectRegistry | None, RegistryError | None]:
     """Load the registry, converting validation failure into a fail-closed pair."""
     try:
@@ -736,6 +748,8 @@ def create_app(*, bind_host: str | None = None) -> Starlette:
             Route("/system-health", system_health, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/queue", queue, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/api/queue", api_queue, methods=["GET"]),
+            Route("/traffic", traffic, methods=["GET"]),
+            Route("/api/traffic", api_traffic, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/projects", projects, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/projects/{project_id}", project_detail, methods=["GET"]),
             Route("/api/projects", api_projects, methods=["GET"]),

webui/lease_loader.py

@@ -182,10 +182,17 @@ def _extract_reviewer_leases(
             parsed = parse_reviewer_lease_comment(comment.get("body") or "")
             if not parsed:
                 continue
+            subject_pr = parsed.get("pr_number") or pr_number
             leases.append(
                 {
                     **parsed,
-                    "pr_number": parsed.get("pr_number") or pr_number,
+                    "pr_number": subject_pr,
+                    # The lease subject is the PR, never the linked issue: a
+                    # reviewer lease on PR #N must not be attributed to issue #N
+                    # or to the issue that PR closes (#640).
+                    "kind": "pr",
+                    "number": subject_pr,
+                    "role": "reviewer",
                     "comment_id": comment.get("id"),
                     "author": (comment.get("user") or {}).get("login"),
                     "created_at": comment.get("created_at"),

webui/nav.py

@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ NAV_GROUPS: tuple[NavGroup, ...] = (
         NavItem("/system-health", "System health"),
     )),
     NavGroup("Traffic", (
+        NavItem("/traffic", "Traffic control"),
         NavItem("/queue", "Queue"),
         NavItem("/leases", "Leases"),
         NavItem("/actions", "Actions"),

webui/queue_loader.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import os
 import re
-from dataclasses import dataclass
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from typing import Any, Callable
 from urllib.parse import urlparse
@@ -31,10 +31,20 @@ class PaginationMeta:
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
 class QueueItem:
+    """One queue row.
+
+    ``extra`` holds *display* strings for the queue page (values are truncated
+    or humanized for rendering). ``signals`` holds the *authoritative* typed
+    values taken straight from the Gitea payload, for consumers that classify
+    or pin state rather than render it (#640). Never derive identity or
+    concurrency decisions from ``extra``.
+    """
+
     number: int
     title: str
     badges: tuple[str, ...]
     extra: dict[str, str]
+    signals: dict[str, Any] = field(default_factory=dict)
 
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
@@ -134,21 +144,37 @@ def _format_pr_item(pr: dict, badges: tuple[str, ...]) -> QueueItem:
         "mergeable" if mergeable is True else "conflicted" if mergeable is False else "unknown"
     )
     linked = _extract_linked_issue(pr.get("title"), pr.get("body"))
+    head_sha = str(head.get("sha") or "")
+    labels = tuple(
+        str(lb.get("name") or "") for lb in (pr.get("labels") or []) if lb.get("name")
+    )
     return QueueItem(
         number=int(pr["number"]),
         title=str(pr.get("title") or ""),
         badges=badges,
         extra={
             "branch": f"{head.get('ref', '?')} → {base.get('ref', '?')}",
-            "head_sha": str(head.get("sha") or "")[:12],
+            # Display only — truncated. Pin against signals["head_sha"] instead.
+            "head_sha": head_sha[:12],
             "mergeable": merge_label,
             "linked_issue": str(linked) if linked is not None else "",
         },
+        signals={
+            "head_sha": head_sha,
+            "head_ref": str(head.get("ref") or ""),
+            "base_ref": str(base.get("ref") or ""),
+            "mergeable": mergeable if isinstance(mergeable, bool) else None,
+            "labels": labels,
+            "linked_issue": linked,
+        },
     )
 
 
 def _format_issue_item(issue: dict, badges: tuple[str, ...]) -> QueueItem:
-    labels = ", ".join(lb.get("name", "") for lb in issue.get("labels", []))
+    label_names = tuple(
+        str(lb.get("name") or "") for lb in (issue.get("labels") or []) if lb.get("name")
+    )
+    labels = ", ".join(label_names)
     assignee = (issue.get("assignee") or {}).get("login", "")
     return QueueItem(
         number=int(issue["number"]),
@@ -159,6 +185,11 @@ def _format_issue_item(issue: dict, badges: tuple[str, ...]) -> QueueItem:
             "assignee": assignee or "unassigned",
             "state": str(issue.get("state") or ""),
         },
+        signals={
+            "labels": label_names,
+            "assignee": assignee,
+            "state": str(issue.get("state") or ""),
+        },
     )
 
 

webui/traffic_loader.py

@@ -0,0 +1,449 @@
+"""Traffic-control view loader for Phase 1 operator web console (#640).
+
+Combines queue snapshots, inventory leases, dependency graph classifications,
+and workflow dashboard rules to deliver full traffic-control visibility:
+runnable, leased (in-progress), blocked (dependency/lock), needs-controller,
+and terminal-complete candidates.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Any, Callable, Sequence
+
+from webui.project_registry import find_project, load_registry
+from webui.queue_loader import load_queue_snapshot, QueueSnapshot
+from webui.lease_loader import load_lease_snapshot, LeaseSnapshot
+from workflow_dashboard import (
+    DashboardSnapshot,
+    QueueEntry,
+    RoleNextAction,
+    build_workflow_dashboard,
+    DASHBOARD_ROLES,
+)
+from allocator_service import WorkCandidate
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TrafficItem:
+    kind: str  # "issue" or "pr"
+    number: int
+    title: str
+    traffic_state: str  # "runnable", "leased", "blocked", "needs_controller", "terminal_complete"
+    expected_role: str
+    safe_for_roles: tuple[str, ...]
+    badges: tuple[str, ...]
+    block_reason: str | None = None
+    lease_info: dict[str, Any] | None = None
+    head_sha: str | None = None
+
+    @property
+    def is_safe(self) -> bool:
+        return self.block_reason is None and bool(self.safe_for_roles)
+
+    def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "kind": self.kind,
+            "number": self.number,
+            "title": self.title,
+            "traffic_state": self.traffic_state,
+            "expected_role": self.expected_role,
+            "safe_for_roles": list(self.safe_for_roles),
+            "badges": list(self.badges),
+            "block_reason": self.block_reason,
+            "lease_info": self.lease_info,
+            "head_sha": self.head_sha,
+            "is_safe": self.is_safe,
+        }
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TrafficSnapshot:
+    project_id: str
+    repo_label: str
+    runnable: tuple[TrafficItem, ...]
+    leased: tuple[TrafficItem, ...]
+    blocked: tuple[TrafficItem, ...]
+    needs_controller: tuple[TrafficItem, ...]
+    terminal_complete: tuple[TrafficItem, ...]
+    next_roles: tuple[dict[str, Any], ...]
+    fetch_error: str | None = None
+    inventory_complete: bool = True
+
+    def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "project_id": self.project_id,
+            "repo_label": self.repo_label,
+            "runnable": [i.as_dict() for i in self.runnable],
+            "leased": [i.as_dict() for i in self.leased],
+            "blocked": [i.as_dict() for i in self.blocked],
+            "needs_controller": [i.as_dict() for i in self.needs_controller],
+            "terminal_complete": [i.as_dict() for i in self.terminal_complete],
+            "next_roles": list(self.next_roles),
+            "fetch_error": self.fetch_error,
+            "inventory_complete": self.inventory_complete,
+        }
+
+
+def _classify_traffic_item(
+    entry: QueueEntry,
+    *,
+    lease_info: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
+) -> TrafficItem:
+    """Classify a QueueEntry into a TrafficItem with explicit traffic state."""
+    badges = list(entry.badges)
+    block_reason = entry.block_reason
+    expected_role = entry.expected_role
+
+    entry_is_safe = entry.block_reason is None and bool(entry.safe_for_roles)
+    # Lease state is checked first: an item that is both leased and blocked is
+    # reported as leased. That is safe by construction — a leased item is never
+    # placed in the runnable lane — and it keeps the operator's attention on the
+    # session that currently owns the work. The blocker text still renders.
+    if lease_info is not None or "in-progress" in badges or "claimed" in badges:
+        state = "leased"
+    elif expected_role == "reconciler" or "terminal-lock" in badges:
+        state = "terminal_complete"
+    elif expected_role == "controller" or "contaminated" in badges or "needs-controller" in badges:
+        state = "needs_controller"
+    elif (
+        block_reason is not None
+        or "blocked" in badges
+        or "dependency-unmet" in badges
+        or "blocked-by-terminal" in badges
+        or "status:blocked" in badges
+    ):
+        state = "blocked"
+    elif entry_is_safe:
+        state = "runnable"
+    else:
+        state = "needs_controller"
+
+    return TrafficItem(
+        kind=entry.kind,
+        number=entry.number,
+        title=entry.title,
+        traffic_state=state,
+        expected_role=expected_role,
+        safe_for_roles=entry.safe_for_roles,
+        badges=tuple(badges),
+        block_reason=block_reason,
+        lease_info=lease_info,
+        head_sha=entry.head_sha,
+    )
+
+
+# Claim statuses from ``issue_claim_heartbeat.build_claim_inventory`` that mean
+# a live worker currently holds the issue. Everything else (``stale``,
+# ``phantom``, ``reclaimable``, ``not_claimed``) is reported through the
+# dashboard's stale-lease channel and is never rendered as an active lease.
+_ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES = frozenset({"active", "awaiting_review"})
+
+# Statuses that positively mean "not an active lease" for any lease record.
+_INACTIVE_LEASE_STATUSES = frozenset(
+    {"expired", "stale", "released", "moot", "reclaimable", "phantom", "not_claimed"}
+)
+
+
+def _candidates_from_queue_snapshot(q_snap: QueueSnapshot) -> list[WorkCandidate]:
+    """Build allocator candidates from the queue loader's authoritative signals.
+
+    Display badges (``blocked``/``claimed``/``duplicate``/``stale``/
+    ``in-review``/``open``) are rendering hints, not routing state, so nothing
+    here branches on them. Every routing field comes from
+    ``QueueItem.signals`` — the raw Gitea payload values.
+
+    The queue loader reads ``/pulls`` and ``/issues`` only; it never fetches
+    review verdicts. ``request_changes_current_head`` / ``approval_on_current_head``
+    are therefore left at their fail-safe ``False`` rather than being guessed
+    from badges: an unproven approval must never route a PR to the merger.
+    """
+    candidates: list[WorkCandidate] = []
+
+    for pr in q_snap.prs:
+        signals = pr.signals or {}
+        head_sha = str(signals.get("head_sha") or "").strip()
+        mergeable = signals.get("mergeable")
+        labels = tuple(str(x) for x in (signals.get("labels") or ()))
+        candidates.append(
+            WorkCandidate(
+                kind="pr",
+                number=pr.number,
+                state="open",
+                labels=labels,
+                title=pr.title,
+                # Full 40-char SHA from head.sha — never the 12-char display value.
+                head_sha=head_sha or None,
+                priority=5,
+                mergeable=mergeable is True,
+                blocked=mergeable is False or "status:blocked" in labels,
+            )
+        )
+
+    for issue in q_snap.issues:
+        signals = issue.signals or {}
+        labels = tuple(str(x) for x in (signals.get("labels") or ()))
+        lowered = {label.lower() for label in labels}
+        candidates.append(
+            WorkCandidate(
+                kind="issue",
+                number=issue.number,
+                state="open",
+                labels=labels,
+                title=issue.title,
+                priority=20 if "status:ready" in lowered else 10,
+                blocked="status:blocked" in lowered,
+                # A live claim by another session is not this session's work.
+                already_claimed_elsewhere="status:in-progress" in lowered,
+            )
+        )
+
+    return candidates
+
+
+def _claim_lease_records(inventory: dict[str, Any] | None) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Normalize ``build_claim_inventory`` entries into lease records.
+
+    The inventory contract is ``{"entries", "counts", "heartbeat_lease_minutes",
+    "reclaim_after_minutes", "in_progress_total"}``. Each entry is keyed by
+    ``issue_number``; the subject kind is therefore always ``issue``.
+    """
+    entries = (inventory or {}).get("entries") or ()
+    records: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for entry in entries:
+        if not isinstance(entry, dict):
+            continue
+        number = entry.get("issue_number")
+        if number is None:
+            continue
+        try:
+            number_int = int(number)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            continue
+        heartbeat = entry.get("latest_heartbeat") or {}
+        record = dict(entry)
+        record.update(
+            {
+                "kind": "issue",
+                "number": number_int,
+                "role": "author",
+                "lease_source": "issue-claim-heartbeat",
+            }
+        )
+        if isinstance(heartbeat, dict):
+            if heartbeat.get("session_id") and not record.get("session_id"):
+                record["session_id"] = heartbeat.get("session_id")
+            if heartbeat.get("author") and not record.get("author"):
+                record["author"] = heartbeat.get("author")
+        records.append(record)
+    return records
+
+
+def _lease_subject(lease: dict[str, Any]) -> tuple[str, int] | None:
+    """Return the ``(kind, number)`` a lease record actually covers.
+
+    Fails closed: a record that does not identify exactly one subject is
+    dropped rather than attributed to a guessed work item (#640 — never invent
+    a lease, and never attach a PR lease to a same-numbered issue).
+    """
+    kind = str(lease.get("kind") or lease.get("work_kind") or "").strip().lower()
+    pr_number = lease.get("pr_number")
+    issue_number = lease.get("issue_number")
+
+    if kind not in ("pr", "issue"):
+        if pr_number is not None and issue_number is None:
+            kind = "pr"
+        elif issue_number is not None and pr_number is None:
+            kind = "issue"
+        else:
+            return None
+
+    number = lease.get("number")
+    if number is None:
+        number = lease.get("work_number")
+    if number is None:
+        number = pr_number if kind == "pr" else issue_number
+    if number is None:
+        return None
+    try:
+        return kind, int(number)
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return None
+
+
+def _is_active_lease(lease: dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
+    """True when the record proves a worker currently holds the item."""
+    if lease.get("stale") or lease.get("expired"):
+        return False
+    status = str(lease.get("status") or lease.get("lease_status") or "").strip().lower()
+    if status in _INACTIVE_LEASE_STATUSES:
+        return False
+    if lease.get("lease_source") == "issue-claim-heartbeat":
+        return status in _ACTIVE_CLAIM_STATUSES
+    return True
+
+
+def load_traffic_snapshot(
+    *,
+    candidates: Sequence[WorkCandidate] | None = None,
+    leases: Sequence[dict[str, Any]] | None = None,
+    terminal_pr: int | None = None,
+    fetch_queue_snapshot: Callable[[], QueueSnapshot] | None = None,
+    fetch_lease_snapshot: Callable[[], LeaseSnapshot] | None = None,
+    project_id: str = "gitea-tools",
+) -> TrafficSnapshot:
+    """Load and compute the traffic-control snapshot."""
+    try:
+        reg = load_registry()
+        proj = find_project(reg, project_id)
+        repo_label = proj.remote_repo if proj else "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+    except Exception:
+        repo_label = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+
+    # Injected candidates path (pure unit testing)
+    if candidates is not None:
+        dashboard = build_workflow_dashboard(
+            candidates=candidates,
+            leases=leases,
+            terminal_pr=terminal_pr,
+            inventory_complete=True,
+        )
+        return _build_traffic_snapshot_from_dashboard(
+            project_id=project_id,
+            repo_label=repo_label,
+            dashboard=dashboard,
+            leases=leases or (),
+        )
+
+    # Live snapshot loading
+    q_loader = fetch_queue_snapshot or load_queue_snapshot
+    l_loader = fetch_lease_snapshot or load_lease_snapshot
+
+    try:
+        q_snap = q_loader()
+        l_snap = l_loader()
+    except Exception as exc:  # noqa: BLE001
+        return TrafficSnapshot(
+            project_id=project_id,
+            repo_label=repo_label,
+            runnable=(),
+            leased=(),
+            blocked=(),
+            needs_controller=(),
+            terminal_complete=(),
+            next_roles=(),
+            fetch_error=f"Failed to load traffic state: {exc}",
+            inventory_complete=False,
+        )
+
+    if q_snap.fetch_error or l_snap.fetch_error:
+        err = q_snap.fetch_error or l_snap.fetch_error
+        return TrafficSnapshot(
+            project_id=project_id,
+            repo_label=repo_label,
+            runnable=(),
+            leased=(),
+            blocked=(),
+            needs_controller=(),
+            terminal_complete=(),
+            next_roles=(),
+            fetch_error=err,
+            inventory_complete=False,
+        )
+
+    candidate_list = _candidates_from_queue_snapshot(q_snap)
+
+    raw_leases: list[dict[str, Any]] = _claim_lease_records(l_snap.claim_inventory)
+    for r_lease in l_snap.reviewer_leases or ():
+        if not isinstance(r_lease, dict):
+            continue
+        # Always pin reviewer leases to the PR subject, even if a linked
+        # issue_number is present on the marker (#640 B2).
+        normalized = dict(r_lease)
+        subject = normalized.get("pr_number") or normalized.get("number")
+        if subject is None:
+            continue
+        try:
+            pr_num = int(subject)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            continue
+        normalized["kind"] = "pr"
+        normalized["number"] = pr_num
+        normalized["pr_number"] = pr_num
+        normalized.setdefault("role", "reviewer")
+        raw_leases.append(normalized)
+
+    dashboard = build_workflow_dashboard(
+        candidates=candidate_list,
+        leases=raw_leases,
+        inventory_complete=q_snap.pr_pagination.inventory_complete if q_snap.pr_pagination else True,
+    )
+
+    return _build_traffic_snapshot_from_dashboard(
+        project_id=project_id,
+        repo_label=repo_label,
+        dashboard=dashboard,
+        leases=raw_leases,
+    )
+
+
+def _build_traffic_snapshot_from_dashboard(
+    *,
+    project_id: str,
+    repo_label: str,
+    dashboard: DashboardSnapshot,
+    leases: Sequence[dict[str, Any]],
+) -> TrafficSnapshot:
+    """Classify dashboard entries into the 5 traffic state buckets."""
+    all_entries = dashboard.open_prs + dashboard.open_issues
+
+    # Map each active lease onto the exact work item it covers. Records whose
+    # subject cannot be determined, and claims that are stale/phantom/
+    # reclaimable, are deliberately dropped instead of guessed.
+    lease_map: dict[tuple[str, int], dict[str, Any]] = {}
+    for lease in leases:
+        if not isinstance(lease, dict) or not _is_active_lease(lease):
+            continue
+        subject = _lease_subject(lease)
+        if subject is not None:
+            lease_map[subject] = lease
+
+    runnable: list[TrafficItem] = []
+    leased: list[TrafficItem] = []
+    blocked: list[TrafficItem] = []
+    needs_controller: list[TrafficItem] = []
+    terminal_complete: list[TrafficItem] = []
+
+    for entry in all_entries:
+        l_info = lease_map.get((entry.kind, entry.number))
+        item = _classify_traffic_item(entry, lease_info=l_info)
+
+        if item.traffic_state == "leased":
+            leased.append(item)
+        elif item.traffic_state == "terminal_complete":
+            terminal_complete.append(item)
+        elif item.traffic_state == "blocked":
+            blocked.append(item)
+        elif item.traffic_state == "needs_controller":
+            needs_controller.append(item)
+        else:
+            runnable.append(item)
+
+    next_roles = [dashboard.next_safe_by_role[r].as_dict() for r in DASHBOARD_ROLES if r in dashboard.next_safe_by_role]
+
+    return TrafficSnapshot(
+        project_id=project_id,
+        repo_label=repo_label,
+        runnable=tuple(runnable),
+        leased=tuple(leased),
+        blocked=tuple(blocked),
+        needs_controller=tuple(needs_controller),
+        terminal_complete=tuple(terminal_complete),
+        next_roles=tuple(next_roles),
+        fetch_error=None,
+        inventory_complete=dashboard.inventory_complete,
+    )
+
+
+def snapshot_to_dict(snapshot: TrafficSnapshot) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return snapshot.as_dict()

webui/traffic_views.py

@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+"""HTML rendering for Phase 1 Traffic-Control View (#640)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from html import escape
+from typing import Sequence
+
+from webui.layout import render_page
+from webui.traffic_loader import TrafficItem, TrafficSnapshot
+
+
+def _render_badges(badges: Sequence[str]) -> str:
+    if not badges:
+        return ""
+    out = []
+    for b in badges:
+        cls = "badge"
+        b_lower = b.lower()
+        if "blocked" in b_lower or "unmet" in b_lower:
+            cls += " badge-blocked"
+        elif "claimed" in b_lower or "in-progress" in b_lower or "leased" in b_lower:
+            cls += " badge-claimed"
+        elif "review" in b_lower or "ready" in b_lower:
+            cls += " badge-in-review"
+        elif "duplicate" in b_lower:
+            cls += " badge-duplicate"
+        elif "stale" in b_lower:
+            cls += " badge-stale"
+        out.append(f'<span class="{cls}">{escape(b)}</span>')
+    return f'<div class="badges">{"".join(out)}</div>'
+
+
+def _render_traffic_item_row(item: TrafficItem) -> str:
+    kind_label = escape(item.kind.upper())
+    num_str = f"#{item.number}"
+    title_str = escape(item.title)
+    role_str = escape(item.expected_role)
+    badges_html = _render_badges(item.badges)
+
+    reason_html = ""
+    if item.block_reason:
+        reason_html = f'<div class="muted" style="font-size:0.82rem; margin-top:0.2rem;"><strong>Blocker:</strong> {escape(item.block_reason)}</div>'
+
+    lease_html = ""
+    if item.lease_info:
+        owner = escape(str(item.lease_info.get("session_id") or item.lease_info.get("reviewer_identity") or "active worker"))
+        lease_html = f'<div class="muted" style="font-size:0.82rem; margin-top:0.2rem;"><strong>Lease:</strong> {owner}</div>'
+
+    return f"""<tr>
+  <td><code>{kind_label} {num_str}</code></td>
+  <td>
+    <div><strong>{title_str}</strong> {badges_html}</div>
+    {reason_html}
+    {lease_html}
+  </td>
+  <td><code>{role_str}</code></td>
+</tr>"""
+
+
+def _render_traffic_table(items: Sequence[TrafficItem], empty_message: str) -> str:
+    if not items:
+        return f'<p class="muted">{escape(empty_message)}</p>'
+
+    rows = "".join(_render_traffic_item_row(item) for item in items)
+    return f"""<table class="registry">
+  <thead>
+    <tr>
+      <th style="width: 15%;">Item</th>
+      <th style="width: 65%;">Title & Details</th>
+      <th style="width: 20%;">Next Role</th>
+    </tr>
+  </thead>
+  <tbody>
+    {rows}
+  </tbody>
+</table>"""
+
+
+def _render_next_roles(next_roles: Sequence[dict]) -> str:
+    if not next_roles:
+        return ""
+
+    cards = []
+    for r in next_roles:
+        role = escape(r.get("role", "unknown"))
+        status = r.get("status", "idle")
+        prompt = escape(r.get("prompt", ""))
+
+        status_cls = "badge-health-ok" if status == "safe" else ("badge-blocked" if "blocked" in status else "badge-health-skipped")
+        cards.append(f"""<div class="health-card" style="margin-bottom:0.75rem;">
+  <div style="display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;">
+    <h3>Role: <code>{role}</code></h3>
+    <span class="badge {status_cls}">status: {escape(status)}</span>
+  </div>
+  <p class="meta" style="margin:0.35rem 0 0;">{prompt}</p>
+</div>""")
+
+    return f"""<div style="margin: 1.5rem 0;">
+  <h3>Next Safe Role Actions</h3>
+  {"".join(cards)}
+</div>"""
+
+
+def render_traffic_page(snapshot: TrafficSnapshot) -> str:
+    """Render the full HTML view for workflow traffic control."""
+    if snapshot.fetch_error:
+        body = f"""<h2>Workflow Traffic Control</h2>
+<p class="meta">Repository: <code>{escape(snapshot.repo_label)}</code></p>
+<div class="health-card health-stale">
+  <h3>Traffic data unavailable</h3>
+  <p class="health-headline">{escape(snapshot.fetch_error)}</p>
+  <p class="muted">Fail closed: traffic state cannot be established cleanly. Check credentials or remote connectivity.</p>
+</div>"""
+        return render_page(title="Traffic Control", body_html=body)
+
+    runnable_count = len(snapshot.runnable)
+    leased_count = len(snapshot.leased)
+    blocked_count = len(snapshot.blocked)
+    controller_count = len(snapshot.needs_controller)
+    terminal_count = len(snapshot.terminal_complete)
+
+    summary_bar = f"""<div class="health-card" style="display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:1rem; align-items:center;">
+  <div><strong>Runnable:</strong> <span class="badge badge-health-ok">{runnable_count}</span></div>
+  <div><strong>Leased:</strong> <span class="badge badge-claimed">{leased_count}</span></div>
+  <div><strong>Blocked:</strong> <span class="badge badge-blocked">{blocked_count}</span></div>
+  <div><strong>Needs Controller:</strong> <span class="badge badge-duplicate">{controller_count}</span></div>
+  <div><strong>Terminal Complete:</strong> <span class="badge badge-stale">{terminal_count}</span></div>
+</div>"""
+
+    next_roles_html = _render_next_roles(snapshot.next_roles)
+
+    sections_html = f"""
+<div class="prompt-card">
+  <h3>1. Runnable Lanes (Ready for Allocation)</h3>
+  <p class="muted">Safe work items with no unmet dependencies or active leases. Safe for allocation.</p>
+  {_render_traffic_table(snapshot.runnable, "No runnable items ready for allocation.")}
+</div>
+
+<div class="prompt-card">
+  <h3>2. In-Progress Work (Active Leases)</h3>
+  <p class="muted">Work items currently leased and actively being worked by an assigned role session.</p>
+  {_render_traffic_table(snapshot.leased, "No active leases in flight.")}
+</div>
+
+<div class="prompt-card">
+  <h3>3. Blocked Items (Dependencies / Locks)</h3>
+  <p class="muted">Items blocked by unmet dependency issues, a missing head pin, a merge conflict, or an active terminal review lock. Items labelled status:blocked route to section 4. Never presented as safe.</p>
+  {_render_traffic_table(snapshot.blocked, "No blocked items.")}
+</div>
+
+<div class="prompt-card">
+  <h3>4. Needs Controller Intervention</h3>
+  <p class="muted">Items requiring controller routing, diagnosis, or cross-role assignment.</p>
+  {_render_traffic_table(snapshot.needs_controller, "No items requiring controller intervention.")}
+</div>
+
+<div class="prompt-card">
+  <h3>5. Terminal / Complete Candidates</h3>
+  <p class="muted">Items ready for terminal reconciliation or post-merge worktree cleanup.</p>
+  {_render_traffic_table(snapshot.terminal_complete, "No terminal complete candidates.")}
+</div>
+"""
+
+    body = f"""<h2>Workflow Traffic Control</h2>
+<p class="meta">Repository: <code>{escape(snapshot.repo_label)}</code></p>
+{summary_bar}
+{next_roles_html}
+{sections_html}"""
+
+    return render_page(title="Traffic Control", body_html=body)