Merge branch 'master' into fix/issue-749-create-issue-bootstrap

#753 added the dead-session author-lock recovery assessor, but no sanctioned
recovery could ever reach the lock write. A dead-session lock is by construction
a lock for work that already has an open PR, and the #400 duplicate-work gate
blocked unconditionally on any linked open PR. gitea_lock_issue computed
recovery_sanctioned, then discarded it one gate later:

    open PR #750 already covers issue #749 (fail closed)

Because the recovered lock was never persisted, it stayed non-live, so
_prove_author_ownership_for_pr found no live author lock and
gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge failed closed too. Both blockers had a single
cause, so only the first one is fixed here.

issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence distils a granted assessment
into the minimum evidence the duplicate gate needs: issue, branch, owning PR
number, and head. It returns None unless the outcome is RECOVERY_SANCTIONED and
the assessment's own evidence agrees that local head == remote head == PR head,
so a partial or hand-built assessment cannot authorize anything.

The duplicate gate takes that evidence and re-checks every element against the
live PR list it was handed: exactly one linked open PR, matching number, head
branch, head SHA, and locked branch. Only that exact self-owned PR is exempt.
A different PR, several linked PRs, a different branch or head, or evidence for
another issue all keep failing closed, with a diagnostic naming which element
disagreed. The competing-branch, claim-lease and commit/push/create_pr arms are
untouched, and with no evidence the gate behaves exactly as before.

Ownership proof needed no change: once the recovered lock persists under the
live session pid, _prove_author_ownership_for_pr matches it as before.

Out of scope: the PHASE_COMMIT/PHASE_PUSH/PHASE_CREATE_PR rechecks still block
on a linked open PR for every author, recovered or not. That is pre-existing
#400 behavior, unrelated to lock recovery, and #755 does not cover it.

Tests
- tests/test_issue_755_owning_pr_recovery.py (new, 31 tests) drives the real
  mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue handler, not only the pure assessor: sanctioned
  recovery relocks, persists a live lease with truthful dead_session_recovery
  provenance, and satisfies _prove_author_ownership_for_pr; competing PR,
  multiple linked PRs, mismatched head/branch/worktree, dirty worktree, live
  prior pid, and a fresh claim with no prior lock all stay blocked.
- Neutralizing owning_pr_recovery_evidence regresses all three success tests to
  the exact production error above, so the coverage is load-bearing.
- Focused suites (755, 753, duplicate gates, lock registration, provenance) —
  102 passed.
- Lock/ownership/worktree/handoff suites — 172 passed, 16 subtests.
- Full suite tests/ — 3529 passed, 6 skipped, 2 failed, 365 subtests.
- The same 2 failures reproduce on a pristine detached worktree at
  08f67007c5 (3498 passed, 6 skipped, 2 failed):
  test_issue_702_review_findings_f1_f6 F1 recovery-before-probe and
  test_reconciler_supersession_close org/repo forwarding. Pre-existing.
- git diff --check clean.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <[email protected]>
Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_017BNsk3KUuFchaZyPJsCxjk

canonical_repository_root.py

@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
+"""Immutable canonical repository root for cross-repository namespaces (#706).
+
+The Gitea-Tools MCP server historically derived the ``canonical_repo_root`` from
+the *install checkout* the server script lives in
+(``PROJECT_ROOT = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))``). A namespace
+that runs the same server script against an *external* repository (e.g.
+``eagenda-author`` targeting ``eAgenda``) then failed every mutation: the
+branches-only / worktree-membership guards (#274) compared the task workspace
+against the Gitea-Tools ``.git`` directory, which it can never belong to.
+
+This module separates two distinct concepts:
+
+* the immutable code/install root (``PROJECT_ROOT``) — where the server lives, and
+* the namespace-scoped **canonical repository root** — the working root of the
+  repository whose issues/PRs the namespace mutates.
+
+The canonical repository root is configured per namespace (profile field or an
+environment variable, typically set alongside the namespace ``cwd`` in the MCP
+config). It is validated (existence, git identity, git common-directory
+membership) and pinned immutably into the session context so a later call cannot
+forge or swap it. When *no* binding is configured the single-repo default is
+preserved unchanged: the canonical root is derived from the process checkout.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import subprocess
+from typing import Mapping
+
+import remote_repo_guard
+
+# Namespace-scoped override, typically exported next to the server ``cwd`` in the
+# MCP config for a cross-repository namespace.
+CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV = "GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT"
+
+# Candidate git remote names probed when deriving repository identity.
+_IDENTITY_REMOTE_CANDIDATES = ("prgs", "origin", "dadeschools", "mdcps")
+
+
+def configured_canonical_root(
+    profile: Mapping | None,
+    env: Mapping | None,
+) -> tuple[str | None, str | None]:
+    """Return ``(value, source)`` for the declared canonical repository root.
+
+    Precedence: the ``GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT`` environment variable
+    (namespace-scoped) overrides the profile ``canonical_repository_root``
+    field. Blank values are treated as unset. Returns ``(None, None)`` when no
+    binding is declared (the single-repo default).
+    """
+    env_map = env if env is not None else os.environ
+    env_val = (env_map.get(CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV) or "").strip()
+    if env_val:
+        return env_val, f"{CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV} environment variable"
+    if profile:
+        prof_val = (profile.get("canonical_repository_root") or "").strip()
+        if prof_val:
+            return prof_val, "profile canonical_repository_root"
+    return None, None
+
+
+def resolve_repo_toplevel(path: str) -> str | None:
+    """Realpath of the git working-tree top level for *path*, or None."""
+    text = (path or "").strip()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+    try:
+        res = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", text, "rev-parse", "--show-toplevel"],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=True,
+        )
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+    top = (res.stdout or "").strip()
+    return os.path.realpath(top) if top else None
+
+
+def repository_identity_slug(path: str, *, remote: str | None = None) -> str | None:
+    """``owner/repository`` derived from a git remote configured at *path*.
+
+    Tries the caller-named remote first, then a small set of known remote names,
+    then whatever remote the repository actually has. Returns None when no remote
+    URL is parseable (identity cannot be proven).
+    """
+    text = (path or "").strip()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+
+    ordered: list[str] = []
+    for name in (remote, *_IDENTITY_REMOTE_CANDIDATES):
+        clean = (name or "").strip()
+        if clean and clean not in ordered:
+            ordered.append(clean)
+
+    try:
+        listed = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", text, "remote"],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=True,
+        ).stdout.split()
+    except Exception:
+        listed = []
+    for name in listed:
+        if name and name not in ordered:
+            ordered.append(name)
+
+    for name in ordered:
+        try:
+            url = subprocess.run(
+                ["git", "-C", text, "remote", "get-url", name],
+                capture_output=True,
+                text=True,
+                check=True,
+            ).stdout.strip()
+        except Exception:
+            continue
+        parsed = remote_repo_guard.parse_org_repo_from_remote_url(url)
+        if parsed:
+            return f"{parsed[0]}/{parsed[1]}"
+    return None
+
+
+def assess_canonical_repository_root(
+    *,
+    configured_value: str | None,
+    source: str | None,
+    expected_slug: str | None,
+    process_project_root: str,
+    remote: str | None = None,
+    require_binding: bool = False,
+) -> dict:
+    """Validate the canonical repository root binding, failing closed on forgery.
+
+    Returns a dict with ``proven`` / ``block`` / ``reasons`` plus the resolved
+    ``canonical_repo_root`` (the value downstream guards must use),
+    ``configured`` (whether a cross-repo binding was declared),
+    ``resolved_slug`` and ``source``.
+
+    Without a configured binding the single-repo default is preserved: the
+    canonical root is derived from *process_project_root* and never blocks
+    (unless *require_binding* explicitly demands one).
+
+    With a configured binding the path must exist, be a git repository, and —
+    when *expected_slug* is known — carry a matching repository identity. A
+    mismatched or (when *require_binding*) unprovable identity is a forged or
+    conflicting binding and fails closed.
+    """
+    process_root = os.path.realpath(process_project_root)
+    declared = (configured_value or "").strip()
+
+    if not declared:
+        if require_binding:
+            return _assessment(
+                proven=False,
+                reasons=[
+                    "no canonical_repository_root configured for a cross-repository "
+                    f"namespace; set {CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV} or the profile "
+                    "canonical_repository_root field (fail closed)"
+                ],
+                configured=False,
+                canonical_repo_root=process_root,
+                resolved_slug=None,
+                source=None,
+            )
+        # Single-repo default: canonical root follows the install checkout.
+        derived = resolve_repo_toplevel(process_root) or process_root
+        return _assessment(
+            proven=True,
+            reasons=[],
+            configured=False,
+            canonical_repo_root=derived,
+            resolved_slug=None,
+            source=None,
+        )
+
+    real = os.path.realpath(os.path.abspath(declared))
+    if not os.path.isdir(real):
+        return _assessment(
+            proven=False,
+            reasons=[
+                f"configured canonical repository root '{real}' does not exist "
+                "or is not a directory (fail closed)"
+            ],
+            configured=True,
+            canonical_repo_root=real,
+            resolved_slug=None,
+            source=source,
+        )
+
+    toplevel = resolve_repo_toplevel(real)
+    if not toplevel:
+        return _assessment(
+            proven=False,
+            reasons=[
+                f"configured canonical repository root '{real}' is not a git "
+                "repository (fail closed)"
+            ],
+            configured=True,
+            canonical_repo_root=real,
+            resolved_slug=None,
+            source=source,
+        )
+
+    resolved_slug = repository_identity_slug(toplevel, remote=remote)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    expected = (expected_slug or "").strip() or None
+    if expected:
+        if resolved_slug and resolved_slug.lower() != expected.lower():
+            reasons.append(
+                f"canonical repository root identity mismatch: '{toplevel}' resolves "
+                f"to repository '{resolved_slug}' but the session is authorized for "
+                f"'{expected}' (forged or conflicting binding, fail closed)"
+            )
+        elif not resolved_slug and require_binding:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"canonical repository root '{toplevel}' has no resolvable git "
+                f"remote identity to confirm authorization for '{expected}' "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+
+    return _assessment(
+        proven=not reasons,
+        reasons=reasons,
+        configured=True,
+        canonical_repo_root=toplevel,
+        resolved_slug=resolved_slug,
+        source=source,
+    )
+
+
+def format_canonical_repository_root_error(assessment: Mapping) -> str:
+    """Single RuntimeError message for MCP preflight gates."""
+    root = assessment.get("canonical_repo_root") or "(unknown)"
+    source = assessment.get("source") or "(unconfigured)"
+    reasons = "; ".join(
+        assessment.get("reasons") or ["unknown canonical repository root violation"]
+    )
+    return (
+        f"Canonical repository root guard (#706): {reasons}. "
+        f"binding source: {source}; canonical repository root: {root}. "
+        "Configure a valid canonical_repository_root for the target repository "
+        "and relaunch; do not point it at the Gitea-Tools install checkout."
+    )
+
+
+def _assessment(
+    *,
+    proven: bool,
+    reasons: list[str],
+    configured: bool,
+    canonical_repo_root: str,
+    resolved_slug: str | None,
+    source: str | None,
+) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": list(reasons),
+        "configured": configured,
+        "canonical_repo_root": canonical_repo_root,
+        "resolved_slug": resolved_slug,
+        "source": source,
+    }

create_issue_bootstrap.py

@@ -0,0 +1,227 @@
+"""Sanctioned pre-issue bootstrap for ``create_issue`` (#749).
+
+``gitea_create_issue`` is a pure remote mutation: it creates a tracking issue
+and writes nothing to the local working tree. The issue-first gate forbids
+creating ``branches/issue-<N>-*`` before the issue number exists, while the
+#274 branches-only guard previously demanded that worktree first — a deadlock.
+
+This module defines a **narrow, phase-scoped** exemption:
+
+* Only tasks in :data:`CREATE_ISSUE_TASKS` may use it.
+* Only the **canonical control checkout** may be used (never an arbitrary
+  directory, unrelated worktree, or foreign clone).
+* The control checkout must be clean, on an accepted base branch, and
+  base-equivalent to live master when a remote tip is known.
+* Every post-creation author mutation keeps the ordinary ``branches/`` rule.
+
+The exemption cannot widen: unknown tasks, dirty roots, drifted HEADs, non-base
+branches, and non-control workspaces fall through to the existing fail-closed
+guards.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from typing import Any
+
+from author_mutation_worktree import BASE_BRANCHES, is_path_under_branches
+from reviewer_worktree import parse_dirty_tracked_files
+
+CREATE_ISSUE_TASKS = frozenset({"create_issue", "gitea_create_issue"})
+
+# Satisfiable before an issue number exists — never names issue-<N>.
+EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_BOOTSTRAP = (
+    "Restore the canonical control checkout to a clean accepted base branch "
+    "(master/main/dev) that matches live master, with no tracked local edits "
+    "and no detached HEAD. Re-resolve the exact create_issue task, then re-run "
+    "gitea_create_issue from that clean control checkout. Do not create "
+    "branches/issue-<N>-* worktrees, dummy directories, or borrow unrelated "
+    "worktrees before the issue exists."
+)
+
+EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_POST_CREATE = (
+    "After the issue exists: create a registered worktree under "
+    "branches/issue-<N>-* from clean master, claim/lock the issue, set "
+    "GITEA_AUTHOR_WORKTREE / worktree_path to that path, then continue author "
+    "mutations from the issue-backed worktree only."
+)
+
+
+def is_create_issue_task(task: str | None) -> bool:
+    """True when *task* is the create_issue mutation (or tool alias)."""
+    return (task or "").strip() in CREATE_ISSUE_TASKS
+
+
+def assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+    *,
+    workspace_path: str,
+    canonical_repo_root: str,
+    current_branch: str | None = None,
+    head_sha: str | None = None,
+    porcelain_status: str = "",
+    remote_master_sha: str | None = None,
+    task: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Assess whether create_issue may proceed from the control checkout.
+
+    Returns a structured assessment:
+
+    * ``not_applicable`` — not a create_issue task, or workspace is already a
+      ``branches/`` worktree (use ordinary guards).
+    * ``allowed`` — create_issue bootstrap may proceed from this control root.
+    * ``block`` — create_issue was attempted from control checkout but gates
+      failed (dirty, wrong branch, base race, etc.).
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    root = os.path.realpath(canonical_repo_root or "")
+    workspace = os.path.realpath(workspace_path or root or ".")
+    branch = (current_branch or "").strip()
+    dirty = parse_dirty_tracked_files(porcelain_status or "")
+    under_branches = is_path_under_branches(workspace, root) if root else False
+
+    if not is_create_issue_task(task):
+        return _result(
+            not_applicable=True,
+            allowed=False,
+            block=False,
+            reasons=["task is not create_issue"],
+            workspace=workspace,
+            root=root,
+            branch=branch,
+            dirty=dirty,
+            under_branches=under_branches,
+        )
+
+    # Registered branches/ worktrees keep the normal path (no bootstrap).
+    if under_branches:
+        return _result(
+            not_applicable=True,
+            allowed=False,
+            block=False,
+            reasons=["workspace is under branches/; ordinary #274 path applies"],
+            workspace=workspace,
+            root=root,
+            branch=branch,
+            dirty=dirty,
+            under_branches=True,
+        )
+
+    # Only the exact canonical control checkout is eligible.
+    if not root or workspace != root:
+        reasons.append(
+            "create_issue bootstrap requires the canonical control checkout; "
+            f"workspace '{workspace}' is not the repository root '{root or '(unknown)'}'"
+        )
+        return _result(
+            not_applicable=False,
+            allowed=False,
+            block=True,
+            reasons=reasons,
+            workspace=workspace,
+            root=root,
+            branch=branch,
+            dirty=dirty,
+            under_branches=False,
+            exact_next_action=EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_BOOTSTRAP,
+        )
+
+    if dirty:
+        reasons.append(
+            "create_issue bootstrap blocked: control checkout has tracked local "
+            f"edits (dirty files: {', '.join(dirty)})"
+        )
+
+    if not branch:
+        reasons.append(
+            "create_issue bootstrap blocked: control checkout is detached HEAD; "
+            "expected an accepted base branch (master/main/dev)"
+        )
+    elif branch not in BASE_BRANCHES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"create_issue bootstrap blocked: control checkout branch '{branch}' "
+            f"is not an accepted base branch ({'/'.join(sorted(BASE_BRANCHES))})"
+        )
+
+    remote_tip = (remote_master_sha or "").strip() or None
+    local_tip = (head_sha or "").strip() or None
+    if remote_tip and local_tip and remote_tip != local_tip:
+        reasons.append(
+            "create_issue bootstrap blocked: control checkout HEAD does not match "
+            f"live master (HEAD {local_tip[:12]}, live master {remote_tip[:12]})"
+        )
+
+    if reasons:
+        return _result(
+            not_applicable=False,
+            allowed=False,
+            block=True,
+            reasons=reasons,
+            workspace=workspace,
+            root=root,
+            branch=branch or None,
+            dirty=dirty,
+            under_branches=False,
+            exact_next_action=EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_BOOTSTRAP,
+        )
+
+    return _result(
+        not_applicable=False,
+        allowed=True,
+        block=False,
+        reasons=[],
+        workspace=workspace,
+        root=root,
+        branch=branch or None,
+        dirty=dirty,
+        under_branches=False,
+        exact_next_action=EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_POST_CREATE,
+        bootstrap_path="clean_canonical_control_checkout",
+    )
+
+
+def format_create_issue_bootstrap_error(assessment: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
+    """RuntimeError / typed-block message for a failed bootstrap assessment."""
+    reasons = "; ".join(
+        assessment.get("reasons") or ["create_issue bootstrap failed"]
+    )
+    next_action = (
+        assessment.get("exact_next_action") or EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_BOOTSTRAP
+    )
+    root = assessment.get("canonical_repo_root") or "(unknown)"
+    workspace = assessment.get("workspace_path") or "(unknown)"
+    return (
+        f"Create-issue bootstrap guard (#749): {reasons}. "
+        f"canonical repository root: {root}; workspace: {workspace}. "
+        f"exact_next_action: {next_action}"
+    )
+
+
+def _result(
+    *,
+    not_applicable: bool,
+    allowed: bool,
+    block: bool,
+    reasons: list[str],
+    workspace: str,
+    root: str,
+    branch: str | None,
+    dirty: list[str],
+    under_branches: bool,
+    exact_next_action: str | None = None,
+    bootstrap_path: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "not_applicable": not_applicable,
+        "allowed": allowed,
+        "block": block,
+        "proven": allowed and not block,
+        "reasons": list(reasons),
+        "workspace_path": workspace,
+        "canonical_repo_root": root,
+        "current_branch": branch,
+        "dirty_files": list(dirty),
+        "under_branches": under_branches,
+        "exact_next_action": exact_next_action,
+        "bootstrap_path": bootstrap_path,
+        "task_scope": "create_issue_only",
+    }

docs/canonical-repository-root.md

@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+# Installation root vs canonical target repository root
+
+## Purpose
+
+This document (tracked as issue #741, building on #706 and #739/#740) explains
+the two distinct filesystem roots the Gitea-Tools MCP server reasons about, why
+conflating them silently targets the wrong repository, and which rule applies
+when you add a new consumer.
+
+It is the repository-scope companion to
+[`gitea-execution-profiles.md`](gitea-execution-profiles.md) (the profile model)
+and [`gitea-dual-namespace-deployment.md`](gitea-dual-namespace-deployment.md)
+(the per-role namespace model).
+
+## The two roots
+
+| | Installation root | Canonical target repository root |
+|---|---|---|
+| What it is | The checkout the server *code* lives in | The working root of the repository whose issues/PRs/branches the namespace *mutates* |
+| How it is derived | `PROJECT_ROOT = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))` | Configured per namespace, then pinned immutably into the session |
+| Configured by | Nothing — it follows the script | `canonical_repository_root` profile field, or the `GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT` environment variable |
+| Changes at runtime? | No | No — first bind wins for the life of the process |
+| Accessor | `PROJECT_ROOT` | `_canonical_local_git_root()` (filesystem) / `_canonical_repository_slug()` (identity) |
+
+For a **single-repository** namespace — every Gitea-Tools namespace today — the
+two roots are the same path, and nothing about the existing behaviour changes.
+The distinction only becomes observable once a namespace is pointed at a
+different repository.
+
+## Which root does my code need?
+
+Ask what the operation is *about*, not where the file happens to sit.
+
+**Use the installation root (`PROJECT_ROOT`)** when the operation concerns the
+Gitea-Tools software itself:
+
+- server implementation / version parity (`master_parity_gate`, the
+  `startup_head` vs `current_head` staleness gate);
+- loading the server's own workflow, schema and skill files;
+- self-code hashing and stale-runtime detection;
+- locating installed scripts such as `mirror_refs.sh`.
+
+These are intentionally install-scoped. Do not "fix" them.
+
+**Use the canonical target root (`_canonical_local_git_root()`)** when the
+operation concerns the repository being worked on:
+
+- `git remote get-url` for repository identity;
+- branch creation, push, and commit;
+- ancestry and merge-base proofs;
+- worktree inventory, cleanup, and branch deletion;
+- any local git subprocess whose result feeds a mutation guard.
+
+**If you cannot tell, fail closed.** An ambiguous consumer that guesses the
+install root is the exact defect class #741 exists to eliminate.
+
+## Why conflating them inverts the guards
+
+Before #741, `_local_git_remote_url()` ran `git remote get-url` with
+`cwd=PROJECT_ROOT` unconditionally. Every consumer of repository *identity* —
+`_resolve`, the #530 remote/repo guard, the anti-stomp org/repo fill,
+`_workspace_repository_slug` — therefore read the Gitea-Tools remote and called
+it "the workspace", no matter which repository the namespace was bound to.
+
+For a namespace whose canonical root points elsewhere, this **inverts** the
+guard rather than merely weakening it:
+
+- an operation naming the genuinely bound target repository is **rejected**,
+  because that slug does not appear in the Gitea-Tools remote URL;
+- an operation naming Gitea-Tools is **accepted**.
+
+The filesystem guards (#274 branches-only and worktree membership) had already
+been migrated to the canonical root by #706, so the two halves of a single
+assessment described two different repositories.
+
+A related subtlety: repository identity must not be derived by looking a remote
+up by *name*. A target checkout commonly names its remote `origin` rather than
+`prgs`, so a name-keyed lookup returns nothing and the omitted coordinates fall
+through to the remote-wide default *target* — an unrelated repository.
+`_canonical_repository_slug()` probes candidate remote names against the
+canonical root instead.
+
+`_canonical_local_git_root()` is now the one place a target root is resolved.
+Do not re-derive it; new code that needs a target root calls that helper.
+
+## Configuration
+
+Declare the binding on the profile, alongside `allowed_repositories`:
+
+```json
+{
+  "profiles": {
+    "example-author": {
+      "role": "author",
+      "canonical_repository_root": "/absolute/path/to/target-repo",
+      "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/target-repo"]
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+The namespace-scoped environment variable
+`GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT` overrides the profile field, and is normally
+exported next to the server `cwd` in the MCP client configuration.
+
+Validation is layered, and each layer fails closed:
+
+1. **Config load.** The path must be a non-empty absolute string. All supported
+   loaders — v1, v2-`environments`, and v2-`contexts` — validate it identically.
+   (Before #741 only the v2-`contexts` loader validated it, and
+   v2-`environments` silently *dropped* the field during flattening, so the
+   namespace fell back to the install root — a fail-open.)
+2. **Bind time.** The path must exist, be a git repository, and resolve to a
+   repository identity matching the session's authorized slug. A configured but
+   unresolvable root is never replaced by the install identity.
+3. **Every mutation.** The pinned root is compared against the live configured
+   value; a mismatch is treated as a forged or conflicting binding.
+
+`allowed_repositories` remains a separate authorization boundary (#714): the
+canonical root determines *which* repository is derived, and
+`allowed_repositories` determines whether the session may act on it. A root that
+resolves to a repository outside that list fails closed.
+
+## Explicit coordinates confirm, never override
+
+Explicit `org`/`repo` arguments may **confirm** an existing canonical binding.
+They can never establish, complete, or replace one. A request naming a
+repository that contradicts the binding fails closed, in both directions:
+
+- a Gitea-Tools-rooted namespace cannot mutate another repository;
+- a namespace rooted at another repository cannot mutate Gitea-Tools.
+
+This matters because both-explicit coordinates short-circuit the #530
+remote/repo match check, so without this rule a caller could name any repository
+and skip validation entirely.
+
+No request-supplied workspace, remote, owner, repository, or worktree can
+replace the immutable root.
+
+## Parity is reported per dimension
+
+`gitea_assess_master_parity` reports two separately labelled dimensions:
+
+- `server_implementation` — the Gitea-Tools installation checkout. Its
+  `startup_head` / `current_head` / `stale` / `restart_required` fields keep
+  their original meaning, and **only this dimension gates mutations**: the
+  running process executes the code it started with, so a merged fix is not live
+  until the daemon restarts.
+- `target_repository` — the configured canonical target checkout and its
+  last-known remote master.
+
+"In parity" is a statement about one dimension, never about the whole system.
+Read the dimension you actually care about.

docs/gitea-execution-profiles.md

@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ authenticated capability set. Each profile defines the following fields:
 | `authenticated_username` | string | The Gitea login this profile authenticates as (verified at runtime via `gitea_whoami`, not trusted from config). |
 | `allowed_operations` | list | Operation categories this profile may perform. |
 | `forbidden_operations` | list | Operation categories this profile must never perform. |
+| `allowed_repositories` | list | Optional. Canonical `owner/repository` slugs this profile may bind to. An authorization boundary, not the binding itself — see [Repository scope](#repository-scope-714). |
 | `token_source_name` | string | The *name* of the secret source (e.g. env var name or secret key). **Never the token value.** |
 | `audit_label` | string | Short label attached to audit records for actions by this profile. |
 | `can_approve_prs` | bool | May submit an approving PR review. |
@@ -57,6 +58,47 @@ authenticated capability set. Each profile defines the following fields:
 name), never the token itself. Token values are never part of a profile object,
 never logged, never returned by a tool, and never committed.
 
+## Repository scope (#714)
+
+`allowed_repositories` declares the canonical `owner/repository` slugs a profile
+may operate on:
+
+```json
+"prgs-author": {
+  "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"]
+}
+```
+
+It is an **authorization boundary, not the session binding**. The binding is
+derived and enforced like this:
+
+1. The session repository is derived from the **verified, workspace-aligned git
+   remote** — never from a caller-supplied `org`/`repo` argument, and never from
+   the `REMOTES` table (whose entries are default *targets*: `prgs` defaults to
+   `Timesheet`, which is not this project).
+2. That workspace-derived slug is validated against `allowed_repositories`.
+3. The session binds immutably to that one canonical `owner/repository`. The
+   organization is derived from the slug; there is no independent,
+   caller-controlled organization value.
+4. If a profile authorizes several repositories, the verified workspace still
+   selects exactly one. A session never binds to the whole list and never
+   switches between entries.
+
+Fail-closed rules:
+
+- Activation is rejected when the workspace repository is absent from the
+  allowlist.
+- A mutation is rejected when no verified workspace repository can be
+  established.
+- A tool-level `org`/`repo` override that disagrees with the binding is rejected
+  before the mutation runs.
+- A mutation request can never establish, complete, or replace the binding.
+
+The field is **config-only**: no environment variable can widen or forge it. It
+is optional — a profile that omits it keeps the previous behaviour, so existing
+static-profile namespaces stay functional until an operator provisions the
+scope. Provisioning it is what activates enforcement for that profile.
+
 ## Example profiles
 
 The following are the reference profiles. Booleans express intended capability

docs/llm-workflow-runbooks.md

@@ -48,6 +48,16 @@ It extracts the issue-first, isolated-worktree, no-self-review, profile-safety,
 merge-cleanup, fail-closed, and recovery rules into a reusable package that can
 be adapted to other repositories.
 
+### Sanctioned first mutation: `create_issue` from clean control (#749)
+
+Creating a tracking issue has no issue number yet, so no `branches/issue-<N>-*`
+worktree can exist. The sanctioned path is: clean canonical control checkout
+(accepted base branch, base-equivalent to live master, no tracked dirt) →
+resolve exact `create_issue` → `gitea_create_issue`. After the issue exists,
+all further author mutations require a registered issue-backed worktree and
+lock. Do not improvise with dummy directories, borrowed worktrees, or pre-issue
+worktrees. See `skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/create-issue.md` §18a.
+
 ## Principle: the profile is the role, not the LLM
 
 ```text

gitea-mcp.v2-contexts.example.json

@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@
       "execution_profile": "example-author",
       "audit_label": "example-author",
       "auth": { "type": "keychain", "id": "example-gitea-author-token" },
+      "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
       "allowed_operations": ["read", "branch", "commit", "push", "open_pr", "comment", "issue.comment"],
       "forbidden_operations": ["approve", "request_changes", "merge"]
     },

gitea_auth.py

@@ -182,11 +182,51 @@ def get_auth_header(host):
 
 def resolve_remote(args):
     """Given parsed argparse args with --remote/--host/--org/--repo,
-    return (host, org, repo) with overrides applied."""
+    return (host, org, repo) with overrides applied.
+
+    #714 / #530: when the caller omits org and/or repo, prefer the
+    workspace-aligned git remote over REMOTES defaults (e.g. bare
+    ``--remote prgs`` must not force Timesheet when the checkout is
+    Gitea-Tools). Explicit --org/--repo always win.
+    """
     profile = REMOTES[args.remote]
     host = args.host or profile["host"]
-    org = args.org or profile["org"]
-    repo = args.repo or profile["repo"]
+    org_explicit = getattr(args, "org", None) is not None
+    repo_explicit = getattr(args, "repo", None) is not None
+    org = args.org if org_explicit else profile["org"]
+    repo = args.repo if repo_explicit else profile["repo"]
+    if not org_explicit or not repo_explicit:
+        try:
+            import remote_repo_guard
+            import subprocess
+            # Prefer the named remote URL when present; fall back to origin.
+            url = None
+            for remote_name in (args.remote, "origin"):
+                try:
+                    proc = subprocess.run(
+                        ["git", "remote", "get-url", remote_name],
+                        capture_output=True,
+                        text=True,
+                        timeout=5,
+                        check=False,
+                    )
+                    if proc.returncode == 0 and (proc.stdout or "").strip():
+                        url = proc.stdout.strip()
+                        break
+                except Exception:
+                    continue
+            # Allow tests to inject a deterministic remote URL without Git.
+            env_url = os.environ.get("GITEA_TEST_WORKSPACE_REMOTE_URL")
+            if env_url:
+                url = env_url
+            parsed = remote_repo_guard.parse_org_repo_from_remote_url(url)
+            if parsed:
+                if not org_explicit:
+                    org = parsed[0]
+                if not repo_explicit:
+                    repo = parsed[1]
+        except Exception:
+            pass
     return host, org, repo
 
 
@@ -758,6 +798,14 @@ def get_profile():
         "profile_name": name,
         "allowed_operations": ops,
         "forbidden_operations": forbidden,
+        # #714 repository authorization boundary. Config-only on purpose: an
+        # environment variable must never widen or forge the set of
+        # repositories a session may bind to.
+        "allowed_repositories": _json_list("allowed_repositories"),
+        # #706 cross-repository canonical root binding. Config-sourced here (the
+        # namespace-scoped GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT env override is applied
+        # by canonical_repository_root.configured_canonical_root, not widened here).
+        "canonical_repository_root": jp.get("canonical_repository_root") or None,
         "audit_label": audit_label,
         "token_source_name": token_source,
         "auth_source_type": auth_type,

gitea_config.py

@@ -272,6 +272,15 @@ def load_config(path=None):
         )
     if not isinstance(data.get("profiles"), dict):
         raise ConfigError(f"{path} must be a JSON object with a 'profiles' object")
+    # #741: the v1 path returns `data` unflattened, so nothing else validates
+    # the cross-repository binding before gitea_auth.get_profile() reads it.
+    # Validate it here so every supported loader treats the field identically
+    # (a relative or blank path must never reach the runtime guard).
+    for _name, _profile in data["profiles"].items():
+        if isinstance(_profile, dict):
+            _validate_canonical_repository_root(
+                _name, _profile.get("canonical_repository_root")
+            )
     return data
 
 
@@ -358,6 +367,14 @@ def _flatten_identity(env_name, svc_name, svc, ident_name, ident):
     for key in ("role", "username", "execution_profile", "audit_label"):
         if ident.get(key):
             profile[key] = ident[key]
+    # #741: the cross-repository binding must survive flattening. Previously
+    # this key was silently dropped here, so a v2-environments namespace that
+    # declared canonical_repository_root fell back to the *installation* root
+    # and mutated Gitea-Tools instead of its target repository — a fail-open.
+    # Validate it exactly as the v2-contexts loader does before propagating.
+    _validate_canonical_repository_root(addr, ident.get("canonical_repository_root"))
+    if ident.get("canonical_repository_root"):
+        profile["canonical_repository_root"] = ident["canonical_repository_root"]
     return addr, profile
 
 
@@ -475,6 +492,57 @@ def _require_enabled(kind, name, obj):
     return enabled
 
 
+_REPO_SCOPE_RE = re.compile(r"^[^/\s]+/[^/\s]+$")
+
+
+def _validate_allowed_repositories(name, raw):
+    """Validate the optional per-profile repository authorization scope (#714).
+
+    ``allowed_repositories`` is an authorization boundary of canonical
+    ``owner/repository`` slugs. It is not the session binding: the verified
+    workspace repository selects exactly one entry at bind time. Absent means
+    "no repository scope configured" and is allowed, so existing profiles keep
+    working until an operator provisions the field.
+    """
+    if raw is None:
+        return
+    if not isinstance(raw, list):
+        raise ConfigError(
+            f"profile '{name}' allowed_repositories must be a list of "
+            "'owner/repository' strings"
+        )
+    for entry in raw:
+        if not isinstance(entry, str) or not _REPO_SCOPE_RE.match(entry.strip()):
+            raise ConfigError(
+                f"profile '{name}' allowed_repositories entry {entry!r} is not "
+                "a canonical 'owner/repository' slug"
+            )
+
+
+def _validate_canonical_repository_root(name, raw):
+    """Validate the optional per-profile canonical repository root (#706).
+
+    ``canonical_repository_root`` binds a cross-repository namespace to the
+    working root of its target repository (separate from the immutable
+    Gitea-Tools install checkout). It is an absolute filesystem path; existence
+    and git identity are validated at bind time by the runtime guard, not here
+    (config validation stays filesystem-independent). Absent means the
+    single-repo default and is allowed.
+    """
+    if raw is None:
+        return
+    if not isinstance(raw, str) or not raw.strip():
+        raise ConfigError(
+            f"profile '{name}' canonical_repository_root must be a non-empty "
+            "absolute path string to the target repository working root"
+        )
+    if not os.path.isabs(raw.strip()):
+        raise ConfigError(
+            f"profile '{name}' canonical_repository_root {raw!r} must be an "
+            "absolute path"
+        )
+
+
 def _reject_inline_secrets(kind, name, obj):
     for key in _INLINE_SECRET_KEYS:
         if key in obj:
@@ -549,6 +617,10 @@ def _load_v2_contexts(data, path):
         forbidden = raw.get("forbidden_operations") or []
         if not isinstance(allowed, list) or not isinstance(forbidden, list):
             raise ConfigError(f"profile '{name}' operation fields must be lists")
+        _validate_allowed_repositories(name, raw.get("allowed_repositories"))
+        _validate_canonical_repository_root(
+            name, raw.get("canonical_repository_root")
+        )
         allowed_n = {_normalize_op("gitea", op, name) for op in allowed}
         forbidden_n = {_normalize_op("gitea", op, name) for op in forbidden}
         # Reviewer-identity deadlock rule (#100/#103) applies here unchanged.

issue_lock_adoption.py

@@ -85,6 +85,15 @@ def _branch_carries_issue_marker(branch_name: str, issue_number: int) -> bool:
     return re.search(pattern, name) is not None
 
 
+def branch_carries_issue_marker(branch_name: str, issue_number: int) -> bool:
+    """Public accessor for the exact issue-marker match (#753).
+
+    Dead-session lock recovery needs the same word-boundary matcher to detect
+    ambiguous branch claims, so it is exposed rather than reached into.
+    """
+    return _branch_carries_issue_marker(branch_name, issue_number)
+
+
 def assess_own_branch_adoption(
     *,
     issue_number: int,

issue_lock_recovery.py

@@ -0,0 +1,451 @@
+"""Dead-session author issue-lock recovery (#753).
+
+A durable author issue lock records the PID of the MCP session that took it.
+When that process exits, ``issue_lock_store.assess_lock_freshness`` classifies
+the lock as ``stale`` (``live=False``) even while its lease is still within TTL,
+so every ownership check that requires a *live* lock fails closed.
+
+Re-taking the lock through ``gitea_lock_issue`` is unreachable for real work:
+``issue_lock_worktree.assess_issue_lock_worktree`` demands the worktree be
+base-equivalent to ``master``/``main``/``dev``, and a branch that already
+carries commits is ahead of its base by construction. The existing
+``assess_expired_lock_reclaim`` affordance does not apply either, because
+``assess_same_issue_lease_conflict`` only consults it once the lease has
+*expired* — a dead PID under an unexpired lease never reaches it.
+
+This module is the pure evidence assessor for that one narrow case. It grants
+recovery only when every element of durable ownership still matches exactly and
+the recorded process is demonstrably dead. It never trusts caller assertions:
+every field is compared against durable lock state or live observation supplied
+by the caller. It performs no mutation and no network I/O.
+
+Recovery deliberately does **not** relax base-equivalence for brand-new issue
+claims — only for a lock whose own prior record already proves the branch,
+worktree, head, and author.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+from typing import Any, Iterable, Mapping, Sequence
+
+from issue_lock_store import is_process_alive
+from reviewer_worktree import parse_dirty_tracked_files
+
+# Outcome values
+RECOVERY_SANCTIONED = "RECOVERY_SANCTIONED"
+NO_CANDIDATE = "NO_CANDIDATE"
+REFUSED = "REFUSED"
+
+# Durable fields a lock must carry before it can be considered at all.
+REQUIRED_LOCK_FIELDS = ("issue_number", "branch_name", "worktree_path")
+
+
+def _same_realpath(left: str | None, right: str | None) -> bool:
+    if not left or not right:
+        return False
+    try:
+        return os.path.realpath(left) == os.path.realpath(right)
+    except OSError:
+        return left == right
+
+
+def _text(value: Any) -> str:
+    return str(value or "").strip()
+
+
+def _lock_claimant(lock: Mapping[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    claimant = lock.get("claimant")
+    if not isinstance(claimant, Mapping):
+        lease = lock.get("work_lease")
+        claimant = lease.get("claimant") if isinstance(lease, Mapping) else None
+    return dict(claimant) if isinstance(claimant, Mapping) else {}
+
+
+def _recorded_pid(lock: Mapping[str, Any]) -> Any:
+    pid = lock.get("session_pid")
+    if pid is None:
+        pid = lock.get("pid")
+    return pid
+
+
+def _malformed_reasons(lock: Mapping[str, Any]) -> list[str]:
+    """Names of durable fields that are missing or unusable."""
+    missing: list[str] = []
+    for field in REQUIRED_LOCK_FIELDS:
+        if not _text(lock.get(field)):
+            missing.append(field)
+    pid = _recorded_pid(lock)
+    if pid is None or _text(pid) == "":
+        missing.append("session_pid/pid")
+    else:
+        try:
+            if int(pid) <= 0:
+                missing.append("session_pid/pid")
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            missing.append("session_pid/pid")
+    return missing
+
+
+def assess_dead_session_lock_recovery(
+    existing_lock: Mapping[str, Any] | None,
+    *,
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_name: str,
+    worktree_path: str,
+    remote: str,
+    org: str,
+    repo: str,
+    identity: str | None,
+    profile: str | None,
+    current_branch: str | None,
+    porcelain_status: str,
+    head_sha: str | None,
+    remote_head_sha: str | None,
+    pr_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    pr_number: int | None = None,
+    competing_live_locks: Sequence[Mapping[str, Any]] | None = None,
+    candidate_branches: Iterable[str] | None = None,
+    current_pid: int | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Decide whether a dead-session author lock may be natively recovered.
+
+    Returns a dict with ``recovery_sanctioned`` (bool), ``outcome``, ``reasons``
+    (why it was refused, or the positive proof when sanctioned), and
+    ``evidence`` (a redaction-safe record for auditing).
+
+    ``NO_CANDIDATE`` means no recovery was attempted at all — there is no
+    existing lock, or the lock does not describe this issue. The caller must
+    treat that exactly as it treated the pre-#753 world. ``REFUSED`` means a
+    candidate existed but the evidence did not agree; the caller fails closed.
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    evidence: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "branch_name": branch_name,
+        "worktree_path": worktree_path,
+        "remote": remote,
+        "org": org,
+        "repo": repo,
+    }
+
+    if not existing_lock:
+        return _result(
+            NO_CANDIDATE, False, ["no existing durable lock for this issue"], evidence
+        )
+
+    lock = dict(existing_lock)
+
+    # ── Candidate identification ────────────────────────────────────────────
+    # Recovery only ever applies to a lock that already claims THIS issue.
+    # Anything else is not a recovery candidate and must not be reinterpreted.
+    if lock.get("issue_number") != issue_number:
+        return _result(
+            NO_CANDIDATE,
+            False,
+            [
+                f"existing lock targets issue #{lock.get('issue_number')}, "
+                f"not #{issue_number}; not a recovery candidate"
+            ],
+            evidence,
+        )
+
+    # A malformed/incomplete durable record can never prove ownership.
+    missing = _malformed_reasons(lock)
+    if missing:
+        return _result(
+            REFUSED,
+            False,
+            [
+                "durable lock record is incomplete and cannot prove ownership "
+                f"(missing/unusable: {', '.join(missing)})"
+            ],
+            evidence,
+        )
+
+    recorded_pid = _recorded_pid(lock)
+    evidence["prior_session_pid"] = recorded_pid
+    evidence["replacement_session_pid"] = (
+        current_pid if current_pid is not None else os.getpid()
+    )
+
+    # ── Repository scope ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    for field, expected in (("remote", remote), ("org", org), ("repo", repo)):
+        actual = _text(lock.get(field))
+        if actual != _text(expected):
+            reasons.append(
+                f"lock {field} '{actual}' does not match requested '{_text(expected)}'"
+            )
+
+    # ── Branch identity ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    locked_branch = _text(lock.get("branch_name"))
+    if locked_branch != _text(branch_name):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"lock branch '{locked_branch}' does not match requested "
+            f"'{_text(branch_name)}'"
+        )
+    evidence["locked_branch"] = locked_branch
+
+    # The worktree must actually be sitting on the locked branch. Without this
+    # a clean worktree parked elsewhere could stand in for the real work.
+    checked_out = _text(current_branch)
+    if not checked_out:
+        reasons.append(
+            "worktree is not on a named branch (detached HEAD); locked-branch "
+            "occupancy could not be proven"
+        )
+    elif checked_out != locked_branch:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"worktree is on branch '{checked_out}', not the locked branch "
+            f"'{locked_branch}'"
+        )
+
+    # ── Worktree identity ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    locked_worktree = _text(lock.get("worktree_path"))
+    if not _same_realpath(locked_worktree, worktree_path):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"lock worktree '{locked_worktree}' does not match declared "
+            f"'{_text(worktree_path)}'"
+        )
+    evidence["locked_worktree_path"] = locked_worktree
+
+    # ── Cleanliness (never waived) ──────────────────────────────────────────
+    dirty_files = parse_dirty_tracked_files(porcelain_status)
+    if dirty_files:
+        reasons.append(
+            "worktree has tracked local edits; recovery requires a clean "
+            f"worktree (dirty files: {', '.join(dirty_files)})"
+        )
+    evidence["dirty_files"] = dirty_files
+
+    # ── Head agreement: local == remote == PR ───────────────────────────────
+    local_head = _text(head_sha)
+    remote_head = _text(remote_head_sha)
+    if not local_head:
+        reasons.append("local head SHA could not be determined")
+    if not remote_head:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"remote head for branch '{locked_branch}' could not be determined"
+        )
+    if local_head and remote_head and local_head != remote_head:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"local head {local_head} does not match remote branch head {remote_head}"
+        )
+    evidence["local_head"] = local_head or None
+    evidence["remote_head"] = remote_head or None
+
+    pr_head = _text(pr_head_sha)
+    if pr_head:
+        evidence["pr_head"] = pr_head
+        evidence["pr_number"] = pr_number
+        if local_head and pr_head != local_head:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"open PR #{pr_number} head {pr_head} does not match local head "
+                f"{local_head}"
+            )
+
+    # ── Author identity ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    claimant = _lock_claimant(lock)
+    locked_identity = _text(claimant.get("username"))
+    locked_profile = _text(claimant.get("profile"))
+    evidence["locked_identity"] = locked_identity or None
+    evidence["locked_profile"] = locked_profile or None
+    if not locked_identity or not locked_profile:
+        reasons.append(
+            "durable lock does not record a claimant identity/profile; "
+            "author ownership could not be proven"
+        )
+    if not _text(identity) or not _text(profile):
+        reasons.append(
+            "active session identity/profile is unknown; author ownership "
+            "could not be proven"
+        )
+    if locked_identity and _text(identity) and locked_identity != _text(identity):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"lock claimant '{locked_identity}' does not match active identity "
+            f"'{_text(identity)}'"
+        )
+    if locked_profile and _text(profile) and locked_profile != _text(profile):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"lock profile '{locked_profile}' does not match active profile "
+            f"'{_text(profile)}'"
+        )
+
+    # ── The defining condition: the recorded owner must be dead ─────────────
+    prior_alive = is_process_alive(recorded_pid)
+    evidence["prior_pid_alive"] = prior_alive
+    if prior_alive:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"prior owner pid {recorded_pid} is still alive; this is not a "
+            "dead-session recovery"
+        )
+    if current_pid is not None and recorded_pid is not None:
+        try:
+            if int(recorded_pid) == int(current_pid):
+                reasons.append(
+                    "recorded pid is the current session; nothing to recover"
+                )
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            pass
+
+    # ── Competing ownership ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    competing: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    for entry in competing_live_locks or ():
+        if not isinstance(entry, Mapping):
+            continue
+        same_issue = entry.get("issue_number") == issue_number
+        same_branch = _text(entry.get("branch_name")) == locked_branch
+        if not (same_issue or same_branch):
+            continue
+        # The lock we are recovering is not competition with itself.
+        if (
+            same_issue
+            and same_branch
+            and _same_realpath(_text(entry.get("worktree_path")), worktree_path)
+        ):
+            continue
+        competing.append(
+            {
+                "issue_number": entry.get("issue_number"),
+                "branch_name": entry.get("branch_name"),
+                "worktree_path": entry.get("worktree_path"),
+                "pid": entry.get("pid"),
+            }
+        )
+    if competing:
+        described = ", ".join(
+            f"issue #{c['issue_number']} branch '{c['branch_name']}'" for c in competing
+        )
+        reasons.append(f"competing live lock or lease exists ({described})")
+    evidence["competing_live_locks"] = competing
+
+    # ── Ambiguous branch claims ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+    others = [
+        name
+        for name in (candidate_branches or ())
+        if _text(name) and _text(name) != locked_branch
+    ]
+    if others:
+        reasons.append(
+            "multiple branches claim this issue "
+            f"({', '.join(sorted(set(others)))}); ownership is ambiguous"
+        )
+    evidence["other_candidate_branches"] = sorted(set(others))
+
+    if reasons:
+        return _result(REFUSED, False, reasons, evidence)
+
+    return _result(
+        RECOVERY_SANCTIONED,
+        True,
+        [
+            f"durable lock for issue #{issue_number} matches branch "
+            f"'{locked_branch}', worktree '{locked_worktree}', head {local_head}, "
+            f"and claimant '{locked_identity}'; recorded pid {recorded_pid} is dead"
+        ],
+        evidence,
+    )
+
+
+def _result(
+    outcome: str,
+    sanctioned: bool,
+    reasons: list[str],
+    evidence: dict[str, Any],
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "outcome": outcome,
+        "recovery_sanctioned": sanctioned,
+        "is_candidate": outcome != NO_CANDIDATE,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "evidence": evidence,
+    }
+
+
+def owning_pr_recovery_evidence(
+    assessment: Mapping[str, Any] | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Server-derived proof of the open PR a sanctioned recovery already owns (#755).
+
+    A dead-session recovery is, by construction, recovery of work that already
+    has an open PR — so the duplicate-work gate's linked-open-PR blocker would
+    otherwise discard every sanctioned recovery. This distils the completed
+    assessment into the minimum evidence that gate needs to tell "the PR this
+    lock already owns" apart from "a competing duplicate PR".
+
+    Returns ``None`` unless recovery was actually granted and the assessment's
+    own evidence names exactly one owning PR whose head agrees with the local
+    and remote heads. Nothing here is caller-supplied: every field is copied
+    from evidence the assessor built out of durable lock state plus live
+    git/Gitea observation, so a caller cannot manufacture an exemption.
+    """
+    if not isinstance(assessment, Mapping):
+        return None
+    if assessment.get("outcome") != RECOVERY_SANCTIONED:
+        return None
+    if not assessment.get("recovery_sanctioned"):
+        return None
+
+    evidence = assessment.get("evidence") or {}
+    branch_name = _text(evidence.get("locked_branch"))
+    pr_head = _text(evidence.get("pr_head"))
+    local_head = _text(evidence.get("local_head"))
+    remote_head = _text(evidence.get("remote_head"))
+    raw_pr_number = evidence.get("pr_number")
+
+    if raw_pr_number is None or not branch_name or not pr_head:
+        return None
+    # The assessor already required these to agree. Re-check, so a truncated or
+    # hand-built evidence map can never authorize an exemption.
+    if pr_head != local_head or pr_head != remote_head:
+        return None
+    try:
+        pr_number = int(raw_pr_number)
+        issue_number = int(evidence.get("issue_number"))
+    except (TypeError, ValueError):
+        return None
+
+    return {
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "pr_number": pr_number,
+        "branch_name": branch_name,
+        "head_sha": pr_head,
+    }
+
+
+def build_recovery_record(
+    assessment: Mapping[str, Any],
+    *,
+    recovered_at: str,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Durable, secret-free provenance for a completed recovery (#753 AC2/AC6)."""
+    evidence = dict(assessment.get("evidence") or {})
+    return {
+        "recovered": True,
+        "reason": "owning MCP session exited; durable ownership evidence matched",
+        "recovered_at": recovered_at,
+        "prior_session_pid": evidence.get("prior_session_pid"),
+        "replacement_session_pid": evidence.get("replacement_session_pid"),
+        "prior_pid_alive": evidence.get("prior_pid_alive"),
+        "branch_name": evidence.get("locked_branch"),
+        "worktree_path": evidence.get("locked_worktree_path"),
+        "local_head": evidence.get("local_head"),
+        "remote_head": evidence.get("remote_head"),
+        "pr_head": evidence.get("pr_head"),
+        "pr_number": evidence.get("pr_number"),
+        "identity": evidence.get("locked_identity"),
+        "profile": evidence.get("locked_profile"),
+        "proof": list(assessment.get("reasons") or []),
+    }
+
+
+def format_recovery_refusal(assessment: Mapping[str, Any]) -> str:
+    """Single fail-closed message for a refused recovery attempt."""
+    reasons = list(assessment.get("reasons") or []) or [
+        "dead-session lock recovery evidence did not agree"
+    ]
+    return (
+        "Dead-session issue-lock recovery refused: "
+        + "; ".join(reasons)
+        + " (fail closed)"
+    )

issue_lock_worktree.py

@@ -92,8 +92,19 @@ def assess_issue_lock_worktree(
     inspected_git_root: str | None = None,
     base_branch: str | None = None,
     base_branches: frozenset[str] | None = None,
+    recovery_sanctioned: bool = False,
 ) -> dict:
-    """Fail closed when lock preconditions are not met on the declared worktree."""
+    """Fail closed when lock preconditions are not met on the declared worktree.
+
+    ``recovery_sanctioned`` is set only when ``issue_lock_recovery`` has already
+    proven, from the durable lock itself, that this is a dead-session recovery of
+    an existing claim (#753): same issue, branch, worktree, author, and head, with
+    the recording process dead. In that one case the base-equivalence requirement
+    is waived, because a branch that already carries the work is ahead of its base
+    by construction and could never satisfy it. Every other precondition —
+    notably worktree cleanliness — still applies unchanged, and brand-new issue
+    claims keep the full base-equivalence requirement.
+    """
     bases = base_branches or BASE_BRANCHES
     reasons: list[str] = []
     path = (worktree_path or "").strip()
@@ -111,7 +122,11 @@ def assess_issue_lock_worktree(
             f"(dirty files: {', '.join(dirty_files)})"
         )
 
-    if base_equivalent is False:
+    if recovery_sanctioned:
+        # Base-equivalence intentionally not evaluated: ownership was proven
+        # against the durable lock record instead (#753).
+        pass
+    elif base_equivalent is False:
         reasons.append(
             "issue lock worktree must be base-equivalent to one of "
             f"{_base_list(bases)} before implementation work; inspected "
@@ -139,6 +154,7 @@ def assess_issue_lock_worktree(
         inspected_git_root=inspected_git_root,
         base_branch=base_branch,
         base_equivalent=base_equivalent,
+        recovery_sanctioned=recovery_sanctioned,
     )
 
 
@@ -197,6 +213,7 @@ def _assessment(
     inspected_git_root: str | None = None,
     base_branch: str | None = None,
     base_equivalent: bool | None = None,
+    recovery_sanctioned: bool = False,
 ) -> dict:
     return {
         "proven": proven,
@@ -208,6 +225,8 @@ def _assessment(
         "dirty_files": dirty_files,
         "base_branch": base_branch,
         "base_equivalent": base_equivalent,
+        "recovery_sanctioned": recovery_sanctioned,
+        "base_equivalence_waived": bool(recovery_sanctioned),
     }
 
 

issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-from typing import Any
+from typing import Any, Mapping
 
 import issue_claim_heartbeat as claim_hb
 
@@ -27,6 +27,116 @@ def _linked_open_pr(issue_number: int, open_prs: list[dict]) -> dict | None:
     return claim_hb._linked_open_pr(issue_number, open_prs)
 
 
+def _pr_links_issue(issue_number: int, pr: Mapping[str, Any]) -> bool:
+    """Same linkage rule ``claim_hb._linked_open_pr`` applies, per PR.
+
+    ``_linked_open_pr`` only yields the *first* match, which cannot answer
+    "is there exactly one linked PR?" — a question the owning-PR exemption
+    below must answer before it can trust any of them.
+    """
+    pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
+    head = (pr.get("head") or {}).get("ref") or ""
+    text = f"{pr.get('title', '')} {pr.get('body', '')}".lower()
+    if pattern in head.lower():
+        return True
+    return (
+        f"closes #{int(issue_number)}" in text
+        or f"fixes #{int(issue_number)}" in text
+    )
+
+
+def _all_linked_open_prs(
+    issue_number: int, open_prs: list[dict]
+) -> list[Mapping[str, Any]]:
+    return [pr for pr in (open_prs or []) if _pr_links_issue(issue_number, pr)]
+
+
+def _assess_owning_pr_exemption(
+    issue_number: int,
+    *,
+    linked_open_prs: list[Mapping[str, Any]],
+    locked_branch: str | None,
+    recovered_owning_pr: Mapping[str, Any] | None,
+) -> tuple[bool, list[str]]:
+    """Is the linked open PR provably the one a sanctioned recovery owns (#755)?
+
+    ``recovered_owning_pr`` is produced by
+    ``issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence`` from a completed
+    server-side recovery assessment — it is never a caller-supplied field.
+    Every element is re-checked here against the live PR list this gate was
+    given, so a stale or partial token cannot widen the exemption.
+
+    Returns ``(exempt, diagnostic_reasons)``. Diagnostics are only emitted when
+    a token was offered and rejected, so a blocked caller can see which element
+    of ownership disagreed.
+    """
+    if not recovered_owning_pr:
+        return False, []
+
+    notes: list[str] = []
+    token_issue = recovered_owning_pr.get("issue_number")
+    token_pr = recovered_owning_pr.get("pr_number")
+    token_branch = str(recovered_owning_pr.get("branch_name") or "").strip()
+    token_head = str(recovered_owning_pr.get("head_sha") or "").strip()
+    locked = (locked_branch or "").strip()
+
+    if token_issue is not None and int(token_issue) != int(issue_number):
+        notes.append(
+            f"recovery evidence is for issue #{token_issue}, not "
+            f"#{issue_number} (no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+    if not locked or not token_branch or locked != token_branch:
+        notes.append(
+            f"recovery evidence branch '{token_branch or 'unknown'}' does not "
+            f"match the branch being locked '{locked or 'unknown'}' "
+            "(no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+    if len(linked_open_prs) != 1:
+        numbers = ", ".join(
+            f"#{pr.get('number')}" for pr in linked_open_prs
+        ) or "none"
+        notes.append(
+            f"{len(linked_open_prs)} open PRs link issue #{issue_number} "
+            f"({numbers}); recovery may only own exactly one "
+            "(no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+
+    only = linked_open_prs[0]
+    head_obj = only.get("head") or {}
+    only_number = only.get("number")
+    only_ref = str(head_obj.get("ref") or "").strip()
+    only_sha = str(head_obj.get("sha") or "").strip()
+
+    if token_pr is None or only_number is None or int(only_number) != int(token_pr):
+        notes.append(
+            f"linked open PR #{only_number} is not the recovered owning PR "
+            f"#{token_pr} (no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+    if only_ref != token_branch:
+        notes.append(
+            f"open PR #{only_number} head branch '{only_ref}' does not match "
+            f"the recovered branch '{token_branch}' (no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+    if not token_head or not only_sha or only_sha != token_head:
+        notes.append(
+            f"open PR #{only_number} head {only_sha or 'unknown'} does not "
+            f"match the recovered head {token_head or 'unknown'} "
+            "(no owning-PR exemption)"
+        )
+        return False, notes
+
+    return True, [
+        f"open PR #{only_number} is the exact PR already owned by the "
+        f"recovering lock for issue #{issue_number} (branch '{token_branch}', "
+        f"head {token_head}); not duplicate work"
+    ]
+
+
 def _matching_branches(
     issue_number: int,
     branch_names: list[str],
@@ -52,8 +162,15 @@ def assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
     claim_entry: dict | None = None,
     locked_branch: str | None = None,
     phase: str = PHASE_LOCK,
+    recovered_owning_pr: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
-    """Fail closed when duplicate work is already in flight for an issue."""
+    """Fail closed when duplicate work is already in flight for an issue.
+
+    ``recovered_owning_pr`` (#755) is server-derived evidence that a sanctioned
+    dead-session lock recovery already owns one specific open PR. It exempts
+    *only* that exact PR from the linked-open-PR blocker; every other duplicate
+    signal, and every mismatch, keeps failing closed.
+    """
     reasons: list[str] = []
     outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED
     prs = list(open_prs or [])
@@ -61,12 +178,23 @@ def assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
     pattern = _issue_pattern(issue_number)
 
     linked = _linked_open_pr(issue_number, prs)
+    linked_open_prs = _all_linked_open_prs(issue_number, prs)
+    owning_pr_exempted = False
+    exemption_notes: list[str] = []
     if linked:
-        reasons.append(
-            f"open PR #{linked.get('number')} already covers issue "
-            f"#{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+        owning_pr_exempted, exemption_notes = _assess_owning_pr_exemption(
+            issue_number,
+            linked_open_prs=linked_open_prs,
+            locked_branch=locked_branch,
+            recovered_owning_pr=recovered_owning_pr,
         )
-        outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
+        if not owning_pr_exempted:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"open PR #{linked.get('number')} already covers issue "
+                f"#{issue_number} (fail closed)"
+            )
+            reasons.extend(exemption_notes)
+            outcome = OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED
 
     conflicting_branches = _matching_branches(
         issue_number, branches, locked_branch=locked_branch
@@ -122,6 +250,9 @@ def assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
         "phase": phase,
         "outcome": outcome,
         "linked_open_pr": linked.get("number") if linked else entry.get("linked_open_pr"),
+        "linked_open_pr_count": len(linked_open_prs),
+        "owning_pr_recovery_exempted": owning_pr_exempted,
+        "owning_pr_recovery_notes": list(exemption_notes),
         "conflicting_branches": conflicting_branches,
         "claim_status": status or None,
         "reasons": reasons,

master_parity_gate.py

@@ -166,3 +166,128 @@ def format_parity(assessment: dict) -> str:
     if not assessment.get("determinable"):
         return "parity indeterminate (baseline or current HEAD unknown)"
     return f"in parity at {_short(assessment.get('current_head'))}"
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Target-repository parity (#739 F3)
+#
+# Everything above measures ONE dimension: the Gitea-Tools server's own
+# implementation commit, comparing the SHA this process was loaded from against
+# the SHA now on disk at PROJECT_ROOT. That is deliberate and is left untouched
+# — it is what proves the in-memory capability gates are current.
+#
+# It is not, however, a statement about the repository a cross-repository
+# namespace actually mutates. The assessment below is a separate, separately
+# labelled dimension for the configured canonical target repository. It never
+# feeds the mutation gate and never changes startup_head/current_head.
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+DEFAULT_TARGET_TRACKING_REF = "refs/remotes/origin/master"
+
+
+def _git_capture(root: str, *args: str) -> str | None:
+    """Run a read-only git command in *root*; ``None`` on any failure.
+
+    Deliberately does not honour ``GITEA_TEST_CURRENT_HEAD``: that override
+    exists to pin the *server's* HEAD, and applying it here would make a target
+    repository silently report the server's forced SHA.
+    """
+    if not root:
+        return None
+    try:
+        res = subprocess.run(
+            ["git", "-C", root, *args],
+            capture_output=True,
+            text=True,
+            check=False,
+        )
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+    if res.returncode != 0:
+        return None
+    return (res.stdout or "").strip() or None
+
+
+def assess_target_repository_parity(
+    *,
+    canonical_root: str | None,
+    source: str | None,
+    tracking_ref: str = DEFAULT_TARGET_TRACKING_REF,
+) -> dict:
+    """Assess the configured cross-repository target checkout.
+
+    Reports the target's canonical root, repository identity, checked-out
+    commit, and last-known remote master commit, plus whether the checkout is
+    behind that ref. No network call is made: the remote side is read from the
+    existing remote-tracking ref, so a target that has never been fetched is
+    reported as indeterminate rather than guessed at.
+
+    An unconfigured namespace is ``configured=False`` and never ``stale`` — the
+    single-repository default has no second dimension to be stale about. A
+    configured root that cannot be read is ``determinable=False`` with reasons.
+    """
+    result = {
+        "configured": bool(canonical_root),
+        "canonical_repository_root": None,
+        "source": source,
+        "repository_slug": None,
+        "checkout_head": None,
+        "tracking_ref": tracking_ref,
+        "remote_tracking_head": None,
+        "determinable": False,
+        "stale": False,
+        "reasons": [],
+    }
+    if not canonical_root:
+        result["determinable"] = True
+        return result
+
+    result["canonical_repository_root"] = canonical_root
+    if not os.path.isdir(canonical_root):
+        result["reasons"].append(
+            f"configured canonical repository root '{canonical_root}' "
+            f"does not exist or is not a directory"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    toplevel = _git_capture(canonical_root, "rev-parse", "--show-toplevel")
+    if not toplevel:
+        result["reasons"].append(
+            f"configured canonical repository root '{canonical_root}' "
+            f"is not a git checkout"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    head = _git_capture(canonical_root, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+    if not head:
+        result["reasons"].append(
+            f"target repository HEAD could not be read at '{canonical_root}'"
+        )
+        return result
+    result["checkout_head"] = head
+    result["determinable"] = True
+
+    remote_url = _git_capture(canonical_root, "remote", "get-url", "origin")
+    if remote_url:
+        # Local import keeps this module dependency-light for its startup role.
+        import remote_repo_guard
+
+        parsed = remote_repo_guard.parse_org_repo_from_remote_url(remote_url)
+        if parsed:
+            result["repository_slug"] = f"{parsed[0]}/{parsed[1]}"
+    if not result["repository_slug"]:
+        result["reasons"].append(
+            "target repository identity could not be derived from its git remote"
+        )
+
+    tracking_head = _git_capture(canonical_root, "rev-parse", tracking_ref)
+    if not tracking_head:
+        result["reasons"].append(
+            f"remote-tracking ref '{tracking_ref}' is unknown in the target "
+            f"checkout; target staleness is indeterminate (no fetch is "
+            f"performed by this assessment)"
+        )
+        return result
+    result["remote_tracking_head"] = tracking_head
+    result["stale"] = tracking_head != head
+    return result

mcp_tool_error_boundary.py

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
 import logging
+import re
 import sys
 from typing import Any
 
@@ -38,6 +39,9 @@ REASON_CONFIG_ERROR = "config_error"
 REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR = "internal_error"
 REASON_UPSTREAM_UNAVAILABLE = "upstream_unavailable"
 REASON_HTTP_ERROR = "http_error"
+# Typed structured errors for previously-opaque raw mutation failures.
+REASON_PREFLIGHT_ORDER = "preflight_order_violation"
+REASON_MALFORMED_RESPONSE = "malformed_response"
 
 ERROR_CLASS_AUTHENTICATION = "authentication"
 ERROR_CLASS_AUTHORIZATION = "authorization"
@@ -45,6 +49,7 @@ ERROR_CLASS_NETWORK = "network"
 ERROR_CLASS_CONFIGURATION = "configuration"
 ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL = "internal"
 ERROR_CLASS_UPSTREAM = "upstream"
+ERROR_CLASS_PRECONDITION = "precondition"
 
 # Fixed, secret-free operator messages. Never interpolate HTTP bodies,
 # Keychain contents, tokens, or arbitrary exception text.
@@ -62,12 +67,128 @@ FIXED_MESSAGES: dict[str, str] = {
     REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR: "Internal tool error",
     REASON_UPSTREAM_UNAVAILABLE: "Gitea upstream unavailable",
     REASON_HTTP_ERROR: "Gitea HTTP request failed",
+    REASON_PREFLIGHT_ORDER: (
+        "Mutation blocked: pre-flight order violation (fail closed)"
+    ),
+    REASON_MALFORMED_RESPONSE: "Malformed response from Gitea",
 }
 
+# Error class for a self-declared safe reason code (``gitea_reason_code``).
+_REASON_ERROR_CLASS: dict[str, str] = {
+    REASON_AUTH_FAILED: ERROR_CLASS_AUTHENTICATION,
+    REASON_AUTH_INVALID_TOKEN: ERROR_CLASS_AUTHENTICATION,
+    REASON_AUTHZ_INSUFFICIENT_SCOPE: ERROR_CLASS_AUTHORIZATION,
+    REASON_AUTHZ_DENIED: ERROR_CLASS_AUTHORIZATION,
+    REASON_NETWORK_ERROR: ERROR_CLASS_NETWORK,
+    REASON_CONFIG_ERROR: ERROR_CLASS_CONFIGURATION,
+    REASON_UPSTREAM_UNAVAILABLE: ERROR_CLASS_UPSTREAM,
+    REASON_HTTP_ERROR: ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL,
+    REASON_PREFLIGHT_ORDER: ERROR_CLASS_PRECONDITION,
+    REASON_MALFORMED_RESPONSE: ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL,
+    REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR: ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL,
+}
+
+# Bounds for the safe diagnostic fields added to the ``internal_error`` path.
+_DETAIL_LIMIT = 200
+_CLASS_LIMIT = 120
+_STAGE_LIMIT = 64
+
+# Absolute-path prefixes stripped from diagnostic detail (never leak layout).
+_ABS_PATH_RE = re.compile(r"/(?:Users|home|private|var|tmp|opt|etc|root)/[^\s'\"]*")
+_DETAIL_SECRET_PREFIXES = ("token ", "Basic ", "Bearer ", "Authorization: ")
+_SECRET_KEY = (
+    r"token|password|passwd|secret|authorization|api[_-]?key|"
+    r"access[_-]?token|refresh[_-]?token|session|cookie"
+)
+_SECRET_JSON_RE = re.compile(
+    r'"(' + _SECRET_KEY + r')"\s*:\s*"[^"]*"', re.IGNORECASE
+)
+_SECRET_KV_RE = re.compile(
+    r"\b(" + _SECRET_KEY + r")\s*=\s*[^\s&\"']+", re.IGNORECASE
+)
+
+_MUTATION_STAGE_ATTR = "_gitea_mutation_stage"
+_SELF_DECLARED_REASON_ATTR = "gitea_reason_code"
+
 _INSTALL_FLAG = "_gitea_auth_boundary_installed"
 _ORIGINAL_ATTR = "_gitea_auth_boundary_original"
 
 
+def _safe_str(exc: BaseException) -> str:
+    """``str(exc)`` that never raises (a poisoned ``__str__`` must not escape)."""
+    try:
+        return str(exc)
+    except Exception:
+        return ""
+
+
+def _safe_exception_class(exc: BaseException) -> str:
+    """Fully-qualified type identifier for *exc* — never instance/message text."""
+    try:
+        t = type(exc)
+        mod = getattr(t, "__module__", "") or ""
+        name = getattr(t, "__qualname__", None) or getattr(t, "__name__", "") or ""
+        ident = f"{mod}.{name}" if mod else name
+        return ident[:_CLASS_LIMIT]
+    except Exception:
+        return "unknown"
+
+
+def _redact_detail(text: Any, limit: int = _DETAIL_LIMIT) -> str:
+    """Strictly redact free-form exception text for safe diagnostics.
+
+    Removes token/Authorization credentials, raw URLs and hostnames (via the
+    shared audit redactor), and absolute filesystem paths, then collapses
+    whitespace and truncates. Never raises; on any failure returns "".
+    """
+    if not text:
+        return ""
+    try:
+        out = str(text)
+        # Drop credential-prefixed runs (token/Basic/Bearer/Authorization).
+        for prefix in _DETAIL_SECRET_PREFIXES:
+            idx = 0
+            while True:
+                i = out.find(prefix, idx)
+                if i == -1:
+                    break
+                j = i + len(prefix)
+                while j < len(out) and not out[j].isspace():
+                    j += 1
+                out = out[:i] + prefix + "[REDACTED]" + out[j:]
+                idx = i + len(prefix) + len("[REDACTED]")
+        # Secret VALUES carried in JSON ("key":"value") or kv (key=value) form,
+        # even short ones (e.g. a password), keyed by a sensitive field name.
+        out = _SECRET_JSON_RE.sub(r'"\1":"[REDACTED]"', out)
+        out = _SECRET_KV_RE.sub(r"\1=[REDACTED]", out)
+        # URLs / query secrets / hostnames.
+        try:
+            import gitea_audit
+
+            out = gitea_audit.redact_urls(out)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        # Absolute filesystem paths (workspace layout is not for LLM output).
+        out = _ABS_PATH_RE.sub("[PATH]", out)
+        # Any bare hostname the URL redactor missed (defence in depth).
+        out = re.sub(r"\b[\w.-]+\.(?:cc|net|com|org|io|dev|local)\b", "[HOST]", out)
+        out = " ".join(out.split())
+        return out[:limit]
+    except Exception:
+        return ""
+
+
+def _safe_mutation_stage(exc: BaseException) -> str | None:
+    """Return the bounded, redacted mutation stage tagged on *exc* (or None)."""
+    try:
+        raw = getattr(exc, _MUTATION_STAGE_ATTR, None)
+        if not raw:
+            return None
+        return _redact_detail(raw, limit=_STAGE_LIMIT) or None
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
 def fixed_message(reason_code: str) -> str:
     """Return the fixed sanitized message for *reason_code* (fail closed)."""
     return FIXED_MESSAGES.get(reason_code, FIXED_MESSAGES[REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR])
@@ -154,9 +275,34 @@ def classify_exception(exc: BaseException) -> dict[str, Any]:
         }
 
 
+def _self_declared_classification(exc: BaseException) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Honor a safe ``gitea_reason_code`` attribute set by server-side raisers.
+
+    Converts a raw exception that self-declares a **known** reason code into a
+    typed structured error (fixed message) instead of an opaque internal_error.
+    Unknown / non-string / secret values are ignored (fail closed to internal).
+    """
+    reason = getattr(exc, _SELF_DECLARED_REASON_ATTR, None)
+    if not isinstance(reason, str) or reason not in FIXED_MESSAGES:
+        return None
+    if reason == REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR:
+        return None
+    return {
+        "reason_code": reason,
+        "error_class": _REASON_ERROR_CLASS.get(reason, ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL),
+        "http_status": None,
+        "message": fixed_message(reason),
+        "transport_survives": True,
+    }
+
+
 def _classify_exception_impl(exc: BaseException) -> dict[str, Any]:
     import gitea_auth
 
+    declared = _self_declared_classification(exc)
+    if declared is not None:
+        return declared
+
     if isinstance(exc, gitea_auth.GiteaAuthError):
         code = getattr(exc, "reason_code", None) or REASON_AUTH_INVALID_TOKEN
         if code not in (
@@ -233,13 +379,23 @@ def _classify_exception_impl(exc: BaseException) -> dict[str, Any]:
         return _classify_exception_impl(cause)
 
     # No message-substring authentication heuristics (reviewer finding #3).
-    return {
+    # Unexpected failure → internal_error, now carrying SAFE diagnostics so the
+    # failure is actionable: a type identifier + strictly-redacted detail +
+    # optional mutation-stage tag. The operator ``message`` stays the fixed
+    # constant; none of these fields carry secrets/bodies/paths/env.
+    result = {
         "reason_code": REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR,
         "error_class": ERROR_CLASS_INTERNAL,
         "http_status": None,
         "message": fixed_message(REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR),
         "transport_survives": True,
+        "exception_class": _safe_exception_class(exc),
+        "detail": _redact_detail(_safe_str(exc)),
     }
+    stage = _safe_mutation_stage(exc)
+    if stage:
+        result["mutation_stage"] = stage
+    return result
 
 
 def build_structured_error_payload(
@@ -277,6 +433,19 @@ def build_structured_error_payload(
             payload["tool"] = tool_name[:120]
         if profile_name and isinstance(profile_name, str):
             payload["profile"] = profile_name[:80]
+        # Safe diagnostics — internal_error path only. These make an otherwise
+        # opaque crash actionable without leaking secrets. Re-derived here from
+        # the fixed message gate above; typed reasons never carry them.
+        if payload["reason_code"] == REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR:
+            exc_cls = classification.get("exception_class")
+            if isinstance(exc_cls, str) and exc_cls:
+                payload["exception_class"] = exc_cls[:_CLASS_LIMIT]
+            detail = classification.get("detail")
+            if isinstance(detail, str):
+                payload["detail"] = _redact_detail(detail)
+            stage = classification.get("mutation_stage")
+            if isinstance(stage, str) and stage:
+                payload["mutation_stage"] = stage[:_STAGE_LIMIT]
         return payload
     except Exception:
         return {
@@ -316,7 +485,21 @@ def log_sanitized_daemon_reason(
         status = classification.get("http_status")
         if isinstance(status, int):
             parts.append(f"http_status={status}")
-        # Intentionally no detail= / message= field — secrets lived there.
+        # Safe diagnostics — internal_error path ONLY. Typed reasons still emit
+        # no detail= (secrets lived there). class/detail/stage are re-redacted
+        # here as defence in depth.
+        if reason == REASON_INTERNAL_ERROR:
+            exc_cls = classification.get("exception_class")
+            if isinstance(exc_cls, str) and exc_cls:
+                parts.append(f"exception_class={exc_cls[:_CLASS_LIMIT]}")
+            stage = classification.get("mutation_stage")
+            if isinstance(stage, str) and stage:
+                parts.append(
+                    f"mutation_stage={_redact_detail(stage, limit=_STAGE_LIMIT)}"
+                )
+            detail = classification.get("detail")
+            if isinstance(detail, str) and detail:
+                parts.append(f"detail={_redact_detail(detail)}")
         line = " ".join(parts)
         stream.write(line + "\n")
         if hasattr(stream, "flush"):

merger_lease_adoption.py

@@ -18,16 +18,34 @@ DEFAULT_ADOPTION_REASON = "merger-handoff-approved-head"
 
 SOURCE_ADOPT = "gitea_adopt_merger_pr_lease"
 SOURCE_ACQUIRE = "gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease"
+SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER = "gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease"
 SOURCE_HEARTBEAT = "gitea_heartbeat_reviewer_pr_lease"
+SOURCE_RELEASE_MERGER = "gitea_release_merger_pr_lease"
 
 SANCTIONED_PROVENANCE_SOURCES = frozenset({
     SOURCE_ADOPT,
     SOURCE_ACQUIRE,
+    SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER,
     SOURCE_HEARTBEAT,
 })
 
 _MERGER_ADOPTABLE_FRESHNESS = frozenset({"active", "stale_warning"})
 
+# #742: owner-session terminal finalization of a merger-held lease. Append-only
+# marker; ledger history is never edited or deleted.
+MERGER_FINALIZATION_MARKER = "<!-- mcp-merger-lease-final:v1 -->"
+OUTCOME_RELEASED = "released"
+OUTCOME_ABANDONED = "abandoned"
+MERGER_FINALIZATION_OUTCOMES = frozenset({OUTCOME_RELEASED, OUTCOME_ABANDONED})
+DEFAULT_MERGER_FINALIZATION_REASON = "merge-not-performed"
+
+# Provenance sources whose in-session lease is merger-owned and therefore
+# finalizable by its owning merger session.
+MERGER_OWNED_PROVENANCE_SOURCES = frozenset({
+    SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER,
+    SOURCE_ADOPT,
+})
+
 
 def format_adoption_body(
     *,
@@ -95,6 +113,7 @@ def build_lease_provenance(
     adopted_from_profile: str | None = None,
     adopted_from_reviewer_identity: str | None = None,
     adoption_reason: str | None = None,
+    native_token_fingerprint: str | None = None,
     recorded_at: datetime | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
     recorded_at = recorded_at or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
@@ -115,9 +134,76 @@ def build_lease_provenance(
         proof["adopted_from_reviewer_identity"] = adopted_from_reviewer_identity
     if adoption_reason:
         proof["adoption_reason"] = adoption_reason
+    if native_token_fingerprint:
+        proof["native_token_fingerprint"] = native_token_fingerprint
     return proof
 
 
+def assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(
+    session: dict[str, Any] | None,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Ownership/integrity reasons blocking a ``SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER`` lease (#742).
+
+    A merger lease minted by ``gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease`` authorizes an
+    irreversible merge, so it is sanctioned only when the in-session record is
+    complete and self-consistent: comment marker, exact session identity, merger
+    profile/role, repository, PR number, and pinned candidate head. Any missing
+    or contradictory field fails closed — an incomplete record is not proof.
+    """
+    if not session:
+        return ["no in-session lease recorded"]
+    provenance = session.get("lease_provenance") or {}
+    if not isinstance(provenance, dict):
+        provenance = {}
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+
+    provenance_comment_id = provenance.get("comment_id")
+    session_comment_id = session.get("comment_id")
+    if not (provenance_comment_id or session_comment_id):
+        reasons.append(
+            "acquired merger lease has no comment marker id (comment-backed "
+            "proof required)"
+        )
+    elif (
+        provenance_comment_id is not None
+        and session_comment_id is not None
+        and provenance_comment_id != session_comment_id
+    ):
+        reasons.append(
+            "acquired merger lease provenance comment_id does not match the "
+            "session lease comment_id"
+        )
+
+    if not (session.get("session_id") or "").strip():
+        reasons.append("acquired merger lease has no session_id")
+    if not (session.get("reviewer_identity") or "").strip():
+        reasons.append("acquired merger lease has no holder identity")
+
+    profile = (session.get("profile") or "").strip()
+    if not profile:
+        reasons.append("acquired merger lease has no profile")
+    elif "merger" not in profile.lower():
+        reasons.append(
+            f"acquired merger lease profile '{profile}' is not a merger profile "
+            "(merger-only; fail closed)"
+        )
+
+    if not (session.get("repo") or "").strip():
+        reasons.append("acquired merger lease has no repository")
+
+    pr_number = session.get("pr_number")
+    if not isinstance(pr_number, int) or isinstance(pr_number, bool) or pr_number <= 0:
+        reasons.append("acquired merger lease has no valid PR number")
+
+    if not leases._normalize_sha(session.get("candidate_head")):
+        reasons.append(
+            "acquired merger lease has no pinned candidate_head (exact-head "
+            "scoping required)"
+        )
+
+    return reasons
+
+
 def is_sanctioned_session_lease(session: dict[str, Any] | None) -> bool:
     if not session:
         return False
@@ -129,6 +215,8 @@ def is_sanctioned_session_lease(session: dict[str, Any] | None) -> bool:
         return bool(provenance.get("comment_id")) and bool(
             provenance.get("adopted_from_session_id")
         )
+    if source == SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER:
+        return not assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(session)
     if source in {SOURCE_ACQUIRE, SOURCE_HEARTBEAT}:
         return bool(session.get("comment_id") or provenance.get("comment_id"))
     return False
@@ -166,6 +254,8 @@ def describe_session_lease_proof(
     if source == SOURCE_ADOPT and sanctioned:
         kind = "sanctioned_adoption"
         reason = reason or DEFAULT_ADOPTION_REASON
+    elif source == SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER and sanctioned:
+        kind = "sanctioned_acquire_merger"
     elif source == SOURCE_ACQUIRE and sanctioned:
         kind = "sanctioned_acquire"
     elif source == SOURCE_HEARTBEAT and sanctioned:
@@ -209,9 +299,12 @@ _SANCTIONED_LEASE_EVIDENCE_RE = re.compile(
     r"(?is)\b("
     r"gitea_adopt_merger_pr_lease|"
     r"gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease|"
+    r"gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease|"
     r"lease_proof_source\s*[:=]\s*gitea_adopt_merger_pr_lease|"
     r"lease_proof_source\s*[:=]\s*gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease|"
+    r"lease_proof_source\s*[:=]\s*gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease|"
     r"lease_proof_kind\s*[:=]\s*sanctioned_adoption|"
+    r"lease_proof_kind\s*[:=]\s*sanctioned_acquire_merger|"
     r"lease_proof_kind\s*[:=]\s*sanctioned_acquire|"
     r"adoption_comment_id\s*[:=]|"
     r"sanctioned_adoption|"
@@ -243,6 +336,267 @@ def assess_manual_lease_proof_handoff(report_text: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
     }
 
 
+def format_merger_finalization_body(
+    *,
+    repo: str,
+    pr_number: int,
+    issue_number: int | None,
+    merger_identity: str,
+    merger_profile: str,
+    merger_session_id: str,
+    worktree: str,
+    candidate_head: str | None,
+    target_branch: str,
+    target_branch_sha: str | None,
+    outcome: str,
+    reason: str,
+    lease_comment_id: int | None,
+    finalized_at: datetime | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """Render the append-only terminal marker for a merger-owned lease (#742).
+
+    The body carries a standard lease marker in a terminal phase, so the
+    existing newest-wins ledger (#577) ends the lease without editing or
+    deleting any prior comment.
+    """
+    finalized_at = finalized_at or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+    finalized_text = finalized_at.astimezone(timezone.utc).replace(
+        microsecond=0
+    ).isoformat().replace("+00:00", "Z")
+    lease_body = leases.format_lease_body(
+        repo=repo,
+        pr_number=pr_number,
+        issue_number=issue_number,
+        reviewer_identity=merger_identity,
+        profile=merger_profile,
+        session_id=merger_session_id,
+        worktree=worktree,
+        phase=outcome,
+        candidate_head=candidate_head,
+        target_branch=target_branch,
+        target_branch_sha=target_branch_sha,
+        last_activity=finalized_at,
+        blocker=reason,
+    )
+    lines = [
+        MERGER_FINALIZATION_MARKER,
+        f"finalized_at: {finalized_text}",
+        f"finalized_by_identity: {merger_identity}",
+        f"finalized_by_profile: {merger_profile}",
+        f"finalized_by_session_id: {merger_session_id}",
+        f"finalization_outcome: {outcome}",
+        f"finalization_reason: {reason}",
+        f"finalized_lease_comment_id: {lease_comment_id or 'none'}",
+        lease_body,
+    ]
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+def is_merger_finalization_comment(body: str) -> bool:
+    return MERGER_FINALIZATION_MARKER in (body or "")
+
+
+def assess_merger_lease_finalization(
+    comments: list[dict],
+    *,
+    pr_number: int,
+    session: dict[str, Any] | None,
+    actor_identity: str,
+    actor_profile: str,
+    actor_session_id: str | None,
+    repo: str,
+    worktree: str,
+    candidate_head: str | None,
+    live_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    outcome: str = OUTCOME_RELEASED,
+    reason: str | None = None,
+    runtime_token_fingerprint: str | None = None,
+    issue_number: int | None = None,
+    target_branch: str = "master",
+    target_branch_sha: str | None = None,
+    now: datetime | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Decide whether a merger may terminally finalize its own lease (#742).
+
+    Owner-session only: the caller must hold the exact comment-backed merger
+    lease it is finalizing. Foreign sessions, reviewer profiles, and mismatched
+    repository/PR/head/token-fingerprint callers fail closed. Already-terminal
+    leases return ``already_terminal`` so repeat calls are idempotent and post
+    no second marker.
+    """
+    now = now or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    outcome = (outcome or "").strip().lower()
+    finalization_reason = (reason or "").strip() or DEFAULT_MERGER_FINALIZATION_REASON
+
+    if outcome not in MERGER_FINALIZATION_OUTCOMES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"outcome '{outcome or 'none'}' is not a terminal merger "
+            f"finalization outcome ({sorted(MERGER_FINALIZATION_OUTCOMES)})"
+        )
+
+    if "merger" not in (actor_profile or "").lower():
+        reasons.append(
+            f"profile '{actor_profile or 'unknown'}' is not a merger profile; "
+            "merger lease finalization is merger-only (fail closed). Reviewer "
+            "sessions use gitea_release_reviewer_pr_lease."
+        )
+
+    session = session or None
+    provenance = (session or {}).get("lease_provenance") or {}
+    if not isinstance(provenance, dict):
+        provenance = {}
+    source = (provenance.get("source") or "").strip()
+
+    if not session:
+        reasons.append(
+            "no in-session merger lease recorded; only the owning session may "
+            "finalize a merger lease"
+        )
+    elif source not in MERGER_OWNED_PROVENANCE_SOURCES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"in-session lease provenance '{source or 'none'}' is not a "
+            "merger-owned lease; refusing to finalize"
+        )
+    elif not is_sanctioned_session_lease(session):
+        reasons.extend(
+            assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(session)
+            if source == SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER
+            else ["in-session merger lease lacks sanctioned provenance"]
+        )
+
+    pinned = leases._normalize_sha(candidate_head)
+    live = leases._normalize_sha(live_head_sha)
+    if not pinned:
+        reasons.append(
+            "candidate_head is required for merger lease finalization "
+            "(exact-head scoping; fail closed)"
+        )
+    if live and pinned and live != pinned:
+        reasons.append(
+            "candidate_head does not match live PR head (fail closed)"
+        )
+
+    if session:
+        session_sid = (session.get("session_id") or "").strip()
+        actor_sid = (actor_session_id or "").strip()
+        if not actor_sid or session_sid != actor_sid:
+            reasons.append(
+                "session_id does not match the in-session merger lease owner; "
+                "foreign-session release is not permitted (fail closed)"
+            )
+        if session.get("pr_number") != pr_number:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"in-session merger lease is for PR #{session.get('pr_number')}, "
+                f"not #{pr_number}"
+            )
+        session_repo = (session.get("repo") or "").strip()
+        if session_repo and session_repo != (repo or "").strip():
+            reasons.append(
+                f"in-session merger lease repository '{session_repo}' does not "
+                f"match '{repo}' (fail closed)"
+            )
+        session_head = leases._normalize_sha(session.get("candidate_head"))
+        if pinned and session_head and session_head != pinned:
+            reasons.append(
+                "in-session merger lease candidate_head does not match the "
+                "supplied candidate_head (fail closed)"
+            )
+        session_identity = (session.get("reviewer_identity") or "").strip()
+        if session_identity and session_identity != (actor_identity or "").strip():
+            reasons.append(
+                "authenticated identity does not match the in-session merger "
+                "lease holder (fail closed)"
+            )
+        session_profile = (session.get("profile") or "").strip()
+        if session_profile and session_profile != (actor_profile or "").strip():
+            reasons.append(
+                "active profile does not match the in-session merger lease "
+                "profile (fail closed)"
+            )
+        recorded_fingerprint = (
+            provenance.get("native_token_fingerprint") or ""
+        ).strip()
+        live_fingerprint = (runtime_token_fingerprint or "").strip()
+        if (
+            recorded_fingerprint
+            and live_fingerprint
+            and recorded_fingerprint != live_fingerprint
+        ):
+            reasons.append(
+                "native runtime token fingerprint does not match the one "
+                "recorded when the merger lease was acquired (fail closed)"
+            )
+
+    lease_comment_id = (session or {}).get("comment_id") or provenance.get("comment_id")
+    entries = leases._lease_entries(comments, pr_number=pr_number)
+    if session and lease_comment_id is not None:
+        if not any(entry.get("comment_id") == lease_comment_id for entry in entries):
+            reasons.append(
+                f"lease marker comment {lease_comment_id} is not present on PR "
+                f"#{pr_number} (fail closed)"
+            )
+
+    active = leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(comments, pr_number=pr_number, now=now)
+    already_terminal = False
+    if active:
+        owner_session = (active.get("session_id") or "").strip()
+        if owner_session and owner_session != (actor_session_id or "").strip():
+            reasons.append(
+                f"active PR lease is owned by session_id={owner_session}; a "
+                "merger may only finalize its own lease (fail closed)"
+            )
+    else:
+        newest = entries[-1] if entries else None
+        newest_phase = ((newest or {}).get("phase") or "").strip().lower()
+        if newest and newest_phase in leases._TERMINAL_PHASES:
+            already_terminal = True
+        elif not entries:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"no comment-backed lease marker found on PR #{pr_number}"
+            )
+
+    finalize_allowed = not reasons and not already_terminal
+    body = None
+    if finalize_allowed and session:
+        body = format_merger_finalization_body(
+            repo=(session.get("repo") or repo),
+            pr_number=pr_number,
+            issue_number=(
+                issue_number
+                if issue_number is not None
+                else session.get("issue_number")
+            ),
+            merger_identity=actor_identity,
+            merger_profile=actor_profile,
+            merger_session_id=(actor_session_id or ""),
+            worktree=worktree or (session.get("worktree") or ""),
+            candidate_head=pinned,
+            target_branch=(
+                session.get("target_branch") or target_branch or "master"
+            ),
+            target_branch_sha=(
+                session.get("target_branch_sha") or target_branch_sha
+            ),
+            outcome=outcome,
+            reason=finalization_reason,
+            lease_comment_id=lease_comment_id,
+            finalized_at=now,
+        )
+
+    return {
+        "finalize_allowed": finalize_allowed,
+        "already_terminal": already_terminal,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "outcome": outcome,
+        "finalization_reason": finalization_reason,
+        "active_lease": active,
+        "finalization_body": body,
+        "lease_comment_id": lease_comment_id,
+        "candidate_head": pinned,
+    }
+
+
 def assess_adopt_merger_lease(
     comments: list[dict],
     *,

namespace_workspace_binding.py

@@ -109,8 +109,17 @@ def resolve_namespace_mutation_context(
     session_lease_worktree: str | None = None,
     worktree: str | None = None,
     profile_name: str | None = None,
+    configured_canonical_root: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
-    """Shared workspace resolution for runtime_context and mutation guards."""
+    """Shared workspace resolution for runtime_context and mutation guards.
+
+    When *configured_canonical_root* is supplied (a cross-repository namespace
+    bound to an external target repository, #706), the canonical repository root
+    is that configured target rather than the MCP install checkout. This keeps
+    the branches-only / worktree-membership guards (#274) evaluating against the
+    repository the namespace actually mutates. Without it the single-repo
+    default is preserved: the canonical root follows the process checkout.
+    """
     demotions: list[str] = []
     workspace, binding_source = resolve_namespace_workspace(
         role_kind=role_kind,
@@ -132,7 +141,11 @@ def resolve_namespace_mutation_context(
         env=env,
         profile_name=profile_name,
     )
-    canonical_root = amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root(process_root, process_root)
+    configured = (configured_canonical_root or "").strip()
+    if configured:
+        canonical_root = os.path.realpath(configured)
+    else:
+        canonical_root = amw.resolve_canonical_repo_root(process_root, process_root)
     return {
         "workspace_path": workspace,
         "workspace_binding_source": binding_source,
@@ -258,6 +271,7 @@ def assess_namespace_mutation_workspace(
     session_lease_worktree: str | None = None,
     profile_name: str | None = None,
     current_branch: str | None = None,
+    configured_canonical_root: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
     """Evaluate namespace workspace binding before preflight/mutation."""
     ctx = resolve_namespace_mutation_context(
@@ -268,6 +282,7 @@ def assess_namespace_mutation_workspace(
         env=env,
         session_lease_worktree=session_lease_worktree,
         profile_name=profile_name,
+        configured_canonical_root=configured_canonical_root,
     )
     mutation_workspace = ctx["workspace_path"]
     binding_source = ctx["workspace_binding_source"]

pr_sync_status.py

@@ -0,0 +1,849 @@
+"""PR synchronization and conflict-remediation lifecycle (#PR-SYNC).
+
+Pure assessment helpers for:
+
+* ``gitea_assess_pr_sync_status`` — recommend the next sanctioned action for an
+  open PR when the base branch advances, approvals go stale, or conflicts appear.
+* ``gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge`` preflight — author-only, fail-closed pin
+  of both PR head and live base head; never rebase/force-push.
+
+All recommendation logic is hermetic (no network) so unit tests cover every
+acceptance path without Gitea credentials.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import re
+from typing import Any
+
+_FULL_SHA = re.compile(r"^[0-9a-f]{40}$", re.IGNORECASE)
+
+# Recommended next actions (controller / skill vocabulary).
+ACTION_MERGE_NOW = "merge_now"
+ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE = "update_branch_by_merge"
+ACTION_AUTHOR_CONFLICT_REMEDIATION = "author_conflict_remediation"
+ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED = "fresh_review_required"
+ACTION_BLOCKED = "blocked"
+
+_VALID_ACTIONS = frozenset({
+    ACTION_MERGE_NOW,
+    ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE,
+    ACTION_AUTHOR_CONFLICT_REMEDIATION,
+    ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED,
+    ACTION_BLOCKED,
+})
+
+# Author-only mutation; reviewer/merger must never update author branches.
+_AUTHOR_UPDATE_ROLES = frozenset({"author"})
+_DENIED_UPDATE_ROLES = frozenset({"reviewer", "merger", "reconciler", "mixed", "limited"})
+
+# Allowed Gitea update style — merge only (never rebase).
+UPDATE_STYLE_MERGE = "merge"
+_FORBIDDEN_UPDATE_STYLES = frozenset({"rebase", "rebase-merge", "squash", "force"})
+
+# ── Commit check classifications (#751) ──────────────────────────────────
+# Gitea's *combined* commit status reports ``state: pending`` both when a real
+# check is executing and when the status-context collection is empty. Reading
+# ``state`` alone therefore cannot distinguish "CI is running" from "no CI
+# exists", which permanently blocks a merge-ready PR that no check will ever
+# report on. These classifications are derived from the actual context
+# collection plus the live branch-protection policy.
+CHECKS_SUCCESS = "success"
+CHECKS_FAILURE = "failure"
+CHECKS_PENDING = "pending"
+CHECKS_NONE = "none"                          # configured/produced nothing
+CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED = "not_required"          # protection does not require checks
+CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED = "missing_required"  # required contexts have no result
+CHECKS_UNKNOWN = "unknown"                    # indeterminable — fail closed
+
+# Values that permit merge_now when checks are required.
+_CHECKS_OK = frozenset({"success", "passed", "ok", "skipped", "not_required"})
+
+# Raw per-context state vocabularies reported by Gitea.
+_CTX_SUCCESS = frozenset({"success", "passed", "ok"})
+_CTX_FAILURE = frozenset({"failure", "failed", "error", "cancelled", "canceled"})
+_CTX_PENDING = frozenset({"pending", "running", "queued", "expected"})
+_CTX_SKIPPED = frozenset({"skipped", "neutral"})
+
+
+def _normalize_context_rows(statuses: Any) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+    """Reduce a raw status collection to newest-wins ``{context, state}`` rows.
+
+    Gitea returns the status collection newest-first, so the first row seen for
+    a context wins. Rows without a usable state are discarded rather than being
+    silently treated as passing.
+    """
+    rows: list[dict[str, str]] = []
+    seen: set[str] = set()
+    if not isinstance(statuses, list):
+        return rows
+    for raw in statuses:
+        if not isinstance(raw, dict):
+            continue
+        context = (raw.get("context") or raw.get("name") or "").strip()
+        state = (raw.get("status") or raw.get("state") or "").strip().lower()
+        if not state:
+            continue
+        key = context or f"__unnamed__{len(rows)}"
+        if key in seen:
+            continue
+        seen.add(key)
+        rows.append({"context": context, "state": state})
+    return rows
+
+
+def _aggregate_context_states(rows: list[dict[str, str]]) -> str:
+    """Fail-closed aggregate: failure > pending > unknown-state > success."""
+    states = {row["state"] for row in rows}
+    if states & _CTX_FAILURE:
+        return CHECKS_FAILURE
+    if states & _CTX_PENDING:
+        return CHECKS_PENDING
+    unresolved = states - _CTX_SUCCESS - _CTX_SKIPPED
+    if unresolved:
+        # An unrecognized context state must never read as success.
+        return CHECKS_UNKNOWN
+    return CHECKS_SUCCESS
+
+
+def classify_commit_checks(
+    *,
+    combined_state: str | None = None,
+    statuses: Any = None,
+    checks_enabled: bool | None = None,
+    required_contexts: Any = None,
+    policy_determinable: bool = True,
+    status_determinable: bool = True,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Classify head checks from live evidence (#751).
+
+    ``combined_state`` is deliberately **not** authoritative: it is recorded for
+    observability but never used to infer that CI is executing. The context
+    collection and the live protection policy decide.
+
+    Returns ``checks_status`` (one of the ``CHECKS_*`` values), the derived
+    ``checks_required`` flag, and structured ``reasons``.
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    rows = _normalize_context_rows(statuses)
+    required = [
+        str(ctx).strip()
+        for ctx in (required_contexts or [])
+        if str(ctx or "").strip()
+    ]
+    observed_combined = (combined_state or "").strip().lower() or None
+
+    result: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "checks_status": CHECKS_UNKNOWN,
+        "checks_required": True,
+        "combined_state": observed_combined,
+        "context_count": len(rows),
+        "observed_contexts": [row["context"] for row in rows],
+        "required_contexts": required,
+        "missing_required_contexts": [],
+        "policy_determinable": bool(policy_determinable),
+        "status_determinable": bool(status_determinable),
+        "reasons": reasons,
+    }
+
+    # Policy unreadable → never assume checks are optional.
+    if not policy_determinable:
+        reasons.append(
+            "branch-protection check policy could not be read; cannot prove "
+            "whether status checks are required (fail closed)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if checks_enabled is False:
+        result["checks_required"] = False
+        result["checks_status"] = CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED
+        reasons.append(
+            "live branch protection does not require status checks for the base "
+            "branch; head status contexts do not gate merge"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if checks_enabled is None:
+        reasons.append(
+            "branch-protection status-check requirement is indeterminate "
+            "(fail closed)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    # Checks are required from here on.
+    if not status_determinable:
+        reasons.append(
+            "head commit status collection could not be read while branch "
+            "protection requires status checks (fail closed)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if required:
+        by_context = {row["context"]: row["state"] for row in rows if row["context"]}
+        missing = [ctx for ctx in required if ctx not in by_context]
+        if missing:
+            result["missing_required_contexts"] = missing
+            result["checks_status"] = CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED
+            reasons.append(
+                "branch protection requires status context(s) "
+                f"{', '.join(missing)} but no matching status result exists at "
+                "the head commit (fail closed)"
+            )
+            return result
+        matched = [
+            {"context": ctx, "state": by_context[ctx]} for ctx in required
+        ]
+        result["checks_status"] = _aggregate_context_states(matched)
+        reasons.append(
+            f"evaluated {len(matched)} required status context(s) from live "
+            "branch protection; unrelated contexts were ignored"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    # Status checks enabled with no specific required contexts configured.
+    if not rows:
+        result["checks_status"] = CHECKS_NONE
+        reasons.append(
+            "branch protection enables status checks but no status context was "
+            "produced for the head commit"
+        )
+        if observed_combined in _CTX_PENDING:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"combined commit state '{observed_combined}' does not indicate "
+                "executing CI because the status-context collection is empty"
+            )
+        return result
+
+    result["checks_status"] = _aggregate_context_states(rows)
+    reasons.append(
+        f"aggregated {len(rows)} reported status context(s); branch protection "
+        "configures no explicit required-context list"
+    )
+    return result
+
+
+def _normalize_sha(value: str | None) -> str | None:
+    text = (value or "").strip().lower()
+    if not text:
+        return None
+    return text if _FULL_SHA.match(text) else None
+
+
+def _normalize_role(role: str | None) -> str:
+    return (role or "").strip().lower() or "unknown"
+
+
+def assess_pr_sync_status(
+    *,
+    host: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    repo: str | None = None,
+    pr_number: int,
+    pr_state: str | None = None,
+    source_branch: str | None = None,
+    pr_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    base_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    commits_behind: int | None = None,
+    mergeable: bool | None = None,
+    has_conflicts: bool | None = None,
+    branch_protection_requires_current_base: bool | None = None,
+    approval_at_current_head: bool | None = None,
+    checks_status: str | None = None,
+    active_author_lock: bool | None = None,
+    active_reviewer_lease: bool | None = None,
+    active_merger_lease: bool | None = None,
+    prepared_verdict_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    checks_required: bool = True,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Recommend the next sanctioned PR lifecycle action.
+
+    Decision order (fail closed):
+
+    1. Incomplete identity / open state / head SHAs → ``blocked``
+    2. Conflicts (or mergeable false with conflict signal) →
+       ``author_conflict_remediation``
+    3. Head changed after approval / prepared verdict for former head →
+       ``fresh_review_required`` (unless conflicts already routed author work)
+    4. Behind live base + branch protection requires current base +
+       auto-mergeable → ``update_branch_by_merge``
+    5. Approval at current head + mergeable + checks ok (+ update not
+       required) → ``merge_now``
+    6. Otherwise ``blocked`` with structured reasons
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    pr_head = _normalize_sha(pr_head_sha)
+    base_head = _normalize_sha(base_head_sha)
+    prepared_head = _normalize_sha(prepared_verdict_head_sha)
+    state = (pr_state or "").strip().lower()
+    checks = (checks_status or "unknown").strip().lower()
+    behind = commits_behind if isinstance(commits_behind, int) and commits_behind >= 0 else None
+    requires_current = bool(branch_protection_requires_current_base)
+    approval_ok = bool(approval_at_current_head)
+
+    # Derive conflict when caller only supplies mergeable=False.
+    if has_conflicts is None and mergeable is False:
+        has_conflicts = True
+    conflicts = bool(has_conflicts) if has_conflicts is not None else None
+
+    result: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "host": (host or "").strip() or None,
+        "org": (org or "").strip() or None,
+        "repo": (repo or "").strip() or None,
+        "pr_number": pr_number,
+        "pr_state": state or None,
+        "source_branch": (source_branch or "").strip() or None,
+        "pr_head_sha": pr_head,
+        "base_head_sha": base_head,
+        "commits_behind": behind,
+        "mergeable": mergeable,
+        "has_conflicts": conflicts,
+        "branch_protection_requires_current_base": requires_current,
+        "approval_at_current_head": approval_ok if approval_at_current_head is not None else None,
+        "checks_status": checks,
+        "checks_required": bool(checks_required),
+        "active_locks_and_leases": {
+            "author_lock": bool(active_author_lock) if active_author_lock is not None else None,
+            "reviewer_lease": bool(active_reviewer_lease) if active_reviewer_lease is not None else None,
+            "merger_lease": bool(active_merger_lease) if active_merger_lease is not None else None,
+        },
+        "prepared_verdict_head_sha": prepared_head,
+        "recommended_next_action": ACTION_BLOCKED,
+        "approval_valid_for_merge": False,
+        "stale_approval": False,
+        "stale_prepared_verdict": False,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "success": True,
+        "performed": False,
+    }
+
+    if not isinstance(pr_number, int) or pr_number <= 0:
+        reasons.append("pr_number must be a positive integer (fail closed)")
+        return result
+
+    if state and state not in ("open",):
+        reasons.append(f"PR is not open (state={state}); cannot synchronize or merge")
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+        return result
+    if not state:
+        reasons.append("PR state missing (fail closed)")
+        return result
+
+    if pr_head is None:
+        reasons.append(
+            "exact PR head SHA missing or not a full 40-char hex SHA (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if base_head is None:
+        reasons.append(
+            "exact live base head SHA missing or not a full 40-char hex SHA (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if behind is None:
+        reasons.append("commits_behind missing or invalid (fail closed)")
+    if mergeable is None:
+        reasons.append("mergeable signal missing (fail closed)")
+    if approval_at_current_head is None:
+        reasons.append("approval_at_current_head missing (fail closed)")
+    if branch_protection_requires_current_base is None:
+        reasons.append(
+            "branch_protection_requires_current_base missing (fail closed)"
+        )
+
+    if reasons:
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+        return result
+
+    # Stale prepared verdict / approval across heads.
+    stale_prepared = bool(prepared_head and prepared_head != pr_head)
+    result["stale_prepared_verdict"] = stale_prepared
+    stale_approval = not approval_ok
+    result["stale_approval"] = stale_approval
+    result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = bool(approval_ok and not stale_prepared)
+
+    # ── Conflicts: author remediation in dedicated worktree ──────────────
+    if conflicts is True or mergeable is False:
+        if conflicts is True or mergeable is False:
+            # Distinguish pure non-mergeable without explicit conflict flag
+            # still routes author remediation (Gitea cannot auto-update).
+            reasons.append(
+                f"PR #{pr_number} has conflicts or is not mergeable at head "
+                f"{pr_head}; route author conflict remediation in the existing "
+                "issue/PR worktree under branches/ (never force-push or rebase)"
+            )
+            if stale_approval:
+                reasons.append(
+                    "any approval at a former head is invalid; after remediation "
+                    "require a fresh independent review at the new exact head"
+                )
+            result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_AUTHOR_CONFLICT_REMEDIATION
+            result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = False
+            return result
+
+    # ── Stale approval / prepared verdict at former head ─────────────────
+    if not approval_ok or stale_prepared:
+        if behind and behind > 0 and requires_current and mergeable is True:
+            # Must update first; update will also invalidate approval.
+            reasons.append(
+                f"PR is {behind} commit(s) behind live base and branch protection "
+                "requires current base; automatic merge-from-base is available"
+            )
+            reasons.append(
+                "approval is not valid at the current head (or prepared verdict "
+                "is head-scoped to a former SHA); after update require fresh review"
+            )
+            result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE
+            result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = False
+            return result
+        reasons.append(
+            "approval is not valid at the exact current PR head "
+            f"({pr_head}); never reuse a former-head approval for merge"
+        )
+        if stale_prepared:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"prepared verdict pinned to former head {prepared_head} cannot "
+                f"authorize review/merge at current head {pr_head}"
+            )
+        if active_reviewer_lease:
+            reasons.append(
+                "active reviewer lease must be released or superseded for the "
+                "new head before a fresh independent review"
+            )
+        if active_merger_lease:
+            reasons.append(
+                "active merger lease cannot cross heads; release or re-acquire "
+                "at the new exact head"
+            )
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED
+        result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = False
+        return result
+
+    # ── Outdated + protection requires current base, auto-updatable ──────
+    if behind and behind > 0 and requires_current:
+        if mergeable is True and conflicts is not True:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"PR is {behind} commit(s) behind live base {base_head}; "
+                "branch protection requires the PR branch to contain current base; "
+                "Gitea can merge base into the PR branch without conflicts"
+            )
+            reasons.append(
+                "route author-only update_branch_by_merge; never rebase or force-push; "
+                "new head invalidates prior approval and requires fresh independent review"
+            )
+            result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE
+            # Approval today is at old head that will change — not mergeable yet
+            # for final merge until re-reviewed, but assess marks update path.
+            result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = False
+            result["stale_approval"] = True  # will become stale after update
+            return result
+        reasons.append(
+            "update required by branch protection but automatic merge is not available"
+        )
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+        return result
+
+    # ── Checks gate for merge_now (#751) ─────────────────────────────────
+    # ``checks_required`` is derived from the live branch-protection policy by
+    # the production caller. When protection does not require status checks,
+    # head contexts cannot gate the merge and this whole gate is skipped.
+    if not checks_required:
+        reasons.append(
+            "live branch protection does not require status checks; head check "
+            f"state ({checks}) does not gate merge"
+        )
+    elif checks not in _CHECKS_OK:
+        if checks in _CTX_PENDING:
+            reasons.append(f"required checks are not finished (status={checks})")
+        elif checks in _CTX_FAILURE:
+            reasons.append(f"required checks failed (status={checks})")
+        elif checks == CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED:
+            reasons.append(
+                "branch protection configures required status context(s) but no "
+                "matching status result exists at the current head (fail closed)"
+            )
+        elif checks == CHECKS_NONE:
+            reasons.append(
+                "branch protection requires status checks but no status context "
+                "was produced for the current head (fail closed); an empty "
+                "status collection is not executing CI"
+            )
+        elif checks == CHECKS_UNKNOWN:
+            reasons.append("checks status unknown (fail closed)")
+        else:
+            # Unrecognized vocabulary must never fall through to merge_now.
+            reasons.append(
+                f"unrecognized checks status '{checks}' cannot prove required "
+                "checks passed (fail closed)"
+            )
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+        return result
+
+    # ── Ready to merge without update ────────────────────────────────────
+    # Includes: current with approval; outdated when update is NOT required.
+    if approval_ok and mergeable is True and conflicts is not True:
+        if behind and behind > 0 and not requires_current:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"PR is {behind} commit(s) behind live base but branch protection "
+                "does not require the latest base; preserve the approved head"
+            )
+        else:
+            reasons.append(
+                "PR has a valid approval at the exact current head, is conflict-free "
+                "and mergeable; do not update the branch unnecessarily"
+            )
+        reasons.append("route directly to the sanctioned merger workflow (merge_now)")
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_MERGE_NOW
+        result["approval_valid_for_merge"] = True
+        return result
+
+    reasons.append("no sanctioned next action matched the observed PR state (fail closed)")
+    result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+    return result
+
+
+def assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+    *,
+    role_kind: str | None,
+    expected_pr_head_sha: str | None,
+    live_pr_head_sha: str | None,
+    expected_base_head_sha: str | None,
+    live_base_head_sha: str | None,
+    has_conflicts: bool | None = None,
+    mergeable: bool | None = None,
+    style: str | None = UPDATE_STYLE_MERGE,
+    has_author_lock: bool | None = None,
+    worktree_path: str | None = None,
+    worktree_owns_source_branch: bool | None = None,
+    control_checkout_clean: bool | None = None,
+    master_parity_ok: bool | None = None,
+    force_push: bool = False,
+    rebase: bool = False,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Author-only preflight for update-by-merge; fail closed on any race.
+
+    When conflicts exist, returns a structured author-remediation handoff and
+    sets ``mutation_allowed=False`` so no partial remote update is performed.
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    role = _normalize_role(role_kind)
+    exp_pr = _normalize_sha(expected_pr_head_sha)
+    live_pr = _normalize_sha(live_pr_head_sha)
+    exp_base = _normalize_sha(expected_base_head_sha)
+    live_base = _normalize_sha(live_base_head_sha)
+    style_norm = (style or "").strip().lower() or UPDATE_STYLE_MERGE
+
+    conflicts = has_conflicts
+    if conflicts is None and mergeable is False:
+        conflicts = True
+
+    result: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "mutation_allowed": False,
+        "performed": False,
+        "style": style_norm,
+        "role_kind": role,
+        "expected_pr_head_sha": exp_pr,
+        "live_pr_head_sha": live_pr,
+        "expected_base_head_sha": exp_base,
+        "live_base_head_sha": live_base,
+        "head_race": False,
+        "base_race": False,
+        "has_conflicts": conflicts,
+        "author_remediation_handoff": False,
+        "approval_invalidated_for_former_head": False,
+        "force_push": bool(force_push),
+        "rebase": bool(rebase),
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "success": True,
+    }
+
+    # Role gate — author only.
+    if role not in _AUTHOR_UPDATE_ROLES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"role '{role}' cannot update an author PR branch "
+            "(author-only; reviewer/merger denial)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if force_push:
+        reasons.append("force-push is forbidden for PR branch update (fail closed)")
+        return result
+    if rebase or style_norm in _FORBIDDEN_UPDATE_STYLES:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"update style '{style_norm}' forbidden; only style=merge is allowed "
+            "(never rebase)"
+        )
+        return result
+    if style_norm != UPDATE_STYLE_MERGE:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"unknown update style '{style_norm}'; expected '{UPDATE_STYLE_MERGE}'"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if not exp_pr or not live_pr:
+        reasons.append(
+            "expected and live PR head SHAs must be full 40-char hex (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if not exp_base or not live_base:
+        reasons.append(
+            "expected and live base head SHAs must be full 40-char hex (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if reasons:
+        return result
+
+    if exp_pr != live_pr:
+        result["head_race"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"PR head race: expected {exp_pr} but live is {live_pr} "
+            "(fail closed; no partial mutation)"
+        )
+        return result
+    if exp_base != live_base:
+        result["base_race"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"base head race: expected {exp_base} but live is {live_base} "
+            "(fail closed; no partial mutation)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if has_author_lock is not True:
+        reasons.append(
+            "existing issue/PR lock required before update_branch_by_merge (fail closed)"
+        )
+    wt = (worktree_path or "").strip()
+    if not wt:
+        reasons.append("existing PR worktree path required under branches/ (fail closed)")
+    else:
+        norm = wt.replace("\\", "/")
+        if "/branches/" not in norm and not norm.startswith("branches/"):
+            reasons.append(
+                f"worktree_path '{wt}' must be under branches/ (fail closed)"
+            )
+    if worktree_owns_source_branch is False:
+        reasons.append(
+            "worktree does not own the PR source branch (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if control_checkout_clean is False:
+        reasons.append("control checkout is not clean (fail closed)")
+    if master_parity_ok is False:
+        reasons.append("runtime/master parity failed (fail closed)")
+
+    if conflicts is True:
+        result["author_remediation_handoff"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            "conflicts present: return structured author-remediation handoff "
+            "without creating a partial remote update"
+        )
+        reasons.append(
+            "resolve conflicts explicitly in the existing dedicated worktree, "
+            "run focused and regression tests, commit/push via sanctioned author "
+            "workflow, then route the new exact head to independent review"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if mergeable is False and conflicts is not False:
+        result["author_remediation_handoff"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            "PR is not mergeable; refuse automatic update and hand off to "
+            "author conflict remediation (fail closed)"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    if reasons:
+        return result
+
+    result["mutation_allowed"] = True
+    reasons.append(
+        "preflight passed: author may merge live base into the PR branch via "
+        "native MCP update (style=merge only)"
+    )
+    return result
+
+
+def assess_post_update_head_transition(
+    *,
+    former_pr_head_sha: str | None,
+    new_pr_head_sha: str | None,
+    former_approval_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    former_reviewer_lease_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    former_merger_lease_head_sha: str | None = None,
+    prepared_verdict_head_sha: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """After a successful update-by-merge, invalidate cross-head artifacts.
+
+    The new head never inherits approval, reviewer/merger leases, or prepared
+    verdicts from the former head.
+    """
+    former = _normalize_sha(former_pr_head_sha)
+    new = _normalize_sha(new_pr_head_sha)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    result: dict[str, Any] = {
+        "former_pr_head_sha": former,
+        "new_pr_head_sha": new,
+        "head_changed": bool(former and new and former != new),
+        "approval_invalidated": False,
+        "reviewer_lease_superseded": False,
+        "merger_lease_superseded": False,
+        "prepared_verdict_invalidated": False,
+        "recommended_next_action": ACTION_BLOCKED,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "success": True,
+    }
+
+    if not former or not new:
+        reasons.append("former and new PR head SHAs required (fail closed)")
+        return result
+    if former == new:
+        reasons.append(
+            "PR head unchanged after update; unexpected for merge-from-base"
+        )
+        result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_BLOCKED
+        return result
+
+    result["head_changed"] = True
+    # Approval at former head is always void at new head.
+    former_approval = _normalize_sha(former_approval_head_sha) or former
+    if former_approval != new:
+        result["approval_invalidated"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"approval for former head {former_approval} is invalid at new head "
+            f"{new}; never preserve approval across a head change"
+        )
+
+    rev_lease = _normalize_sha(former_reviewer_lease_head_sha)
+    if rev_lease and rev_lease != new:
+        result["reviewer_lease_superseded"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"reviewer lease for head {rev_lease} cannot cross to {new}; "
+            "release or supersede before fresh review"
+        )
+    elif rev_lease is None:
+        # Unknown lease head still must not authorize at new head.
+        result["reviewer_lease_superseded"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            "any reviewer lease scoped to the former head is superseded at the new head"
+        )
+
+    mer_lease = _normalize_sha(former_merger_lease_head_sha)
+    if mer_lease and mer_lease != new:
+        result["merger_lease_superseded"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"merger lease for head {mer_lease} cannot cross to {new}"
+        )
+    else:
+        result["merger_lease_superseded"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            "any merger lease scoped to the former head is superseded at the new head"
+        )
+
+    prepared = _normalize_sha(prepared_verdict_head_sha)
+    if prepared and prepared != new:
+        result["prepared_verdict_invalidated"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            f"prepared verdict for head {prepared} cannot authorize the new head {new}"
+        )
+    elif prepared is None:
+        result["prepared_verdict_invalidated"] = True
+        reasons.append(
+            "prepared verdicts associated with the former head are invalidated"
+        )
+
+    result["recommended_next_action"] = ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED
+    reasons.append(
+        "route the new exact head to independent review "
+        f"({ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED})"
+    )
+    return result
+
+
+def assess_sequential_queue_step(
+    *,
+    just_merged: bool,
+    master_refreshed: bool,
+    next_pr_number: int | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Controller sequential processing: reassess only after merge + master refresh."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    if just_merged and not master_refreshed:
+        reasons.append(
+            "master must be refreshed after each merge before reassessing the next PR "
+            "(do not update every PR simultaneously)"
+        )
+        return {
+            "reassess_allowed": False,
+            "process_next": False,
+            "next_pr_number": next_pr_number,
+            "reasons": reasons,
+            "success": True,
+        }
+    if not just_merged:
+        reasons.append("no merge completed; sequential step does not advance")
+        return {
+            "reassess_allowed": False,
+            "process_next": False,
+            "next_pr_number": next_pr_number,
+            "reasons": reasons,
+            "success": True,
+        }
+    if next_pr_number:
+        reasons.append(
+            "merge completed and live master refreshed; reassess the next PR "
+            f"#{next_pr_number}"
+        )
+    else:
+        reasons.append(
+            "merge completed and live master refreshed; reassess the next PR"
+        )
+    return {
+        "reassess_allowed": True,
+        "process_next": True,
+        "next_pr_number": next_pr_number,
+        "post_merge_cleanup_handoff": True,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "success": True,
+    }
+
+
+def merge_approval_usable_at_head(
+    *,
+    current_head_sha: str | None,
+    approved_head_sha: str | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Stale approval cannot authorize merge (head-scoped only)."""
+    current = _normalize_sha(current_head_sha)
+    approved = _normalize_sha(approved_head_sha)
+    ok = bool(current and approved and current == approved)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    if not ok:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"stale approval: approved head '{approved or '(none)'}' does not "
+            f"match current head '{current or '(none)'}'; cannot authorize merge"
+        )
+    return {
+        "approval_usable": ok,
+        "current_head_sha": current,
+        "approved_head_sha": approved,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+    }
+
+
+def lease_usable_at_head(
+    *,
+    lease_kind: str,
+    lease_head_sha: str | None,
+    current_head_sha: str | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Reviewer/merger leases cannot cross heads."""
+    current = _normalize_sha(current_head_sha)
+    lease_head = _normalize_sha(lease_head_sha)
+    kind = (lease_kind or "").strip().lower() or "unknown"
+    ok = bool(current and lease_head and current == lease_head)
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    if not ok:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"stale {kind} lease: lease head '{lease_head or '(none)'}' cannot "
+            f"authorize work at current head '{current or '(none)'}'"
+        )
+    return {
+        "lease_usable": ok,
+        "lease_kind": kind,
+        "lease_head_sha": lease_head,
+        "current_head_sha": current,
+        "reasons": reasons,
+    }

pr_work_lease.py

@@ -20,7 +20,11 @@ _FIELD_RE = re.compile(
     re.IGNORECASE | re.MULTILINE,
 )
 
-_TERMINAL_REVIEWER_PHASES = frozenset({"done", "released", "blocked"})
+# Must mirror reviewer_pr_lease._TERMINAL_PHASES: both modules read the same
+# append-only lease markers, so a phase that is terminal in one and active in
+# the other yields two conflicting truths for the same comment (#742 review
+# 460). "abandoned" is the owner-session merger finalization outcome.
+_TERMINAL_REVIEWER_PHASES = frozenset({"done", "released", "blocked", "abandoned"})
 _ACTIVE_REVIEWER_PHASES = frozenset({
     "claimed",
     "validating",
@@ -32,7 +36,8 @@ _TERMINAL_CONFLICT_FIX_PHASES = frozenset({"released", "blocked", "done"})
 _ACTIVE_CONFLICT_FIX_PHASES = frozenset({"claimed", "pushing", "pushed"})
 
 DEFAULT_CONFLICT_FIX_TTL_MINUTES = 120
-DEFAULT_REVIEWER_LEASE_TTL_MINUTES = 120
+# The reviewer/merger PR-lease TTL lives in reviewer_pr_lease.LEASE_TTL_MINUTES
+# (#747). A second copy here had no readers and could only drift out of sync.
 
 
 def _parse_timestamp(value: str | None) -> datetime | None:
@@ -153,25 +158,72 @@ def _lease_phase_active(lease: dict, *, active_phases: frozenset[str]) -> bool:
     ))
 
 
+def _reviewer_chain_key(lease: dict) -> tuple | None:
+    """Identity of the lease chain a reviewer marker belongs to (#742).
+
+    A chain is one session's claim → heartbeat → terminal sequence, keyed by
+    repository, PR, candidate head, session id, identity, and profile. Returns
+    None when any component is missing: an incomplete or malformed marker has
+    no provable chain, so it can neither be cancelled by nor cancel anything.
+    """
+    raw = lease.get("raw_fields") or {}
+    repo = (raw.get("repo") or "").strip().lower()
+    session_id = (lease.get("session_id") or "").strip()
+    identity = (lease.get("reviewer_identity") or "").strip()
+    profile = (lease.get("profile") or "").strip()
+    head = lease.get("candidate_head")
+    pr_number = lease.get("pr_number")
+    if not (repo and session_id and identity and profile and head and pr_number):
+        return None
+    return (repo, pr_number, head, session_id, identity, profile)
+
+
+def _chain_terminated_after(entries: list[dict], index: int) -> bool:
+    """True when a later marker terminates the chain of ``entries[index]``.
+
+    Append-only newest-wins (#577 semantics, chain-scoped for #742): a terminal
+    marker ends only its *own* claim, so a foreign, forged, or malformed
+    terminal marker cannot cancel another session's valid active lease.
+    """
+    key = _reviewer_chain_key(entries[index])
+    if key is None:
+        return False
+    for later in entries[index + 1:]:
+        if (later.get("phase") or "").strip().lower() not in _TERMINAL_REVIEWER_PHASES:
+            continue
+        if _reviewer_chain_key(later) == key:
+            return True
+    return False
+
+
 def find_active_reviewer_lease(
     comments: list[dict],
     *,
     pr_number: int,
     now: datetime | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any] | None:
-    """Return the newest unexpired reviewer lease for *pr_number*, if any."""
+    """Return the newest unexpired, non-terminated reviewer lease for *pr_number*.
+
+    Walking backward past a terminal marker used to resurrect the older claim of
+    the very chain that marker ended, so a released/abandoned finalization still
+    read as an active lease here while ``reviewer_pr_lease`` reported it ended
+    (#742). A claim is now skipped when a later marker terminates its own chain.
+    """
     now = now or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
     candidates = [
         entry for entry in _comment_entries(comments, pr_number=pr_number)
         if entry.get("lease_kind") == "reviewer"
     ]
-    for lease in reversed(candidates):
+    for index in range(len(candidates) - 1, -1, -1):
+        lease = candidates[index]
         if _lease_expired(lease, now=now):
             continue
         phase = (lease.get("phase") or "").strip().lower()
         if phase in _TERMINAL_REVIEWER_PHASES:
             continue
         if phase in _ACTIVE_REVIEWER_PHASES or phase:
+            if _chain_terminated_after(candidates, index):
+                continue
             return lease
     return None
 

reviewer_pr_lease.py

@@ -16,7 +16,10 @@ _FIELD_RE = re.compile(
 )
 _FULL_SHA = re.compile(r"^[0-9a-f]{40}$", re.IGNORECASE)
 
-_TERMINAL_PHASES = frozenset({"done", "released", "blocked"})
+# "abandoned" is the owner-session merger finalization outcome (#742). Without
+# it here, an abandoned marker would fall through to the generic non-empty
+# phase branch and keep re-arming the lease as active.
+_TERMINAL_PHASES = frozenset({"done", "released", "blocked", "abandoned"})
 _ACTIVE_PHASES = frozenset({
     "claimed",
     "validating",
@@ -26,9 +29,19 @@ _ACTIVE_PHASES = frozenset({
     "adopted",
 })
 
-DEFAULT_LEASE_TTL_MINUTES = 120
-STALE_WARNING_MINUTES = 30
-RECLAIMABLE_MINUTES = 60
+# Reviewer and merger PR leases use a short *sliding* window (#747): a lease
+# expires 10 minutes after its last heartbeat, and every heartbeat slides the
+# expiry forward. An actively heartbeating session is never evicted, while a
+# dead session releases its hold in at most one TTL instead of the two hours
+# the previous fixed 120-minute expiry allowed.
+LEASE_TTL_MINUTES = 10
+# Renewal is named separately from acquisition so the slide amount is tunable
+# without silently re-defining how long a fresh lease lives.
+LEASE_RENEWAL_MINUTES = 10
+# Retained for callers that imported the pre-#747 name.
+DEFAULT_LEASE_TTL_MINUTES = LEASE_TTL_MINUTES
+# Warn at half the window, while the owner can still heartbeat and recover.
+STALE_WARNING_MINUTES = 5
 
 _SESSION_LEASE: dict[str, Any] | None = None
 
@@ -77,10 +90,19 @@ def format_lease_body(
     target_branch_sha: str | None,
     last_activity: datetime | None = None,
     expires_at: datetime | None = None,
+    ttl_minutes: int = LEASE_TTL_MINUTES,
     blocker: str = "none",
 ) -> str:
+    """Serialize a lease marker.
+
+    Every write of this marker — acquisition, heartbeat, adoption — re-derives
+    ``expires_at`` from the moment of the write, which is what makes the TTL
+    slide (#747). Callers renewing an existing lease pass
+    ``ttl_minutes=LEASE_RENEWAL_MINUTES``; an explicit ``expires_at`` still
+    wins so a lease can be minted with a deliberate window.
+    """
     now = last_activity or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
-    expires = expires_at or (now + timedelta(minutes=DEFAULT_LEASE_TTL_MINUTES))
+    expires = expires_at or (now + timedelta(minutes=ttl_minutes))
     last_text = now.astimezone(timezone.utc).replace(microsecond=0).isoformat().replace(
         "+00:00", "Z"
     )
@@ -166,8 +188,30 @@ def _minutes_since_activity(lease: dict, *, now: datetime) -> float | None:
     return (now - last).total_seconds() / 60.0
 
 
+def lease_seconds_remaining(lease: dict, *, now: datetime | None = None) -> int | None:
+    """Seconds until *lease* expires, clamped at 0; ``None`` if unparsable.
+
+    Lets diagnostics distinguish "held and live" from "held and dying" (#747)
+    rather than only reporting that a lease exists.
+    """
+    expires_at = _parse_timestamp(lease.get("expires_at"))
+    if not expires_at:
+        return None
+    now = now or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+    return max(0, int((expires_at - now).total_seconds()))
+
+
 def classify_lease_freshness(lease: dict, *, now: datetime | None = None) -> str:
-    """Return active, stale_warning, reclaimable, expired, or terminal."""
+    """Return active, stale_warning, expired, or terminal.
+
+    Expiry is the only takeover gate (#747). The pre-#747 ``reclaimable`` band
+    sat between "stale" and "expired" and made a dead lease wait out a second
+    timer before anyone could reclaim it. Under a sliding TTL that band is also
+    unreachable: a heartbeat stamps ``last_activity`` and ``expires_at``
+    together, so a lease idle for a full TTL is already expired. Foreign
+    expired leases are handled by the ``foreign_expired`` classification, which
+    carries the same sanctioned release next-action the old tier did.
+    """
     now = now or datetime.now(timezone.utc)
     phase = (lease.get("phase") or "").strip().lower()
     if phase in _TERMINAL_PHASES:
@@ -177,8 +221,6 @@ def classify_lease_freshness(lease: dict, *, now: datetime | None = None) -> str
     minutes = _minutes_since_activity(lease, now=now)
     if minutes is None:
         return "active"
-    if minutes >= RECLAIMABLE_MINUTES:
-        return "reclaimable"
     if minutes >= STALE_WARNING_MINUTES:
         return "stale_warning"
     return "active"

role_session_router.py

@@ -76,7 +76,6 @@ AUTHOR_TASKS = frozenset({
     "create_pr",
     "comment_pr",
     "address_pr_change_requests",
-    "delete_branch",
     "work_issue",
     "work-issue",
     "reconcile_landed_pr",
@@ -84,6 +83,10 @@ AUTHOR_TASKS = frozenset({
 
 RECONCILER_TASKS = frozenset({
     "cleanup_merged_pr_branch",
+    # #729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned (gitea.branch.delete is granted
+    # only to the reconciler profile). Raw gitea_delete_branch redirects here to
+    # the guarded gitea_cleanup_merged_pr_branch path (#514/#687).
+    "delete_branch",
     "reconcile_already_landed_pr",
     "reconcile_already_landed",
     "reconcile-landed-pr",
@@ -99,7 +102,8 @@ TASK_REQUIRED_ROLE = {
     "create_pr": "author",
     "comment_pr": "author",
     "address_pr_change_requests": "author",
-    "delete_branch": "author",
+    # #729: reconciler-owned; see RECONCILER_TASKS and task_capability_map.
+    "delete_branch": "reconciler",
     "review_pr": "reviewer",
     "merge_pr": "merger",
     "blind_pr_queue_review": "reviewer",

session_context_binding.py

@@ -0,0 +1,613 @@
+"""Session-immutable MCP mutation context (#714).
+
+Pins profile, remote, host, repository, identity, and role for the life of an
+MCP process (or until an explicit ``gitea_activate_profile`` re-bind).
+
+Capability resolution and mutation gates must evaluate only the active
+profile for the requested remote. Silent cross-host / cross-profile
+substitution is forbidden.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import re
+import threading
+import urllib.parse
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+from typing import Any, Mapping
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True, slots=True)
+class _SessionContext:
+    """One atomic, immutable process-session binding."""
+
+    profile_name: str | None
+    remote: str | None
+    host: str | None
+    identity: str | None
+    repository: str | None
+    org: str | None
+    role_kind: str | None
+    expected_username: str | None
+    source: str
+    pid: int
+    canonical_repository_root: str | None = None
+
+    def as_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        return {
+            "profile_name": self.profile_name,
+            "remote": self.remote,
+            "host": self.host,
+            "identity": self.identity,
+            "repository": self.repository,
+            "org": self.org,
+            "role_kind": self.role_kind,
+            "expected_username": self.expected_username,
+            "source": self.source,
+            "pid": self.pid,
+            "canonical_repository_root": self.canonical_repository_root,
+        }
+
+
+# Process-local only — never a shared file (same rationale as mutation authority).
+# The frozen value prevents partial mutation, while the lock makes first-bind and
+# sanctioned rebind atomic across concurrent MCP calls.
+_SESSION_CONTEXT: _SessionContext | None = None
+_SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK = threading.RLock()
+
+
+def _reset_session_context_for_testing() -> None:
+    """Reset at a pytest test boundary; unavailable to production callers.
+
+    Production sessions transition only through process startup/PID change or
+    the explicit profile-activation rebind.  Keeping this helper private and
+    requiring pytest's per-test marker prevents it from becoming an MCP/runtime
+    bypass.
+    """
+    if "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" not in os.environ:
+        raise RuntimeError("session context reset is restricted to pytest boundaries")
+    global _SESSION_CONTEXT
+    with _SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK:
+        _SESSION_CONTEXT = None
+
+
+def get_session_context() -> dict[str, Any] | None:
+    """Return a detached snapshot of the bound context, or None if unbound."""
+    with _SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK:
+        if _SESSION_CONTEXT is None:
+            return None
+        return _SESSION_CONTEXT.as_dict()
+
+
+def profile_host(profile: dict | None) -> str | None:
+    """Hostname from profile base_url, lowercased, or None."""
+    if not profile:
+        return None
+    base = (profile.get("base_url") or "").strip()
+    if not base:
+        return None
+    try:
+        parsed = urllib.parse.urlparse(base)
+        host = (parsed.netloc or parsed.path or "").strip().lower()
+        return host or None
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
+def remote_host(remote: str | None, remotes: dict | None) -> str | None:
+    """Hostname for a known remote key."""
+    if not remote or not remotes:
+        return None
+    entry = remotes.get(remote) or {}
+    return (entry.get("host") or "").strip().lower() or None
+
+
+def profile_matches_remote(
+    profile: dict | None,
+    remote: str | None,
+    remotes: dict | None,
+    *,
+    contexts: dict | None = None,
+) -> bool:
+    """True when *profile* is bound to the same host/context as *remote*."""
+    if not profile or not remote:
+        return False
+    r_host = remote_host(remote, remotes)
+    p_host = profile_host(profile)
+    if r_host and p_host:
+        return r_host == p_host
+    # Fall back to context name heuristics when base_url missing.
+    ctx = (profile.get("context") or "").strip().lower()
+    if not ctx or not contexts:
+        return False
+    ctx_data = contexts.get(ctx) or {}
+    gitea = ctx_data.get("gitea") or {}
+    base = (gitea.get("base_url") or "").strip()
+    if not base or not r_host:
+        return False
+    try:
+        parsed = urllib.parse.urlparse(base)
+        c_host = (parsed.netloc or parsed.path or "").strip().lower()
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+    return bool(c_host) and c_host == r_host
+
+
+def bind_session_context(
+    *,
+    profile_name: str,
+    remote: str | None,
+    host: str | None,
+    identity: str | None,
+    repository: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    role_kind: str | None = None,
+    expected_username: str | None = None,
+    source: str = "bind",
+    canonical_repository_root: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Atomically bind/re-bind context (the explicit activation path)."""
+    with _SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK:
+        return _bind_session_context_unlocked(
+            profile_name=profile_name,
+            remote=remote,
+            host=host,
+            identity=identity,
+            repository=repository,
+            org=org,
+            role_kind=role_kind,
+            expected_username=expected_username,
+            source=source,
+            canonical_repository_root=canonical_repository_root,
+        )
+
+
+def _bind_session_context_unlocked(
+    *,
+    profile_name: str,
+    remote: str | None,
+    host: str | None,
+    identity: str | None,
+    repository: str | None,
+    org: str | None,
+    role_kind: str | None,
+    expected_username: str | None,
+    source: str,
+    canonical_repository_root: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Store a complete immutable context while the caller holds the lock."""
+    global _SESSION_CONTEXT
+    _SESSION_CONTEXT = _SessionContext(
+        profile_name=(profile_name or "").strip() or None,
+        remote=(remote or "").strip() or None,
+        host=(host or "").strip().lower() or None,
+        identity=(identity or "").strip() or None,
+        repository=(repository or "").strip() or None,
+        org=(org or "").strip() or None,
+        role_kind=(role_kind or "").strip() or None,
+        expected_username=(expected_username or "").strip() or None,
+        source=source,
+        pid=os.getpid(),
+        canonical_repository_root=(canonical_repository_root or "").strip() or None,
+    )
+    return _SESSION_CONTEXT.as_dict()
+
+
+def seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+    *,
+    profile_name: str,
+    remote: str | None,
+    host: str | None,
+    identity: str | None,
+    repository: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    role_kind: str | None = None,
+    expected_username: str | None = None,
+    source: str = "seed",
+    canonical_repository_root: str | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Atomically bind only when this process has no current context.
+
+    A changed environment or an interleaved call is not a session boundary and
+    therefore cannot replace an established binding.  A newly started/forked
+    process is recognized by PID; explicit ``gitea_activate_profile`` uses
+    :func:`bind_session_context` as its sanctioned logical-session transition.
+    """
+    with _SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK:
+        if _SESSION_CONTEXT is None or _SESSION_CONTEXT.pid != os.getpid():
+            return _bind_session_context_unlocked(
+                profile_name=profile_name,
+                remote=remote,
+                host=host,
+                identity=identity,
+                repository=repository,
+                org=org,
+                role_kind=role_kind,
+                expected_username=expected_username,
+                source=source,
+                canonical_repository_root=canonical_repository_root,
+            )
+        return _SESSION_CONTEXT.as_dict()
+
+
+def assess_session_context(
+    *,
+    profile_name: str | None,
+    remote: str | None,
+    host: str | None = None,
+    identity: str | None = None,
+    repository: str | None = None,
+    org: str | None = None,
+    expected_username: str | None = None,
+    canonical_repository_root: str | None = None,
+    require_bound: bool = False,
+    require_complete: bool = False,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Compare live values against the bound session context.
+
+    Returns ``proven`` / ``block`` / ``reasons``. When unbound and
+    ``require_bound`` is false, does not block (caller may seed). When
+    unbound and ``require_bound`` is true, fails closed. ``require_complete``
+    additionally fails closed when the binding carries no verified
+    repository/organization identity, so a mutation can never run against an
+    unknown repository (#714).
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    with _SESSION_CONTEXT_LOCK:
+        bound = _SESSION_CONTEXT
+        ctx = bound.as_dict() if bound is not None else None
+    if ctx is None or ctx.get("pid") != os.getpid():
+        if require_bound:
+            reasons.append(
+                "session mutation context is unbound; call gitea_whoami or "
+                "gitea_activate_profile before mutating (fail closed)"
+            )
+            return _assessment(False, reasons, ctx)
+        return _assessment(True, reasons, ctx)
+
+    if require_complete and not (ctx.get("repository") and ctx.get("org")):
+        reasons.append(
+            "session repository/organization identity is unverified "
+            f"(repository={ctx.get('repository')!r}, org={ctx.get('org')!r}); "
+            "a mutation cannot proceed without a verified workspace "
+            "repository (fail closed)"
+        )
+        return _assessment(False, reasons, ctx)
+
+    live_profile = (profile_name or "").strip() or None
+    live_remote = (remote or "").strip() or None
+    live_host = (host or "").strip().lower() or None
+    live_identity = (identity or "").strip() or None
+    live_repo = (repository or "").strip() or None
+    live_org = (org or "").strip() or None
+    live_canonical = (canonical_repository_root or "").strip() or None
+
+    if ctx.get("profile_name") and live_profile and live_profile != ctx.get("profile_name"):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"profile drift: live '{live_profile}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('profile_name')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if ctx.get("remote") and live_remote and live_remote != ctx.get("remote"):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"remote drift: live '{live_remote}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('remote')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if ctx.get("host") and live_host and live_host != ctx.get("host"):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"host drift: live '{live_host}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('host')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if (
+        ctx.get("identity")
+        and live_identity
+        and live_identity != ctx.get("identity")
+    ):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"identity drift: live '{live_identity}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('identity')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if ctx.get("repository") and live_repo and live_repo != ctx.get("repository"):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"repository drift: live '{live_repo}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('repository')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if ctx.get("org") and live_org and live_org != ctx.get("org"):
+        reasons.append(
+            f"org drift: live '{live_org}' != bound "
+            f"'{ctx.get('org')}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    bound_canonical = ctx.get("canonical_repository_root")
+    if bound_canonical and live_canonical and live_canonical != bound_canonical:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"canonical repository root drift: live '{live_canonical}' != bound "
+            f"'{bound_canonical}' (forged or conflicting cross-repository "
+            "binding, fail closed)"
+        )
+
+    expected = expected_username or ctx.get("expected_username")
+    if expected and live_identity and live_identity != expected:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"identity mismatch: authenticated '{live_identity}' != "
+            f"profile expected '{expected}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+
+    return _assessment(not reasons, reasons, ctx)
+
+
+def assess_identity_match(
+    *,
+    authenticated: str | None,
+    expected_username: str | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Fail closed when profile declares a username that does not match live auth."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    auth = (authenticated or "").strip() or None
+    expected = (expected_username or "").strip() or None
+    if expected and auth and auth != expected:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"identity mismatch: authenticated '{auth}' != "
+            f"profile expected '{expected}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    return {
+        "proven": not reasons,
+        "block": bool(reasons),
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "authenticated": auth,
+        "expected_username": expected,
+    }
+
+
+_REPO_SLUG_RE = re.compile(r"^\s*(?P<org>[^/\s]+)\s*/\s*(?P<repo>[^/\s]+?)(?:\.git)?\s*$")
+
+
+def parse_repository_slug(slug: str | None) -> tuple[str, str] | None:
+    """Split a canonical ``owner/repository`` slug, or None when unparseable."""
+    match = _REPO_SLUG_RE.match(slug or "")
+    if not match:
+        return None
+    return match.group("org"), match.group("repo")
+
+
+def format_repository_slug(org: str | None, repo: str | None) -> str | None:
+    """``owner/repository`` from parts, or None when either side is missing."""
+    left = (org or "").strip()
+    right = (repo or "").strip()
+    if not left or not right:
+        return None
+    return f"{left}/{right}"
+
+
+def declared_allowed_repositories(
+    profile: Mapping[str, Any] | None,
+    *,
+    strict: bool = False,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Canonical ``owner/repository`` authorization boundary declared by *profile*.
+
+    This list is an authorization boundary, never the session binding itself:
+    the verified workspace selects exactly one entry (see
+    :func:`assess_repository_scope`).
+
+    When *strict* is true (mutation path), missing profile, non-list values, or
+    any malformed entry raise ``ValueError`` instead of silently collapsing to
+    an empty scope (which would fail open). Read-only diagnostics may use
+    strict=False.
+    """
+    if not profile:
+        if strict:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "profile unresolved; cannot declare allowed_repositories "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+        return []
+    raw = profile.get("allowed_repositories")
+    if raw is None:
+        return []
+    if not isinstance(raw, (list, tuple)):
+        if strict:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "allowed_repositories must be a list of owner/repository slugs "
+                "(fail closed)"
+            )
+        return []
+    slugs: list[str] = []
+    errors: list[str] = []
+    for entry in raw:
+        if not isinstance(entry, str):
+            errors.append(f"non-string allowed_repositories entry {entry!r}")
+            continue
+        parsed = parse_repository_slug(entry)
+        if not parsed:
+            errors.append(
+                f"malformed allowed_repositories entry {entry!r} "
+                "(expected owner/repository)"
+            )
+            continue
+        slugs.append(f"{parsed[0]}/{parsed[1]}")
+    if strict and errors:
+        raise ValueError("; ".join(errors) + " (fail closed)")
+    return slugs
+
+
+def assess_repository_scope(
+    *,
+    workspace_slug: str | None,
+    allowed: list[str] | None,
+    profile_name: str | None = None,
+    require_scope: bool = False,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Authorize the verified workspace repository against the profile allowlist.
+
+    The workspace-derived slug is the only candidate: a profile that authorizes
+    several repositories still binds to the single verified one, and never to
+    the list as a whole.
+
+    *require_scope* (mutation path): missing/empty allowlist fails closed. The
+    workspace remote cannot self-authorize without a configured boundary.
+    """
+    scope = list(allowed or [])
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    name = profile_name or "(active profile)"
+    if not scope:
+        if require_scope:
+            reasons.append(
+                f"mutation denied: profile '{name}' has no non-empty "
+                "allowed_repositories authorization boundary (fail closed)"
+            )
+            return {
+                "proven": False,
+                "block": True,
+                "reasons": reasons,
+                "scope_enforced": True,
+                "workspace_slug": workspace_slug,
+                "allowed_repositories": [],
+            }
+        return {
+            "proven": True,
+            "block": False,
+            "reasons": reasons,
+            "scope_enforced": False,
+            "workspace_slug": workspace_slug,
+            "allowed_repositories": [],
+        }
+    if not workspace_slug:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"no verified workspace repository could be established for profile "
+            f"'{name}'; repository scope cannot be authorized (fail closed)"
+        )
+    elif workspace_slug.lower() not in {entry.lower() for entry in scope}:
+        reasons.append(
+            f"repository scope denial: workspace repository '{workspace_slug}' "
+            f"is not authorized by profile '{name}' allowed_repositories "
+            f"{sorted(scope)} (fail closed)"
+        )
+    return {
+        "proven": not reasons,
+        "block": bool(reasons),
+        "reasons": reasons,
+        "scope_enforced": True,
+        "workspace_slug": workspace_slug,
+        "allowed_repositories": sorted(scope),
+    }
+
+
+def assess_repository_override(
+    *,
+    requested_org: str | None,
+    requested_repo: str | None,
+    bound_org: str | None,
+    bound_repo: str | None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Caller-supplied org/repo must agree with the immutable binding.
+
+    A mutation request is never allowed to establish, complete, or replace the
+    binding — it may only be checked against it.
+    """
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    req_org = (requested_org or "").strip() or None
+    req_repo = (requested_repo or "").strip() or None
+    if req_repo and bound_repo and req_repo.lower() != bound_repo.lower():
+        reasons.append(
+            f"repository override denial: request targets '{req_repo}' but the "
+            f"session is bound to '{bound_repo}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    if req_org and bound_org and req_org.lower() != bound_org.lower():
+        reasons.append(
+            f"organization override denial: request targets '{req_org}' but the "
+            f"session is bound to '{bound_org}' (fail closed)"
+        )
+    return {"proven": not reasons, "block": bool(reasons), "reasons": reasons}
+
+
+def filter_profiles_for_remote(
+    config: dict | None,
+    remote: str | None,
+    remotes: dict | None,
+) -> list[str]:
+    """Profile names whose host/context matches *remote* (enabled only)."""
+    if not config or not remote:
+        return []
+    profiles = config.get("profiles") or {}
+    contexts = config.get("contexts") or {}
+    names: list[str] = []
+    for name, data in profiles.items():
+        if not isinstance(data, dict):
+            continue
+        if not data.get("enabled", True):
+            continue
+        if profile_matches_remote(data, remote, remotes, contexts=contexts):
+            names.append(name)
+    return sorted(names)
+
+
+def profile_allowed_for_remote(
+    profile: dict | None,
+    remote: str | None,
+    remotes: dict | None,
+    *,
+    contexts: dict | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Assess whether the active profile may serve *remote*."""
+    reasons: list[str] = []
+    if not profile:
+        reasons.append("active profile unresolved (fail closed)")
+        return {"proven": False, "block": True, "reasons": reasons}
+    if not remote:
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": reasons}
+    # Legacy env-only profiles have no configured base URL or v2 context. Their
+    # first call may establish the process remote/host pin; after that,
+    # assess_session_context rejects any drift. Configured v2 profiles still
+    # require positive host/context alignment here.
+    if not profile_host(profile) and not (profile.get("context") or "").strip():
+        return {"proven": True, "block": False, "reasons": reasons}
+    if not profile_matches_remote(profile, remote, remotes, contexts=contexts):
+        p_name = profile.get("profile_name") or profile.get("name") or "(unknown)"
+        p_host = profile_host(profile) or "(none)"
+        r_host = remote_host(remote, remotes) or "(none)"
+        reasons.append(
+            f"cross-host profile denial: profile '{p_name}' (host '{p_host}') "
+            f"cannot serve remote '{remote}' (host '{r_host}') (fail closed)"
+        )
+    return {"proven": not reasons, "block": bool(reasons), "reasons": reasons}
+
+
+def mutation_context_audit_fields(
+    ctx: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Fields to include in pre-mutation audit records."""
+    data = ctx if ctx is not None else get_session_context()
+    if not data:
+        return {
+            "session_context_bound": False,
+            "session_profile": None,
+            "session_remote": None,
+            "session_host": None,
+            "session_identity": None,
+            "session_repository": None,
+            "session_org": None,
+        }
+    return {
+        "session_context_bound": True,
+        "session_profile": data.get("profile_name"),
+        "session_remote": data.get("remote"),
+        "session_host": data.get("host"),
+        "session_identity": data.get("identity"),
+        "session_repository": data.get("repository"),
+        "session_org": data.get("org"),
+        "session_role_kind": data.get("role_kind"),
+        "session_context_source": data.get("source"),
+        "session_canonical_repository_root": data.get("canonical_repository_root"),
+    }
+
+
+def _assessment(
+    proven: bool, reasons: list[str], ctx: Mapping[str, Any] | None
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "proven": proven,
+        "block": not proven,
+        "reasons": list(reasons),
+        "bound_context": dict(ctx) if ctx else None,
+        "audit": mutation_context_audit_fields(ctx),
+    }

skills/llm-project-workflow/templates/merge-pr.md

@@ -33,22 +33,34 @@ Steps:
    *If the current identity does not match the required role (or is the PR author), STOP. Relaunch/switch to the correct profile first.*
 2. Verify authenticated identity + active profile.
 3. Confirm PR #<pr>: author (not you), state open, mergeable, review approved. Check if PR body uses `Closes #N` or `Fixes #N`; if it uses `Implements #N` or `Refs #N`, manual closing will be needed in step 29.
-4. Capability evidence (#179): cite the exact gitea_resolve_task_capability
+4. **PR sync assess (required):** call `gitea_assess_pr_sync_status` with
+   explicit `remote`/`org`/`repo`. Route on `recommended_next_action`:
+   - `merge_now` → continue merger path (do **not** update the branch)
+   - `update_branch_by_merge` → STOP; hand off to **author** for
+     `gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge` (pins expected PR head + base head)
+   - `author_conflict_remediation` → STOP; author worktree conflict fix
+   - `fresh_review_required` → STOP; independent re-review at current head
+   - `blocked` → STOP and diagnose
+   Never merge on a former-head approval after update/remediation.
+5. Capability evidence (#179): cite the exact gitea_resolve_task_capability
    output (or runtime context) proving merge_pr is allowed — a bare
    "capability checks passed" claim is downgraded.
-5. Final live-state recheck (#179), immediately before the merge mutation —
+6. Final live-state recheck (#179), immediately before the merge mutation —
    re-read the live PR and prove:
    - PR still open
    - live head SHA still equals the pinned/reviewed head SHA
    - base branch unchanged
    - no undismissed REQUEST_CHANGES / blocking review state remains
    If any recheck fails → STOP, re-pin, re-validate.
-6. If any gate fails → STOP and report.
-7. Merge with explicit confirmation (e.g. confirmation="MERGE PR <pr>"),
+7. If any gate fails → STOP and report.
+8. Merge with explicit confirmation (e.g. confirmation="MERGE PR <pr>"),
    pinning the reviewed head SHA (expected_head_sha) and, where supported,
    the changed-file set.
-8. Confirm remote master now contains the merge commit (or the expected changes if squash merged).
+9. Confirm remote master now contains the merge commit (or the expected changes if squash merged).
    *Note: Gitea PR "closed" state is NOT equivalent to "merged". Do not assume a closed PR succeeded without verifying the actual landed changes.*
+10. **Sequential queue:** after merge, refresh live `master`, run post-merge
+    cleanup handoff, then reassess the **next** PR (do not batch-update all
+    open PRs).
 
 Post-merge cleanup (#517): merger sessions must NOT perform ad hoc cleanup.
 - Record merge mutations separately from cleanup mutations in the controller handoff.

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/create-issue.md

@@ -450,6 +450,35 @@ If any gate fails, do not create the issue.
 
 Produce a recovery handoff or duplicate report.
 
+### 18a. Sanctioned first-mutation path (#749)
+
+`gitea_create_issue` is a **pure remote mutation** (no local tree write). The
+issue-first gate forbids creating `branches/issue-<N>-*` before the issue
+number exists. Therefore the **only sanctioned first mutation** is:
+
+1. Read-only identity + capability + duplicate search from the control checkout.
+2. Ensure the **canonical control checkout** is:
+   * the configured repository root for the requested remote/org/repo;
+   * on an accepted base branch (`master` / `main` / `dev`);
+   * base-equivalent to live master;
+   * clean (no tracked local edits);
+   * in runtime/master parity.
+3. Resolve exact task `create_issue`, then call `gitea_create_issue` **from that
+   clean control checkout** (no `worktree_path` required for this step alone).
+4. After the issue number exists: create a **registered** worktree under
+   `branches/issue-<N>-*`, claim/lock, and perform every subsequent author
+   mutation from that worktree only.
+
+**Forbidden improvisations (fail closed):**
+
+* `mkdir` dummy directories under `branches/` (#713)
+* borrowing an unrelated pre-existing worktree
+* creating a pre-issue worktree in violation of issue-first
+* running create_issue from a dirty, drifted, detached, or non-canonical root
+
+Post-creation mutations (`lock_issue`, commit, push, `create_pr`, etc.) **never**
+receive this bootstrap exemption.
+
 ## 19. Issue commenting gate
 
 Before commenting on an existing issue, verify:

skills/llm-project-workflow/workflows/review-merge-pr.md

@@ -950,9 +950,53 @@ Final reports must state:
 * final live head SHA before merge
 * whether any push occurred during validation
 
+## 26D. PR synchronization and conflict-remediation lifecycle
+
+**Do not treat “approved” as the final readiness state.** For every approved
+open PR, call `gitea_assess_pr_sync_status` (native MCP only) and route by
+`recommended_next_action`:
+
+| Action | Meaning | Next role / tools |
+|--------|---------|-------------------|
+| `merge_now` | Valid approval at exact current head; conflict-free; update not required; checks ok | Merger: sanctioned merge workflow only — **do not** update the branch |
+| `update_branch_by_merge` | Behind live base; protection requires current base; Gitea can merge base without conflicts | **Author only:** `gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge` with pinned `expected_pr_head_sha` + `expected_base_head_sha` |
+| `author_conflict_remediation` | Conflicts / not auto-updatable | **Author only:** existing `branches/` worktree, issue lock, merge master, resolve, test, push; never force-push/rebase |
+| `fresh_review_required` | Head changed after approval, or update/remediation produced a new head | Independent reviewer at the **new exact head**; old approvals/leases/verdicts are void |
+| `blocked` | Other gate (checks, incomplete facts, closed PR, …) | Diagnose; do not merge or update |
+
+### Hard rules
+
+* Pin both expected PR head and expected base head for every update. Either
+  race → fail closed with no partial mutation.
+* Never rebase or force-push author branches.
+* Never update an author branch from a reviewer or merger profile.
+* Never preserve approval, reviewer lease, merger lease, or prepared verdict
+  across a head change.
+* Process PRs **sequentially**: synchronize/remediate one → review new head →
+  merge → refresh live `master` → reassess the next PR. Do not update every
+  open PR at once (each merge restales the rest).
+* Conflict remediation only in the existing dedicated issue/PR worktree under
+  `branches/`. Do not delete that worktree until the updated PR is merged and
+  cleanup eligibility is proven.
+* Post-merge: canonical cleanup handoff to reconciler (section 28).
+
+### After `gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge` succeeds
+
+1. Treat former-head approval as invalidated.
+2. Release/supersede obsolete reviewer and merger leases.
+3. Route `recommended_next_action=fresh_review_required` at the new head.
+4. Independent re-review, then merger lease/adopt + merge at the new head only.
+
+All Gitea reads/mutations use native MCP. Never substitute direct API, curl,
+tea/gh, Web UI mutation by an LLM, database changes, raw Git push, or token
+access.
+
 ## 27. Merge rules
 
-Before merge, rerun fresh live checks:
+Before merge, call `gitea_assess_pr_sync_status` when the PR is approved/open
+and may be behind base. Only proceed with merge when
+`recommended_next_action` is `merge_now` and approval remains at the current
+head. Then rerun fresh live checks:
 
 * whoami
 * active profile/runtime

task_capability_map.py

@@ -73,6 +73,24 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.branch.push",
         "role": "author",
     },
+    # PR synchronization lifecycle: assess is read-only (any role with gitea.read);
+    # update-by-merge is author-only and mutates the PR head via Gitea API.
+    "assess_pr_sync_status": {
+        "permission": "gitea.read",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
+    "gitea_assess_pr_sync_status": {
+        "permission": "gitea.read",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
+    "update_pr_branch_by_merge": {
+        "permission": "gitea.branch.push",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
+    "gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge": {
+        "permission": "gitea.branch.push",
+        "role": "author",
+    },
     "review_pr": {
         "permission": "gitea.pr.review",
         "role": "reviewer",
@@ -107,6 +125,29 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
         "role": "merger",
     },
+    "gitea_adopt_merger_pr_lease": {
+        "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "role": "merger",
+    },
+    "acquire_merger_pr_lease": {
+        "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "role": "merger",
+    },
+    "gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease": {
+        "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "role": "merger",
+    },
+    # #742: owner-session terminal release/abandon of a merger-held lease when
+    # the merge does not occur. Apply path posts an append-only terminal lease
+    # marker (gitea.pr.comment); merger-only, never a reviewer path.
+    "release_merger_pr_lease": {
+        "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "role": "merger",
+    },
+    "gitea_release_merger_pr_lease": {
+        "permission": "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "role": "merger",
+    },
     # #691: guarded non-owner cleanup of obsolete comment-backed reviewer leases.
     # Apply path posts lease release + audit comments (gitea.pr.comment).
     "cleanup_obsolete_reviewer_comment_lease": {
@@ -191,9 +232,15 @@ TASK_CAPABILITY_MAP: dict[str, dict[str, str]] = {
         "permission": "gitea.pr.merge",
         "role": "merger",
     },
+    # #729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned. gitea.branch.delete is granted
+    # only to the reconciler profile, so the resolver must classify this task as
+    # reconciler (previously "author", which no delete-capable profile held).
+    # Raw gitea_delete_branch still redirects reconciler to the guarded
+    # gitea_cleanup_merged_pr_branch path (#514/#687); author/reviewer/merger
+    # stay denied by both the permission gate and this role gate.
     "delete_branch": {
         "permission": "gitea.branch.delete",
-        "role": "author",
+        "role": "reconciler",
     },
     "cleanup_merged_pr_branch": {
         "permission": "gitea.branch.delete",

tests/conftest.py

@@ -26,6 +26,14 @@ def _reset_mutation_authority(monkeypatch):
     Pin ``default_state_dir`` / ``DEFAULT_STATE_DIR`` to a per-test temp dir
     so durable load/save never touches host state even after env clears.
     """
+    import session_context_binding as session_ctx
+
+    # Each pytest item is an independent logical MCP session. Reset both before
+    # and after the item; the post-yield reset is in a finally block so an
+    # assertion, exception, or unittest teardown failure cannot pollute the
+    # next item. Production code has no automatic per-call reset path.
+    session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
     for env_key in [
         "GITEA_SESSION_PROFILE_LOCK",
         "GITEA_ACTIVE_WORKTREE",
@@ -80,11 +88,31 @@ def _reset_mutation_authority(monkeypatch):
     try:
         import mcp_server
     except Exception:
-        _state_tmp.cleanup()
-        yield
+        try:
+            yield
+        finally:
+            session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+            _state_tmp.cleanup()
         return
+    import gitea_config
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(gitea_config, "_active_profile_override", None)
     monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_MUTATION_AUTHORITY", None)
     monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_IDENTITY_CACHE", {})
+    # #714: clear both module namespaces. mcp_server.py execs gitea_mcp_server.py
+    # into its own globals, so `import gitea_mcp_server` is a separate module
+    # object with its own identity caches; leaving it dirty leaks login across
+    # tests that import the implementation module directly.
+    try:
+        import gitea_mcp_server as _gitea_impl
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr(_gitea_impl, "_IDENTITY_CACHE", {})
+        if hasattr(_gitea_impl, "_ACTOR_IDENTITY_CACHE"):
+            monkeypatch.setattr(_gitea_impl, "_ACTOR_IDENTITY_CACHE", {})
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    if hasattr(mcp_server, "_ACTOR_IDENTITY_CACHE"):
+        monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_ACTOR_IDENTITY_CACHE", {})
     monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_REVIEW_DECISION_LOCK", None)
     monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_LIVE_NAMESPACE_HEALTH", {})
     monkeypatch.setattr(mcp_server, "_preflight_whoami_called", False)
@@ -113,19 +141,37 @@ def _reset_mutation_authority(monkeypatch):
         capability_stop_terminal.clear()
     except Exception:
         pass
+    try:
+        yield
+    finally:
+        try:
+            import capability_stop_terminal
+            capability_stop_terminal.clear()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            import review_workflow_load
+            review_workflow_load._REVIEW_WORKFLOW_LOAD = None
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            mcp_server._REVIEW_DECISION_LOCK = None
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        _state_tmp.cleanup()
+
+
+# #714: deterministic workspace remotes only (no host git dependency).
+import pytest
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(autouse=True)
+def _deterministic_workspace_remotes():
+    try:
+        from mutation_profile_fixture import install_deterministic_remote_urls
+        install_deterministic_remote_urls()
+    except Exception:
+        pass
     yield
-    try:
-        import capability_stop_terminal
-        capability_stop_terminal.clear()
-    except Exception:
-        pass
-    try:
-        import review_workflow_load
-        review_workflow_load._REVIEW_WORKFLOW_LOAD = None
-    except Exception:
-        pass
-    try:
-        mcp_server._REVIEW_DECISION_LOCK = None
-    except Exception:
-        pass
-    _state_tmp.cleanup()

tests/mutation_profile_fixture.py

@@ -0,0 +1,483 @@
+"""Centralized config-backed mutation fixture for #714.
+
+Mutation tests must opt into this helper explicitly. It never grants
+mutation authority via environment variables alone.
+
+Design rules:
+- temporary v2 configuration with non-empty ``allowed_repositories``
+- profile-scoped operations (not every mutation op for every test)
+- deterministic workspace remotes (no host Git dependency)
+- one canonical repository per profile by default
+- isolated state + cleanup in ``finally``
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import tempfile
+from contextlib import contextmanager
+from copy import deepcopy
+from typing import Iterable, Sequence
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+PRGS_SLUG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+PRGS_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{PRGS_SLUG}.git"
+MDCPS_SLUG = "913443/eAgenda"
+MDCPS_URL = f"https://gitea.dadeschools.net/{MDCPS_SLUG}.git"
+EXAMPLE_SLUG = "Example-Org/Example-Repo"
+EXAMPLE_URL = f"https://gitea.example.com/{EXAMPLE_SLUG}.git"
+TIMESHEET_SLUG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet"
+
+
+def _author_ops() -> list[str]:
+    return [
+        "gitea.read",
+        "gitea.issue.create",
+        "gitea.issue.close",
+        "gitea.issue.comment",
+        "gitea.pr.create",
+        "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "gitea.branch.create",
+        "gitea.branch.push",
+        "gitea.repo.commit",
+    ]
+
+
+def _author_forbidden() -> list[str]:
+    return [
+        "gitea.pr.approve",
+        "gitea.pr.merge",
+        "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+        "gitea.pr.review",
+    ]
+
+
+def _reviewer_ops() -> list[str]:
+    return [
+        "gitea.read",
+        "gitea.pr.review",
+        "gitea.pr.approve",
+        "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "gitea.issue.comment",
+    ]
+
+
+def _merger_ops() -> list[str]:
+    return [
+        "gitea.read",
+        "gitea.pr.merge",
+        "gitea.pr.comment",
+    ]
+
+
+def _profile(
+    *,
+    name: str,
+    context: str,
+    role: str,
+    base_url: str,
+    auth_env: str,
+    allowed_operations: Sequence[str],
+    forbidden_operations: Sequence[str],
+    allowed_repositories: Sequence[str],
+    username: str | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    body = {
+        "enabled": True,
+        "context": context,
+        "role": role,
+        "base_url": base_url,
+        "auth": {"type": "env", "name": auth_env},
+        "allowed_operations": list(allowed_operations),
+        "forbidden_operations": list(forbidden_operations),
+        "allowed_repositories": list(allowed_repositories),
+        "execution_profile": name,
+    }
+    if username:
+        body["username"] = username
+    return body
+
+
+def build_dual_remote_config(
+    *,
+    allowed_operations: Iterable[str] | None = None,
+    allowed_repositories_prgs: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    allowed_repositories_mdcps: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    extra_profiles: dict | None = None,
+    include_example_repo: bool = False,
+) -> dict:
+    """Build a minimal dual-host v2 config.
+
+    Each profile authorizes only its host-canonical repository by default.
+    ``include_example_repo`` adds Example-Org/Example-Repo when a test patches
+    REMOTES to that synthetic unit-test identity.
+    """
+    ops = list(allowed_operations or _author_ops())
+    forb = _author_forbidden()
+    prgs_repos = list(allowed_repositories_prgs or [PRGS_SLUG])
+    mdcps_repos = list(allowed_repositories_mdcps or [MDCPS_SLUG])
+    if include_example_repo:
+        for repos in (prgs_repos, mdcps_repos):
+            if EXAMPLE_SLUG not in repos:
+                repos.append(EXAMPLE_SLUG)
+
+    profiles = {
+        "test-author-prgs": _profile(
+            name="test-author-prgs",
+            context="prgs",
+            role="author",
+            base_url="https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            auth_env="GITEA_TOKEN_TEST",
+            allowed_operations=ops,
+            forbidden_operations=forb,
+            allowed_repositories=prgs_repos,
+        ),
+        "test-author-dadeschools": _profile(
+            name="test-author-dadeschools",
+            context="mdcps",
+            role="author",
+            base_url="https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            auth_env="GITEA_TOKEN_TEST",
+            allowed_operations=ops,
+            forbidden_operations=forb,
+            allowed_repositories=mdcps_repos,
+        ),
+        "test-reviewer-prgs": _profile(
+            name="test-reviewer-prgs",
+            context="prgs",
+            role="reviewer",
+            base_url="https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            auth_env="GITEA_TOKEN_TEST",
+            allowed_operations=_reviewer_ops(),
+            forbidden_operations=[
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.issue.create",
+            ],
+            allowed_repositories=prgs_repos,
+        ),
+        "test-merger-prgs": _profile(
+            name="test-merger-prgs",
+            context="prgs",
+            role="merger",
+            base_url="https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            auth_env="GITEA_TOKEN_TEST",
+            allowed_operations=_merger_ops(),
+            forbidden_operations=[
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.issue.create",
+            ],
+            allowed_repositories=prgs_repos,
+        ),
+    }
+    if extra_profiles:
+        profiles.update(deepcopy(extra_profiles))
+
+    # Legacy aliases used by older tests — same host scope as the base profile.
+    for alias, base in (
+        ("gitea-author", "test-author-prgs"),
+        ("author-test", "test-author-dadeschools"),
+        ("author", "test-author-dadeschools"),
+        ("full-author", "test-author-dadeschools"),
+        ("test-author", "test-author-dadeschools"),
+        ("prgs-author", "test-author-prgs"),
+        ("gitea-reviewer", "test-reviewer-prgs"),
+        ("prgs-reviewer", "test-reviewer-prgs"),
+        ("gitea-merger", "test-merger-prgs"),
+        ("prgs-merger", "test-merger-prgs"),
+    ):
+        if alias not in profiles and base in profiles:
+            clone = deepcopy(profiles[base])
+            clone["execution_profile"] = alias
+            profiles[alias] = clone
+
+    return {
+        "version": 2,
+        "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": True},
+        "contexts": {
+            "prgs": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+            },
+            "mdcps": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+                },
+            },
+        },
+        "profiles": profiles,
+    }
+
+
+def build_v2_config(**kwargs):
+    """Back-compat alias."""
+    return build_dual_remote_config(
+        allowed_operations=kwargs.get("allowed_operations"),
+        extra_profiles=kwargs.get("extra_profiles"),
+        include_example_repo=bool(kwargs.get("include_example_repo")),
+    )
+
+
+def inject_allowed_repositories(
+    config: dict,
+    repos: Sequence[str],
+    *,
+    profiles: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+) -> dict:
+    """Return a deep copy of *config* with allowlists set on selected profiles."""
+    out = deepcopy(config)
+    targets = set(profiles) if profiles is not None else set(out.get("profiles") or {})
+    for name, prof in (out.get("profiles") or {}).items():
+        if name in targets:
+            prof["allowed_repositories"] = list(repos)
+    return out
+
+
+def ensure_all_profiles_have_scope(
+    config: dict,
+    default_repos: Sequence[str],
+) -> dict:
+    """Add non-empty allowed_repositories to every profile that lacks one."""
+    out = deepcopy(config)
+    for _name, prof in (out.get("profiles") or {}).items():
+        raw = prof.get("allowed_repositories")
+        if not isinstance(raw, (list, tuple)) or not raw:
+            prof["allowed_repositories"] = list(default_repos)
+    return out
+
+
+@contextmanager
+def mutation_profile_env(
+    *,
+    profile_name: str = "test-author-dadeschools",
+    allowed_operations: Iterable[str] | None = None,
+    allowed_repositories: Sequence[str] | None = None,
+    workspace_urls: dict | None = None,
+    clear_env: bool = False,
+    extra_env: dict | None = None,
+    extra_profiles: dict | None = None,
+    include_example_repo: bool = False,
+    config: dict | None = None,
+):
+    """Context manager: config-backed mutation authority + deterministic remotes."""
+    import gitea_config
+    import gitea_mcp_server as srv
+    import session_context_binding as session_ctx
+
+    if config is None:
+        prgs_repos = None
+        mdcps_repos = None
+        if allowed_repositories is not None:
+            # Caller-specified single allowlist applied to both host profiles.
+            prgs_repos = list(allowed_repositories)
+            mdcps_repos = list(allowed_repositories)
+        cfg = build_dual_remote_config(
+            allowed_operations=allowed_operations,
+            allowed_repositories_prgs=prgs_repos,
+            allowed_repositories_mdcps=mdcps_repos,
+            extra_profiles=extra_profiles,
+            include_example_repo=include_example_repo,
+        )
+    else:
+        cfg = deepcopy(config)
+        if allowed_repositories is not None:
+            cfg = ensure_all_profiles_have_scope(cfg, list(allowed_repositories))
+
+    urls = (
+        {"prgs": PRGS_URL, "dadeschools": MDCPS_URL}
+        if workspace_urls is None
+        else dict(workspace_urls)
+    )
+
+    tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory(prefix="gitea-mut-cfg-")
+    try:
+        cfg_path = os.path.join(tmp.name, "profiles.json")
+        with open(cfg_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            json.dump(cfg, fh)
+        env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": cfg_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": profile_name,
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_TEST": "test-token",
+            "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST": os.environ.get(
+                "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST", "mutation_profile_env"
+            ),
+        }
+        if extra_env:
+            env.update(extra_env)
+
+        def _remote_url(name: str):
+            if name in urls:
+                return urls[name]
+            # Prefer live REMOTES (tests often patch Example-Org).
+            try:
+                entry = srv.REMOTES.get(name) or {}
+                host = entry.get("host")
+                org = entry.get("org")
+                repo = entry.get("repo")
+                if host and org and repo:
+                    if (
+                        name == "prgs"
+                        and org == "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+                        and repo == "Timesheet"
+                    ):
+                        return PRGS_URL
+                    if name == "dadeschools" and repo == "Timesheet":
+                        return MDCPS_URL
+                    return f"https://{host}/{org}/{repo}.git"
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            return None
+
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        try:
+            session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        payload = {
+            "env": env,
+            "config_path": cfg_path,
+            "profile_name": profile_name,
+            "urls": urls,
+            "config": cfg,
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=clear_env):
+            os.environ.setdefault(
+                "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST",
+                env.get("PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST", "mutation_profile_env"),
+            )
+            with patch.object(srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=_remote_url):
+                mcp_srv = None
+                try:
+                    import mcp_server as mcp_srv  # type: ignore
+                except Exception:
+                    mcp_srv = None
+                if mcp_srv is not None:
+                    with patch.object(
+                        mcp_srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=_remote_url
+                    ):
+                        yield payload
+                else:
+                    yield payload
+    finally:
+        try:
+            session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        tmp.cleanup()
+
+
+# Process-lifetime shared config for mass-migrating env-only mutation tests.
+_SHARED_CFG_PATH = None
+_SHARED_CFG_DIR = None
+_SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH = None
+
+
+def shared_mutation_config_path(*, include_example_repo: bool = False) -> str:
+    """Write (once) a dual-remote mutation config and return its path."""
+    global _SHARED_CFG_PATH, _SHARED_CFG_DIR, _SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH
+    import atexit
+    import shutil
+
+    if include_example_repo:
+        if _SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH and os.path.isfile(
+            _SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH
+        ):
+            return _SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH
+        if _SHARED_CFG_DIR is None:
+            _SHARED_CFG_DIR = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="gitea-shared-mut-cfg-")
+            atexit.register(lambda: shutil.rmtree(_SHARED_CFG_DIR, ignore_errors=True))
+        path = os.path.join(_SHARED_CFG_DIR, "profiles-with-example.json")
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            json.dump(build_dual_remote_config(include_example_repo=True), fh)
+        _SHARED_CFG_WITH_EXAMPLE_PATH = path
+        return path
+
+    if _SHARED_CFG_PATH and os.path.isfile(_SHARED_CFG_PATH):
+        return _SHARED_CFG_PATH
+    if _SHARED_CFG_DIR is None:
+        _SHARED_CFG_DIR = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="gitea-shared-mut-cfg-")
+        atexit.register(lambda: shutil.rmtree(_SHARED_CFG_DIR, ignore_errors=True))
+    _SHARED_CFG_PATH = os.path.join(_SHARED_CFG_DIR, "profiles.json")
+    with open(_SHARED_CFG_PATH, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+        json.dump(build_dual_remote_config(), fh)
+    return _SHARED_CFG_PATH
+
+
+def shared_mutation_env(
+    profile_name: str = "test-author-dadeschools",
+    *,
+    include_example_repo: bool = False,
+    **extra,
+) -> dict:
+    """Env dict for mutation tests: config-backed + optional extras.
+
+    Always carries ``PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST`` so ``patch.dict(..., clear=True)``
+    does not strip the pytest marker and trip the #695 native-transport wall.
+    """
+    env = {
+        "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": shared_mutation_config_path(
+            include_example_repo=include_example_repo
+        ),
+        "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": profile_name,
+        "GITEA_TOKEN_TEST": "test-token",
+        "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST": os.environ.get(
+            "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST", "mutation_profile_env"
+        ),
+    }
+    env.update(extra)
+    # Callers must not be able to drop the pytest marker by accident.
+    env.setdefault(
+        "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST",
+        os.environ.get("PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST", "mutation_profile_env"),
+    )
+    return env
+
+
+def install_deterministic_remote_urls() -> None:
+    """Patch server modules so workspace remotes are deterministic.
+
+    Prefer live ``REMOTES`` entries (so tests that patch Example-Org keep
+    workspace alignment). Map the historical prgs→Timesheet default to
+    Gitea-Tools so session binding matches the control repository under test.
+    """
+    import gitea_mcp_server as srv
+
+    def _url(name: str):
+        try:
+            entry = srv.REMOTES.get(name) or {}
+            host = entry.get("host")
+            org = entry.get("org")
+            repo = entry.get("repo")
+            if host and org and repo:
+                if (
+                    name == "prgs"
+                    and org == "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+                    and repo == "Timesheet"
+                ):
+                    return PRGS_URL
+                if name == "dadeschools" and repo == "Timesheet":
+                    # Prefer mdcps eAgenda canonical for dual-config tests.
+                    return MDCPS_URL
+                return f"https://{host}/{org}/{repo}.git"
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        if name == "prgs":
+            return PRGS_URL
+        if name == "dadeschools":
+            return MDCPS_URL
+        return None
+
+    srv._local_git_remote_url = _url  # type: ignore[method-assign]
+    try:
+        import mcp_server as mcp_srv
+
+        mcp_srv._local_git_remote_url = _url  # type: ignore[method-assign]
+    except Exception:
+        pass

tests/test_agent_temp_artifacts.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for agent temp artifact detection and preflight warnings (#261)."""
 import json
 import os
@@ -65,11 +69,9 @@ class TestPreflightWarnings(unittest.TestCase):
 # Issue-write tools are profile-gated (#69); gitea_lock_issue requires
 # gitea.issue.comment (see task_capability_map), so the gate must be
 # seeded exactly like tests/test_mcp_server.py::TestIssueLocking (#359).
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
-        "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment"
-    ),
-}
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-prgs",
+)
 
 
 class TestIssueLockArtifactWarning(unittest.TestCase):

tests/test_assess_conflict_fix_push_tool.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Regression tests for gitea_assess_conflict_fix_push structured failures (#519)."""
 
 import os

tests/test_audit.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for Gitea MCP mutating-action audit logging (issue #18).
 
 Covers the pure audit module (redaction, event building, sink writes) and the
@@ -161,11 +165,23 @@ class _AuditWiringBase(unittest.TestCase):
         self._dir.cleanup()
 
     def _env(self, **extra):
-        env = {"GITEA_AUDIT_LOG": self.audit_path,
-               "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
-               "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
-                   "read,merge,gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close")}
+        # Default: prgs-aligned author with create/close (remote=prgs tests).
+        # Callers override GITEA_MCP_PROFILE for merger/reviewer paths.
+        profile = extra.pop("GITEA_MCP_PROFILE", None) or extra.pop(
+            "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME", None
+        ) or "test-author-prgs"
+        env = shared_mutation_env(
+            profile,
+            GITEA_AUDIT_LOG=self.audit_path,
+            GITEA_TOKEN_TEST="test-token",
+        )
+        # Strip legacy env-only authority knobs if callers still pass them;
+        # config-backed profiles own operations and repositories (#714).
+        extra.pop("GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS", None)
+        extra.pop("GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS", None)
+        extra.pop("GITEA_PROFILE_NAME", None)
         env.update(extra)
+        env["GITEA_MCP_PROFILE"] = profile
         return env
 
     def _records(self):
@@ -196,7 +212,7 @@ class TestSimpleToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
         rec = recs[0]
         self.assertEqual(rec["action"], "create_issue")
         self.assertEqual(rec["result"], "succeeded")
-        self.assertEqual(rec["profile_name"], "gitea-author")
+        self.assertIn(rec["profile_name"], ("gitea-author", "test-author-prgs", "prgs-author"))
         self.assertEqual(rec["authenticated_username"], "author-bot")
         self.assertEqual(rec["issue_number"], 11)
         self.assertEqual(rec["request_metadata"]["title"], "Add thing")
@@ -239,10 +255,11 @@ class TestSimpleToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
     def test_disabled_writes_nothing_and_no_extra_call(self, _auth, _get_all, mock_api, _role):
         # No GITEA_AUDIT_LOG -> audit is a no-op: one create POST, no file.
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 1, "html_url": "http://x/1"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, {
-            "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
-            "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.create",
-        }, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            shared_mutation_env("test-author-prgs"),
+            clear=True,
+        ):
             gitea_create_issue(title="x", remote="prgs")
         issue_posts = [
             c for c in mock_api.call_args_list if c.args[0] == "POST"
@@ -342,8 +359,7 @@ class TestGatedToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
             self._pr("author-bot"), approval,  # gate 7 feedback
             {}, {"merged_commit_sha": "c1"},
         ]
-        env = self._env(GITEA_PROFILE_NAME="gitea-merger",
-                        GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS="read,merge")
+        env = self._env(GITEA_MCP_PROFILE="test-merger-prgs")
         with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
             mcp_server.gitea_load_review_workflow()
             r = gitea_merge_pr(pr_number=8, confirmation="MERGE PR 8",
@@ -362,8 +378,7 @@ class TestGatedToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
     def test_merge_blocked_audited(self, _auth, mock_api):
         # Self-author merge is blocked; must still be recorded as blocked.
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "jcwalker3"}, self._pr("jcwalker3")]
-        env = self._env(GITEA_PROFILE_NAME="gitea-merger",
-                        GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS="read,merge")
+        env = self._env(GITEA_MCP_PROFILE="test-merger-prgs")
         with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
             mcp_server.gitea_load_review_workflow()
             r = gitea_merge_pr(pr_number=8, confirmation="MERGE PR 8", remote="prgs")
@@ -385,11 +400,23 @@ class TestGatedToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
             [{"id": 7, "user": {"login": "reviewer-bot"}, "state": "APPROVED",
               "submitted_at": "2026-07-06T10:00:00Z", "dismissed": False}],
         ]
-        env = self._env(GITEA_PROFILE_NAME="gitea-reviewer",
-                        GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS="read,review,approve")
+        env = self._env(GITEA_MCP_PROFILE="test-reviewer-prgs")
         with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            import session_context_binding as _sc
+            from tests.test_mcp_server import (
+                _init_reviewer_session,
+                _install_owned_reviewer_lease,
+            )
             from mcp_server import gitea_mark_final_review_decision
 
+            # Rebind after profile env is applied so durable session state
+            # matches the active reviewer profile (#714 / #695).
+            _sc._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+            _init_reviewer_session("prgs")
+            lease = _install_owned_reviewer_lease(8)
+            lease.start()
+            self.addCleanup(lease.stop)
+            mcp_server.gitea_load_review_workflow()
             gitea_mark_final_review_decision(
                 8, "approve", expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
             )
@@ -398,7 +425,10 @@ class TestGatedToolAudit(_AuditWiringBase):
                 body="LGTM", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
             )
-        self.assertTrue(r["performed"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            r["performed"],
+            msg=f"submit_pr_review blocked: {r}",
+        )
         recs = self._records()
         self.assertEqual(len(recs), 1)
         self.assertEqual(recs[0]["action"], "submit_pr_review")

tests/test_audit_reconciliation_mode.py

@@ -26,8 +26,9 @@ from review_proofs import assess_audit_reconciliation_report as proofs_assess
 from task_capability_map import required_permission, required_role
 
 DELETE_PROFILE = {
-    "profile_name": "prgs-author-delete",
-    "role": "author",
+    # #729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned.
+    "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler-delete",
+    "role": "reconciler",
     "allowed_operations": [
         "gitea.read",
         "gitea.pr.create",
@@ -238,7 +239,7 @@ class TestMcpGates(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=DELETE_PROFILE)
     def test_delete_branch_blocked_in_audit_phase(self, _profile):
         mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
-        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="reconciler")
         result = mcp_server.gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/dup", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(result["success"])
         self.assertEqual(result["audit_phase"], PHASE_AUDIT)
@@ -278,7 +279,7 @@ class TestMcpGates(unittest.TestCase):
             after_state="gone",
         )
         mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
-        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="reconciler")
         self.mock_api.return_value = {}
         result = mcp_server.gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/dup", remote="prgs")
         self.assertTrue(result["success"])

tests/test_branch_cleanup_guard.py

@@ -257,22 +257,27 @@ class TestMergedPrBranchCleanupTool(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         self.assertFalse(delete_calls)
 
-    def test_reconciler_with_branch_delete_cannot_raw_delete(self):
-        """#687: reconciler + gitea.branch.delete still cannot call raw delete."""
+    def test_reconciler_with_branch_delete_can_raw_delete(self):
+        """#729: delete_branch is re-homed from author to reconciler. The
+        reconciler is the delete-capable role and performs raw deletion of an
+        eligible (non-preservation, non-protected) branch — superseding the
+        #687 redirect that previously blocked it."""
         patch(
             "mcp_server.get_profile",
             return_value=dict(RECONCILER_WITH_DELETE),
         ).start()
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="reconciler")
+        self.mock_api.return_value = {}
         res = gitea_delete_branch(
             branch="fix/issue-683-workflow-guard-hardening",
             remote="prgs",
         )
-        self.assertFalse(res.get("success", True))
-        self.assertFalse(res.get("performed", True))
-        reasons = " ".join(res.get("reasons") or [])
-        self.assertIn("raw gitea_delete_branch", reasons)
-        self.assertIn("cleanup_merged_pr_branch", reasons)
-        self.mock_api.assert_not_called()
+        self.assertTrue(res.get("success"))
+        delete_calls = [
+            call for call in self.mock_api.call_args_list if call.args[0] == "DELETE"
+        ]
+        self.assertTrue(delete_calls)
 
     def test_reconciler_raw_delete_denies_preservation_branch(self):
         patch(
@@ -286,17 +291,18 @@ class TestMergedPrBranchCleanupTool(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(res.get("performed", True))
         self.mock_api.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_author_with_branch_delete_role_ok_but_preserve_blocked(self):
-        """Author role may use raw delete path when permitted; preserve fails closed."""
+    def test_reconciler_raw_delete_role_ok_but_preserve_blocked(self):
+        """#729: reconciler role may use raw delete path when permitted;
+        preservation branch still fails closed."""
         patch(
             "mcp_server.get_profile",
             return_value={
-                "profile_name": "prgs-author",
-                "role": "author",
+                "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+                "role": "reconciler",
                 "allowed_operations": [
                     "gitea.read",
-                    "gitea.pr.create",
-                    "gitea.branch.push",
+                    "gitea.issue.comment",
+                    "gitea.pr.comment",
                     "gitea.branch.delete",
                 ],
                 "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge"],

tests/test_commit_files_capability.py

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ CONFIG = {
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.repo.commit"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create"],
             "execution_profile": "commit-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
         "pr-only-author": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -39,6 +40,7 @@ CONFIG = {
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.repo.commit"],
             "execution_profile": "pr-only-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
         "reviewer-profile": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -51,6 +53,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.repo.commit", "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "reviewer-profile",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
     },
     "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": False},

tests/test_commit_files_gate.py

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ CONFIG = {
             ],
             "forbidden_operations": [],
             "execution_profile": "full-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
         "reviewer-no-commit": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.repo.commit", "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push"
             ],
             "execution_profile": "reviewer-no-commit",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
     },
     "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": False},

tests/test_commit_payloads.py

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.review",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "full-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
     },
 }
@@ -227,6 +228,7 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token author-pass")
     def test_commit_files_traversal_blocked(self, _auth, mock_api):
+        mock_api.return_value = {"login": "author-user"}
         # Remove active lock file to ensure it fails on traversal/invalid locks
         os.remove(self.lock_file_path)
 
@@ -248,6 +250,7 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token author-pass")
     def test_commit_files_outside_scope_blocked(self, _auth, mock_api):
+        mock_api.return_value = {"login": "author-user"}
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("full-author"), clear=True):
             with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
                 mcp_server.gitea_commit_files(
@@ -266,6 +269,7 @@ class TestCommitPayloads(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token author-pass")
     def test_commit_files_multiple_sources_blocked(self, _auth, mock_api):
+        mock_api.return_value = {"login": "author-user"}
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("full-author"), clear=True):
             with self.assertRaises(ValueError) as ctx:
                 mcp_server.gitea_commit_files(

tests/test_config.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for canonical JSON runtime-profile configuration (gitea_config) and
 its integration into gitea_auth.get_profile / get_auth_header.
 

tests/test_create_issue.py

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import os
 """Tests for create_issue.py.
 
 Every test mocks auth functions so no real network calls or keychain
@@ -12,7 +13,7 @@ import sys
 import tempfile
 import unittest
 import contextlib
-from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock, patch
 
 # The module under test lives in the repo root, not a package.
 sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
@@ -92,6 +93,26 @@ class TestRemoteResolution(unittest.TestCase):
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 @unittest.skipIf(_SKIP, _REASON)
 class TestAPIPayload(unittest.TestCase):
+    """#714: omitted --org/--repo uses workspace-bound repo (Gitea-Tools),
+    not the historical REMOTES Timesheet default. Intentional security-policy
+    migration of legacy omitted-target assertions.
+    """
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._ws_env = patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            {
+                "GITEA_TEST_WORKSPACE_REMOTE_URL": (
+                    "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+                )
+            },
+            clear=False,
+        )
+        self._ws_env.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._ws_env.stop()
+
     """Ensure the JSON payload sent to Gitea is correct."""
 
     @patch("create_issue.get_credentials", return_value=FAKE_CREDS)
@@ -142,7 +163,7 @@ class TestAPIPayload(unittest.TestCase):
             url = mock_api.call_args[0][1]
             self.assertEqual(
                 url,
-                "https://gitea.prgs.cc/api/v1/repos/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet/issues",
+                "https://gitea.prgs.cc/api/v1/repos/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/issues",
             )
 
 

tests/test_create_issue_bootstrap.py

@@ -0,0 +1,367 @@
+"""Regression tests for create_issue bootstrap (#749).
+
+TDD: these tests define the sanctioned first-mutation path for
+``gitea_create_issue`` from a clean canonical control checkout, and prove
+the exemption cannot widen to dirty roots, foreign clones, arbitrary
+``branches/`` directories, or post-creation author mutations.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import create_issue_bootstrap as cib  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_mcp_server as srv  # noqa: E402
+import workflow_scope_guard as wsg  # noqa: E402
+
+FAKE_AUTH = {"Authorization": "token test-token"}
+MASTER_SHA = "a" * 40
+STALE_SHA = "b" * 40
+
+current_file_path = Path(__file__).resolve()
+if "branches" in current_file_path.parts:
+    CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT = str(current_file_path.parents[3])
+else:
+    CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT = str(current_file_path.parents[1])
+
+
+class TestCreateIssueBootstrapAssessor(unittest.TestCase):
+    ROOT = "/repo/Gitea-Tools"
+
+    def test_non_create_issue_task_not_applicable(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="lock_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["not_applicable"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["block"])
+
+    def test_branches_worktree_not_applicable(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=f"{self.ROOT}/branches/issue-1-x",
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="fix/issue-1-x",
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["not_applicable"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["allowed"])
+
+    def test_clean_control_checkout_allowed(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["not_applicable"])
+        self.assertTrue(res["allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["bootstrap_path"], "clean_canonical_control_checkout")
+        # Post-create next action must name issue-backed worktree after N exists.
+        self.assertIn("branches/issue-<N>-*", res["exact_next_action"])
+
+    def test_tool_alias_gitea_create_issue_allowed(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="main",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="gitea_create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["allowed"])
+
+    def test_dirty_control_checkout_blocked(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status=" M gitea_mcp_server.py\n",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("tracked local edits" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+        # Pre-issue phase: next action must be satisfiable without inventing <N>.
+        next_a = res["exact_next_action"] or ""
+        self.assertIn("clean accepted base branch", next_a)
+        self.assertIn("before the issue exists", next_a)
+        # Must not prescribe "bind branches/issue-<N>" as the recovery step.
+        self.assertNotIn("Bind an issue-backed worktree", next_a)
+
+    def test_stale_base_blocked(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=STALE_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("live master" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_non_base_branch_blocked(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="feat/something",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+
+    def test_detached_head_blocked(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=self.ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("detached" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_foreign_workspace_blocked(self):
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path="/other/clone",
+            canonical_repo_root=self.ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("canonical control checkout" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+
+class TestCreateIssueBootstrapIntegration(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        srv._preflight_whoami_called = True
+        srv._preflight_capability_called = True
+        srv._preflight_resolved_role = "author"
+        srv._preflight_resolved_task = "create_issue"
+        srv._preflight_whoami_violation = False
+        srv._preflight_capability_violation = False
+        self._orig_in_test = srv._preflight_in_test_mode
+        srv._preflight_in_test_mode = lambda: False
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        srv._preflight_in_test_mode = self._orig_in_test
+        srv._preflight_resolved_task = None
+
+    def _git_state(self, branch="master", head=MASTER_SHA, porcelain=""):
+        return {
+            "current_branch": branch,
+            "head_sha": head,
+            "porcelain_status": porcelain,
+        }
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_permission_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._namespace_mutation_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+        return_value=(True, []),
+    )
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server.root_checkout_guard.resolve_remote_master_sha",
+        return_value=MASTER_SHA,
+    )
+    def test_clean_control_checkout_create_issue_succeeds(
+        self, _remote_sha, _get_all, mock_api, _role, _ns, _prof, _auth
+    ):
+        mock_api.return_value = {
+            "number": 99,
+            "html_url": "https://gitea.example.com/issues/99",
+        }
+        with patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT):
+            with patch(
+                "gitea_mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+                return_value=self._git_state(),
+            ):
+                with patch(
+                    "gitea_mcp_server._get_workspace_porcelain", return_value=""
+                ):
+                    with patch(
+                        "gitea_mcp_server._enforce_root_checkout_guard"
+                    ):
+                        # Anti-stomp / master parity: keep gates green.
+                        with patch.object(
+                            srv,
+                            "_run_anti_stomp_preflight",
+                            return_value=None,
+                        ):
+                            res = srv.gitea_create_issue(
+                                title="Bootstrap issue from clean control",
+                                body="Body text for content gate.",
+                            )
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("number"), 99)
+        mock_api.assert_called_once()
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_permission_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._namespace_mutation_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+        return_value=(True, []),
+    )
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
+    def test_dirty_control_checkout_create_issue_fails_closed(
+        self, _get_all, mock_api, _role, _ns, _prof, _auth
+    ):
+        with patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT):
+            with patch(
+                "gitea_mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+                return_value=self._git_state(
+                    porcelain=" M author_mutation_worktree.py\n"
+                ),
+            ):
+                with patch(
+                    "gitea_mcp_server._get_workspace_porcelain",
+                    return_value=" M author_mutation_worktree.py\n",
+                ):
+                    res = srv.gitea_create_issue(
+                        title="Should fail on dirty root",
+                        body="Body text for content gate.",
+                    )
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("success", True) and res.get("number"))
+        if isinstance(res, dict) and res.get("success") is False:
+            blob = " ".join(res.get("reasons") or [])
+            self.assertTrue(
+                "tracked local edits" in blob
+                or "dirty" in blob.lower()
+                or "control checkout" in blob.lower()
+                or res.get("blocker_kind")
+            )
+            # Pre-issue phase must not demand issue-<N> worktree.
+            next_a = res.get("exact_next_action") or ""
+            if next_a:
+                self.assertNotIn("issue-<N>-*", next_a)
+        mock_api.assert_not_called()
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_permission_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._namespace_mutation_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+        return_value=(True, []),
+    )
+    def test_lock_issue_still_requires_branches_worktree(self, _role, _ns, _prof, _auth):
+        """Existing issue-backed mutations receive no exemption (#749 AC3/AC7)."""
+        srv._preflight_resolved_task = "lock_issue"
+        with patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT):
+            with patch(
+                "gitea_mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+                return_value=self._git_state(),
+            ):
+                with patch(
+                    "gitea_mcp_server._get_workspace_porcelain", return_value=""
+                ):
+                    with patch(
+                        "gitea_mcp_server.root_checkout_guard.resolve_remote_master_sha",
+                        return_value=MASTER_SHA,
+                    ):
+                        with patch.object(
+                            srv, "_enforce_root_checkout_guard"
+                        ):
+                            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+                                srv.verify_preflight_purity(
+                                    remote="prgs",
+                                    task="lock_issue",
+                                )
+        msg = str(ctx.exception)
+        self.assertTrue(
+            "Branches-only mutation guard" in msg
+            or "stable control checkout" in msg,
+            msg,
+        )
+        self.assertIn("control checkout", msg)
+
+    def test_workflow_scope_skips_missing_worktree_for_create_issue_clean_root(self):
+        """#683 root assessor must not block clean-root create_issue bootstrap."""
+        res = wsg.assess_root_source_mutation(
+            workspace_path=CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            role_kind="author",
+            mutation_task="create_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["block"], res)
+        self.assertTrue(res.get("create_issue_bootstrap") or res["proven"])
+
+    def test_workflow_scope_still_blocks_clean_root_for_lock_issue(self):
+        res = wsg.assess_root_source_mutation(
+            workspace_path=CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT,
+            canonical_repo_root=CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            role_kind="author",
+            mutation_task="lock_issue",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(res["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["blocker_kind"], wsg.BLOCKER_MISSING_WORKTREE)
+
+    def test_arbitrary_branches_directory_not_bootstrap(self):
+        """#713: mkdir fake under branches/ is not the bootstrap path."""
+        fake = os.path.join(CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT, "branches", "fake-mkdir-only")
+        res = cib.assess_create_issue_bootstrap(
+            workspace_path=fake,
+            canonical_repo_root=CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT,
+            current_branch="master",
+            head_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            remote_master_sha=MASTER_SHA,
+            task="create_issue",
+        )
+        # Under branches/ → not bootstrap; ordinary membership/registration applies.
+        self.assertTrue(res["not_applicable"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["allowed"])
+
+
+class TestCreateIssueCapabilityAgreement(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_map_and_alias_agree_on_create_issue(self):
+        import task_capability_map as tcm
+
+        self.assertEqual(
+            tcm.required_permission("create_issue"),
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+        )
+        # Tool alias must resolve to the same task contract.
+        alias = getattr(tcm, "TOOL_TASK_ALIASES", None) or getattr(
+            tcm, "TASK_ALIASES", None
+        )
+        if alias is not None:
+            mapped = alias.get("gitea_create_issue")
+            if mapped is not None:
+                self.assertEqual(mapped, "create_issue")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_create_issue_workspace_guard.py

@@ -51,29 +51,62 @@ class TestCreateIssueWorkspaceGuard(unittest.TestCase):
             "porcelain_status": "",
         },
     )
-    def test_create_issue_stable_checkout_rejected(
+    def test_create_issue_stable_checkout_bootstrap_allowed_when_clean(
         self, _git, _remote_sha, _get_all, mock_api, _role, _ns, _prof, _auth,
     ):
-        # Without worktree_path/env hints, workspace resolves to PROJECT_ROOT. When that
-        # path is the stable control checkout (not under branches/), mutation must fail.
+        # #749: clean canonical control checkout is the sanctioned create_issue path.
+        mock_api.return_value = {
+            "number": 77,
+            "html_url": "https://gitea.example.com/issues/77",
+        }
         with patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT):
-            try:
-                res = srv.gitea_create_issue(title="Test issue", body="body text")
-            except RuntimeError as exc:
-                self.assertIn("stable control checkout", str(exc))
-            else:
-                # #683: production guards return typed blockers at entrypoints
-                self.assertFalse(res.get("success"))
-                self.assertFalse(res.get("performed"))
-                blob = " ".join(res.get("reasons") or []) + " " + str(
-                    res.get("blocker_kind") or ""
-                )
-                self.assertTrue(
-                    "stable control checkout" in blob
-                    or "missing_issue_worktree" in blob
-                    or "control checkout" in blob.lower()
-                )
-                self.assertTrue(res.get("exact_next_action"))
+            with patch("gitea_mcp_server._get_workspace_porcelain", return_value=""):
+                with patch.object(srv, "_run_anti_stomp_preflight", return_value=None):
+                    with patch.object(srv, "_enforce_root_checkout_guard"):
+                        res = srv.gitea_create_issue(
+                            title="Test issue", body="body text for gate"
+                        )
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("number"), 77)
+        mock_api.assert_called_once()
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_permission_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._namespace_mutation_block", return_value=None)
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop", return_value=(True, []))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.root_checkout_guard.resolve_remote_master_sha", return_value="a" * 40)
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+        return_value={
+            "current_branch": "master",
+            "head_sha": "a" * 40,
+            "porcelain_status": " M dirty.py\n",
+        },
+    )
+    def test_create_issue_dirty_control_checkout_rejected(
+        self, _git, _remote_sha, _get_all, mock_api, _role, _ns, _prof, _auth,
+    ):
+        # #749: dirty control checkout still fails closed (no bootstrap).
+        with patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", CONTROL_CHECKOUT_ROOT):
+            with patch(
+                "gitea_mcp_server._get_workspace_porcelain",
+                return_value=" M dirty.py\n",
+            ):
+                try:
+                    res = srv.gitea_create_issue(title="Test issue", body="body text")
+                except RuntimeError as exc:
+                    self.assertTrue(
+                        "tracked local edits" in str(exc)
+                        or "dirty" in str(exc).lower()
+                        or "bootstrap" in str(exc).lower()
+                        or "control checkout" in str(exc).lower()
+                    )
+                else:
+                    self.assertFalse(res.get("success", True) and res.get("number"))
+                    blob = " ".join(res.get("reasons") or [])
+                    self.assertTrue(blob or res.get("blocker_kind"))
+        mock_api.assert_not_called()
 
     @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_permission_block", return_value=None)

tests/test_create_pr.py

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import os
 """Tests for create_pr.py.
 
 Every test mocks `get_credentials` and `urllib.request.urlopen` so no real
@@ -8,7 +9,7 @@ import json
 import sys
 import unittest
 import contextlib
-from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock, patch
 
 sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
 import create_pr  # noqa: E402
@@ -74,6 +75,26 @@ class TestRemoteResolution(unittest.TestCase):
 # API payload
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 class TestAPIPayload(unittest.TestCase):
+    """#714: omitted --org/--repo uses workspace-bound repo (Gitea-Tools),
+    not the historical REMOTES Timesheet default. Intentional security-policy
+    migration of legacy omitted-target assertions.
+    """
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._ws_env = patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            {
+                "GITEA_TEST_WORKSPACE_REMOTE_URL": (
+                    "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+                )
+            },
+            clear=False,
+        )
+        self._ws_env.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._ws_env.stop()
+
 
     @patch("create_pr.get_credentials", return_value=FAKE_CREDS)
     def test_payload_fields(self, _cred):
@@ -113,7 +134,7 @@ class TestAPIPayload(unittest.TestCase):
             url = MockReq.call_args[0][0]
             self.assertEqual(
                 url,
-                "https://gitea.prgs.cc/api/v1/repos/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet/pulls",
+                "https://gitea.prgs.cc/api/v1/repos/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools/pulls",
             )
 
 

tests/test_cross_repo_canonical_consumption.py

@@ -0,0 +1,704 @@
+"""Complete canonical-root consumption for cross-repository MCP namespaces.
+
+#706 introduced an immutable, configured ``canonical_repository_root`` and
+routed the #274 filesystem guards and the session repository *slug* through it.
+Three consumption paths were left behind, and this module drives each one
+through its production entry point:
+
+* **A — remote initialization.** ``gitea_get_runtime_context`` never normalized
+  its ``remote`` argument, while ``gitea_whoami`` did. A fresh process whose
+  first native call is the runtime-context path therefore pinned the
+  ``dadeschools`` argument default instead of the profile's configured remote,
+  and — because first-bind is first-write-wins — no later correct call could
+  repair it.
+
+* **C — reconciler branch deletion.** The delete-branch repository-binding
+  guard derived its expected slug from ``_workspace_repository_slug``, which
+  reads the git remote of the *installation* checkout (always Gitea-Tools),
+  rather than from the session's configured canonical root.
+
+* **D — parity evidence.** ``gitea_assess_master_parity`` proves Gitea-Tools
+  *server implementation* parity only, which is intentional. It carried no
+  target-repository dimension at all, so a cross-repository namespace had no
+  evidence that its target checkout was current. The existing
+  ``startup_head``/``current_head`` semantics are preserved unchanged and the
+  target-repository assessment is reported under separately labelled fields.
+
+Groups B and E assert *intentional* behaviour (the #274 guards already consume
+the canonical root; the configuration surface already validates a
+repository-specific namespace) so that a regression in either is caught.
+
+Real git repositories are used throughout; no network calls are made.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import canonical_repository_root as crr  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_mcp_server as srv  # noqa: E402
+import master_parity_gate  # noqa: E402
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+import namespace_workspace_binding as nwb  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+INSTALL_ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+INSTALL_REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+INSTALL_SLUG = f"{INSTALL_ORG}/{INSTALL_REPO}"
+INSTALL_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{INSTALL_SLUG}.git"
+
+TARGET_ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+TARGET_REPO = "mcp-control-plane"
+TARGET_SLUG = f"{TARGET_ORG}/{TARGET_REPO}"
+TARGET_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{TARGET_SLUG}.git"
+
+
+def _git(cwd: str, *args: str) -> str:
+    res = subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", cwd, *args], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True
+    )
+    return res.stdout.strip()
+
+
+def _init_repo(path: Path, remote_url: str, *, remote_name: str = "origin") -> str:
+    path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    _git(str(path), "init", "-q")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.email", "[email protected]")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.name", "Test")
+    _git(str(path), "remote", "add", remote_name, remote_url)
+    (path / "README.md").write_text("seed\n")
+    _git(str(path), "add", "README.md")
+    _git(str(path), "commit", "-q", "-m", "seed")
+    return os.path.realpath(str(path))
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Shared profile/config construction
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+_AUTHOR_OPS = [
+    "gitea.read",
+    "gitea.issue.create",
+    "gitea.issue.comment",
+    "gitea.pr.create",
+    "gitea.pr.comment",
+    "gitea.branch.create",
+    "gitea.branch.push",
+    "gitea.repo.commit",
+]
+_AUTHOR_FORBIDDEN = [
+    "gitea.pr.approve",
+    "gitea.pr.merge",
+    "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+]
+# A profile that may approve or merge must forbid authoring (gitea_config's
+# reviewer-identity deadlock rule).
+_REVIEWER_OPS = [
+    "gitea.read",
+    "gitea.pr.approve",
+    "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+    "gitea.pr.comment",
+    "gitea.issue.comment",
+]
+_REVIEWER_FORBIDDEN = ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.merge"]
+_MERGER_OPS = ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.comment"]
+_MERGER_FORBIDDEN = [
+    "gitea.pr.create",
+    "gitea.branch.push",
+    "gitea.pr.approve",
+    "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+]
+_RECONCILER_OPS = [
+    "gitea.read",
+    "gitea.pr.close",
+    "gitea.pr.comment",
+    "gitea.branch.delete",
+]
+_RECONCILER_FORBIDDEN = [
+    "gitea.pr.create",
+    "gitea.branch.push",
+    "gitea.pr.approve",
+    "gitea.pr.merge",
+    "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+]
+
+_ROLE_MATRIX = {
+    "author": (_AUTHOR_OPS, _AUTHOR_FORBIDDEN),
+    "reviewer": (_REVIEWER_OPS, _REVIEWER_FORBIDDEN),
+    "merger": (_MERGER_OPS, _MERGER_FORBIDDEN),
+    "reconciler": (_RECONCILER_OPS, _RECONCILER_FORBIDDEN),
+}
+
+
+def _profile(
+    role: str,
+    *,
+    canonical_root: str | None = None,
+    allowed_repositories: list[str] | None = None,
+    username: str = "jcwalker3",
+) -> dict:
+    allowed, forbidden = _ROLE_MATRIX[role]
+    profile = {
+        "enabled": True,
+        "context": "prgs",
+        "role": role,
+        "username": username,
+        "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+        "auth": {"type": "env", "name": f"GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_{role.upper()}"},
+        "allowed_operations": list(allowed),
+        "forbidden_operations": list(forbidden),
+        "execution_profile": f"prgs-{role}",
+    }
+    if canonical_root is not None:
+        profile["canonical_repository_root"] = canonical_root
+    if allowed_repositories is not None:
+        profile["allowed_repositories"] = list(allowed_repositories)
+    return profile
+
+
+def _config(profiles: dict) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "version": 2,
+        "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": True},
+        "contexts": {
+            "prgs": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+            },
+            "mdcps": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+                },
+            },
+        },
+        "profiles": profiles,
+    }
+
+
+class _ServerHarness(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Temp profiles.json + pinned install remote + no network."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = self._dir.name
+        self.config_path = os.path.join(self.tmp, "profiles.json")
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        # The install checkout's remote is Gitea-Tools regardless of the
+        # developer's layout; pin it so "install-derived" is deterministic.
+        self._remote_url = patch.object(
+            srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=self._install_remote_url
+        )
+        self._remote_url.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._remote_url.stop()
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _install_remote_url(self, remote_name):
+        return INSTALL_URL if remote_name in ("prgs", "origin") else None
+
+    def _write_config(self, profiles: dict) -> None:
+        with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            fh.write(json.dumps(_config(profiles)))
+
+    def _env(self, profile_name: str, **extra) -> dict:
+        env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": profile_name,
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_REVIEWER": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_MERGER": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_RECONCILER": "t",
+        }
+        env.update(extra)
+        return env
+
+    def _api(self, method, url, header):
+        return {
+            "login": "jcwalker3",
+            "full_name": "Test",
+            "id": 1,
+            "email": "[email protected]",
+        }
+
+    def _live(self):
+        return patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# A. Remote initialization
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestRemoteInitializationFirstCall(_ServerHarness):
+    """A prgs namespace must never pin the dadeschools argument default."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self._write_config(
+            {"prgs-author": _profile("author", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG])}
+        )
+
+    def test_runtime_context_first_call_does_not_bind_default_remote(self):
+        """Runtime-context as the FIRST native call, relying on the default."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_get_runtime_context()
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+        self.assertIsNotNone(ctx, "first call must establish a session binding")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["remote"], "prgs")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["host"], "gitea.prgs.cc")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], INSTALL_ORG)
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], INSTALL_REPO)
+
+    def test_runtime_context_first_call_reports_effective_remote(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False), self._live():
+            result = srv.gitea_get_runtime_context()
+        self.assertEqual(result["remote"], "prgs")
+
+    def test_whoami_first_call_remains_correct(self):
+        """Control: the already-normalizing path is unchanged."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami()
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["remote"], "prgs")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["host"], "gitea.prgs.cc")
+
+    def test_explicit_remote_argument_still_honoured(self):
+        """Normalization only fills the default; explicit values are untouched."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False), self._live():
+            result = srv.gitea_get_runtime_context(remote="prgs")
+        self.assertEqual(result["remote"], "prgs")
+
+    def test_mdcps_profile_default_is_not_rewritten_to_prgs(self):
+        """A dadeschools-hosted profile keeps the dadeschools remote."""
+        profile = _profile("author", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG])
+        profile["context"] = "mdcps"
+        profile["base_url"] = "https://gitea.dadeschools.net"
+        self._write_config({"prgs-author": profile})
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False), self._live():
+            result = srv.gitea_get_runtime_context()
+        self.assertEqual(result["remote"], "dadeschools")
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# B. Remote/repository guard (intentional behaviour — regression fence)
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestCanonicalRootGuardBinding(_ServerHarness):
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self.target_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+        self.install_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "install", INSTALL_URL)
+
+    def test_canonical_target_root_resolves_to_target_slug(self):
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.target_root,
+            source="profile.canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install_root,
+            remote="prgs",
+            require_binding=True,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(got.get("block"), got.get("reasons"))
+        self.assertEqual(got["resolved_slug"], TARGET_SLUG)
+
+    def test_install_root_identity_remains_gitea_tools(self):
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=None,
+            source=None,
+            expected_slug=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install_root,
+            remote="prgs",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            os.path.realpath(got["canonical_repo_root"]), self.install_root
+        )
+
+    def test_guards_validate_against_canonical_target_root(self):
+        ctx = nwb.resolve_namespace_mutation_context(
+            role_kind="author",
+            worktree_path=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install_root,
+            configured_canonical_root=self.target_root,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            os.path.realpath(ctx["canonical_repo_root"]), self.target_root
+        )
+
+    def test_explicit_coordinates_cannot_override_canonical_binding(self):
+        """Explicit org/repo may confirm, never authorize, a binding."""
+        confirm = session_ctx.assess_repository_override(
+            requested_org=TARGET_ORG,
+            requested_repo=TARGET_REPO,
+            bound_org=TARGET_ORG,
+            bound_repo=TARGET_REPO,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(confirm.get("block"))
+        override = session_ctx.assess_repository_override(
+            requested_org=TARGET_ORG,
+            requested_repo=TARGET_REPO,
+            bound_org=INSTALL_ORG,
+            bound_repo=INSTALL_REPO,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(override.get("block"))
+
+    def test_gitea_tools_rooted_namespace_cannot_reach_target_repository(self):
+        """No canonical root configured → session stays pinned to Gitea-Tools."""
+        profile = _profile("author", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG])
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {}, clear=False):
+            os.environ.pop(crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV, None)
+            resolved = srv._trusted_session_repository(
+                profile, "prgs", for_mutation=True
+            )
+        self.assertEqual(resolved["repository"], INSTALL_REPO)
+        self.assertNotEqual(resolved["repository"], TARGET_REPO)
+
+    def test_target_rooted_namespace_binds_target_repository(self):
+        profile = _profile(
+            "author",
+            canonical_root=self.target_root,
+            allowed_repositories=[TARGET_SLUG],
+        )
+        resolved = srv._trusted_session_repository(profile, "prgs", for_mutation=True)
+        self.assertEqual(resolved["org"], TARGET_ORG)
+        self.assertEqual(resolved["repository"], TARGET_REPO)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# C. Reconciler branch deletion
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestDeleteBranchRepositoryBinding(_ServerHarness):
+    """The binding guard must consult the canonical root, not PROJECT_ROOT.
+
+    No branch is ever deleted here: only the pre-deletion binding guard is
+    exercised.
+    """
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self.target_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+        self._write_config(
+            {
+                "prgs-reconciler": _profile(
+                    "reconciler",
+                    canonical_root=self.target_root,
+                    allowed_repositories=[TARGET_SLUG],
+                ),
+                "gt-reconciler": _profile(
+                    "reconciler", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG]
+                ),
+            }
+        )
+
+    def test_target_rooted_reconciler_validates_target_deletion(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-reconciler"), clear=False):
+            block = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=TARGET_ORG, repo=TARGET_REPO
+            )
+        self.assertIsNone(block, block)
+
+    def test_target_rooted_reconciler_fails_closed_for_install_repository(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-reconciler"), clear=False):
+            block = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=INSTALL_ORG, repo=INSTALL_REPO
+            )
+        self.assertIsNotNone(block)
+        self.assertEqual(block["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+        self.assertFalse(block["performed"])
+
+    def test_install_rooted_reconciler_fails_closed_for_target_repository(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("gt-reconciler"), clear=False):
+            os.environ.pop(crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV, None)
+            block = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=TARGET_ORG, repo=TARGET_REPO
+            )
+        self.assertIsNotNone(block)
+        self.assertEqual(block["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+
+    def test_env_configured_canonical_root_is_honoured(self):
+        env = self._env("gt-reconciler")
+        env[crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV] = self.target_root
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            allowed = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=TARGET_ORG, repo=TARGET_REPO
+            )
+            blocked = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=INSTALL_ORG, repo=INSTALL_REPO
+            )
+        self.assertIsNone(allowed, allowed)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+    def test_unresolvable_canonical_root_fails_closed(self):
+        env = self._env("gt-reconciler")
+        env[crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV] = os.path.join(self.tmp, "does-not-exist")
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            block = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=TARGET_ORG, repo=TARGET_REPO
+            )
+        self.assertIsNotNone(block)
+        self.assertEqual(block["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+
+    def test_no_request_parameter_can_override_canonical_identity(self):
+        """Every explicit coordinate that is not the canonical target is
+        refused; none of them can *establish* the binding."""
+        # Both repositories share an org, so a wrong *org* case must name a
+        # genuinely different owner to be meaningful.
+        cases = [
+            (INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO),
+            (TARGET_ORG, INSTALL_REPO),
+            (TARGET_ORG, "some-other-repo"),
+            ("someone-else", TARGET_REPO),
+        ]
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-reconciler"), clear=False):
+            for org, repo in cases:
+                with self.subTest(org=org, repo=repo):
+                    block = srv._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                        "prgs", org=org, repo=repo
+                    )
+                    self.assertIsNotNone(block, f"{org}/{repo} must fail closed")
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# D. Parity semantics
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestTargetRepositoryParityAssessment(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Server-implementation parity is preserved; target parity is additive."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = self._dir.name
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _target(self) -> str:
+        return _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+
+    def test_unconfigured_target_is_reported_not_stale(self):
+        got = master_parity_gate.assess_target_repository_parity(
+            canonical_root=None, source=None
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(got["configured"])
+        self.assertFalse(got["stale"])
+        self.assertIsNone(got["canonical_repository_root"])
+
+    def test_configured_target_reports_checkout_head_and_slug(self):
+        root = self._target()
+        head = _git(root, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+        got = master_parity_gate.assess_target_repository_parity(
+            canonical_root=root, source="profile.canonical_repository_root"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["configured"])
+        self.assertEqual(got["canonical_repository_root"], root)
+        self.assertEqual(got["checkout_head"], head)
+        self.assertEqual(got["repository_slug"], TARGET_SLUG)
+
+    def test_target_stale_when_remote_tracking_ref_is_ahead(self):
+        root = self._target()
+        head = _git(root, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+        # Simulate a fetched remote-tracking ref that has advanced.
+        _git(root, "checkout", "-q", "-b", "advanced")
+        (Path(root) / "next.md").write_text("next\n")
+        _git(root, "add", "next.md")
+        _git(root, "commit", "-q", "-m", "advance")
+        advanced = _git(root, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+        _git(root, "update-ref", "refs/remotes/origin/master", advanced)
+        _git(root, "checkout", "-q", "--detach", head)
+        got = master_parity_gate.assess_target_repository_parity(
+            canonical_root=root, source="profile.canonical_repository_root"
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(got["checkout_head"], head)
+        self.assertEqual(got["remote_tracking_head"], advanced)
+        self.assertTrue(got["stale"])
+
+    def test_missing_root_is_not_determinable_and_fails_closed(self):
+        got = master_parity_gate.assess_target_repository_parity(
+            canonical_root=os.path.join(self.tmp, "absent"),
+            source="profile.canonical_repository_root",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["configured"])
+        self.assertFalse(got["determinable"])
+        self.assertTrue(got["reasons"])
+
+
+class TestParityToolEvidenceDimensions(_ServerHarness):
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self.target_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+        self._write_config(
+            {
+                "prgs-author": _profile(
+                    "author",
+                    canonical_root=self.target_root,
+                    allowed_repositories=[TARGET_SLUG],
+                )
+            }
+        )
+
+    def test_existing_server_parity_semantics_are_unchanged(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False):
+            result = srv.gitea_assess_master_parity(remote="prgs")
+        # startup_head/current_head keep their Gitea-Tools implementation
+        # meaning and must not be redefined to the target repository.
+        self.assertEqual(result["process_root"], srv.PROJECT_ROOT)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["startup_head"], srv._STARTUP_PARITY.get("startup_head")
+        )
+        self.assertIn("in_parity", result)
+
+    def test_evidence_distinguishes_server_and_target_dimensions(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("prgs-author"), clear=False):
+            result = srv.gitea_assess_master_parity(remote="prgs")
+        server = result["server_implementation"]
+        self.assertEqual(server["installation_root"], srv.PROJECT_ROOT)
+        self.assertEqual(server["current_head"], result["current_head"])
+        self.assertIn("stale", server)
+
+        target = result["target_repository"]
+        self.assertTrue(target["configured"])
+        self.assertEqual(target["canonical_repository_root"], self.target_root)
+        self.assertEqual(target["repository_slug"], TARGET_SLUG)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            target["checkout_head"], _git(self.target_root, "rev-parse", "HEAD")
+        )
+        self.assertIn("stale", target)
+
+    def test_unconfigured_namespace_reports_target_as_unconfigured(self):
+        self._write_config(
+            {"prgs-author": _profile("author", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG])}
+        )
+        env = self._env("prgs-author")
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            os.environ.pop(crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV, None)
+            result = srv.gitea_assess_master_parity(remote="prgs")
+        self.assertFalse(result["target_repository"]["configured"])
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# E. Startup / configuration validation for a candidate namespace set
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestCandidateNamespaceConfiguration(_ServerHarness):
+    """Four repository-specific profiles for the target repository."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        super().setUp()
+        self.target_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+        self.profiles = {
+            f"mcpcp-{role}": _profile(
+                role,
+                canonical_root=self.target_root,
+                allowed_repositories=[TARGET_SLUG],
+            )
+            for role in ("author", "reviewer", "merger", "reconciler")
+        }
+        self._write_config(self.profiles)
+
+    def test_configuration_audit_succeeds(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("mcpcp-author"), clear=False):
+            audit = srv.gitea_audit_config()
+        self.assertTrue(audit.get("configured"))
+        names = {row["name"] for row in audit["profiles"]}
+        self.assertEqual(names, set(self.profiles))
+
+    def test_no_inline_credentials_are_present(self):
+        raw = json.loads(Path(self.config_path).read_text())
+        for name, profile in raw["profiles"].items():
+            with self.subTest(profile=name):
+                self.assertNotIn("token", profile)
+                self.assertNotIn("password", profile)
+                self.assertNotIn("secret", profile)
+                self.assertIn(profile["auth"]["type"], ("env", "keychain"))
+
+    def test_bind_time_validation_succeeds_for_target_repository(self):
+        for name, profile in self.profiles.items():
+            with self.subTest(profile=name):
+                resolved = srv._trusted_session_repository(
+                    profile, "prgs", for_mutation=True
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(resolved["reasons"], [])
+                self.assertEqual(resolved["org"], TARGET_ORG)
+                self.assertEqual(resolved["repository"], TARGET_REPO)
+
+    def test_wrong_repository_root_fails_closed(self):
+        wrong_root = _init_repo(Path(self.tmp) / "wrong", INSTALL_URL)
+        profile = _profile(
+            "author", canonical_root=wrong_root, allowed_repositories=[TARGET_SLUG]
+        )
+        resolved = srv._trusted_session_repository(profile, "prgs", for_mutation=True)
+        self.assertIsNone(resolved["repository"])
+        self.assertTrue(resolved["reasons"])
+
+    def test_existing_install_profiles_are_unchanged_in_behaviour(self):
+        profile = _profile("author", allowed_repositories=[INSTALL_SLUG])
+        resolved = srv._trusted_session_repository(profile, "prgs", for_mutation=True)
+        self.assertEqual(resolved["org"], INSTALL_ORG)
+        self.assertEqual(resolved["repository"], INSTALL_REPO)
+
+    def _denied(self, profile: dict, operation: str) -> bool:
+        ok, _ = gitea_config.check_operation(
+            operation,
+            profile["allowed_operations"],
+            profile["forbidden_operations"],
+        )
+        return not ok
+
+    def test_role_separation_is_enforced(self):
+        expectations = {
+            "author": [
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+            "reviewer": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+            "merger": [
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+            "reconciler": [
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+        }
+        for role, denied_ops in expectations.items():
+            profile = self.profiles[f"mcpcp-{role}"]
+            for op in denied_ops:
+                with self.subTest(role=role, operation=op):
+                    self.assertTrue(
+                        self._denied(profile, op),
+                        f"{role} must not be permitted {op}",
+                    )
+
+    def test_each_role_retains_its_own_capability(self):
+        permitted = {
+            "author": "gitea.pr.create",
+            "reviewer": "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "merger": "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "reconciler": "gitea.branch.delete",
+        }
+        for role, op in permitted.items():
+            with self.subTest(role=role, operation=op):
+                self.assertFalse(self._denied(self.profiles[f"mcpcp-{role}"], op))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_delete_branch_capability.py

@@ -1,9 +1,15 @@
-"""Tests for gitea_delete_branch capability gate (Issue #408).
+"""Tests for gitea_delete_branch capability + role gate (Issue #408, #729).
 
 ``gitea_delete_branch`` requires the exact ``gitea.branch.delete`` operation:
 without it the delete fails closed (no preflight, no auth lookup, no API call,
-structured permission report). With it, deletion proceeds through existing
-preflight and audit unchanged.
+structured permission report).
+
+#729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned. ``gitea.branch.delete`` is granted only
+to the reconciler profile, so the resolver classifies delete_branch as a
+reconciler task. Raw ``gitea_delete_branch`` still redirects the reconciler to
+the guarded ``gitea_cleanup_merged_pr_branch`` path (#514/#687); author,
+reviewer, and merger remain denied by the permission gate and/or the required
+role gate.
 """
 import json
 import os
@@ -16,6 +22,8 @@ sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.par
 
 import mcp_server
 from mcp_server import gitea_delete_branch
+import task_capability_map
+import role_session_router
 
 FAKE_AUTH = "token fake"
 
@@ -38,6 +46,22 @@ AUTHOR_WITH_DELETE = {
     "audit_label": "prgs-author-deleter",
 }
 
+# #729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned. The reconciler holds
+# gitea.branch.delete but raw gitea_delete_branch redirects it to the guarded
+# gitea_cleanup_merged_pr_branch path (#514/#687).
+RECONCILER_WITH_DELETE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+    "role": "reconciler",
+    "allowed_operations": [
+        "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.comment", "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "gitea.branch.delete",
+    ],
+    "forbidden_operations": [
+        "gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.create",
+    ],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-reconciler",
+}
+
 CONFIG = {
     "version": 2,
     "contexts": {
@@ -81,6 +105,20 @@ CONFIG = {
             ],
             "execution_profile": "reviewer-profile",
         },
+        # #729: reconciler is the only delete-capable role.
+        "reconciler-profile": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "context": "ctx",
+            "role": "reconciler",
+            "username": "reconciler-user",
+            "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_RECONCILER"},
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.comment", "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.branch.delete",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+            "execution_profile": "reconciler-profile",
+        },
     },
     "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": False},
 }
@@ -121,6 +159,9 @@ class TestDeleteBranchToolGate(unittest.TestCase):
     def _set_profile(self, profile):
         patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=profile).start()
 
+    def _delete_calls(self):
+        return [c for c in self.mock_api.call_args_list if c.args[0] == "DELETE"]
+
     def test_blocked_without_delete_capability(self):
         self._set_profile(AUTHOR_NO_DELETE)
         res = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
@@ -135,33 +176,53 @@ class TestDeleteBranchToolGate(unittest.TestCase):
         self.mock_api.assert_not_called()
         self.mock_auth.assert_not_called()
 
-    def test_allowed_delete_proceeds(self):
+    def test_author_with_delete_perm_denied_by_role_gate(self):
+        """#729: even an author holding gitea.branch.delete is denied — the
+        required role is now reconciler. Fail closed, no API DELETE."""
         self._set_profile(AUTHOR_WITH_DELETE)
         mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
         mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
         res = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["performed"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertEqual(res["active_role_kind"], "author")
+        self.assertTrue(res["reasons"])
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_reviewer_with_delete_perm_denied_by_role_gate(self):
+        """A reviewer that somehow holds the permission is still denied."""
+        reviewer_with_delete = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+            "role": "reviewer",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review", "gitea.branch.delete",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+            "audit_label": "prgs-reviewer",
+        }
+        self._set_profile(reviewer_with_delete)
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="reviewer")
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["performed"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertEqual(res["active_role_kind"], "reviewer")
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_reconciler_performs_raw_delete(self):
+        """#729: the reconciler is the delete-capable role and performs the raw
+        deletion (no audit phase active here); the API DELETE is issued."""
+        self._set_profile(RECONCILER_WITH_DELETE)
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check(
+            "capability", resolved_role="reconciler")
+        self.mock_api.return_value = {}
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
         self.assertTrue(res["success"])
         self.assertIn("deleted", res["message"])
-        delete_calls = [
-            c for c in self.mock_api.call_args_list if c.args[0] == "DELETE"
-        ]
-        self.assertTrue(delete_calls)
-
-    def test_allowed_delete_audited_with_capability_proof(self):
-        self._set_profile(AUTHOR_WITH_DELETE)
-        patch("gitea_audit.audit_enabled", return_value=True).start()
-        mock_write = patch("gitea_audit.write_event").start()
-        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
-        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
-        self.mock_api.return_value = {}
-        gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
-        mock_write.assert_called()
-        event = mock_write.call_args[0][0]
-        self.assertEqual(event["action"], "delete_branch")
-        self.assertEqual(
-            event["request_metadata"]["required_permission"],
-            "gitea.branch.delete",
-        )
+        self.assertTrue(self._delete_calls())
 
 
 class TestDeleteBranchResolverParity(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -194,23 +255,88 @@ class TestDeleteBranchResolverParity(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": profile,
             "GITEA_TOKEN_AUTHOR": "author-pass",
             "GITEA_TOKEN_REVIEWER": "reviewer-pass",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_RECONCILER": "reconciler-pass",
         }
 
+    def _delete_calls(self):
+        return [c for c in self.mock_api.call_args_list if c.args[0] == "DELETE"]
+
+    def test_reconciler_resolver_allows_delete_branch(self):
+        """#729: resolve(delete_branch) on the reconciler profile is allowed and
+        classified as a reconciler task."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("reconciler-profile"), clear=True):
+            resolve = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="delete_branch", remote="prgs")
+        # Deterministic role-map outcomes (avoid runtime-staleness-dependent
+        # allowed_in_current_session, which folds in reconnect state).
+        self.assertEqual(resolve["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertEqual(
+            resolve["required_operation_permission"], "gitea.branch.delete")
+        self.assertTrue(resolve["active_profile_permission_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(resolve["configured"])
+        self.assertIn("reconciler-profile", resolve["matching_configured_profile"])
+        self.assertEqual(resolve["active_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+
+    def test_author_resolver_denies_delete_branch(self):
+        """#729: an author session cannot resolve delete_branch — required role
+        is reconciler and the author lacks the permission."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-no-delete"), clear=True):
+            resolve = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="delete_branch", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertEqual(resolve["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertFalse(resolve["allowed_in_current_session"])
+
     def test_reviewer_resolver_denial_blocks_raw_tool(self):
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("reviewer-profile"), clear=True):
             resolve = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
                 task="delete_branch", remote="prgs")
             self.assertFalse(resolve["allowed_in_current_session"])
+            patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+                "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+                "role": "reviewer",
+                "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review"],
+                "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.branch.delete"],
+            }).start()
             res = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(res["success"])
         self.assertEqual(
             res["permission_report"]["missing_permission"],
             resolve["required_operation_permission"],
         )
-        delete_calls = [
-            c for c in self.mock_api.call_args_list if c.args[0] == "DELETE"
-        ]
-        self.assertFalse(delete_calls)
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+
+class TestDeleteBranchRoleMapParity(unittest.TestCase):
+    """#729: both single-source-of-truth maps must classify delete_branch as
+    reconciler and stay in agreement."""
+
+    def test_task_capability_map_role_reconciler(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_role("delete_branch"), "reconciler")
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_permission("delete_branch"),
+            "gitea.branch.delete",
+        )
+
+    def test_router_required_role_reconciler(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            role_session_router.TASK_REQUIRED_ROLE["delete_branch"],
+            "reconciler",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            role_session_router.required_role_for_task("delete_branch"),
+            "reconciler",
+        )
+
+    def test_router_set_membership_moved(self):
+        self.assertIn("delete_branch", role_session_router.RECONCILER_TASKS)
+        self.assertNotIn("delete_branch", role_session_router.AUTHOR_TASKS)
+
+    def test_maps_agree(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_role("delete_branch"),
+            role_session_router.TASK_REQUIRED_ROLE["delete_branch"],
+        )
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

tests/test_issue_685_side_effect_free_resolver.py

@@ -0,0 +1,430 @@
+"""#685: gitea_resolve_task_capability must be side-effect free.
+
+Stale-runtime detection remains fail-closed, but the resolver must never:
+  * touch mcp_config.json (or any MCP client config)
+  * spawn recovery threads
+  * call os._exit / terminate the serving process
+  * claim that an auto-restart was triggered
+
+Recovery is owned by the IDE/client reconnect path only.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+import threading
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+
+import sys
+
+ROOT = str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent)
+if ROOT not in sys.path:
+    sys.path.insert(0, ROOT)
+
+import gitea_mcp_server as mcp_server
+
+
+ROLE_PROFILES = (
+    ("create_issue", "prgs-author", "author"),
+    ("review_pr", "prgs-reviewer", "reviewer"),
+    ("merge_pr", "prgs-merger", "merger"),
+    ("reconciliation_cleanup", "prgs-reconciler", "reconciler"),
+)
+
+
+def _stale_self_ps_mocks(profile: str = "prgs-author"):
+    """Build subprocess mocks: self PID is stale vs code mtime."""
+    mock_getpid = MagicMock(return_value=12345)
+    mock_exists = MagicMock(return_value=True)
+    code_time = datetime(2026, 7, 8, 14, 0, 0)
+    mock_getmtime = MagicMock(return_value=code_time.timestamp())
+
+    ps_output = (
+        "  PID LSTART COMMAND\n"
+        "12345 Wed Jul  8 13:00:00 2026 /path/to/python mcp_server.py\n"
+    )
+    mock_run_ps = MagicMock()
+    mock_run_ps.stdout = ps_output
+
+    mock_run_env = MagicMock()
+    mock_run_env.stdout = f"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE={profile}"
+
+    mock_run_git = MagicMock()
+    mock_run_git.stdout = "SAME"
+
+    def side_effect(args, **kwargs):
+        if args[0] == "ps" and "eww" in args:
+            return mock_run_env
+        if args[0] == "ps":
+            return mock_run_ps
+        if args[0] == "git":
+            return mock_run_git
+        raise ValueError(f"Unexpected subprocess args: {args}")
+
+    mock_run = MagicMock(side_effect=side_effect)
+    return mock_getpid, mock_exists, mock_getmtime, mock_run
+
+
+class TestIssue685DiagnosticsNoSideEffects(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK": "1"}, clear=False)
+    @patch("subprocess.run")
+    @patch("os.path.getmtime")
+    @patch("os.path.exists")
+    @patch("os.getpid")
+    @patch("os.utime")
+    @patch("threading.Thread")
+    @patch("os._exit")
+    def test_stale_self_does_not_touch_config_or_exit(
+        self,
+        mock_exit,
+        mock_thread,
+        mock_utime,
+        mock_getpid,
+        mock_exists,
+        mock_getmtime,
+        mock_run,
+    ):
+        mock_getpid.return_value = 12345
+        mock_exists.return_value = True
+        mock_getmtime.return_value = datetime(2026, 7, 8, 14, 0, 0).timestamp()
+        mock_run.side_effect = _stale_self_ps_mocks("prgs-author")[3].side_effect
+
+        before_threads = threading.active_count()
+        reasons = mcp_server._check_mcp_runtimes_diagnostics(
+            "create_issue", ["prgs-author"]
+        )
+        after_threads = threading.active_count()
+
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("stale-runtime" in r and "active Gitea MCP server process is stale" in r
+                for r in reasons),
+            reasons,
+        )
+        # Must not claim auto-restart / config touch
+        blob = " ".join(reasons)
+        self.assertNotIn("Auto-restart has been triggered", blob)
+        self.assertNotIn("touched mcp_config", blob)
+        self.assertNotIn("will cleanly exit", blob)
+
+        mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+        mock_thread.assert_not_called()
+        mock_exit.assert_not_called()
+        self.assertEqual(before_threads, after_threads)
+
+    @patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK": "1"}, clear=False)
+    @patch("subprocess.run")
+    @patch("os.path.getmtime")
+    @patch("os.path.exists")
+    @patch("os.getpid")
+    @patch("os.utime")
+    def test_repeated_stale_calls_do_not_trigger_restart_loop(
+        self, mock_utime, mock_getpid, mock_exists, mock_getmtime, mock_run
+    ):
+        mock_getpid.return_value = 12345
+        mock_exists.return_value = True
+        mock_getmtime.return_value = datetime(2026, 7, 8, 14, 0, 0).timestamp()
+        mock_run.side_effect = _stale_self_ps_mocks("prgs-author")[3].side_effect
+
+        for _ in range(5):
+            reasons = mcp_server._check_mcp_runtimes_diagnostics(
+                "create_issue", ["prgs-author"]
+            )
+            self.assertTrue(any("stale-runtime" in r for r in reasons))
+
+        mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_trigger_mcp_auto_restart_removed(self):
+        """#685 AC: auto-restart helper is removed (unreachable from read-only)."""
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(mcp_server, "_trigger_mcp_auto_restart"))
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(mcp_server, "_restart_triggered"))
+
+
+class TestIssue685ResolverTypedBlocker(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+        if hasattr(mcp_server, "capability_stop_terminal"):
+            mcp_server.capability_stop_terminal.clear()
+
+    def _resolve_with_stale_runtime(self, task: str, profile_name: str, role: str):
+        allowed = [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.close",
+            "gitea.branch.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.branch.delete",
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.pr.review",
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "gitea.pr.close",
+            "gitea.repo.commit",
+        ]
+        profile = {
+            "profile_name": profile_name,
+            "role": role,
+            "allowed_operations": allowed,
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        config = {
+            "profiles": {
+                profile_name: {
+                    "role": role,
+                    "allowed_operations": allowed,
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        mock_getpid, mock_exists, mock_getmtime, mock_run = _stale_self_ps_mocks(
+            profile_name
+        )
+
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            {
+                "GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK": "1",
+                "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": profile_name,
+            },
+            clear=False,
+        ), patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config", return_value=config
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="test-user"
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None
+        ), patch(
+            "subprocess.run", mock_run
+        ), patch(
+            "os.path.getmtime", mock_getmtime
+        ), patch(
+            "os.path.exists", mock_exists
+        ), patch(
+            "os.getpid", mock_getpid
+        ), patch(
+            "os.utime"
+        ) as mock_utime, patch(
+            "threading.Thread"
+        ) as mock_thread, patch(
+            "os._exit"
+        ) as mock_exit:
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task=task, remote="prgs")
+            return result, mock_utime, mock_thread, mock_exit
+
+    def test_stale_returns_typed_blocker_fields(self):
+        result, mock_utime, mock_thread, mock_exit = self._resolve_with_stale_runtime(
+            "create_issue", "prgs-author", "author"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result.get("restart_required"), result)
+        self.assertTrue(result.get("stop_required"), result)
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required")
+        self.assertIs(result.get("mutation_performed"), False)
+        action = result.get("exact_safe_next_action") or ""
+        self.assertIn("reconnect", action.lower())
+        self.assertNotIn("None; ready for operations", action)
+        reason = result.get("reason") or ""
+        self.assertIn("stale-runtime", reason)
+        self.assertNotIn("Auto-restart has been triggered", reason)
+        mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+        mock_thread.assert_not_called()
+        mock_exit.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_all_four_role_profiles_get_same_side_effect_free_contract(self):
+        for task, profile, role in ROLE_PROFILES:
+            with self.subTest(task=task, profile=profile):
+                # Skip tasks that may be unknown on this branch
+                try:
+                    import task_capability_map as tcm
+
+                    tcm.required_permission(task)
+                except Exception:
+                    self.skipTest(f"task {task} not in capability map")
+
+                result, mock_utime, mock_thread, mock_exit = (
+                    self._resolve_with_stale_runtime(task, profile, role)
+                )
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    result.get("restart_required") or result.get("stop_required"),
+                    result,
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    result.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required", result
+                )
+                self.assertIs(result.get("mutation_performed"), False, result)
+                mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+                mock_thread.assert_not_called()
+                mock_exit.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_config_mtime_and_contents_unchanged(self):
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            cfg = os.path.join(tmp, "mcp_config.json")
+            original = '{"servers": {"gitea-author": {}}}'
+            with open(cfg, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+                fh.write(original)
+            mtime_before = os.path.getmtime(cfg)
+
+            result, mock_utime, mock_thread, mock_exit = self._resolve_with_stale_runtime(
+                "create_issue", "prgs-author", "author"
+            )
+            # Force-path also must not use real utime when diagnostics runs
+            with open(cfg, encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+                after = fh.read()
+            self.assertEqual(after, original)
+            self.assertEqual(os.path.getmtime(cfg), mtime_before)
+            mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+            self.assertTrue(result.get("restart_required"), result)
+
+
+class TestIssue685MutationGatesStillFailClosed(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_parity_stale_still_reports_restart_required(self):
+        """Mutation-facing parity gate remains fail-closed when heads differ."""
+        import master_parity_gate as mpg
+
+        out = mpg.assess_master_parity(
+            {"startup_head": "aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"},
+            "bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(out.get("in_parity"))
+        self.assertTrue(out.get("restart_required") or out.get("stale"))
+
+
+class TestIssue685DocstringReadOnlyContract(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_resolve_docstring_declares_side_effect_free(self):
+        doc = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability.__doc__ or ""
+        lower = doc.lower()
+        self.assertTrue(
+            "side-effect" in lower or "read-only" in lower or "does not mutate" in lower,
+            doc,
+        )
+        self.assertNotIn("auto-restart", lower)
+        self.assertNotIn("os._exit", lower)
+
+
+class TestIssue685MergeCoexistenceWithMasterAnnotations(unittest.TestCase):
+    """After merging master: #685 reconnect blocker + #702 report-only binding."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+        if hasattr(mcp_server, "capability_stop_terminal"):
+            mcp_server.capability_stop_terminal.clear()
+
+    def test_resolve_uses_report_only_stale_binding_assessment(self):
+        """Capability resolve must call stale-binding assess with auto_recover=False."""
+        allowed = [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.pr.review",
+            "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "gitea.repo.commit",
+        ]
+        profile = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+            "role": "author",
+            "allowed_operations": allowed,
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        config = {
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-author": {
+                    "role": "author",
+                    "allowed_operations": allowed,
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        mock_getpid, mock_exists, mock_getmtime, mock_run = _stale_self_ps_mocks(
+            "prgs-author"
+        )
+        fake_binding = {
+            "classification": "missing_path",
+            "active_worktree": "/tmp/gone",
+            "reasons": ["path missing"],
+        }
+
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            {
+                "GITEA_FORCE_MCP_RUNTIME_CHECK": "1",
+                "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author",
+            },
+            clear=False,
+        ), patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config", return_value=config
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="test-user"
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server,
+            "_assess_stale_active_binding",
+            return_value=fake_binding,
+        ) as mock_assess, patch(
+            "subprocess.run", mock_run
+        ), patch(
+            "os.path.getmtime", mock_getmtime
+        ), patch(
+            "os.path.exists", mock_exists
+        ), patch(
+            "os.getpid", mock_getpid
+        ), patch(
+            "os.utime"
+        ) as mock_utime, patch(
+            "threading.Thread"
+        ) as mock_thread, patch(
+            "os._exit"
+        ) as mock_exit:
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="create_issue", remote="prgs"
+            )
+
+        mock_assess.assert_called()
+        # Every call must be report-only (no env clear / session-state write).
+        for call in mock_assess.call_args_list:
+            self.assertFalse(call.kwargs.get("auto_recover", True))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result.get("blocker_kind"), "runtime_reconnect_required", result
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("stale_binding_recovery"), fake_binding, result)
+        self.assertIs(result.get("mutation_performed"), False, result)
+        mock_utime.assert_not_called()
+        mock_thread.assert_not_called()
+        mock_exit.assert_not_called()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_706_canonical_repository_root.py

@@ -0,0 +1,423 @@
+"""Issue #706: immutable startup/profile canonical_repository_root capability.
+
+Cross-repository MCP namespaces (e.g. ``eagenda-author``) must bind their
+canonical repository root to the *configured target repository*, not to the
+Gitea-Tools install checkout the server script lives in. These tests prove:
+
+* the configured binding is resolved from profile/env with env precedence,
+* the target repository identity and git common-directory membership are
+  validated (AC3),
+* the branches-only guard (#274) is enforced *inside the target repo* (AC4),
+* missing / conflicting / forged bindings fail closed (AC5),
+* prgs and mdcps namespaces stay simultaneously isolated (AC6),
+* the session binding pins the canonical root immutably,
+* no weakening of the install-root single-repo default (AC8).
+
+Uses two distinct real git repositories/worktrees (AC7).
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest import mock
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import canonical_repository_root as crr  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import namespace_workspace_binding as nwb  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+
+def _git(cwd: str, *args: str) -> str:
+    res = subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", cwd, *args],
+        capture_output=True,
+        text=True,
+        check=True,
+    )
+    return res.stdout.strip()
+
+
+def _init_repo(path: Path, remote_url: str, *, remote_name: str = "origin") -> str:
+    """Create a real git repo with one commit and a remote; return realpath root."""
+    path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    _git(str(path), "init", "-q")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.email", "[email protected]")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.name", "Test")
+    _git(str(path), "remote", "add", remote_name, remote_url)
+    (path / "README.md").write_text("seed\n")
+    _git(str(path), "add", "README.md")
+    _git(str(path), "commit", "-q", "-m", "seed")
+    return os.path.realpath(str(path))
+
+
+def _add_worktree(repo_root: str, worktree_path: Path, branch: str) -> str:
+    _git(repo_root, "worktree", "add", "-q", "-b", branch, str(worktree_path))
+    return os.path.realpath(str(worktree_path))
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# configured_canonical_root: resolution + precedence
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestConfiguredCanonicalRoot(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_unconfigured_returns_none(self):
+        value, source = crr.configured_canonical_root({}, {})
+        self.assertIsNone(value)
+        self.assertIsNone(source)
+
+    def test_profile_field_used(self):
+        value, source = crr.configured_canonical_root(
+            {"canonical_repository_root": "/repo/eAgenda"}, {}
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(value, "/repo/eAgenda")
+        self.assertIn("profile", source)
+
+    def test_env_overrides_profile(self):
+        value, source = crr.configured_canonical_root(
+            {"canonical_repository_root": "/repo/eAgenda"},
+            {crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: "/repo/other"},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(value, "/repo/other")
+        self.assertIn(crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV, source)
+
+    def test_blank_values_ignored(self):
+        value, source = crr.configured_canonical_root(
+            {"canonical_repository_root": "   "},
+            {crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: ""},
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(value)
+        self.assertIsNone(source)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# assess_canonical_repository_root: default (single-repo) path
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestUnconfiguredFallback(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = self._tmp.name
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._tmp.cleanup()
+
+    def test_unconfigured_falls_back_to_process_root(self):
+        root = _init_repo(
+            Path(self.tmp) / "install",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git",
+        )
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=None,
+            source=None,
+            expected_slug=None,
+            process_project_root=root,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["proven"])
+        self.assertFalse(got["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(got["configured"])
+        self.assertEqual(got["canonical_repo_root"], root)
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# assess_canonical_repository_root: configured cross-repo path
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestConfiguredCrossRepo(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = Path(self._tmp.name)
+        self.install = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "Gitea-Tools",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git",
+        )
+        self.target = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "mcp-control-plane",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane.git",
+        )
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._tmp.cleanup()
+
+    def test_valid_configured_root_binds_to_target(self):
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.target,
+            source="profile canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane",
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["proven"], got.get("reasons"))
+        self.assertFalse(got["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(got["configured"])
+        self.assertEqual(got["canonical_repo_root"], self.target)
+        self.assertNotEqual(got["canonical_repo_root"], self.install)
+
+    def test_missing_path_fails_closed(self):
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=str(self.tmp / "does-not-exist"),
+            source="profile canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(got["proven"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("exist" in r for r in got["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_non_git_path_fails_closed(self):
+        plain = self.tmp / "plain"
+        plain.mkdir()
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=str(plain),
+            source="profile canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("git" in r for r in got["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_identity_mismatch_fails_closed(self):
+        # Configured root is the install repo, but session expects the target
+        # repo identity: a forged/conflicting binding.
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.install,
+            source="profile canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane",
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("identity" in r for r in got["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_unprovable_identity_blocks_when_required(self):
+        noremote = _init_repo(self.tmp / "noremote-src", "x", remote_name="origin")
+        _git(noremote, "remote", "remove", "origin")
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=noremote,
+            source="profile canonical_repository_root",
+            expected_slug="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane",
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+            require_binding=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+
+    def test_repository_identity_slug_reads_remote(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            crr.repository_identity_slug(self.target),
+            "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane",
+        )
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Workspace membership + branches-only enforced inside the TARGET repo (AC4)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestNamespaceContextUsesConfiguredRoot(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = Path(self._tmp.name)
+        self.install = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "Gitea-Tools",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git",
+        )
+        self.target = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "mcp-control-plane",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane.git",
+        )
+        (Path(self.target) / "branches").mkdir()
+        self.target_wt = _add_worktree(
+            self.target,
+            Path(self.target) / "branches" / "author-issue-1",
+            "feat/issue-1",
+        )
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._tmp.cleanup()
+
+    def test_context_canonical_root_is_configured_target(self):
+        ctx = nwb.resolve_namespace_mutation_context(
+            role_kind="author",
+            worktree_path=self.target_wt,
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+            env={},
+            configured_canonical_root=self.target,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["canonical_repo_root"], self.target)
+        self.assertFalse(ctx["roots_aligned"])
+
+    def test_target_worktree_is_member_of_target_root(self):
+        got = nwb.amw.assess_workspace_repo_membership(
+            workspace_path=self.target_wt,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.target,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["proven"], got.get("reasons"))
+
+    def test_target_worktree_not_member_of_install_root(self):
+        got = nwb.amw.assess_workspace_repo_membership(
+            workspace_path=self.target_wt,
+            canonical_repo_root=self.install,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+
+    def test_branches_guard_passes_inside_target(self):
+        assessment = nwb.assess_namespace_mutation_workspace(
+            role_kind="author",
+            worktree_path=self.target_wt,
+            worktree=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+            env={},
+            current_branch="feat/issue-1",
+            configured_canonical_root=self.target,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(assessment["block"], assessment.get("reasons"))
+        self.assertEqual(assessment["canonical_repo_root"], self.target)
+
+    def test_target_control_checkout_blocks_branches_guard(self):
+        assessment = nwb.assess_namespace_mutation_workspace(
+            role_kind="author",
+            worktree_path=self.target,  # stable target checkout, not branches/
+            worktree=None,
+            process_project_root=self.install,
+            env={},
+            current_branch="master",
+            configured_canonical_root=self.target,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(assessment["block"])
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Immutable session pin (AC1/AC5)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestSessionCanonicalRootPin(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        os.environ["PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST"] = "t"
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
+    def test_seed_stores_canonical_root(self):
+        ctx = session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+            profile_name="mcp-control-plane-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="svc",
+            repository="mcp-control-plane",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            canonical_repository_root="/repo/mcp-control-plane",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["canonical_repository_root"], "/repo/mcp-control-plane")
+
+    def test_canonical_root_drift_fails_closed(self):
+        session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+            profile_name="mcp-control-plane-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="svc",
+            repository="mcp-control-plane",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            canonical_repository_root="/repo/mcp-control-plane",
+        )
+        got = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="mcp-control-plane-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            canonical_repository_root="/repo/forged-elsewhere",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("canonical" in r for r in got["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_matching_canonical_root_passes(self):
+        session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+            profile_name="mcp-control-plane-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="svc",
+            repository="mcp-control-plane",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            canonical_repository_root="/repo/mcp-control-plane",
+        )
+        got = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="mcp-control-plane-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            canonical_repository_root="/repo/mcp-control-plane",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(got["block"], got["reasons"])
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Simultaneous prgs / mdcps isolation (AC6)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestSimultaneousIsolation(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = Path(self._tmp.name)
+        self.prgs = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "prgs-repo",
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane.git",
+        )
+        self.mdcps = _init_repo(
+            self.tmp / "mdcps-repo",
+            "https://gitea.dadeschools.net/dadeschools/eAgenda.git",
+        )
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._tmp.cleanup()
+
+    def test_each_namespace_binds_its_own_target(self):
+        a = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.prgs,
+            source="env",
+            expected_slug="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane",
+            process_project_root=self.tmp.as_posix(),
+        )
+        b = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.mdcps,
+            source="env",
+            expected_slug="dadeschools/eAgenda",
+            process_project_root=self.tmp.as_posix(),
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(a["canonical_repo_root"], self.prgs)
+        self.assertEqual(b["canonical_repo_root"], self.mdcps)
+        self.assertNotEqual(a["canonical_repo_root"], b["canonical_repo_root"])
+
+    def test_cross_wired_identity_blocks(self):
+        # prgs path claimed under the mdcps identity → forged binding.
+        got = crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=self.prgs,
+            source="env",
+            expected_slug="dadeschools/eAgenda",
+            process_project_root=self.tmp.as_posix(),
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(got["block"])
+
+
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+# Config validation of the profile field (AC5: malformed bindings fail closed)
+# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+class TestConfigValidation(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_absent_is_allowed(self):
+        # single-repo default: no field configured
+        gitea_config._validate_canonical_repository_root("p", None)
+
+    def test_valid_absolute_path_ok(self):
+        gitea_config._validate_canonical_repository_root(
+            "p", "/Users/x/Development/mcp-control-plane"
+        )
+
+    def test_relative_path_rejected(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError):
+            gitea_config._validate_canonical_repository_root(
+                "p", "relative/path"
+            )
+
+    def test_empty_string_rejected(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError):
+            gitea_config._validate_canonical_repository_root("p", "   ")
+
+    def test_non_string_rejected(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError):
+            gitea_config._validate_canonical_repository_root("p", ["/x"])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_706_f1_seed_identity_integration.py

@@ -0,0 +1,221 @@
+"""Issue #706 F1 integration regression (review 457).
+
+The unit tests in ``test_issue_706_canonical_repository_root.py`` exercise
+``crr.assess_canonical_repository_root`` / ``session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound``
+with a *preselected* slug, so they never drive the real end-to-end path that
+review 457 found broken:
+
+    _seed_session_context -> _trusted_session_repository -> _workspace_repository_slug
+    -> _local_git_remote_url (cwd=PROJECT_ROOT, always Gitea-Tools)
+
+Before the fix, the session repository identity was pinned from the *install*
+checkout remote even when a cross-repository ``canonical_repository_root`` was
+configured to an external repository (e.g. mcp-control-plane). The mutation
+preflight then derived ``expected_slug`` from that install-derived pin and
+``_enforce_canonical_repository_root`` failed closed on a self-inflicted
+identity mismatch, so the stated cross-repo namespaces stayed blocked.
+
+These tests use two *real* temporary git repositories and drive the live
+``mcp_server._seed_session_context`` and ``mcp_server._enforce_canonical_repository_root``
+functions, asserting the session pins the *configured target* identity and that
+enforcement accepts the target worktree — while every fail-closed property is
+preserved.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest import mock
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402  # loads gitea_mcp_server.py into this namespace
+import canonical_repository_root as crr  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+INSTALL_URL = "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+TARGET_SLUG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane"
+TARGET_URL = "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/mcp-control-plane.git"
+OTHER_URL = "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/other-repo.git"
+
+
+def _git(cwd: str, *args: str) -> str:
+    return subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", cwd, *args], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True
+    ).stdout.strip()
+
+
+def _init_repo(path: Path, remote_url: str) -> str:
+    path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    _git(str(path), "init", "-q")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.email", "[email protected]")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.name", "Test")
+    _git(str(path), "remote", "add", "prgs", remote_url)
+    (path / "README.md").write_text("seed\n")
+    _git(str(path), "add", "README.md")
+    _git(str(path), "commit", "-q", "-m", "seed")
+    return os.path.realpath(str(path))
+
+
+def _add_worktree(repo_root: str, wt: Path, branch: str) -> str:
+    _git(repo_root, "worktree", "add", "-q", "-b", branch, str(wt))
+    return os.path.realpath(str(wt))
+
+
+def _profile(role: str, *, canonical: str | None = None,
+             allowed=(TARGET_SLUG,)) -> dict:
+    p = {
+        "profile_name": f"mcp-control-plane-{role}",
+        "role": role,
+        "username": "svc",
+        "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read"],
+        "forbidden_operations": [],
+        "allowed_repositories": list(allowed),
+    }
+    if canonical is not None:
+        p["canonical_repository_root"] = canonical
+    return p
+
+
+class _Base(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        tmp = Path(self._tmp.name)
+        self.install = _init_repo(tmp / "Gitea-Tools", INSTALL_URL)
+        self.target = _init_repo(tmp / "mcp-control-plane", TARGET_URL)
+        (Path(self.target) / "branches").mkdir()
+        self.target_wt = _add_worktree(
+            self.target, Path(self.target) / "branches" / "author-issue-1",
+            "feat/issue-1",
+        )
+        # PROJECT_ROOT and the install git remote are the Gitea-Tools install
+        # checkout — exactly the source that (mis)seeded the session before.
+        self._p_root = mock.patch.object(mcp_server, "PROJECT_ROOT", self.install)
+        self._p_url = mock.patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_local_git_remote_url", return_value=INSTALL_URL
+        )
+        self._p_root.start()
+        self._p_url.start()
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        mock.patch.stopall()
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
+    def _seed(self, profile, env=None):
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        with mock.patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), \
+                mock.patch.dict(os.environ, env or {}, clear=False):
+            return mcp_server._seed_session_context(
+                profile=profile, remote="prgs", host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                identity="svc",
+            )
+
+    def _enforce(self, profile, env=None):
+        with mock.patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), \
+                mock.patch.dict(os.environ, env or {}, clear=False):
+            mcp_server._enforce_canonical_repository_root(
+                self.target_wt, remote="prgs"
+            )
+
+
+class TestF1SeedsConfiguredTargetIdentity(_Base):
+    def test_env_config_seeds_target_not_install(self):
+        ctx = self._seed(
+            _profile("reviewer"),
+            env={crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: self.target},
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], "mcp-control-plane")
+        # Regression guard: must NOT be the install repo.
+        self.assertNotEqual(ctx["repository"], "Gitea-Tools")
+
+    def test_profile_field_seeds_target_not_install(self):
+        ctx = self._seed(_profile("merger", canonical=self.target))
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], "mcp-control-plane")
+        self.assertNotEqual(ctx["repository"], "Gitea-Tools")
+
+    def test_enforce_accepts_target_after_seed_reviewer(self):
+        prof = _profile("reviewer", canonical=self.target)
+        self._seed(prof)
+        # Would raise RuntimeError on the self-inflicted identity mismatch
+        # before the fix.
+        self._enforce(prof)
+
+    def test_enforce_accepts_target_after_seed_merger(self):
+        prof = _profile("merger", canonical=self.target)
+        self._seed(prof)
+        self._enforce(prof)
+
+    def test_env_overrides_profile_for_seed(self):
+        # profile points at install; env points at the real target → env wins.
+        prof = _profile("reviewer", canonical=self.install,
+                        allowed=(TARGET_SLUG,))
+        ctx = self._seed(prof, env={crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: self.target})
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], "mcp-control-plane")
+
+
+class TestUnconfiguredDefaultUnchanged(_Base):
+    def test_unconfigured_keeps_install_identity(self):
+        prof = _profile("author", allowed=("Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",))
+        ctx = self._seed(prof)  # no env, no profile canonical field
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+
+
+class TestFailClosed(_Base):
+    def _trusted(self, profile, env=None, *, for_mutation=True):
+        with mock.patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile), \
+                mock.patch.dict(os.environ, env or {}, clear=False):
+            return mcp_server._trusted_session_repository(
+                profile, "prgs", for_mutation=for_mutation
+            )
+
+    def test_nonexistent_configured_root_fails_closed(self):
+        res = self._trusted(
+            _profile("reviewer"),
+            env={crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: self.target + "-missing"},
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(res["repository"])
+        self.assertTrue(res["reasons"])
+
+    def test_non_git_configured_root_fails_closed(self):
+        plain = Path(self._tmp.name) / "plain"
+        plain.mkdir()
+        res = self._trusted(
+            _profile("reviewer"), env={crr.CANONICAL_ROOT_ENV: str(plain)}
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(res["repository"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("git" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_unallowlisted_target_identity_fails_closed(self):
+        # Configured target is valid, but the profile does not authorize it.
+        res = self._trusted(
+            _profile("reviewer", canonical=self.target,
+                     allowed=("Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",)),
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(res["repository"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("scope" in r.lower() for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_forged_identity_conflict_fails_closed_at_enforce(self):
+        # Seed the target, then present a *different* configured root at
+        # enforcement time: the session pin no longer matches → fail closed.
+        other = _init_repo(Path(self._tmp.name) / "other", OTHER_URL)
+        prof_seed = _profile("reviewer", canonical=self.target)
+        self._seed(prof_seed)
+        prof_drift = _profile(
+            "reviewer", canonical=other,
+            allowed=(TARGET_SLUG, "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/other-repo"),
+        )
+        with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+            self._enforce(prof_drift)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_714_production_first_bind.py

@@ -0,0 +1,509 @@
+"""#714: production first-bind pins the workspace-verified repository scope.
+
+These tests drive the real entry points (``gitea_whoami``,
+``gitea_get_runtime_context``, ``gitea_resolve_task_capability``,
+``gitea_activate_profile``) in production order. They deliberately do not
+construct a ``_SessionContext`` directly: the defect they cover is that the
+production first-bind path left ``repository``/``org`` unbound, so
+``assess_session_context`` skipped its repository/org drift checks and a
+same-host mutation against another repository was not blocked.
+
+The trusted repository identity comes from the workspace-aligned git remote
+(``Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools`` for this checkout), never from
+``REMOTES`` (whose ``prgs`` default repo is ``Timesheet``) and never from a
+caller-supplied ``org``/``repo`` argument.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import threading
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_mcp_server as srv  # noqa: E402
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+WORKSPACE_ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+WORKSPACE_REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+WORKSPACE_SLUG = f"{WORKSPACE_ORG}/{WORKSPACE_REPO}"
+WORKSPACE_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{WORKSPACE_SLUG}.git"
+
+_BASE_AUTHOR_OPS = [
+    "gitea.read",
+    "gitea.issue.create",
+    "gitea.issue.comment",
+    "gitea.pr.create",
+    "gitea.pr.comment",
+    "gitea.branch.push",
+    "gitea.repo.commit",
+]
+
+
+def _config(allowed_repositories=None):
+    profile = {
+        "enabled": True,
+        "context": "prgs",
+        "role": "author",
+        "username": "jcwalker3",
+        "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+        "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR"},
+        "allowed_operations": list(_BASE_AUTHOR_OPS),
+        "forbidden_operations": [
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+        ],
+        "execution_profile": "prgs-author",
+    }
+    if allowed_repositories is not None:
+        profile["allowed_repositories"] = list(allowed_repositories)
+    return {
+        "version": 2,
+        # v2-contexts normalizes the config and keeps only rules.* — a
+        # top-level allow_runtime_switching would be dropped.
+        "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": True},
+        "contexts": {
+            "prgs": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+            },
+            "mdcps": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+                },
+            },
+        },
+        "profiles": {"prgs-author": profile},
+    }
+
+
+class _ProductionOrderBase(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Real entry points, pinned workspace remote, mocked network only."""
+
+    allowed_repositories = [WORKSPACE_SLUG]
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.config_path = os.path.join(self._dir.name, "profiles.json")
+        with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            fh.write(json.dumps(_config(self.allowed_repositories)))
+        self._env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR": "prgs-author-token",
+        }
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        # Pin the workspace git remote so the trusted source is deterministic
+        # and never depends on the developer's checkout layout.
+        self._remote_url = patch.object(
+            srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=self._local_remote_url
+        )
+        self._remote_url.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._remote_url.stop()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _local_remote_url(self, remote_name):
+        return WORKSPACE_URL if remote_name == "prgs" else None
+
+    def _api(self, method, url, header):
+        return {
+            "login": "jcwalker3",
+            "full_name": "Test",
+            "id": 1,
+            "email": "[email protected]",
+        }
+
+    def _live(self):
+        return patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api)
+
+
+class TestProductionFirstBindPinsRepository(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def test_whoami_first_bind_is_complete(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertIsNotNone(ctx)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["remote"], "prgs")
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["host"], "gitea.prgs.cc")
+
+    def test_runtime_context_first_bind_is_complete(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_get_runtime_context(remote="prgs")
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+
+    def test_capability_preflight_first_bind_is_complete(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="comment_issue", remote="prgs")
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+
+    def test_activate_profile_binds_complete_context(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_activate_profile(profile_name="prgs-author", remote="prgs")
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+
+
+class TestProductionOrderRepositoryDriftBlocks(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def test_whoami_then_same_host_other_repository_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org=WORKSPACE_ORG, repo="Other-Tools"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any("Other-Tools" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]), blocked["reasons"]
+            )
+
+    def test_whoami_then_timesheet_blocks(self):
+        """REMOTES['prgs'].repo is Timesheet — a default target, not a scope."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs",
+                org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                repo="Timesheet",
+                org_explicit=True,
+                repo_explicit=True,
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any("Timesheet" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]), blocked["reasons"]
+            )
+
+    def test_whoami_then_same_host_other_org_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org="Other-Org", repo=WORKSPACE_REPO
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any("Other-Org" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]), blocked["reasons"]
+            )
+
+    def test_runtime_context_then_other_repository_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_get_runtime_context(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org=WORKSPACE_ORG, repo="Other-Tools"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+    def test_capability_preflight_then_other_repository_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="comment_issue", remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org=WORKSPACE_ORG, repo="Other-Tools"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+    def test_activate_profile_then_other_repository_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_activate_profile(profile_name="prgs-author", remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org="Other-Org", repo="Other-Tools"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+    def test_cross_host_still_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(remote="dadeschools")
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any("cross-host" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]), blocked["reasons"]
+            )
+
+    def test_authorized_repository_mutation_remains_allowed(self):
+        """Normal PR #715 author comment/push path must stay functional."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            self.assertIsNone(
+                srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                    remote="prgs", org=WORKSPACE_ORG, repo=WORKSPACE_REPO
+                )
+            )
+            # A bare call with no override resolves to the same bound scope.
+            self.assertIsNone(srv._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs"))
+
+
+class TestMutationRequestCannotEstablishBinding(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def test_caller_values_cannot_establish_binding_on_first_mutation(self):
+        """A mutation-first session must not be pinned by request values."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            self.assertIsNone(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+            srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org="Attacker-Org", repo="Attacker-Repo"
+            )
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertIsNotNone(ctx)
+            # Bound to the verified workspace, never to the request values.
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+
+    def test_mutation_first_with_attacker_values_is_blocked(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org="Attacker-Org", repo="Attacker-Repo"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+    def test_later_call_cannot_overwrite_bound_repository(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            before = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            for _ in range(3):
+                srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                    remote="prgs", org="Other-Org", repo="Other-Tools"
+                )
+            self.assertEqual(session_ctx.get_session_context(), before)
+
+
+class TestUnverifiedWorkspaceFailsClosed(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def _local_remote_url(self, remote_name):
+        return None  # no verifiable workspace repository
+
+    def test_mutation_blocks_when_workspace_repository_unverified(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            ctx = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertIsNone(ctx["repository"])
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs", org=WORKSPACE_ORG, repo=WORKSPACE_REPO
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any(
+                    "no verified workspace repository" in r or "unverified" in r
+                    for r in blocked["reasons"]
+                ),
+                blocked["reasons"],
+            )
+
+    def test_activate_profile_rejects_unverifiable_workspace(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            res = srv.gitea_activate_profile(profile_name="prgs-author", remote="prgs")
+            self.assertFalse(res.get("success", True))
+            self.assertEqual(res.get("blocker_kind"), "repository_scope")
+
+
+class TestUnauthorizedWorkspaceFailsClosed(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    allowed_repositories = ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Some-Other-Project"]
+
+    def test_workspace_absent_from_allowlist_blocks_mutation(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs")
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertTrue(
+                any("not authorized" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]),
+                blocked["reasons"],
+            )
+
+    def test_workspace_absent_from_allowlist_blocks_activation(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            res = srv.gitea_activate_profile(profile_name="prgs-author", remote="prgs")
+            self.assertFalse(res.get("success", True))
+            self.assertEqual(res.get("blocker_kind"), "repository_scope")
+
+
+class TestTimesheetNotAuthorizedInThisPhase(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    """Cross-project use is paused: only Gitea-Tools is authorized."""
+
+    def test_timesheet_workspace_is_rejected(self):
+        def timesheet_remote(remote_name):
+            return "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet.git"
+
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            with patch.object(
+                srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=timesheet_remote
+            ):
+                blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs")
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    any("not authorized" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]),
+                    blocked["reasons"],
+                )
+
+
+class TestConcurrentFirstBindSelectsOneRepository(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def test_concurrent_initialization_cannot_change_selected_repository(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            self.assertIsNone(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+            thread_count = 8
+            barrier = threading.Barrier(thread_count)
+            results = []
+            lock = threading.Lock()
+
+            def racer(index: int) -> None:
+                barrier.wait()
+                srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                    remote="prgs", org=f"Racer-Org-{index}", repo=f"Racer-Repo-{index}"
+                )
+                with lock:
+                    results.append(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+
+            threads = [
+                threading.Thread(target=racer, args=(i,)) for i in range(thread_count)
+            ]
+            for thread in threads:
+                thread.start()
+            for thread in threads:
+                thread.join(timeout=10)
+
+            self.assertFalse(any(t.is_alive() for t in threads))
+            winner = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(winner["org"], WORKSPACE_ORG)
+            self.assertEqual(winner["repository"], WORKSPACE_REPO)
+            self.assertEqual(results, [winner] * thread_count)
+
+
+class TestRepositoryScopeUnits(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_absent_scope_is_not_enforced_for_read_diagnostics(self):
+        scope = session_ctx.assess_repository_scope(
+            workspace_slug=WORKSPACE_SLUG, allowed=[], profile_name="legacy"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(scope["proven"])
+        self.assertFalse(scope["scope_enforced"])
+
+    def test_require_scope_blocks_empty_or_missing_allowlist(self):
+        scope = session_ctx.assess_repository_scope(
+            workspace_slug=WORKSPACE_SLUG,
+            allowed=[],
+            profile_name="legacy",
+            require_scope=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(scope["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("allowed_repositories" in r for r in scope["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_declared_scope_authorizes_only_listed_repository(self):
+        allowed = session_ctx.declared_allowed_repositories(
+            {"allowed_repositories": [WORKSPACE_SLUG]}
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(allowed, [WORKSPACE_SLUG])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.assess_repository_scope(
+                workspace_slug=WORKSPACE_SLUG, allowed=allowed
+            )["proven"]
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.assess_repository_scope(
+                workspace_slug="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet", allowed=allowed
+            )["block"]
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_workspace_slug_blocks_when_scope_declared(self):
+        scope = session_ctx.assess_repository_scope(
+            workspace_slug=None, allowed=[WORKSPACE_SLUG]
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(scope["block"])
+
+    def test_override_must_match_binding(self):
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.assess_repository_override(
+                requested_org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                requested_repo="Other",
+                bound_org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                bound_repo=WORKSPACE_REPO,
+            )["block"]
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.assess_repository_override(
+                requested_org="Other-Org",
+                requested_repo=WORKSPACE_REPO,
+                bound_org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                bound_repo=WORKSPACE_REPO,
+            )["block"]
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.assess_repository_override(
+                requested_org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                requested_repo=WORKSPACE_REPO,
+                bound_org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                bound_repo=WORKSPACE_REPO,
+            )["proven"]
+        )
+
+    def test_malformed_allowlist_entries_are_ignored_in_non_strict_mode(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            session_ctx.declared_allowed_repositories(
+                {"allowed_repositories": ["not-a-slug", 17, None, WORKSPACE_SLUG]}
+            ),
+            [WORKSPACE_SLUG],
+        )
+
+    def test_strict_mode_rejects_malformed_allowlist_entries(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+            session_ctx.declared_allowed_repositories(
+                {"allowed_repositories": ["not-a-slug", WORKSPACE_SLUG]},
+                strict=True,
+            )
+
+
+class TestRemotesDefaultNotCallerOverride(_ProductionOrderBase):
+    def test_resolved_timesheet_default_does_not_block_when_bound_to_workspace(self):
+        """Tools historically pass REMOTES-filled Timesheet after _resolve; that
+        must not be treated as an explicit override against Gitea-Tools."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            # Simulate create_issue after resolve: org/repo are REMOTES defaults
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Timesheet",
+            )
+            self.assertIsNone(blocked, getattr(blocked, "get", lambda *_: blocked)("reasons") if blocked else None)
+
+    def test_git_unavailable_blocks_mutation(self):
+        def no_remote(_name):
+            return None
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            with patch.object(srv, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=no_remote):
+                blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs")
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    any(
+                        "workspace" in r.lower() or "allowed_repositories" in r or "unverified" in r
+                        for r in blocked["reasons"]
+                    ),
+                    blocked["reasons"],
+                )
+
+    def test_explicit_mismatch_still_blocks(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False), self._live():
+            srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            blocked = srv._session_context_mutation_block(
+                remote="prgs",
+                org=WORKSPACE_ORG,
+                repo="Other-Tools",
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_714_session_context_immutability.py

@@ -0,0 +1,745 @@
+"""#714: fail closed on cross-host MCP profile drift and capability substitution."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import threading
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+
+CONFIG_714 = {
+    "version": 2,
+    "allow_runtime_switching": True,
+    "contexts": {
+        "prgs": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+        },
+        "mdcps": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net"},
+        },
+    },
+    "profiles": {
+        "prgs-author": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "context": "prgs",
+            "role": "author",
+            "username": "jcwalker3",
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR"},
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.issue.create",
+                "gitea.issue.comment",
+                "gitea.issue.close",
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.branch.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.repo.commit",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
+            "execution_profile": "prgs-author",
+        },
+        "mdcps-reviewer": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "context": "mdcps",
+            "role": "reviewer",
+            "username": "913443",
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_MDCPS_REVIEWER"},
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.pr.review",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [
+                "gitea.branch.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.repo.commit",
+            ],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["913443/eAgenda"],
+            "execution_profile": "mdcps-reviewer",
+        },
+        "mdcps-author": {
+            "enabled": True,
+            "context": "mdcps",
+            "role": "author",
+            "username": "913443",
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_MDCPS_AUTHOR"},
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.issue.create",
+                "gitea.issue.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.create",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.branch.create",
+                "gitea.branch.push",
+                "gitea.repo.commit",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["913443/eAgenda"],
+            "execution_profile": "mdcps-author",
+        },
+    },
+}
+
+
+class TestIssue714SessionContextImmutability(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.config_path = os.path.join(self._dir.name, "profiles.json")
+        with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            fh.write(json.dumps(CONFIG_714))
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(
+            mcp_server.REMOTES,
+            {
+                "dadeschools": {
+                    "host": "gitea.dadeschools.net",
+                    "org": "913443",
+                    "repo": "eAgenda",
+                },
+                "prgs": {
+                    "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+                    "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                    "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+                },
+            },
+            clear=False,
+        )
+        self._remotes.start()
+        def _url(name):
+            if name == "dadeschools":
+                return "https://gitea.dadeschools.net/913443/eAgenda.git"
+            if name == "prgs":
+                return "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+            return None
+        self._url_patch = patch.object(mcp_server, "_local_git_remote_url", side_effect=_url)
+        self._url_patch.start()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        self._env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "mdcps-reviewer",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_MDCPS_REVIEWER": "mdcps-reviewer-token",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_MDCPS_AUTHOR": "mdcps-author-token",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR": "prgs-author-token",
+        }
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._url_patch.stop()
+        self._remotes.stop()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _api_side_effect(self, method, url, header):
+        # Token identity mapping for whoami endpoint
+        auth = str(header)
+        if "mdcps-reviewer-token" in auth or "mdcps-author-token" in auth:
+            login = "913443"
+        else:
+            login = "jcwalker3"
+        return {"login": login, "full_name": "Test", "id": 1, "email": "[email protected]"}
+
+    def test_pin_mdcps_reviewer_never_drifts_to_prgs_author(self):
+        """Reproduce the incident: pin mdcps-reviewer then resolve comment_issue."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                act = mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertTrue(act["success"])
+                self.assertEqual(act["after_profile"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+
+                who1 = mcp_server.gitea_whoami(remote="dadeschools")
+                self.assertEqual(who1["profile"]["profile_name"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                self.assertEqual(who1["username"], "913443")
+
+                # Capability that mdcps-reviewer lacks — must NOT switch to prgs-author
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="comment_issue", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+                self.assertFalse(res.get("auto_profile_substitution", True))
+                self.assertNotIn("prgs-author", res["matching_configured_profile"])
+                self.assertIn("mdcps-author", res["matching_configured_profile"])
+
+                who2 = mcp_server.gitea_whoami(remote="dadeschools")
+                rt = mcp_server.gitea_get_runtime_context(remote="dadeschools")
+                self.assertEqual(who2["profile"]["profile_name"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                self.assertEqual(rt["active_profile"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                # Still pinned — never prgs-author
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "mdcps-reviewer"
+                )
+
+    def test_repeated_calls_remain_on_mdcps_reviewer(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                for _ in range(5):
+                    res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                        task="review_pr", remote="dadeschools"
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                    who = mcp_server.gitea_whoami(remote="dadeschools")
+                    self.assertEqual(who["profile"]["profile_name"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+                    rt = mcp_server.gitea_get_runtime_context(remote="dadeschools")
+                    self.assertEqual(rt["active_profile"], "mdcps-reviewer")
+
+    def test_dadeschools_request_cannot_resolve_through_prgs_author(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="comment_issue", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertNotEqual(res["active_profile"], "prgs-author")
+                self.assertNotIn("prgs-author", res["matching_configured_profile"])
+                # Gate must not silently switch either
+                blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(
+                    "gitea.issue.comment", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertFalse(blocked.get("success", True))
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "mdcps-reviewer"
+                )
+
+    def test_prgs_request_cannot_resolve_through_mdcps_profile(self):
+        """Reverse of the incident: a pinned MDCPS profile must never serve a
+        prgs request, nor be silently swapped for the prgs-side profile."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-author", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="create_issue", remote="prgs"
+                )
+                self.assertNotEqual(res["active_profile"], "prgs-author")
+                self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "mdcps-author")
+                self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+                self.assertTrue(res["stop_required"])
+                blocked = mcp_server._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs")
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(any("cross-host" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]))
+                self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "mdcps-author")
+
+    def test_unsupported_capability_fails_closed_structured(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="comment_issue", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+                self.assertTrue(res["stop_required"])
+                self.assertIn("reason", res)
+                self.assertIn("exact_safe_next_action", res)
+                self.assertIn("activate_profile", res["exact_safe_next_action"])
+                # Unknown task still fail closed (structured denial after #723;
+                # never raises into internal_error and never substitutes profile).
+                unknown = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="reopen_issue", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(unknown.get("allowed_in_current_session"))
+                self.assertTrue(unknown.get("stop_required"))
+                self.assertEqual(unknown.get("reason_code"), "unknown_task")
+                self.assertEqual(unknown.get("mutation_performed"), False)
+                self.assertEqual(unknown.get("active_profile"), "mdcps-reviewer")
+                self.assertNotEqual(unknown.get("active_profile"), "prgs-author")
+
+    def test_identity_mismatch_blocks_mutation(self):
+        """Profile expects 913443 but authenticated as jcwalker3."""
+
+        def wrong_identity(method, url, header):
+            return {
+                "login": "jcwalker3",
+                "full_name": "Wrong",
+                "id": 9,
+                "email": "[email protected]",
+            }
+
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=wrong_identity):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                blocked = mcp_server._session_context_mutation_block(
+                    remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    any("identity mismatch" in r for r in blocked["reasons"])
+                )
+
+    def test_repository_host_mismatch_blocks_mutation(self):
+        """mdcps-reviewer cannot serve prgs remote."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                blocked = mcp_server._session_context_mutation_block(remote="prgs")
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    any("cross-host" in r for r in blocked["reasons"])
+                )
+
+    def test_drift_cannot_reach_write(self):
+        """Simulated mid-session profile override cannot pass permission gate."""
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                    profile_name="mdcps-reviewer", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                # Bind session as mdcps-reviewer
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    session_ctx.get_session_context()["profile_name"],
+                    "mdcps-reviewer",
+                )
+                # Hostile override without activate_profile
+                gitea_config._active_profile_override = "prgs-author"
+                blocked = mcp_server._session_context_mutation_block(
+                    remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+                self.assertTrue(any("drift" in r or "cross-host" in r for r in blocked["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_static_prgs_author_still_works(self):
+        env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR": "prgs-author-token",
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="create_issue", remote="prgs"
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "prgs-author")
+                self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+                self.assertEqual(res["active_identity"], "jcwalker3")
+
+    def test_static_mdcps_author_still_works(self):
+        env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "mdcps-author",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_MDCPS_AUTHOR": "mdcps-author-token",
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request", side_effect=self._api_side_effect):
+                gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task="comment_issue", remote="dadeschools"
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "mdcps-author")
+                self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+                self.assertNotIn("prgs-author", res["matching_configured_profile"])
+
+
+class TestSessionContextBindingUnit(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_profile_matches_remote_by_base_url(self):
+        remotes = {
+            "dadeschools": {"host": "gitea.dadeschools.net"},
+            "prgs": {"host": "gitea.prgs.cc"},
+        }
+        mdcps = {"base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net", "context": "mdcps"}
+        prgs = {"base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc", "context": "prgs"}
+        self.assertTrue(
+            session_ctx.profile_matches_remote(mdcps, "dadeschools", remotes)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(session_ctx.profile_matches_remote(mdcps, "prgs", remotes))
+        self.assertTrue(session_ctx.profile_matches_remote(prgs, "prgs", remotes))
+
+    def test_bind_and_detect_drift(self):
+        session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+            source="test",
+        )
+        ok = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(ok["proven"])
+        bad = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(bad["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("drift" in r for r in bad["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_bound_context_survives_multiple_calls_and_exceptions(self):
+        original = session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+            source="test",
+        )
+
+        try:
+            for _ in range(3):
+                observed = session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+                    profile_name="prgs-author",
+                    remote="prgs",
+                    host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                    identity="jcwalker3",
+                    source="interleaved-test-call",
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(observed, original)
+            raise RuntimeError("simulated caller failure")
+        except RuntimeError:
+            pass
+
+        self.assertEqual(session_ctx.get_session_context(), original)
+        drift = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            require_bound=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(drift["block"])
+
+    def test_parallel_calls_cannot_overwrite_established_binding(self):
+        original = session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+            source="test",
+        )
+        barrier = threading.Barrier(9)
+        results = []
+        results_lock = threading.Lock()
+
+        def competing_seed(index: int) -> None:
+            barrier.wait()
+            result = session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+                profile_name=f"prgs-author-{index}",
+                remote="prgs",
+                host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                identity=f"other-{index}",
+                source="parallel-test-call",
+            )
+            with results_lock:
+                results.append(result)
+
+        threads = [threading.Thread(target=competing_seed, args=(i,)) for i in range(8)]
+        for thread in threads:
+            thread.start()
+        barrier.wait()
+        for thread in threads:
+            thread.join(timeout=5)
+
+        self.assertFalse(any(thread.is_alive() for thread in threads))
+        self.assertEqual(results, [original] * 8)
+        self.assertEqual(session_ctx.get_session_context(), original)
+
+    def test_concurrent_initialization_has_single_winning_binding(self):
+        """Racing first-binds from an unbound context: exactly one winner, and
+        every racer observes that same complete binding (never a partial one)."""
+        self.assertIsNone(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+        thread_count = 8
+        barrier = threading.Barrier(thread_count)
+        results = []
+        results_lock = threading.Lock()
+
+        def racing_seed(index: int) -> None:
+            barrier.wait()
+            result = session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+                profile_name=f"prgs-author-{index}",
+                remote="prgs",
+                host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                identity=f"user-{index}",
+                source="concurrent-init-test",
+            )
+            with results_lock:
+                results.append(result)
+
+        threads = [
+            threading.Thread(target=racing_seed, args=(i,))
+            for i in range(thread_count)
+        ]
+        for thread in threads:
+            thread.start()
+        for thread in threads:
+            thread.join(timeout=5)
+
+        self.assertFalse(any(thread.is_alive() for thread in threads))
+        winner = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+        self.assertIsNotNone(winner)
+        self.assertEqual(len(results), thread_count)
+        self.assertEqual(results, [winner] * thread_count)
+        # A losing racer's identity must never be spliced into the winner.
+        self.assertEqual(
+            winner["identity"], winner["profile_name"].replace("prgs-author-", "user-")
+        )
+
+    def test_repository_mismatch_blocks_before_mutation(self):
+        """Same host and profile, different repository, must still fail closed."""
+        session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            repository="Gitea-Tools",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            source="test",
+        )
+        same = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            repository="Gitea-Tools",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            require_bound=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(same["proven"])
+        other_repo = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            repository="eAgenda",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            require_bound=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(other_repo["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("repository drift" in r for r in other_repo["reasons"])
+        )
+        other_org = session_ctx.assess_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            repository="Gitea-Tools",
+            org="913443",
+            require_bound=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(other_org["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("org drift" in r for r in other_org["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_returned_snapshot_cannot_mutate_binding(self):
+        session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+            source="test",
+        )
+        snapshot = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+        snapshot["profile_name"] = "prgs-author"
+        self.assertEqual(
+            session_ctx.get_session_context()["profile_name"], "mdcps-reviewer"
+        )
+
+
+class TestSessionContextTestBoundaryIsolation(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_mdcps_binding_starts_clean_and_does_not_escape_test(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+        session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="mdcps-reviewer",
+            remote="dadeschools",
+            host="gitea.dadeschools.net",
+            identity="913443",
+            source="test-boundary",
+        )
+
+    def test_prgs_binding_starts_clean_and_does_not_escape_test(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(session_ctx.get_session_context())
+        session_ctx.bind_session_context(
+            profile_name="prgs-author",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+            identity="jcwalker3",
+            source="test-boundary",
+        )
+
+    def test_reset_helper_is_rejected_outside_pytest_boundary(self):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {}, clear=True):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+
+
+class TestIssue714MergeCoexistenceWithMaster(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Conflict-resolution regressions after merging advanced master into #715.
+
+    Preserves:
+    - #714 immutable session / no auto profile substitution
+    - #685 side-effect-free resolve (auto_recover=False)
+    - #709 actor identity helper from master
+    """
+
+    def test_auto_switch_helpers_remain_fail_closed(self):
+        self.assertFalse(mcp_server._try_auto_switch_for_operation("gitea.pr.review"))
+        self.assertFalse(
+            mcp_server._try_auto_switch_for_operation(
+                "gitea.issue.comment", host="gitea.prgs.cc"
+            )
+        )
+        # Active profile is prgs-author; cannot match mdcps review permission
+        # and must not switch.
+        with patch.object(
+            mcp_server,
+            "get_profile",
+            return_value={
+                "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+                "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create"],
+                "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.approve"],
+                "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+                "context": "prgs",
+            },
+        ):
+            matched = mcp_server._ensure_matching_profile(
+                "gitea.pr.approve", "reviewer", remote="prgs"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNone(matched)
+            self.assertNotEqual(
+                gitea_config.selected_profile_name() or "prgs-author",
+                "mdcps-reviewer",
+            )
+
+    def test_authenticated_actor_helper_survives_merge(self):
+        """Master #709 F7 actor identity coexists with #714 immutability."""
+        self.assertTrue(hasattr(mcp_server, "_authenticated_actor"))
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value={"Authorization": "token x"}
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.api_request",
+            return_value={"id": 42, "login": "sysadmin"},
+        ):
+            mcp_server._ACTOR_IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+            actor = mcp_server._authenticated_actor("gitea.prgs.cc")
+            self.assertEqual(actor.get("user_id"), 42)
+            self.assertEqual(actor.get("login"), "sysadmin")
+            # Cached; second call does not re-request
+            with patch("mcp_server.api_request") as mock_api:
+                actor2 = mcp_server._authenticated_actor("gitea.prgs.cc")
+                mock_api.assert_not_called()
+                self.assertEqual(actor2.get("user_id"), 42)
+
+    def test_resolve_still_report_only_after_master_merge(self):
+        """#685: resolve path must not pass auto_recover=True after conflict merge."""
+        allowed = [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.branch.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.repo.commit",
+        ]
+        profile = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+            "role": "author",
+            "allowed_operations": allowed,
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            "context": "prgs",
+        }
+        config = {
+            "contexts": {
+                "prgs": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+                }
+            },
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-author": {
+                    "role": "author",
+                    "allowed_operations": allowed,
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                    "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+                    "context": "prgs",
+                }
+            },
+        }
+        fake_binding = {
+            "classification": "unbound",
+            "active_worktree": None,
+            "reasons": [],
+        }
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author"}, clear=False
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value=profile
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config", return_value=config
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="jcwalker3"
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server,
+            "_assess_stale_active_binding",
+            return_value=fake_binding,
+        ) as mock_assess, patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None
+        ):
+            result = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="create_issue", remote="prgs"
+            )
+        mock_assess.assert_called()
+        for call in mock_assess.call_args_list:
+            self.assertFalse(call.kwargs.get("auto_recover", True))
+        self.assertEqual(result.get("mutation_performed"), False)
+        # Session context must not have been rewritten by resolve
+        # (report-only; any prior binding stays; unbound stays unbound unless
+        # seed-on-read path is intentional — resolve must not activate peers).
+        self.assertNotEqual(result.get("active_profile"), "mdcps-reviewer")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_733_delete_branch_repo_forwarding.py

@@ -0,0 +1,385 @@
+"""Regression matrix for Issue #733.
+
+``gitea_delete_branch`` accepts explicit ``org``/``repo`` but historically did
+not propagate them through the anti-stomp preflight: preflight resolved the
+remote-wide ``REMOTES`` default (bare ``prgs`` → ``Scaled-Tech-Consulting/
+Timesheet``) and fail-closed with ``wrong_repo`` even though the caller
+explicitly targeted ``Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools``.
+
+The fix has two parts, both exercised here:
+
+1. ``gitea_delete_branch`` forwards the explicit ``org``/``repo`` into
+   ``verify_preflight_purity`` so the shared #604 anti-stomp resolution
+   validates the *targeted* repository instead of the remote-wide default.
+2. A workspace-derived repository-binding gate
+   (``_delete_branch_repository_binding_block``) validates explicit
+   coordinates against the immutable workspace identity, rejecting wrong,
+   substituted, or unverified targets — independent of the anti-stomp
+   remote/repo guard, which by the #530 contract trusts explicit intent.
+
+Every existing gate (reconciler-only ownership; author/reviewer/merger denial;
+protected/preservation blocks) is preserved.
+"""
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import mcp_server
+from mcp_server import gitea_delete_branch
+import remote_repo_guard
+import task_capability_map
+import role_session_router
+
+FAKE_AUTH = "token fake"
+
+# The workspace is bound to Gitea-Tools even though the prgs REMOTES default
+# repo is Timesheet (the exact #733 scenario).
+WORKSPACE_SLUG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL = "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+
+RECONCILER = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+    "role": "reconciler",
+    "allowed_operations": [
+        "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.comment", "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "gitea.branch.delete",
+    ],
+    "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-reconciler",
+}
+
+AUTHOR_WITH_DELETE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+    "role": "author",
+    "allowed_operations": [
+        "gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push",
+        "gitea.branch.delete",
+    ],
+    "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-author",
+}
+
+REVIEWER_WITH_DELETE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+    "role": "reviewer",
+    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review", "gitea.branch.delete"],
+    "forbidden_operations": [],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-reviewer",
+}
+
+MERGER_WITH_DELETE = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-merger",
+    "role": "merger",
+    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.branch.delete"],
+    "forbidden_operations": [],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-merger",
+}
+
+
+class _DeleteBranchBase(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._snap = (
+            mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called,
+            mcp_server._preflight_capability_called,
+        )
+        mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called = False
+        mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = False
+        # prgs default repo is Timesheet — the remote-wide default #733 must NOT
+        # fall back to.
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {
+                "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+                "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                "repo": "Timesheet",
+            },
+        })
+        self._remotes.start()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        patch("gitea_config.load_config", return_value={}).start()
+        patch("gitea_config.is_runtime_switching_enabled", return_value=False).start()
+        patch("gitea_audit.audit_enabled", return_value=False).start()
+        self.mock_api = patch("mcp_server.api_request").start()
+        self.mock_api.return_value = {}
+        patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH).start()
+        # Workspace is verifiably bound to Gitea-Tools.
+        patch(
+            "mcp_server._workspace_repository_slug", return_value=WORKSPACE_SLUG
+        ).start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        (
+            mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called,
+            mcp_server._preflight_capability_called,
+        ) = self._snap
+
+    def _bind(self, profile, role):
+        patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=profile).start()
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role=role)
+
+    def _delete_calls(self):
+        return [
+            c for c in self.mock_api.call_args_list
+            if c.args and c.args[0] == "DELETE"
+        ]
+
+
+class TestPositiveTimesheetDefaultExplicitGiteaTools(_DeleteBranchBase):
+    """AC: prgs default=Timesheet + explicit Gitea-Tools → preflight validates
+    Gitea-Tools and permits an otherwise-eligible deletion."""
+
+    def test_explicit_gitea_tools_permits_delete_and_forwards_coords(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        with patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity") as vpp:
+            res = gitea_delete_branch(
+                branch="feat/pr-sync-status",
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertIn("deleted", res["message"])
+        self.assertTrue(self._delete_calls())
+        # Forwarding: preflight received the explicit Gitea-Tools coordinates
+        # and the delete_branch task (not the remote-wide Timesheet default).
+        self.assertTrue(vpp.called)
+        kwargs = vpp.call_args.kwargs
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("task"), "delete_branch")
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("org"), "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("repo"), "Gitea-Tools")
+
+
+class TestNegativeRepositoryBinding(_DeleteBranchBase):
+    """AC negatives: wrong / substituted / unverified coordinates fail closed."""
+
+    def test_wrong_explicit_repo_fails_closed(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        with patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity") as vpp:
+            res = gitea_delete_branch(
+                branch="feat/x",
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Timesheet",  # not the workspace-bound Gitea-Tools
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["performed"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+        self.assertTrue(any("Timesheet" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+        # Fail closed BEFORE any preflight/deletion side effect.
+        vpp.assert_not_called()
+
+    def test_repository_substitution_org_mismatch_rejected(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(
+            branch="feat/x",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Some-Other-Org",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_explicit_coords_without_workspace_identity_fail_closed(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        with patch("mcp_server._workspace_repository_slug", return_value=None):
+            res = gitea_delete_branch(
+                branch="feat/x",
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["blocker_kind"], "repository_binding")
+        self.assertTrue(any("unverified" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_matching_explicit_passes_binding(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        block = mcp_server._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+            "prgs", org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools"
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(block)
+
+    def test_omitted_coords_pass_binding_and_are_revalidated_by_preflight(self):
+        # Omitted coordinates pass the binding gate (nothing to corroborate) but
+        # are forwarded as None so the anti-stomp resolution fails closed on the
+        # remote-wide Timesheet default (see TestAntiStompResolution below).
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            mcp_server._delete_branch_repository_binding_block(
+                "prgs", org=None, repo=None
+            )
+        )
+        with patch("mcp_server.verify_preflight_purity") as vpp:
+            gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/x", remote="prgs")
+        self.assertTrue(vpp.called)
+        kwargs = vpp.call_args.kwargs
+        self.assertIsNone(kwargs.get("org"))
+        self.assertIsNone(kwargs.get("repo"))
+
+
+class TestRoleDenials(_DeleteBranchBase):
+    """AC: author, reviewer, and merger remain denied even holding the perm."""
+
+    def test_author_with_delete_perm_denied(self):
+        self._bind(AUTHOR_WITH_DELETE, "author")
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(
+            branch="feat/x", remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertEqual(res["active_role_kind"], "author")
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_reviewer_with_delete_perm_denied(self):
+        self._bind(REVIEWER_WITH_DELETE, "reviewer")
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(
+            branch="feat/x", remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_merger_with_delete_perm_denied(self):
+        self._bind(MERGER_WITH_DELETE, "merger")
+        res = gitea_delete_branch(
+            branch="feat/x", remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reconciler")
+        self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+
+class TestProtectedAndPreservedBranches(_DeleteBranchBase):
+    """AC: protected and preservation/evidence branches remain blocked."""
+
+    def test_protected_branch_blocked(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        for branch in ("master", "main", "dev"):
+            with self.subTest(branch=branch):
+                res = gitea_delete_branch(
+                    branch=branch, remote="prgs",
+                    org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools",
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+                self.assertTrue(any("protected" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+                self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+    def test_preservation_branch_blocked(self):
+        self._bind(RECONCILER, "reconciler")
+        for branch in ("chore/preserve-local-master", "feat/evidence-run"):
+            with self.subTest(branch=branch):
+                res = gitea_delete_branch(
+                    branch=branch, remote="prgs",
+                    org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting", repo="Gitea-Tools",
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+                self.assertTrue(
+                    any("preservation" in r for r in res["reasons"])
+                )
+                self.assertFalse(self._delete_calls())
+
+
+class TestAntiStompResolution(unittest.TestCase):
+    """The anti-stomp repository resolution validates the *targeted* repo and
+    fails closed on the remote-wide default when coordinates are omitted."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {
+                "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+                "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                "repo": "Timesheet",
+            },
+        })
+        self._remotes.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+
+    def _capture_resolution(self, org, repo):
+        """Drive the live anti-stomp runner and capture the org/repo it resolved
+        and passed to the pure assessor."""
+        passthrough = {
+            "allowed": True, "block": False, "blockers": [], "reasons": [],
+            "exact_next_action": "proceed", "blocker_kind": None, "checks": {},
+        }
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ, {"GITEA_TEST_FORCE_ANTI_STOMP": "1"}, clear=False
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server._local_git_remote_url", return_value=LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=RECONCILER
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.anti_stomp_preflight,
+            "assess_anti_stomp_preflight",
+            return_value=passthrough,
+        ) as m:
+            mcp_server._run_anti_stomp_preflight(
+                "delete_branch", remote="prgs", org=org, repo=repo
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(m.called)
+        return m.call_args.kwargs
+
+    def test_explicit_gitea_tools_resolved_and_marked_explicit(self):
+        kw = self._capture_resolution("Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertTrue(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertTrue(kw["repo_explicit"])
+
+    def test_missing_coords_resolve_remote_default_and_fail_closed(self):
+        # Omitted coords resolve the remote-wide Timesheet default with
+        # org/repo NOT explicit; the remote/repo guard then blocks against the
+        # local Gitea-Tools remote — i.e. missing coordinates fail closed.
+        kw = self._capture_resolution(None, None)
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Timesheet")
+        self.assertFalse(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertFalse(kw["repo_explicit"])
+        # Compose the guard exactly as the assessor would: Timesheet default,
+        # not explicit, local remote is Gitea-Tools → blocked (wrong_repo).
+        assessment = remote_repo_guard.assess_remote_repo_match(
+            remote="prgs",
+            resolved_org=kw["resolved_org"],
+            resolved_repo=kw["resolved_repo"],
+            local_remote_url=LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL,
+            org_explicit=kw["org_explicit"],
+            repo_explicit=kw["repo_explicit"],
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(assessment["block"])
+
+
+class TestCapabilityRoleMapConsistency(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC: task-capability and role-routing maps remain consistent (#729)."""
+
+    def test_delete_branch_is_reconciler_in_both_maps(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_role("delete_branch"), "reconciler"
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_permission("delete_branch"),
+            "gitea.branch.delete",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            role_session_router.required_role_for_task("delete_branch"),
+            "reconciler",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            task_capability_map.required_role("delete_branch"),
+            role_session_router.TASK_REQUIRED_ROLE["delete_branch"],
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_741_canonical_root_consumers.py

@@ -0,0 +1,768 @@
+"""Complete PROJECT_ROOT elimination in cross-repository MCP operations (#741).
+
+#706 introduced the immutable ``canonical_repository_root``; #739/#740 routed
+three consumption paths through it. This module covers the paths #740 left
+behind, whose shape is uniform: the *filesystem* guards were migrated to the
+canonical root, but *repository identity* still bottomed out in
+``_local_git_remote_url``'s hardcoded ``cwd=PROJECT_ROOT`` — always the
+Gitea-Tools installation checkout.
+
+The consequences asserted here:
+
+* **Identity inversion.** ``_resolve``, the #530 remote/repo guard and the
+  anti-stomp org/repo fill all derived the *target* repository from the
+  *install* checkout, so a cross-repository namespace resolved Gitea-Tools
+  coordinates while its branch/parity facts came from the target repo.
+* **Guard disagreement.** ``_verify_role_mutation_workspace`` omitted
+  ``configured_canonical_root``, so the #274 branches-only / worktree-membership
+  guards validated ``Gitea-Tools/branches/`` rather than the bound target.
+* **Explicit-coordinate override.** Both-explicit ``org``/``repo`` short-circuit
+  ``assess_remote_repo_match``, so caller coordinates bypassed validation
+  entirely rather than merely *confirming* the binding.
+* **Configuration fail-open.** ``_flatten_identity`` silently dropped
+  ``canonical_repository_root``, so a v2-``environments`` namespace fell back to
+  the install root; the v1 path never validated the field at all.
+
+A role-by-operation matrix drives author, reviewer, merger and reconciler
+against: correct cross-repository target, wrong repository, wrong worktree,
+explicit matching coordinates, explicit mismatched coordinates, missing
+canonical root, invalid canonical root, immutable binding after first bind, and
+request-override attempts.
+
+Real git repositories are used throughout. No network calls are made, no branch
+is deleted, and no merge is performed.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import canonical_repository_root as crr  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
+import gitea_mcp_server as srv  # noqa: E402
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+import session_context_binding as session_ctx  # noqa: E402
+
+INSTALL_ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+INSTALL_REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+INSTALL_SLUG = f"{INSTALL_ORG}/{INSTALL_REPO}"
+INSTALL_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{INSTALL_SLUG}.git"
+
+TARGET_ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+TARGET_REPO = "mcp-control-plane"
+TARGET_SLUG = f"{TARGET_ORG}/{TARGET_REPO}"
+TARGET_URL = f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{TARGET_SLUG}.git"
+
+THIRD_REPO = "Timesheet"
+THIRD_SLUG = f"{INSTALL_ORG}/{THIRD_REPO}"
+
+# tests/conftest.py installs an autouse fixture
+# (mutation_profile_fixture.install_deterministic_remote_urls) that *permanently
+# reassigns* srv._local_git_remote_url to a stub mapping remote names to fixed
+# URLs. That stub deliberately ignores the working directory, which is exactly
+# the behaviour this module must verify — so these tests would silently assert
+# against the stub rather than production code in a full-suite run. Capture the
+# genuine implementation at import time (before any fixture executes) and
+# reinstall it per test.
+_REAL_LOCAL_GIT_REMOTE_URL = srv._local_git_remote_url
+
+
+def _git(cwd: str, *args: str) -> str:
+    res = subprocess.run(
+        ["git", "-C", cwd, *args], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True
+    )
+    return res.stdout.strip()
+
+
+def _init_repo(path: Path, remote_url: str, *, remote_name: str = "origin") -> str:
+    path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    _git(str(path), "init", "-q")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.email", "[email protected]")
+    _git(str(path), "config", "user.name", "Test")
+    _git(str(path), "remote", "add", remote_name, remote_url)
+    # Distinct content per repo: identical seed content, author and timestamp
+    # otherwise produce byte-identical commits and therefore an identical SHA,
+    # which would make the parity-dimension assertions vacuously true.
+    (path / "README.md").write_text(f"seed {remote_url}\n")
+    _git(str(path), "add", "README.md")
+    _git(str(path), "commit", "-q", "-m", f"seed {remote_name}")
+    return os.path.realpath(str(path))
+
+
+_ROLE_OPS = {
+    "author": (
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.issue.create",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.branch.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.repo.commit",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.request_changes"],
+    ),
+    "reviewer": (
+        [
+            "gitea.read",
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            "gitea.pr.comment",
+            "gitea.issue.comment",
+        ],
+        ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+    ),
+    "merger": (
+        ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.comment"],
+        [
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+        ],
+    ),
+    "reconciler": (
+        ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.close", "gitea.pr.comment", "gitea.branch.delete"],
+        [
+            "gitea.pr.create",
+            "gitea.branch.push",
+            "gitea.pr.approve",
+            "gitea.pr.merge",
+            "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+        ],
+    ),
+}
+
+ROLES = tuple(_ROLE_OPS)
+
+
+def _profile(role: str, *, canonical_root: str | None = None) -> dict:
+    allowed, forbidden = _ROLE_OPS[role]
+    profile = {
+        "enabled": True,
+        "context": "prgs",
+        "role": role,
+        "username": "jcwalker3",
+        "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+        "auth": {"type": "env", "name": f"GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_{role.upper()}"},
+        "allowed_operations": list(allowed),
+        "forbidden_operations": list(forbidden),
+        "execution_profile": f"prgs-{role}",
+        "allowed_repositories": [TARGET_SLUG],
+    }
+    if canonical_root is not None:
+        profile["canonical_repository_root"] = canonical_root
+    return profile
+
+
+def _config(profiles: dict) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "version": 2,
+        "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": True},
+        "contexts": {
+            "prgs": {
+                "enabled": True,
+                "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+            }
+        },
+        "profiles": profiles,
+    }
+
+
+class _CrossRepoHarness(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Real install + target git repos, temp profiles.json, no network."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = self._dir.name
+        self.config_path = os.path.join(self.tmp, "profiles.json")
+
+        # The real install checkout carries a remote literally named `prgs`;
+        # a freshly cloned target repository normally names its remote `origin`.
+        # Reproducing that asymmetry is the point: identity derivation must not
+        # depend on the remote happening to share the `remote=` argument's name.
+        self.install_root = _init_repo(
+            Path(self.tmp) / "install", INSTALL_URL, remote_name="prgs"
+        )
+        self.target_root = _init_repo(
+            Path(self.tmp) / "target", TARGET_URL, remote_name="origin"
+        )
+        self.third_root = _init_repo(
+            Path(self.tmp) / "third", f"https://gitea.prgs.cc/{THIRD_SLUG}.git"
+        )
+        self.not_a_repo = os.path.join(self.tmp, "plain-dir")
+        os.makedirs(self.not_a_repo, exist_ok=True)
+
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+
+        # PROJECT_ROOT is wherever the server file physically lives; pin it to a
+        # real Gitea-Tools-identified checkout so "install-derived" is
+        # deterministic regardless of the developer's layout.
+        self._project_root = patch.object(srv, "PROJECT_ROOT", self.install_root)
+        self._project_root.start()
+        # Undo the autouse deterministic-remote stub for this module only.
+        self._real_remote_url = patch.object(
+            srv, "_local_git_remote_url", _REAL_LOCAL_GIT_REMOTE_URL
+        )
+        self._real_remote_url.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._real_remote_url.stop()
+        self._project_root.stop()
+        session_ctx._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        srv._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _write_config(self, profiles: dict) -> None:
+        with open(self.config_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            fh.write(json.dumps(_config(profiles)))
+
+    def _env(self, role: str, **extra) -> dict:
+        env = {
+            "GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": self.config_path,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": f"prgs-{role}",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_AUTHOR": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_REVIEWER": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_MERGER": "t",
+            "GITEA_TOKEN_PRGS_RECONCILER": "t",
+        }
+        env.update(extra)
+        return env
+
+    def _bind(self, role: str, canonical_root: str | None):
+        """Activate *role* with *canonical_root* and return an env patch ctx."""
+        self._write_config(
+            {f"prgs-{role}": _profile(role, canonical_root=canonical_root)}
+        )
+        return patch.dict(os.environ, self._env(role), clear=True)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 1. The central helper (single source of root resolution)
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestCanonicalLocalGitRoot(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """_canonical_local_git_root is the one place a target root is derived."""
+
+    def test_unconfigured_namespace_uses_installation_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.install_root)
+
+    def test_configured_namespace_uses_target_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.target_root)
+
+    def test_configured_root_resolves_to_git_toplevel(self):
+        nested = os.path.join(self.target_root, "branches", "wt")
+        os.makedirs(nested, exist_ok=True)
+        with self._bind("author", nested):
+            # A subdirectory of the target repo still resolves to its toplevel.
+            self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.target_root)
+
+    def test_invalid_root_never_silently_becomes_installation_root(self):
+        """A configured-but-broken root must not fall back to Gitea-Tools."""
+        with self._bind("author", self.not_a_repo):
+            resolved = srv._canonical_local_git_root()
+            self.assertNotEqual(resolved, self.install_root)
+            self.assertEqual(resolved, os.path.realpath(self.not_a_repo))
+
+    def test_env_override_beats_profile_binding(self):
+        self._write_config(
+            {"prgs-author": _profile("author", canonical_root=self.third_root)}
+        )
+        env = self._env("author", GITEA_CANONICAL_REPOSITORY_ROOT=self.target_root)
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.target_root)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 2. Repository identity — the upstream inversion
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestRepositoryIdentityDerivation(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """_local_git_remote_url and its consumers must read the target repo."""
+
+    def test_remote_url_reads_target_not_installation(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._local_git_remote_url("origin"), TARGET_URL)
+
+    def test_remote_url_unconfigured_still_reads_installation(self):
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            # The install checkout's remote is named `prgs`, matching production.
+            self.assertEqual(srv._local_git_remote_url("prgs"), INSTALL_URL)
+
+    def test_workspace_slug_follows_canonical_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._workspace_repository_slug("origin"), TARGET_SLUG)
+
+    def test_workspace_slug_unconfigured_is_installation(self):
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            self.assertEqual(srv._workspace_repository_slug("prgs"), INSTALL_SLUG)
+
+    def test_every_role_derives_the_same_target_identity(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    self.assertEqual(
+                        srv._workspace_repository_slug("origin"), TARGET_SLUG
+                    )
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 3. _resolve — omitted and explicit coordinates
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestResolveTargetCoordinates(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """Omitted coordinates follow the binding; explicit ones may only confirm."""
+
+    def test_omitted_coordinates_resolve_to_target_repository(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    _host, org, repo = srv._resolve("prgs", None, None, None)
+                    self.assertEqual((org, repo), (TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO))
+
+    def test_omitted_coordinates_unconfigured_resolve_to_installation(self):
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            _host, org, repo = srv._resolve("prgs", None, None, None)
+            self.assertEqual((org, repo), (INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO))
+
+    def test_explicit_matching_coordinates_confirm_the_binding(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    _host, org, repo = srv._resolve(
+                        "prgs", None, TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual((org, repo), (TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO))
+
+    def test_explicit_mismatched_repository_cannot_override_binding(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+                        srv._resolve("prgs", None, TARGET_ORG, INSTALL_REPO)
+                    msg = str(ctx.exception)
+                    self.assertIn("#741", msg)
+                    self.assertIn("fail closed", msg)
+
+    def test_explicit_mismatched_organization_cannot_override_binding(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                srv._resolve("prgs", None, "SomeoneElse", TARGET_REPO)
+
+    def test_gitea_tools_rooted_namespace_cannot_target_control_plane(self):
+        """Direction 1: an install-rooted namespace must not reach the target."""
+        with self._bind("author", self.install_root):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                srv._resolve("prgs", None, TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO)
+
+    def test_control_plane_rooted_namespace_cannot_target_gitea_tools(self):
+        """Direction 2: a target-rooted namespace must not reach Gitea-Tools."""
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                srv._resolve("prgs", None, INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO)
+
+    def test_unconfigured_namespace_keeps_existing_explicit_behaviour(self):
+        """Same-repository behaviour is unchanged (no new fail-closed path)."""
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            _host, org, repo = srv._resolve("prgs", None, INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO)
+            self.assertEqual((org, repo), (INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO))
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 4. #274 workspace guard — the two guard paths must agree
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestMutationWorkspaceGuardBinding(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """Both guard paths must agree on which repository they protect."""
+
+    def _contexts(self, worktree: str | None = None):
+        return srv._resolve_namespace_mutation_context(worktree)
+
+    def test_mutation_context_uses_target_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            self.assertEqual(self._contexts()["canonical_repo_root"], self.target_root)
+
+    def test_mutation_context_unconfigured_uses_installation_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", None):
+            self.assertEqual(self._contexts()["canonical_repo_root"], self.install_root)
+
+    def test_role_mutation_workspace_guard_agrees_with_mutation_context(self):
+        """The omitted configured_canonical_root made these two disagree."""
+        import namespace_workspace_binding as nwb
+
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    configured, _src = srv._configured_canonical_root()
+                    assessment = nwb.assess_namespace_mutation_workspace(
+                        role_kind=role,
+                        worktree_path=None,
+                        worktree=None,
+                        process_project_root=srv.PROJECT_ROOT,
+                        profile_name=f"prgs-{role}",
+                        configured_canonical_root=configured,
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual(
+                        assessment["canonical_repo_root"],
+                        self._contexts()["canonical_repo_root"],
+                    )
+                    self.assertEqual(
+                        assessment["canonical_repo_root"], self.target_root
+                    )
+
+    def test_wrong_worktree_is_rejected_against_target_root(self):
+        """A worktree belonging to the install repo is not in the target repo."""
+        import author_mutation_worktree as amw
+
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            foreign = os.path.join(self.install_root, "branches", "wt")
+            os.makedirs(foreign, exist_ok=True)
+            membership = amw.assess_workspace_repo_membership(
+                workspace_path=foreign,
+                canonical_repo_root=self.target_root,
+            )
+            self.assertTrue(membership["block"])
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 5. Canonical-root validation — missing / invalid / mismatched
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestCanonicalRootFailClosed(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """Missing, invalid, ambiguous and mismatched roots fail closed."""
+
+    def _assess(self, value, *, expected=TARGET_SLUG, require=True):
+        return crr.assess_canonical_repository_root(
+            configured_value=value,
+            source="test",
+            expected_slug=expected,
+            process_project_root=self.install_root,
+            remote="origin",
+            require_binding=require,
+        )
+
+    def test_missing_root_fails_closed_when_binding_required(self):
+        result = self._assess(None)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["configured"])
+
+    def test_missing_root_is_the_single_repo_default_when_not_required(self):
+        result = self._assess(None, expected=None, require=False)
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["canonical_repo_root"], self.install_root)
+
+    def test_nonexistent_root_fails_closed(self):
+        result = self._assess(os.path.join(self.tmp, "nope"))
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertIn("does not exist", " ".join(result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_non_git_directory_fails_closed(self):
+        result = self._assess(self.not_a_repo)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertIn("not a git repository", " ".join(result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_mismatched_repository_identity_fails_closed(self):
+        result = self._assess(self.third_root)
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertIn("mismatch", " ".join(result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_matching_repository_identity_is_proven(self):
+        result = self._assess(self.target_root)
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["resolved_slug"], TARGET_SLUG)
+        self.assertEqual(result["canonical_repo_root"], self.target_root)
+
+    def test_unresolvable_root_yields_fail_closed_reasons_not_fallback(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.not_a_repo):
+            slug, reasons = srv._canonical_repository_slug(srv.get_profile(), "origin")
+            self.assertIsNone(slug)
+            self.assertTrue(reasons)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 6. Immutability — first bind wins, requests cannot replace the root
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestCanonicalRootImmutability(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """No request-supplied value can establish or swap the pinned root."""
+
+    def test_first_bind_pins_target_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            with patch(
+                "gitea_mcp_server.api_request",
+                side_effect=lambda *a, **k: {
+                    "login": "jcwalker3",
+                    "full_name": "T",
+                    "id": 1,
+                    "email": "[email protected]",
+                },
+            ):
+                srv.gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
+            bound = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(bound["canonical_repository_root"], self.target_root)
+
+    def test_binding_is_first_write_wins(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+                profile_name="prgs-author",
+                remote="prgs",
+                host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                identity="jcwalker3",
+                org=TARGET_ORG,
+                repository=TARGET_REPO,
+                role_kind="author",
+                source="test",
+                canonical_repository_root=self.target_root,
+            )
+            # A second, contradictory seed must not replace the pin.
+            session_ctx.seed_session_context_if_unbound(
+                profile_name="prgs-author",
+                remote="prgs",
+                host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                identity="jcwalker3",
+                org=INSTALL_ORG,
+                repository=INSTALL_REPO,
+                role_kind="author",
+                source="test-2",
+                canonical_repository_root=self.install_root,
+            )
+            bound = session_ctx.get_session_context()
+            self.assertEqual(bound["canonical_repository_root"], self.target_root)
+            self.assertEqual(bound["repository"], TARGET_REPO)
+
+    def test_request_supplied_worktree_cannot_replace_the_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            ctx = srv._resolve_namespace_mutation_context(self.install_root)
+            # The workspace argument may be demoted/inspected, but the canonical
+            # repository root stays the configured target.
+            self.assertEqual(ctx["canonical_repo_root"], self.target_root)
+
+    def test_request_supplied_coordinates_cannot_replace_the_root(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                srv._resolve("prgs", None, INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO)
+            self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.target_root)
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 7. Parity dimensions stay separately labelled (#739 F3 preserved)
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestParityDimensionSeparation(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """Server-implementation parity stays anchored to the install checkout."""
+
+    def test_server_dimension_is_installation_not_target(self):
+        import master_parity_gate
+
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            head = master_parity_gate.read_git_head(srv.PROJECT_ROOT)
+            self.assertEqual(head, _git(self.install_root, "rev-parse", "HEAD"))
+            self.assertNotEqual(head, _git(self.target_root, "rev-parse", "HEAD"))
+
+    def test_target_dimension_reads_the_target_checkout(self):
+        with self._bind("author", self.target_root):
+            self.assertEqual(
+                _git(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), "rev-parse", "HEAD"),
+                _git(self.target_root, "rev-parse", "HEAD"),
+            )
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 8. Configuration loaders validate the binding consistently (AC13)
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestConfigurationLoaderValidation(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Every supported loader treats canonical_repository_root identically."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.tmp = self._dir.name
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self._dir.cleanup()
+
+    def _write(self, data: dict) -> str:
+        path = os.path.join(self.tmp, "profiles.json")
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
+            fh.write(json.dumps(data))
+        return path
+
+    # --- v1 ---------------------------------------------------------------
+    def _v1(self, root):
+        return {
+            "version": 1,
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-author": {
+                    "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+                    "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN"},
+                    "canonical_repository_root": root,
+                }
+            },
+        }
+
+    def test_v1_rejects_relative_canonical_root(self):
+        path = self._write(self._v1("relative/path"))
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError) as ctx:
+            gitea_config.load_config(path)
+        self.assertIn("absolute", str(ctx.exception))
+
+    def test_v1_rejects_blank_canonical_root(self):
+        path = self._write(self._v1("   "))
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError):
+            gitea_config.load_config(path)
+
+    def test_v1_accepts_absolute_canonical_root(self):
+        path = self._write(self._v1("/abs/target"))
+        loaded = gitea_config.load_config(path)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            loaded["profiles"]["prgs-author"]["canonical_repository_root"],
+            "/abs/target",
+        )
+
+    def test_v1_without_the_field_is_unchanged(self):
+        data = self._v1("/abs/target")
+        del data["profiles"]["prgs-author"]["canonical_repository_root"]
+        loaded = gitea_config.load_config(self._write(data))
+        self.assertNotIn("canonical_repository_root", loaded["profiles"]["prgs-author"])
+
+    # --- v2 environments --------------------------------------------------
+    def _v2_env(self, root):
+        ident = {
+            "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN"},
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc",
+            "username": "jcwalker3",
+            "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read"],
+        }
+        if root is not None:
+            ident["canonical_repository_root"] = root
+        return {
+            "version": 2,
+            "environments": {
+                "prgs": {"services": {"gitea": {"identities": {"author": ident}}}}
+            },
+        }
+
+    def test_v2_environments_propagates_canonical_root(self):
+        """Regression: the field was silently dropped during flattening."""
+        loaded = gitea_config.load_config(self._write(self._v2_env("/abs/target")))
+        profile = loaded["profiles"]["prgs.gitea.author"]
+        self.assertEqual(profile["canonical_repository_root"], "/abs/target")
+
+    def test_v2_environments_rejects_relative_canonical_root(self):
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError) as ctx:
+            gitea_config.load_config(self._write(self._v2_env("relative/path")))
+        self.assertIn("absolute", str(ctx.exception))
+
+    def test_v2_environments_without_the_field_is_unchanged(self):
+        loaded = gitea_config.load_config(self._write(self._v2_env(None)))
+        self.assertNotIn(
+            "canonical_repository_root", loaded["profiles"]["prgs.gitea.author"]
+        )
+
+    # --- v2 contexts (already validated; guard against regression) ---------
+    def test_v2_contexts_still_rejects_relative_canonical_root(self):
+        data = {
+            "version": 2,
+            "contexts": {
+                "prgs": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "gitea": {"enabled": True, "base_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc"},
+                }
+            },
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-author": {
+                    "enabled": True,
+                    "context": "prgs",
+                    "username": "jcwalker3",
+                    "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN"},
+                    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read"],
+                    "canonical_repository_root": "relative/path",
+                }
+            },
+        }
+        with self.assertRaises(gitea_config.ConfigError):
+            gitea_config.load_config(self._write(data))
+
+
+# ===========================================================================
+# 9. Role-by-operation matrix
+# ===========================================================================
+class TestRoleOperationMatrix(_CrossRepoHarness):
+    """Each role, each cross-repository condition, one assertion per cell."""
+
+    def test_correct_target_resolves_for_every_role(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="correct-target"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    _h, org, repo = srv._resolve("prgs", None, None, None)
+                    self.assertEqual((org, repo), (TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO))
+
+    def test_wrong_repository_is_rejected_for_every_role(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="wrong-repo"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                        srv._resolve("prgs", None, INSTALL_ORG, INSTALL_REPO)
+
+    def test_explicit_matching_coordinates_pass_for_every_role(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="explicit-match"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    _h, org, repo = srv._resolve("prgs", None, TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO)
+                    self.assertEqual((org, repo), (TARGET_ORG, TARGET_REPO))
+
+    def test_explicit_mismatch_fails_closed_for_every_role(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="explicit-mismatch"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                        srv._resolve("prgs", None, INSTALL_ORG, THIRD_REPO)
+
+    def test_missing_canonical_root_preserves_single_repo_default(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="missing-root"):
+                with self._bind(role, None):
+                    self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.install_root)
+
+    def test_invalid_canonical_root_never_becomes_install_root(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="invalid-root"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.not_a_repo):
+                    self.assertNotEqual(
+                        srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.install_root
+                    )
+
+    def test_wrong_worktree_rejected_for_every_role(self):
+        import author_mutation_worktree as amw
+
+        foreign = os.path.join(self.install_root, "branches", "foreign")
+        os.makedirs(foreign, exist_ok=True)
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="wrong-worktree"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    membership = amw.assess_workspace_repo_membership(
+                        workspace_path=foreign,
+                        canonical_repo_root=srv._canonical_local_git_root(),
+                    )
+                    self.assertTrue(membership["block"])
+
+    def test_request_override_attempt_rejected_for_every_role(self):
+        for role in ROLES:
+            with self.subTest(role=role, case="request-override"):
+                with self._bind(role, self.target_root):
+                    with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
+                        srv._resolve("prgs", None, "Attacker", "evil-repo")
+                    self.assertEqual(srv._canonical_local_git_root(), self.target_root)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_747_sliding_lease_ttl.py

@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+"""Tests for the 10-minute sliding TTL on reviewer and merger PR leases (#747).
+
+The lease ledger previously minted a fixed 120-minute expiry and derived
+staleness from separate 30/60-minute activity bands. A dead session therefore
+held a PR for up to two hours. These tests pin the sliding-window contract:
+acquisition mints a 10-minute expiry, every heartbeat slides it forward, and an
+expired lease is immediately reclaimable with no intermediate waiting tier.
+"""
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import reviewer_pr_lease as leases
+
+
+def _body(
+    *,
+    session_id: str = "session-a",
+    pr_number: int = 747,
+    phase: str = "claimed",
+    last_activity: datetime | None = None,
+    expires_at: datetime | None = None,
+    ttl_minutes: int | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    kwargs = {}
+    if ttl_minutes is not None:
+        kwargs["ttl_minutes"] = ttl_minutes
+    return leases.format_lease_body(
+        repo="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+        pr_number=pr_number,
+        issue_number=747,
+        reviewer_identity="rev1",
+        profile="prgs-reviewer",
+        session_id=session_id,
+        worktree="branches/review-pr747",
+        phase=phase,
+        candidate_head="a" * 40,
+        target_branch="master",
+        target_branch_sha="b" * 40,
+        last_activity=last_activity,
+        expires_at=expires_at,
+        **kwargs,
+    )
+
+
+def _comment(**kwargs) -> dict:
+    return {"id": 1, "body": _body(**kwargs), "user": {"login": "rev1"}}
+
+
+def _minutes_ago(minutes: int) -> datetime:
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc) - timedelta(minutes=minutes)
+
+
+class TestSlidingTTLConstant(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC6: one named constant per lease kind, no duplicated literals."""
+
+    def test_ttl_is_ten_minutes(self):
+        self.assertEqual(leases.LEASE_TTL_MINUTES, 10)
+
+    def test_renewal_window_is_separately_named(self):
+        self.assertEqual(leases.LEASE_RENEWAL_MINUTES, 10)
+
+
+class TestAcquisitionTTL(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC1 / AC2: reviewer and merger acquisition both mint now + 10 minutes."""
+
+    def test_acquire_mints_ten_minute_expiry(self):
+        now = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=now))
+        expires = leases._parse_timestamp(lease["expires_at"])
+        self.assertEqual(expires, now + timedelta(minutes=10))
+
+    def test_merger_acquisition_shares_the_same_window(self):
+        # Merger acquisition funnels through the same lease-body formatter, so
+        # the reviewer TTL is the merger TTL by construction.
+        now = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(phase="merging", last_activity=now))
+        expires = leases._parse_timestamp(lease["expires_at"])
+        self.assertEqual(expires, now + timedelta(minutes=10))
+
+
+class TestHeartbeatSlides(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC3: a heartbeat slides expires_at to now + 10 minutes."""
+
+    def test_heartbeat_slides_expiry_forward(self):
+        acquired = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        beat = acquired + timedelta(minutes=7)
+        first = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=acquired))
+        renewed = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=beat))
+
+        first_expiry = leases._parse_timestamp(first["expires_at"])
+        renewed_expiry = leases._parse_timestamp(renewed["expires_at"])
+
+        self.assertEqual(renewed_expiry, beat + timedelta(minutes=10))
+        self.assertGreater(renewed_expiry, first_expiry)
+
+    def test_renewal_window_is_independently_tunable(self):
+        # The renewal amount must not be hardwired to the acquisition TTL;
+        # format_lease_body accepts an explicit window.
+        now = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=now, ttl_minutes=3))
+        expires = leases._parse_timestamp(lease["expires_at"])
+        self.assertEqual(expires, now + timedelta(minutes=3))
+
+
+class TestFreshnessBands(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC5: expiry is the only gate; no intermediate reclaim tier."""
+
+    def test_fresh_lease_is_active(self):
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=_minutes_ago(1)))
+        self.assertEqual(leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease), "active")
+
+    def test_idle_past_half_ttl_warns_before_expiry(self):
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=_minutes_ago(6)))
+        self.assertEqual(leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease), "stale_warning")
+
+    def test_lease_expires_after_ten_idle_minutes(self):
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=_minutes_ago(11)))
+        self.assertEqual(leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease), "expired")
+
+    def test_no_separate_reclaimable_tier_remains(self):
+        # The old 60-minute reclaim band sat between "stale" and "expired" and
+        # blocked acquisition. Under a sliding TTL an idle lease is already
+        # expired, so the tier must not reappear at any idle duration.
+        for minutes in (11, 30, 65, 121, 600):
+            lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=_minutes_ago(minutes)))
+            self.assertEqual(
+                leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease),
+                "expired",
+                f"idle {minutes}m should be expired, not a waiting tier",
+            )
+
+
+class TestExpiredLeaseIsImmediatelyReclaimable(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC5: another session takes over an expired lease with no extra wait."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def _acquire_against(self, comments: list[dict]) -> dict:
+        return leases.assess_acquire_lease(
+            comments,
+            pr_number=747,
+            reviewer_identity="rev2",
+            profile="prgs-reviewer",
+            session_id="session-b",
+            repo="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            issue_number=747,
+            worktree="branches/review-pr747-b",
+            candidate_head="c" * 40,
+            target_branch="master",
+            target_branch_sha="d" * 40,
+        )
+
+    def test_expired_foreign_lease_does_not_block_acquisition(self):
+        comments = [_comment(session_id="dead-session", last_activity=_minutes_ago(11))]
+        result = self._acquire_against(comments)
+        self.assertTrue(result["acquire_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+
+    def test_live_foreign_lease_still_blocks_acquisition(self):
+        comments = [_comment(session_id="live-session", last_activity=_minutes_ago(2))]
+        result = self._acquire_against(comments)
+        self.assertFalse(result["acquire_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("already has active" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+
+class TestRemainingTimeReporting(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC7: diagnostics can distinguish 'held and live' from 'held and dying'."""
+
+    def test_seconds_remaining_on_live_lease(self):
+        now = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=now))
+        remaining = leases.lease_seconds_remaining(lease, now=now + timedelta(minutes=4))
+        self.assertEqual(remaining, 360)
+
+    def test_seconds_remaining_is_zero_when_expired(self):
+        now = datetime(2026, 7, 18, 12, 0, 0, tzinfo=timezone.utc)
+        lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(_body(last_activity=now))
+        remaining = leases.lease_seconds_remaining(lease, now=now + timedelta(minutes=30))
+        self.assertEqual(remaining, 0)
+
+    def test_seconds_remaining_is_none_without_parsable_expiry(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(leases.lease_seconds_remaining({"expires_at": "not-a-time"}))
+
+
+class TestLegacyLeaseRows(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC9: leases minted under the old 120-minute TTL still evaluate."""
+
+    def test_legacy_two_hour_expiry_is_honoured_until_it_passes(self):
+        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+        legacy = leases.parse_lease_comment(
+            _body(last_activity=now - timedelta(minutes=90), expires_at=now + timedelta(minutes=30))
+        )
+        # Still inside its originally minted window: not expired, but idle long
+        # enough to warn.
+        self.assertEqual(leases.classify_lease_freshness(legacy), "stale_warning")
+
+    def test_legacy_row_past_its_own_expiry_is_expired(self):
+        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+        legacy = leases.parse_lease_comment(
+            _body(last_activity=now - timedelta(minutes=180), expires_at=now - timedelta(minutes=60))
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(leases.classify_lease_freshness(legacy), "expired")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_751_checks_assessor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,602 @@
+"""Regression coverage for the PR checks assessor defect (#751).
+
+Gitea's *combined* commit status reports ``state: pending`` both when a check is
+executing and when the status-context collection is empty. The assessor read
+``state`` alone and defaulted ``checks_required`` to ``True``, so a PR whose head
+had no status contexts — and never would — was routed to ``blocked`` forever.
+
+These tests pin the corrected semantics end to end: live branch protection
+decides whether checks are required, and the actual context collection decides
+what the checks say.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import sys
+import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import pr_sync_status  # noqa: E402
+from pr_sync_status import (  # noqa: E402
+    ACTION_BLOCKED,
+    ACTION_MERGE_NOW,
+    ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE,
+    CHECKS_FAILURE,
+    CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED,
+    CHECKS_NONE,
+    CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED,
+    CHECKS_PENDING,
+    CHECKS_SUCCESS,
+    CHECKS_UNKNOWN,
+    assess_pr_sync_status,
+    classify_commit_checks,
+)
+
+
+def _sha(prefix: str) -> str:
+    return (prefix + "0" * 40)[:40]
+
+
+PR_HEAD = _sha("aaaaaaaa")
+BASE_HEAD = _sha("bbbbbbbb")
+
+
+def _base_kwargs(**overrides):
+    data = {
+        "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+        "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+        "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+        "pr_number": 751,
+        "pr_state": "open",
+        "source_branch": "fix/issue-751-checks-assessor",
+        "pr_head_sha": PR_HEAD,
+        "base_head_sha": BASE_HEAD,
+        "commits_behind": 0,
+        "mergeable": True,
+        "has_conflicts": False,
+        "branch_protection_requires_current_base": False,
+        "approval_at_current_head": True,
+        "checks_status": "success",
+        "active_author_lock": True,
+        "active_reviewer_lease": False,
+        "active_merger_lease": False,
+    }
+    data.update(overrides)
+    return data
+
+
+def _reasons(result) -> str:
+    return " | ".join(result["reasons"]).lower()
+
+
+class TestClassifyCommitChecks(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Pure classification from live evidence."""
+
+    def test_empty_collection_with_combined_pending_is_not_executing_ci(self):
+        # The exact PR #750 failure mode at the classification layer.
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="pending",
+            statuses=[],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=[],
+        )
+        self.assertNotEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_PENDING)
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_NONE)
+        self.assertEqual(result["context_count"], 0)
+        joined = " ".join(result["reasons"]).lower()
+        self.assertIn("empty", joined)
+        self.assertIn("does not indicate", joined)
+
+    def test_protection_disables_status_checks(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="pending",
+            statuses=[],
+            checks_enabled=False,
+            required_contexts=[],
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED)
+
+    def test_no_required_contexts_aggregates_reported_contexts(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "success"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=[],
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_SUCCESS)
+
+    def test_required_checks_pending(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="pending",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "pending"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_PENDING)
+
+    def test_required_checks_failed(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="failure",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "failure"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_FAILURE)
+
+    def test_required_checks_successful(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "success"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_SUCCESS)
+        self.assertTrue(result["checks_required"])
+
+    def test_required_context_configured_with_no_matching_result(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[{"context": "lint", "status": "success"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED)
+        self.assertEqual(result["missing_required_contexts"], ["build"])
+
+    def test_mixed_required_and_unrelated_contexts_ignores_unrelated(self):
+        # An unrelated failing context must not fail a satisfied required set.
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="failure",
+            statuses=[
+                {"context": "build", "status": "success"},
+                {"context": "optional-scan", "status": "failure"},
+            ],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_SUCCESS)
+        # ...and a failing *required* context still fails despite passing extras.
+        failing = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[
+                {"context": "build", "status": "failure"},
+                {"context": "optional-scan", "status": "success"},
+            ],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(failing["checks_status"], CHECKS_FAILURE)
+
+    def test_policy_unreadable_fails_closed(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state=None,
+            statuses=[],
+            checks_enabled=None,
+            required_contexts=[],
+            policy_determinable=False,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_UNKNOWN)
+        self.assertIn("fail closed", " ".join(result["reasons"]).lower())
+
+    def test_malformed_policy_indeterminate_flag_fails_closed(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "success"}],
+            checks_enabled=None,
+            required_contexts=[],
+            policy_determinable=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_UNKNOWN)
+
+    def test_status_collection_unreadable_fails_closed_when_required(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+            status_determinable=False,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_UNKNOWN)
+
+    def test_unrecognized_context_state_never_reads_as_success(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build", "status": "banana"}],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_UNKNOWN)
+
+    def test_newest_wins_per_context(self):
+        # Gitea returns newest-first; the stale failure must not win.
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="success",
+            statuses=[
+                {"context": "build", "status": "success"},
+                {"context": "build", "status": "failure"},
+            ],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_SUCCESS)
+
+    def test_malformed_status_rows_are_discarded_not_treated_as_passing(self):
+        result = classify_commit_checks(
+            combined_state="pending",
+            statuses=[{"context": "build"}, "not-a-dict", None],
+            checks_enabled=True,
+            required_contexts=["build"],
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED)
+
+
+class TestChecksGateSemantics(unittest.TestCase):
+    """``assess_pr_sync_status`` routing and blocker reasons."""
+
+    def test_not_required_allows_merge_now_with_empty_checks(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED),
+            checks_required=False,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+        self.assertTrue(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["checks_required"])
+        self.assertIn("does not require status checks", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_none_blocks_when_checks_required(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_NONE),
+            checks_required=True,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("no status context", _reasons(result))
+        self.assertIn("not executing ci", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_missing_required_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_MISSING_REQUIRED),
+            checks_required=True,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("no matching status result", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_required_pending_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_PENDING), checks_required=True
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("not finished", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_required_failure_blocks(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_FAILURE), checks_required=True
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("failed", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_required_success_merges(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_SUCCESS), checks_required=True
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+
+    def test_unknown_blocks_when_required(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_UNKNOWN), checks_required=True
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("unknown", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_unrecognized_status_does_not_fall_through_to_merge(self):
+        # Regression: the previous gate only handled a fixed vocabulary and let
+        # anything else reach merge_now.
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status="totally-unexpected"),
+            checks_required=True,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertIn("unrecognized checks status", _reasons(result))
+
+    def test_checks_gate_does_not_bypass_approval_requirement(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                checks_status=CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED, approval_at_current_head=False
+            ),
+            checks_required=False,
+        )
+        self.assertNotEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+
+    def test_checks_gate_does_not_bypass_current_base_protection(self):
+        # Existing current-base behavior stays intact (#727).
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                checks_status=CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED,
+                commits_behind=3,
+                branch_protection_requires_current_base=True,
+            ),
+            checks_required=False,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE
+        )
+
+    def test_checks_gate_does_not_bypass_conflicts(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(checks_status=CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED, mergeable=False),
+            checks_required=False,
+        )
+        self.assertNotEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+
+
+class TestBranchProtectionPolicy(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Live protection reader derives the status-check requirement."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as gms
+
+        self.gms = gms
+
+    def _policy(self, responses):
+        def fake_api_request(method, url, auth, *args, **kwargs):
+            for fragment, payload in responses.items():
+                if fragment in url:
+                    if isinstance(payload, Exception):
+                        raise payload
+                    return payload
+            return None
+
+        with patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", side_effect=fake_api_request):
+            return self.gms._branch_protection_policy(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {"h": "1"}, base_branch="master"
+            )
+
+    def test_status_checks_enabled_with_contexts(self):
+        policy = self._policy({
+            "branch_protections": [{
+                "branch_name": "master",
+                "block_on_outdated_branch": True,
+                "enable_status_check": True,
+                "status_check_contexts": ["ci/build", " "],
+            }],
+        })
+        self.assertTrue(policy["determinable"])
+        self.assertTrue(policy["checks_enabled"])
+        self.assertTrue(policy["requires_current_base"])
+        self.assertEqual(policy["required_contexts"], ["ci/build"])
+
+    def test_status_checks_disabled(self):
+        policy = self._policy({
+            "branch_protections": [{
+                "branch_name": "master",
+                "enable_status_check": False,
+            }],
+        })
+        self.assertTrue(policy["determinable"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["checks_enabled"])
+
+    def test_no_protection_rule_means_checks_not_required(self):
+        # PR #750's repository shape: protection list readable but empty.
+        policy = self._policy({"branch_protections": [], "branches/master": {}})
+        self.assertTrue(policy["determinable"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["protection_found"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["checks_enabled"])
+        self.assertIsNone(policy["requires_current_base"])
+
+    def test_protection_without_status_field_means_not_enabled(self):
+        policy = self._policy({
+            "branch_protections": [{
+                "branch_name": "master",
+                "block_on_outdated_branch": True,
+            }],
+        })
+        self.assertTrue(policy["determinable"])
+        self.assertFalse(policy["checks_enabled"])
+        self.assertTrue(policy["requires_current_base"])
+
+    def test_api_failure_is_not_determinable(self):
+        policy = self._policy({
+            "branch_protections": RuntimeError("boom"),
+        })
+        self.assertFalse(policy["determinable"])
+        self.assertIsNone(policy["checks_enabled"])
+
+    def test_missing_branch_is_not_determinable(self):
+        with patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", return_value=[]):
+            policy = self.gms._branch_protection_policy(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {}, base_branch="  "
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(policy["determinable"])
+
+    def test_requires_current_base_accessor_preserved(self):
+        def fake(method, url, auth, *a, **k):
+            if "branch_protections" in url:
+                return [{"branch_name": "master",
+                         "block_on_outdated_branch": True}]
+            return None
+
+        with patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", side_effect=fake):
+            value = self.gms._branch_protection_requires_current_base(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {}, base_branch="master"
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(value)
+
+
+class TestCommitChecksSnapshot(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as gms
+
+        self.gms = gms
+
+    def test_reads_state_and_context_collection(self):
+        payload = {"state": "pending", "statuses": [{"context": "b",
+                                                     "status": "pending"}]}
+        with patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", return_value=payload):
+            snap = self.gms._commit_checks_snapshot(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {}, sha=PR_HEAD
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(snap["determinable"])
+        self.assertEqual(snap["combined_state"], "pending")
+        self.assertEqual(len(snap["statuses"]), 1)
+
+    def test_empty_collection_recorded_as_determinable(self):
+        with patch.object(
+            self.gms, "api_request", return_value={"state": "pending", "statuses": []}
+        ):
+            snap = self.gms._commit_checks_snapshot(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {}, sha=PR_HEAD
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(snap["determinable"])
+        self.assertEqual(snap["statuses"], [])
+
+    def test_api_failure_is_not_determinable(self):
+        with patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", side_effect=RuntimeError("x")):
+            snap = self.gms._commit_checks_snapshot(
+                "https://example/api/v1/repos/o/r", {}, sha=PR_HEAD
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(snap["determinable"])
+
+
+class TestMcpWrapperForwarding(unittest.TestCase):
+    """The production MCP path must reach the derived ``checks_required``."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as gms
+
+        self.gms = gms
+        self.base = (
+            "https://gitea.prgs.cc/api/v1/repos/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+        )
+
+    def _patches(self, fake_api_request, spy):
+        return [
+            patch.object(self.gms, "_profile_operation_gate", return_value=None),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "_resolve", return_value=(
+                "gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools")),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "_auth", return_value={"Authorization": "x"}),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "repo_api_url", return_value=self.base),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "api_request", side_effect=fake_api_request),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "gitea_get_pr_review_feedback", return_value={
+                "success": True, "approval_at_current_head": True}),
+            patch.object(self.gms, "_prove_author_ownership_for_pr", return_value={
+                "has_author_lock": True}),
+            patch.object(pr_sync_status, "assess_pr_sync_status", side_effect=spy),
+        ]
+
+    def _run(self, *, protections, status_payload, pr_number=750,
+             caller_checks_status=None):
+        captured = {}
+        real_assess = pr_sync_status.assess_pr_sync_status
+
+        def spy(**kwargs):
+            captured.update(kwargs)
+            return real_assess(**kwargs)
+
+        def fake_api_request(method, url, auth, *args, **kwargs):
+            if f"/pulls/{pr_number}" in url:
+                return {
+                    "number": pr_number,
+                    "state": "open",
+                    "title": "t",
+                    "body": "b",
+                    "mergeable": True,
+                    "head": {"sha": PR_HEAD, "ref": "fix/x"},
+                    "base": {"sha": BASE_HEAD, "ref": "master"},
+                }
+            if "/branch_protections" in url:
+                if isinstance(protections, Exception):
+                    raise protections
+                return protections
+            if "/branches/master" in url:
+                return {"commit": {"id": BASE_HEAD}}
+            if "/status" in url:
+                if isinstance(status_payload, Exception):
+                    raise status_payload
+                return status_payload
+            if "/compare/" in url:
+                return {"total_commits": 0}
+            if "/comments" in url:
+                return []
+            return None
+
+        stack = self._patches(fake_api_request, spy)
+        for p in stack:
+            p.start()
+        try:
+            result = self.gms.gitea_assess_pr_sync_status(
+                pr_number=pr_number, remote="prgs",
+                checks_status=caller_checks_status,
+            )
+        finally:
+            for p in reversed(stack):
+                p.stop()
+        return result, captured
+
+    def test_derived_checks_required_is_forwarded(self):
+        result, captured = self._run(
+            protections=[{"branch_name": "master", "enable_status_check": True,
+                          "status_check_contexts": ["ci/build"]}],
+            status_payload={"state": "pending", "statuses": [
+                {"context": "ci/build", "status": "pending"}]},
+        )
+        self.assertIn("checks_required", captured)
+        self.assertTrue(captured["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(captured["checks_status"], CHECKS_PENDING)
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+
+    def test_pr750_empty_status_with_no_protection_is_merge_ready(self):
+        # The exact reported failure: combined pending, zero contexts, and no
+        # branch protection requiring checks.
+        result, captured = self._run(
+            protections=[],
+            status_payload={"state": "pending", "statuses": []},
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(captured["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(captured["checks_status"], CHECKS_NOT_REQUIRED)
+        self.assertNotEqual(result["checks_status"], CHECKS_PENDING)
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+
+    def test_protection_read_failure_blocks(self):
+        result, captured = self._run(
+            protections=RuntimeError("protection unavailable"),
+            status_payload={"state": "success", "statuses": []},
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(captured["checks_required"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+
+    def test_caller_supplied_status_cannot_mask_live_required_failure(self):
+        # A caller-declared "success" must not override live evidence.
+        result, captured = self._run(
+            protections=[{"branch_name": "master", "enable_status_check": True,
+                          "status_check_contexts": ["ci/build"]}],
+            status_payload={"state": "failure", "statuses": [
+                {"context": "ci/build", "status": "failure"}]},
+            caller_checks_status="success",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(captured["checks_status"], CHECKS_FAILURE)
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["checks_evidence"]["caller_supplied_checks_status"], "success"
+        )
+
+    def test_checks_evidence_is_reported_without_secrets(self):
+        result, _ = self._run(
+            protections=[],
+            status_payload={"state": "pending", "statuses": []},
+        )
+        evidence = result["checks_evidence"]
+        self.assertEqual(evidence["context_count"], 0)
+        self.assertEqual(evidence["combined_state"], "pending")
+        self.assertFalse(evidence["protection_found"])
+        blob = repr(result).lower()
+        self.assertNotIn("authorization", blob)
+        self.assertNotIn("token", blob)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_753_dead_pid_lock_recovery.py

@@ -0,0 +1,364 @@
+"""Dead-session author issue-lock recovery (#753).
+
+Covers the narrow recovery path that lets an author re-acquire a durable lock
+after the MCP session that recorded it exits, plus every rejection condition
+that must keep failing closed.
+"""
+
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_lock_recovery  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_store  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_worktree  # noqa: E402
+
+ISSUE = 4242
+BRANCH = f"fix/issue-{ISSUE}-demo"
+WORKTREE = "/scratch/wt"
+HEAD = "a" * 40
+OTHER_SHA = "b" * 40
+IDENTITY = "example-user"
+PROFILE = "example-author"
+
+
+def dead_pid() -> int:
+    """A PID that has certainly exited (spawned, then reaped)."""
+    proc = subprocess.Popen([sys.executable, "-c", "pass"])
+    proc.wait()
+    return proc.pid
+
+
+def future_ts(hours: int = 4) -> str:
+    return (
+        (datetime.now(timezone.utc) + timedelta(hours=hours))
+        .isoformat()
+        .replace("+00:00", "Z")
+    )
+
+
+def make_lock(**overrides):
+    lock = {
+        "issue_number": ISSUE,
+        "branch_name": BRANCH,
+        "worktree_path": WORKTREE,
+        "remote": "prgs",
+        "org": "ExampleOrg",
+        "repo": "ExampleRepo",
+        "session_pid": dead_pid(),
+        "work_lease": {
+            "operation_type": issue_lock_store.AUTHOR_ISSUE_WORK_LEASE,
+            "issue_number": ISSUE,
+            "branch": BRANCH,
+            "worktree_path": WORKTREE,
+            "claimant": {"username": IDENTITY, "profile": PROFILE},
+            "expires_at": future_ts(),
+        },
+    }
+    lock.update(overrides)
+    return lock
+
+
+def assess(lock=None, **overrides):
+    kwargs = {
+        "issue_number": ISSUE,
+        "branch_name": BRANCH,
+        "worktree_path": WORKTREE,
+        "remote": "prgs",
+        "org": "ExampleOrg",
+        "repo": "ExampleRepo",
+        "identity": IDENTITY,
+        "profile": PROFILE,
+        "current_branch": BRANCH,
+        "porcelain_status": "",
+        "head_sha": HEAD,
+        "remote_head_sha": HEAD,
+        "pr_head_sha": HEAD,
+        "pr_number": 99,
+        "competing_live_locks": [],
+        "candidate_branches": [BRANCH],
+        "current_pid": os.getpid(),
+    }
+    kwargs.update(overrides)
+    return issue_lock_recovery.assess_dead_session_lock_recovery(
+        make_lock() if lock is None else lock, **kwargs
+    )
+
+
+class TestDeadSessionRecoveryGranted(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_dead_pid_with_exact_evidence_recovers(self):
+        result = assess()
+        self.assertTrue(result["recovery_sanctioned"], result["reasons"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], issue_lock_recovery.RECOVERY_SANCTIONED)
+
+    def test_recovery_still_granted_when_no_open_pr_exists(self):
+        # A locked branch need not have a PR yet; absence must not block.
+        result = assess(pr_head_sha=None, pr_number=None)
+        self.assertTrue(result["recovery_sanctioned"], result["reasons"])
+
+    def test_lease_expiry_is_not_required_for_recovery(self):
+        # The defining condition is PID death, not TTL expiry (the #601 gap).
+        lock = make_lock()
+        self.assertFalse(issue_lock_store.is_lease_expired(lock))
+        self.assertFalse(issue_lock_store.assess_lock_freshness(lock)["live"])
+        self.assertTrue(assess(lock)["recovery_sanctioned"])
+
+
+class TestDeadSessionRecoveryRefused(unittest.TestCase):
+    def assert_refused(self, result, needle):
+        self.assertFalse(result["recovery_sanctioned"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], issue_lock_recovery.REFUSED)
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any(needle in reason for reason in result["reasons"]),
+            f"expected {needle!r} in {result['reasons']}",
+        )
+
+    def test_live_prior_pid_refused(self):
+        lock = make_lock(session_pid=os.getpid(), pid=os.getpid())
+        # Distinct current pid so the refusal is attributable to liveness.
+        self.assert_refused(assess(lock, current_pid=os.getpid() + 1), "still alive")
+
+    def test_different_author_identity_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(identity="someone-else"), "does not match active identity"
+        )
+
+    def test_different_profile_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(profile="other-profile"), "does not match active profile"
+        )
+
+    def test_different_branch_refused(self):
+        lock = make_lock(branch_name=f"fix/issue-{ISSUE}-other")
+        self.assert_refused(assess(lock), "does not match requested")
+
+    def test_worktree_parked_on_another_branch_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(assess(current_branch="master"), "not the locked branch")
+
+    def test_detached_head_worktree_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(assess(current_branch=None), "detached HEAD")
+
+    def test_different_worktree_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(worktree_path="/scratch/elsewhere"), "does not match declared"
+        )
+
+    def test_dirty_worktree_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(porcelain_status=" M gitea_mcp_server.py\n"), "requires a clean"
+        )
+
+    def test_local_head_differing_from_remote_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(remote_head_sha=OTHER_SHA), "does not match remote branch head"
+        )
+
+    def test_pr_head_differing_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(assess(pr_head_sha=OTHER_SHA), "does not match local head")
+
+    def test_missing_remote_head_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(assess(remote_head_sha=None), "remote head")
+
+    def test_competing_live_lock_refused(self):
+        competing = [
+            {
+                "issue_number": ISSUE,
+                "branch_name": BRANCH,
+                "worktree_path": "/scratch/other-wt",
+                "pid": os.getpid(),
+            }
+        ]
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(competing_live_locks=competing), "competing live lock"
+        )
+
+    def test_unrelated_live_lock_does_not_block(self):
+        unrelated = [
+            {
+                "issue_number": 999,
+                "branch_name": "fix/issue-999-unrelated",
+                "worktree_path": "/scratch/unrelated",
+                "pid": os.getpid(),
+            }
+        ]
+        self.assertTrue(assess(competing_live_locks=unrelated)["recovery_sanctioned"])
+
+    def test_multiple_candidate_branches_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(
+            assess(candidate_branches=[BRANCH, f"feat/issue-{ISSUE}-rival"]),
+            "multiple branches claim this issue",
+        )
+
+    def test_repository_scope_mismatch_refused(self):
+        self.assert_refused(assess(repo="OtherRepo"), "does not match requested")
+
+    def test_malformed_lock_missing_worktree_refused(self):
+        lock = make_lock()
+        lock.pop("worktree_path")
+        self.assert_refused(assess(lock), "incomplete")
+
+    def test_malformed_lock_missing_pid_refused(self):
+        lock = make_lock()
+        lock.pop("session_pid", None)
+        lock.pop("pid", None)
+        self.assert_refused(assess(lock), "incomplete")
+
+    def test_lock_without_claimant_refused(self):
+        lock = make_lock()
+        lock["work_lease"] = dict(lock["work_lease"])
+        lock["work_lease"].pop("claimant")
+        self.assert_refused(assess(lock), "claimant identity/profile")
+
+
+class TestNotACandidate(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_absent_lock_is_not_a_candidate(self):
+        result = issue_lock_recovery.assess_dead_session_lock_recovery(
+            None,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            branch_name=BRANCH,
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="ExampleOrg",
+            repo="ExampleRepo",
+            identity=IDENTITY,
+            profile=PROFILE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            head_sha=HEAD,
+            remote_head_sha=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], issue_lock_recovery.NO_CANDIDATE)
+        self.assertFalse(result["recovery_sanctioned"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["is_candidate"])
+
+    def test_lock_for_a_different_issue_is_not_a_candidate(self):
+        result = assess(make_lock(issue_number=7777))
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], issue_lock_recovery.NO_CANDIDATE)
+        self.assertFalse(result["recovery_sanctioned"])
+
+
+class TestWorktreeGateWaiver(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_new_issue_claim_still_requires_base_equivalence(self):
+        result = issue_lock_worktree.assess_issue_lock_worktree(
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            base_equivalent=False,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["base_equivalence_waived"])
+
+    def test_sanctioned_recovery_waives_base_equivalence(self):
+        result = issue_lock_worktree.assess_issue_lock_worktree(
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            base_equivalent=False,
+            recovery_sanctioned=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"], result["reasons"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["base_equivalence_waived"])
+
+    def test_recovery_never_waives_cleanliness(self):
+        result = issue_lock_worktree.assess_issue_lock_worktree(
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status=" M gitea_mcp_server.py\n",
+            base_equivalent=False,
+            recovery_sanctioned=True,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("tracked file edits" in reason for reason in result["reasons"])
+        )
+
+    def test_unproven_base_equivalence_still_blocks_without_recovery(self):
+        result = issue_lock_worktree.assess_issue_lock_worktree(
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            base_equivalent=None,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestRecoveryRecordAndDownstream(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_recovery_record_preserves_truthful_provenance(self):
+        assessment = assess()
+        prior = assessment["evidence"]["prior_session_pid"]
+        record = issue_lock_recovery.build_recovery_record(
+            assessment, recovered_at="2026-07-18T23:21:40Z"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(record["recovered"])
+        self.assertEqual(record["prior_session_pid"], prior)
+        self.assertEqual(record["replacement_session_pid"], os.getpid())
+        self.assertNotEqual(
+            record["prior_session_pid"], record["replacement_session_pid"]
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(record["prior_pid_alive"])
+        self.assertEqual(record["recovered_at"], "2026-07-18T23:21:40Z")
+        self.assertEqual(record["branch_name"], BRANCH)
+        self.assertEqual(record["local_head"], HEAD)
+        self.assertEqual(record["identity"], IDENTITY)
+        self.assertTrue(record["proof"])
+
+    def test_recovery_record_carries_no_secret_material(self):
+        record = issue_lock_recovery.build_recovery_record(
+            assess(), recovered_at="2026-07-18T23:21:40Z"
+        )
+        blob = repr(record).lower()
+        for banned in ("token", "password", "authorization", "secret", "api_key"):
+            self.assertNotIn(banned, blob)
+
+    def test_recovered_lock_satisfies_update_by_merge_ownership(self):
+        # After recovery the lock is rebound to the live session, so the
+        # ownership re-check used by gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge passes.
+        assessment = assess()
+        recovered_lock = make_lock(session_pid=os.getpid(), pid=os.getpid())
+        recovered_lock["dead_session_recovery"] = (
+            issue_lock_recovery.build_recovery_record(
+                assessment, recovered_at="2026-07-18T23:21:40Z"
+            )
+        )
+        freshness = issue_lock_store.assess_lock_freshness(recovered_lock)
+        self.assertTrue(freshness["live"], freshness)
+
+        verdict = issue_lock_store.verify_lock_for_mutation(
+            recovered_lock,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            branch_name=BRANCH,
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(verdict["proven"], verdict["reasons"])
+        self.assertFalse(verdict["block"])
+
+    def test_pre_recovery_lock_fails_ownership_check(self):
+        # Guards against a false positive above: the dead-PID lock must fail.
+        verdict = issue_lock_store.verify_lock_for_mutation(
+            make_lock(),
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            branch_name=BRANCH,
+            worktree_path=WORKTREE,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(verdict["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("not live" in reason for reason in verdict["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_no_manual_file_seeding_required(self):
+        # The whole decision is reachable from the durable record plus live
+        # observation; nothing is written to disk to reach a verdict.
+        self.assertTrue(assess()["recovery_sanctioned"])
+
+    def test_refusal_message_is_fail_closed(self):
+        message = issue_lock_recovery.format_recovery_refusal(
+            assess(porcelain_status=" M x.py\n")
+        )
+        self.assertIn("fail closed", message)
+        self.assertIn("recovery refused", message.lower())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_755_owning_pr_recovery.py

@@ -0,0 +1,609 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
+"""Dead-session lock recovery when the issue already owns an open PR (#755).
+
+#753 added the recovery *assessor*, but the production ``gitea_lock_issue``
+path still rejected every sanctioned recovery: a dead-session lock is by
+construction a lock for work that already has an open PR, and the #400
+duplicate-work gate blocked unconditionally on any linked open PR. These tests
+drive the real MCP handler, not just the pure assessor, so that gap cannot
+reopen.
+"""
+import os
+import subprocess
+import sys
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+from pathlib import Path
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import issue_lock_provenance  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_recovery  # noqa: E402
+import issue_lock_store  # noqa: E402
+import mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+from issue_work_duplicate_gate import (  # noqa: E402
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED,
+    OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED,
+    PHASE_LOCK,
+    assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate,
+)
+
+ISSUE = 4755
+BRANCH = f"fix/issue-{ISSUE}-owning-pr"
+OTHER_BRANCH = f"fix/issue-{ISSUE}-competing"
+HEAD = "c" * 40
+OTHER_HEAD = "d" * 40
+OWNING_PR = 4756
+OTHER_PR = 4757
+IDENTITY = "example-user"
+PROFILE = "test-author-prgs"
+ORG = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting"
+REPO = "Gitea-Tools"
+
+
+def dead_pid() -> int:
+    """A PID that has certainly exited (spawned, then reaped)."""
+    proc = subprocess.Popen([sys.executable, "-c", "pass"])
+    proc.wait()
+    return proc.pid
+
+
+def shifted_ts(hours: int = 4) -> str:
+    return (
+        (datetime.now(timezone.utc) + timedelta(hours=hours))
+        .isoformat()
+        .replace("+00:00", "Z")
+    )
+
+
+def owning_pr(number=OWNING_PR, ref=BRANCH, sha=HEAD, issue=ISSUE):
+    return {
+        "number": number,
+        "title": f"fix: something (Closes #{issue})",
+        "body": f"Closes #{issue}.",
+        "head": {"ref": ref, "sha": sha},
+    }
+
+
+def sanctioned_token(
+    issue_number=ISSUE, pr_number=OWNING_PR, branch=BRANCH, head=HEAD
+):
+    """The evidence shape the server derives from a granted recovery."""
+    return {
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "pr_number": pr_number,
+        "branch_name": branch,
+        "head_sha": head,
+    }
+
+
+# ───────────────────────── duplicate gate: exemption ─────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestOwningPrExemptionGranted(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_exact_owning_pr_is_not_duplicate_work(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["owning_pr_recovery_exempted"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_WORK_NOT_PREVENTED)
+        self.assertEqual(result["linked_open_pr"], OWNING_PR)
+        self.assertEqual(result["linked_open_pr_count"], 1)
+
+    def test_unrelated_open_pr_alongside_owning_pr_is_ignored(self):
+        unrelated = {
+            "number": 999,
+            "title": "chore: unrelated",
+            "body": "no linkage",
+            "head": {"ref": "chore/unrelated", "sha": OTHER_HEAD},
+        }
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[unrelated, owning_pr()],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["owning_pr_recovery_exempted"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["linked_open_pr_count"], 1)
+
+
+class TestOwningPrExemptionRefused(unittest.TestCase):
+    def assert_blocked(self, result):
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["owning_pr_recovery_exempted"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], OUTCOME_DUPLICATE_PR_PREVENTED)
+
+    def test_no_recovery_evidence_keeps_ordinary_blocker(self):
+        self.assert_blocked(
+            assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+                ISSUE,
+                open_prs=[owning_pr()],
+                branch_names=[BRANCH],
+                claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+                locked_branch=BRANCH,
+                phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_competing_pr_number_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(number=OTHER_PR)],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+    def test_multiple_linked_open_prs_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(), owning_pr(number=OTHER_PR, ref=OTHER_BRANCH)],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+        self.assertEqual(result["linked_open_pr_count"], 2)
+
+    def test_different_branch_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(ref=OTHER_BRANCH)],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+    def test_locked_branch_differing_from_evidence_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=OTHER_BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+    def test_different_head_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(sha=OTHER_HEAD)],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+    def test_evidence_for_another_issue_refused(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(issue_number=ISSUE + 1),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+    def test_missing_head_in_live_pr_refused(self):
+        pr = owning_pr()
+        pr["head"] = {"ref": BRANCH}
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[pr],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        self.assert_blocked(result)
+
+
+class TestOrdinaryDuplicateBehaviorUnchanged(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_clean_issue_still_passes(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[],
+            branch_names=["feat/other-issue-99"],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["owning_pr_recovery_exempted"])
+
+    def test_competing_branch_still_blocks_even_with_owning_pr_evidence(self):
+        result = assess_work_issue_duplicate_gate(
+            ISSUE,
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH, OTHER_BRANCH],
+            claim_entry={"status": "not_claimed"},
+            locked_branch=BRANCH,
+            phase=PHASE_LOCK,
+            recovered_owning_pr=sanctioned_token(),
+        )
+        # The owning PR is exempt, but the competing branch is not.
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["owning_pr_recovery_exempted"])
+        self.assertIn(OTHER_BRANCH, result["conflicting_branches"])
+
+
+# ─────────────────── server-derived evidence cannot be forged ───────────────────
+
+
+class TestOwningPrEvidenceDerivation(unittest.TestCase):
+    def granted(self, **evidence_overrides):
+        evidence = {
+            "issue_number": ISSUE,
+            "locked_branch": BRANCH,
+            "local_head": HEAD,
+            "remote_head": HEAD,
+            "pr_head": HEAD,
+            "pr_number": OWNING_PR,
+        }
+        evidence.update(evidence_overrides)
+        return {
+            "outcome": issue_lock_recovery.RECOVERY_SANCTIONED,
+            "recovery_sanctioned": True,
+            "is_candidate": True,
+            "reasons": [],
+            "evidence": evidence,
+        }
+
+    def test_granted_recovery_yields_evidence(self):
+        token = issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(self.granted())
+        self.assertEqual(token, sanctioned_token())
+
+    def test_none_assessment_yields_nothing(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(None))
+
+    def test_refused_assessment_yields_nothing(self):
+        refused = self.granted()
+        refused["outcome"] = issue_lock_recovery.REFUSED
+        refused["recovery_sanctioned"] = False
+        self.assertIsNone(issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(refused))
+
+    def test_sanctioned_flag_without_outcome_yields_nothing(self):
+        forged = self.granted()
+        forged["outcome"] = "SOMETHING_ELSE"
+        self.assertIsNone(issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(forged))
+
+    def test_missing_pr_number_yields_nothing(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(
+                self.granted(pr_number=None)
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_head_disagreement_in_evidence_yields_nothing(self):
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(
+                self.granted(remote_head=OTHER_HEAD)
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(
+                self.granted(local_head=OTHER_HEAD)
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_real_refused_assessment_yields_nothing(self):
+        """End-to-end against the real assessor, not a hand-built dict."""
+        lock = {
+            "issue_number": ISSUE,
+            "branch_name": BRANCH,
+            "worktree_path": "/scratch/wt",
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": "Example-Org",
+            "repo": "Example-Repo",
+            "session_pid": os.getpid(),  # alive → must refuse
+            "work_lease": {
+                "operation_type": issue_lock_store.AUTHOR_ISSUE_WORK_LEASE,
+                "issue_number": ISSUE,
+                "branch": BRANCH,
+                "worktree_path": "/scratch/wt",
+                "claimant": {"username": IDENTITY, "profile": PROFILE},
+                "expires_at": shifted_ts(),
+            },
+        }
+        assessment = issue_lock_recovery.assess_dead_session_lock_recovery(
+            lock,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            branch_name=BRANCH,
+            worktree_path="/scratch/wt",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Example-Org",
+            repo="Example-Repo",
+            identity=IDENTITY,
+            profile=PROFILE,
+            current_branch=BRANCH,
+            porcelain_status="",
+            head_sha=HEAD,
+            remote_head_sha=HEAD,
+            pr_head_sha=HEAD,
+            pr_number=OWNING_PR,
+            competing_live_locks=[],
+            candidate_branches=[BRANCH],
+            current_pid=os.getpid(),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(assessment["recovery_sanctioned"])
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            issue_lock_recovery.owning_pr_recovery_evidence(assessment)
+        )
+
+
+# ──────────────────── end-to-end: the real gitea_lock_issue ────────────────────
+
+
+class LockIssueEndToEndBase(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Drives ``mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue`` with live git/Gitea observation
+    stubbed at the module boundary — the production gate chain itself runs."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.lock_dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        self.addCleanup(self.lock_dir.cleanup)
+        self.worktree = os.path.realpath(os.getcwd())
+        # Bind host/org/repo to what the ``test-author-prgs`` fixture profile is
+        # pinned to, so the session-context gate under test is the real one and
+        # not a cross-host denial. The issue number and lock dir stay synthetic.
+        self.remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {
+                "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+                "org": ORG,
+                "repo": REPO,
+            },
+        })
+        self.remotes.start()
+        self.addCleanup(patch.stopall)
+        mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+
+    def write_durable_lock(self, *, pid, branch=BRANCH, worktree=None):
+        path = issue_lock_store.lock_file_path(
+            remote="prgs",
+            org=ORG,
+            repo=REPO,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir.name,
+        )
+        claimant = {"username": IDENTITY, "profile": PROFILE}
+        data = {
+            "issue_number": ISSUE,
+            "branch_name": branch,
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": ORG,
+            "repo": REPO,
+            "worktree_path": worktree or self.worktree,
+            "session_pid": pid,
+            "pid": pid,
+            "work_lease": {
+                "operation_type": issue_lock_store.AUTHOR_ISSUE_WORK_LEASE,
+                "issue_number": ISSUE,
+                "branch": branch,
+                "worktree_path": worktree or self.worktree,
+                "claimant": claimant,
+                "created_at": shifted_ts(-1),
+                "last_heartbeat_at": shifted_ts(-1),
+                "expires_at": shifted_ts(),
+            },
+            "lock_provenance": issue_lock_provenance.build_sanctioned_lock_provenance(
+                tool="gitea_lock_issue",
+                claimant=claimant,
+            ),
+        }
+        issue_lock_store.save_lock_file(path, data)
+        return path
+
+    def run_lock(
+        self,
+        *,
+        open_prs,
+        porcelain="",
+        current_branch=BRANCH,
+        base_equivalent=False,
+        branch_names=None,
+        head_sha=HEAD,
+        remote_head=HEAD,
+    ):
+        branch_names = branch_names if branch_names is not None else [BRANCH]
+        branch_entries = [
+            {"name": name, "commit": {"id": remote_head}} for name in branch_names
+        ]
+        env = shared_mutation_env(
+            "test-author-prgs",
+            include_example_repo=True,
+            GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR=self.lock_dir.name,
+        )
+        with patch(
+            "mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=branch_entries
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server._list_open_pulls", return_value=list(open_prs)
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x"
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server._work_lease_claimant",
+            return_value={"username": IDENTITY, "profile": PROFILE},
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_lock_worktree.read_worktree_git_state",
+            return_value={
+                "current_branch": current_branch,
+                "porcelain_status": porcelain,
+                "base_equivalent": base_equivalent,
+                "head_sha": head_sha,
+                "inspected_git_root": self.worktree,
+                "base_branch": "master",
+            },
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
+            side_effect=lambda h, o, r, auth, issue_number: (
+                list(open_prs), list(branch_names), {"status": "not_claimed"}
+            ),
+        ):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+                os.environ["GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR"] = self.lock_dir.name
+                return mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue(
+                    issue_number=ISSUE,
+                    branch_name=BRANCH,
+                    remote="prgs",
+                    worktree_path=self.worktree,
+                )
+
+
+class TestRecoveryWithOwningPrSucceeds(LockIssueEndToEndBase):
+    def test_dead_session_recovery_with_owning_pr_relocks(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        result = self.run_lock(open_prs=[owning_pr()])
+
+        self.assertTrue(result["success"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["issue_number"], ISSUE)
+        self.assertEqual(result["branch_name"], BRANCH)
+        self.assertTrue(result["lock_freshness"]["live"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["lock_freshness"]["pid_alive"])
+
+    def test_recovered_lock_records_truthful_provenance(self):
+        prior = dead_pid()
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=prior)
+        self.run_lock(open_prs=[owning_pr()])
+
+        lock = issue_lock_store.load_issue_lock(
+            remote="prgs",
+            org=ORG,
+            repo=REPO,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir.name,
+        )
+        record = lock.get("dead_session_recovery") or {}
+        self.assertTrue(record.get("recovered"))
+        self.assertEqual(record.get("prior_session_pid"), prior)
+        self.assertEqual(record.get("replacement_session_pid"), os.getpid())
+        self.assertFalse(record.get("prior_pid_alive"))
+        self.assertEqual(record.get("pr_number"), OWNING_PR)
+        self.assertEqual(record.get("branch_name"), BRANCH)
+        self.assertEqual(record.get("identity"), IDENTITY)
+
+    def test_recovered_lock_is_live_and_proves_pr_ownership(self):
+        """AC6: the persisted lock satisfies update-by-merge's ownership prover."""
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        self.run_lock(open_prs=[owning_pr()])
+
+        lock = issue_lock_store.load_issue_lock(
+            remote="prgs",
+            org=ORG,
+            repo=REPO,
+            issue_number=ISSUE,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir.name,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(issue_lock_store.is_lease_live(lock))
+
+        env = shared_mutation_env(
+            "test-author-prgs",
+            include_example_repo=True,
+            GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR=self.lock_dir.name,
+        )
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            os.environ["GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR"] = self.lock_dir.name
+            ownership = mcp_server._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+                pr_number=OWNING_PR,
+                pr_title=f"fix: something (Closes #{ISSUE})",
+                pr_body=f"Closes #{ISSUE}.",
+                source_branch=BRANCH,
+                remote="prgs",
+                host="gitea.prgs.cc",
+                org=ORG,
+                repo=REPO,
+                worktree_path=self.worktree,
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(ownership["proven"], ownership["reasons"])
+        self.assertTrue(ownership["has_author_lock"])
+        self.assertEqual(ownership["matched_issue"], ISSUE)
+
+
+class TestRecoveryRejectionsEndToEnd(LockIssueEndToEndBase):
+    def assert_lock_refused(self, **kwargs):
+        with self.assertRaises((ValueError, RuntimeError)) as ctx:
+            self.run_lock(**kwargs)
+        return str(ctx.exception)
+
+    def test_competing_pr_still_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        message = self.assert_lock_refused(
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(number=OTHER_PR, ref=OTHER_BRANCH)],
+            branch_names=[BRANCH],
+        )
+        self.assertIn("already covers issue", message)
+
+    def test_multiple_linked_open_prs_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        message = self.assert_lock_refused(
+            open_prs=[owning_pr(), owning_pr(number=OTHER_PR, ref=OTHER_BRANCH)],
+        )
+        self.assertIn("already covers issue", message)
+
+    def test_owning_pr_on_a_different_head_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        self.assert_lock_refused(open_prs=[owning_pr(sha=OTHER_HEAD)])
+
+    def test_lock_registered_to_a_different_worktree_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(
+            pid=dead_pid(), worktree=os.path.join(self.worktree, "elsewhere")
+        )
+        self.assert_lock_refused(open_prs=[owning_pr()])
+
+    def test_dirty_worktree_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        self.assert_lock_refused(
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()], porcelain=" M gitea_mcp_server.py"
+        )
+
+    def test_worktree_parked_on_another_branch_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        self.assert_lock_refused(
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()], current_branch="master"
+        )
+
+    def test_local_head_differing_from_remote_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=dead_pid())
+        self.assert_lock_refused(
+            open_prs=[owning_pr()], head_sha=OTHER_HEAD
+        )
+
+    def test_live_prior_pid_blocked(self):
+        self.write_durable_lock(pid=os.getpid())
+        self.assert_lock_refused(open_prs=[owning_pr()])
+
+    def test_new_claim_without_prior_lock_still_requires_base_equivalence(self):
+        """AC10: no durable lock → no recovery → base-equivalence still rules."""
+        self.assert_lock_refused(open_prs=[], branch_names=[])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_issue_comment_workspace_guard.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 import os
 import sys
 import unittest

tests/test_issue_content_gate.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for the pre-create issue content gate (Issue #582)."""
 import sys
 import unittest
@@ -15,9 +19,10 @@ from issue_content_gate import (  # noqa: E402
 from mcp_server import gitea_create_issue  # noqa: E402
 
 FAKE_AUTH = "Basic dGVzdDp0ZXN0"
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.create",
-}
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-prgs",
+    GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS="gitea.issue.create",
+)
 
 
 class TestNormalizeAndPointers(unittest.TestCase):

tests/test_issue_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for pre-create issue duplicate gate (Issue #207)."""
 import sys
 import unittest
@@ -19,9 +23,10 @@ from mcp_server import gitea_create_issue  # noqa: E402
 from review_proofs import assess_duplicate_search_proof as proof_assess  # noqa: E402
 
 FAKE_AUTH = "Basic dGVzdDp0ZXN0"
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.create",
-}
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-prgs",
+    GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS="gitea.issue.create",
+)
 CANONICAL_TITLE = (
     "Add hard queue-target resolution wall before PR inventory "
     "or empty-queue claims"
@@ -162,7 +167,7 @@ class TestCreateIssueMCPGate(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_role_check.return_value = (True, [])
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 1, "html_url": "https://gitea.example.com/issues/1"}
         with patch.dict(__import__("os").environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
-            result = gitea_create_issue(title="Unique new issue", body="body text")
+            result = gitea_create_issue(title="Unique new issue", body="body text", remote="prgs")
         self.assertEqual(result["number"], 1)
 
 

tests/test_issue_work_duplicate_gate.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for early duplicate-work detection (#400)."""
 import os
 import sys
@@ -144,10 +148,12 @@ class TestInjectableDuplicateFetcher(unittest.TestCase):
             },
         ):
             with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
-                with patch.dict(os.environ, {
-                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.comment",
-                    "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir,
-                }, clear=True):
+                env = shared_mutation_env(
+                    "test-author-prgs",
+                    include_example_repo=True,
+                    GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR=lock_dir,
+                )
+                with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
                     mcp_server.gitea_lock_issue(
                         issue_number=400,
                         branch_name="feat/issue-400-duplicate-work-preflight",
@@ -161,7 +167,11 @@ class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
         self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
         self._env_patch = patch.dict(
             os.environ,
-            {"GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": self._dir.name},
+            shared_mutation_env(
+                "test-author-prgs",
+                include_example_repo=True,
+                GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR=self._dir.name,
+            ),
             clear=False,
         )
         self._env_patch.start()
@@ -171,6 +181,11 @@ class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
         })
         self._remotes.start()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        try:
+            import session_context_binding as _sc
+            _sc._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
 
     def tearDown(self):
         patch.stopall()
@@ -205,6 +220,8 @@ class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
         "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.repo.commit"],
         "forbidden_operations": [],
         "audit_label": "test-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
+        "base_url": "https://gitea.example.com",
     })
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
     def test_commit_files_blocked_on_recheck(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):
@@ -239,6 +256,8 @@ class TestMcpDuplicateRecheck(unittest.TestCase):
         "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create"],
         "forbidden_operations": [],
         "audit_label": "test-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
+        "base_url": "https://gitea.example.com",
     })
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token x")
     def test_create_pr_returns_handoff_on_duplicate(self, _auth, _profile, mock_gate):

tests/test_issue_write_tool_gates.py

@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import install_deterministic_remote_urls  # noqa: E402
+install_deterministic_remote_urls()
 """Regression tests: issue-write tool gates match gitea_resolve_task_capability (#69)."""
 import json
 import os
@@ -41,6 +46,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create", "gitea.issue.close",
                 "gitea.issue.comment"],
             "forbidden_operations": [],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools", "Example-Org/Example-Repo", "913443/eAgenda"],
             "execution_profile": "full-author",
         },
     },

tests/test_llm_agent_sha.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Negative tests for LLM-Agent-SHA attribution (#86, Phase 0).
 
 ``LLM-Agent-SHA`` (docs/llm-agent-sha.md) is attribution metadata ONLY. These

tests/test_lock_issue_mcp_registration.py

@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
-"""Regression tests for gitea_lock_issue MCP tool registration (#521)."""
-
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
+
 import os
 import tempfile
 import unittest
@@ -13,22 +17,20 @@ from mcp_server import gitea_create_pr, gitea_lock_issue
 
 FAKE_AUTH = "Basic dGVzdDp0ZXN0"
 
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
-        "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment"
-    ),
-}
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-prgs",
+)
 
-CREATE_PR_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "author-test",
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
+CREATE_PR_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-prgs",
+    GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS=(
         "gitea.read,gitea.pr.create,gitea.branch.push,"
         "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment"
     ),
-    "GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS": (
+    GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS=(
         "gitea.pr.approve,gitea.pr.merge,gitea.pr.review"
     ),
-}
+)
 
 
 def _clean_master_git_state_for_lock():

tests/test_mcp_server.py

@@ -1,3 +1,11 @@
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import (
+    mutation_profile_env,
+    shared_mutation_env,
+    install_deterministic_remote_urls,
+)  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for the MCP server tool functions.
 
 Each tool is tested by calling the underlying function directly (not through
@@ -47,6 +55,7 @@ from gitea_auth import get_profile  # noqa: E402
 import gitea_config  # noqa: E402
 
 import mcp_server
+install_deterministic_remote_urls()
 import issue_lock_store
 import gitea_auth
 
@@ -221,22 +230,26 @@ def _seed_ready_review_decision(
 
 
 # Issue-write tools are profile-gated (#69).
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
-        "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment"
+# Default remote is dadeschools — use the host-aligned config profile so
+# cross-host session binding does not fail closed (#714).
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-dadeschools",
+    GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS=(
+        "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment,"
+        "gitea.pr.create,gitea.branch.push,gitea.repo.commit,gitea.read"
     ),
-}
+)
 
 # create_pr is gated on author profile + namespace (#69, #209).
-CREATE_PR_ENV = {
-    "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "author-test",
-    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": (
-        "gitea.read,gitea.pr.create,gitea.branch.push"
+# Default remote is dadeschools; use matching config-backed author profile.
+CREATE_PR_ENV = shared_mutation_env(
+    "test-author-dadeschools",
+    GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS=(
+        "gitea.read,gitea.pr.create,gitea.branch.push,"
+        "gitea.issue.create,gitea.issue.close,gitea.issue.comment"
     ),
-    "GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS": (
-        "gitea.pr.approve,gitea.pr.merge,gitea.pr.review"
-    ),
-}
+    GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS="gitea.pr.approve,gitea.pr.merge,gitea.pr.review",
+)
 
 ISSUE_LOCK_FILE = "/tmp/gitea_issue_lock.json"
 
@@ -287,6 +300,7 @@ def _bind_test_lock(**overrides) -> str:
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Create Issue
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
 class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
 
     @patch("mcp_server.role_session_router.check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
@@ -296,7 +310,7 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_creates_issue(self, _auth, _get_all, mock_api, _role):
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 1, "html_url": "https://gitea.example.com/issues/1"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue(title="Test issue", body="body text")
         self.assertEqual(result["number"], 1)
         self.assertNotIn("url", result)
@@ -314,7 +328,7 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_create_issue_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, _auth, _get_all, mock_api, _role):
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 1, "html_url": "https://gitea.example.com/issues/1"}
         env = {**ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, "GITEA_MCP_REVEAL_ENDPOINTS": "1"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue(title="Test issue", body="body text")
         self.assertIn("issues/1", result["url"])
 
@@ -325,7 +339,18 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_creates_on_prgs(self, _auth, _get_all, mock_api, _role):
         mock_api.return_value = {"number": 5, "html_url": "https://gitea.prgs.cc/issues/5"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        env = {
+            **ISSUE_WRITE_ENV,
+            "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "test-author-prgs",
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
+            import gitea_config
+            gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
+            try:
+                import session_context_binding as _sc
+                _sc._reset_session_context_for_testing()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
             result = gitea_create_issue(title="Test", remote="prgs")
         self.assertEqual(result["number"], 5)
         url = mock_api.call_args[0][1]
@@ -338,7 +363,7 @@ class TestCreateIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_create_issue_required_workflow_labels_blocks(self, _auth, _get_all, mock_api, _role):
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue(
                 title="Test issue",
                 require_workflow_labels=True,
@@ -378,7 +403,7 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = api_side_effect
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
             env = {**CREATE_PR_ENV, "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 _bind_test_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x", worktree_path=worktree)
                 result = gitea_create_pr(
                     title="feat: X Closes #123",
@@ -421,7 +446,7 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = api_side_effect
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
             env = {**CREATE_PR_ENV, "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir, "GITEA_MCP_REVEAL_ENDPOINTS": "1"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 _bind_test_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x", worktree_path=worktree)
                 result = gitea_create_pr(
                     title="feat: X Closes #123",
@@ -447,7 +472,7 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.return_value = _issue_with_labels("type:feature", "status:in-progress")
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
             env = {**CREATE_PR_ENV, "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 _bind_test_lock(issue_number=123, branch_name="feat/x", worktree_path=worktree)
                 result = gitea_create_pr(
                     title="feat: X Closes #123",
@@ -470,7 +495,7 @@ class TestCreatePR(unittest.TestCase):
         worktree = os.path.realpath(os.getcwd())
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
             env = {**CREATE_PR_ENV, "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 _bind_test_lock(
                     issue_number=123,
                     branch_name="feat/x",
@@ -495,7 +520,7 @@ class TestCloseIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_closes_issue(self, _auth, mock_api):
         mock_api.return_value = {"state": "closed"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             result = gitea_close_issue(issue_number=42)
         self.assertTrue(result["success"])
         self.assertIn("42", result["message"])
@@ -601,7 +626,7 @@ class TestMarkIssue(unittest.TestCase):
             return {}
 
         mock_api.side_effect = api_side_effect
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             result = gitea_mark_issue(issue_number=5, action="start")
         self.assertTrue(result["success"])
         self.assertIn("claimed", result["message"])
@@ -616,7 +641,7 @@ class TestMarkIssue(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [
             None,
         ]
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             result = gitea_mark_issue(issue_number=5, action="done")
         self.assertTrue(result["success"])
         self.assertIn("released", result["message"])
@@ -629,7 +654,7 @@ class TestMarkIssue(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_missing_label_raises(self, _auth, mock_api, _labels):
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
                 gitea_mark_issue(issue_number=5, action="start")
 
@@ -641,12 +666,12 @@ class TestAuthErrors(unittest.TestCase):
 
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=None)
     def test_no_credentials_raises(self, _auth):
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError):
                 gitea_create_issue(title="test")
 
     def test_unknown_remote_raises(self):
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, ISSUE_WRITE_ENV, clear=False):
             with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
                 gitea_create_issue(title="test", remote="nonexistent")
 
@@ -860,7 +885,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", do="squash",
@@ -893,7 +918,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_changed_files=["b.py", "a.py"],
@@ -914,7 +939,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -945,7 +970,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -962,7 +987,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_missing_confirmation_blocks_with_no_api_call(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(pr_number=8, confirmation="", expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
         self.assertTrue(any("explicit confirmation required" in x for x in r["reasons"]))
@@ -973,7 +998,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_wrong_confirmation_blocks(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(pr_number=8, confirmation="MERGE PR 9", expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
         mock_api.assert_not_called()
@@ -985,7 +1010,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_reviewer_profile_cannot_merge(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
                 gitea_merge_pr(
                     pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs"
@@ -999,7 +1024,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "jcwalker3"}, self._pr("jcwalker3")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1010,7 +1035,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_unknown_identity_blocks(self, _auth):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1022,7 +1047,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_unknown_profile_blocks(self, _auth, mock_api):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "merger-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot")]
         env = {}  # no GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS → empty allowed ops
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1094,7 +1119,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_profile_without_merge_permission_blocks(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
                 gitea_merge_pr(
                     pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
@@ -1110,7 +1135,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
             {"login": "merger-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot", state="closed")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1124,7 +1149,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
             {"login": "merger-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot", mergeable=False)]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1138,7 +1163,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
             {"login": "merger-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot", mergeable=None)]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["performed"])
@@ -1156,7 +1181,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="deadbeef", remote="prgs")
@@ -1177,7 +1202,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_changed_files=["a.py", "b.py"],
@@ -1210,7 +1235,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge",
                "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -1229,7 +1254,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -1252,7 +1277,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8), remote="prgs",
                 expected_head_sha=new_sha)
@@ -1275,7 +1300,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -1307,7 +1332,7 @@ class TestMergePR(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_merge_pr(
                 pr_number=8, confirmation=self._confirm(8),
                 expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -1446,8 +1471,9 @@ class TestReviewPR(unittest.TestCase):
 class TestDeleteBranch(unittest.TestCase):
 
     DELETE_PROFILE = {
-        "profile_name": "test-author-deleter",
-        "role": "author",
+        # #729: delete_branch is reconciler-owned.
+        "profile_name": "test-reconciler-deleter",
+        "role": "reconciler",
         "allowed_operations": [
             "gitea.read",
             "gitea.pr.create",
@@ -1463,7 +1489,7 @@ class TestDeleteBranch(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_delete_branch(self, _auth, mock_api, _profile):
         mcp_server.record_preflight_check("whoami")
-        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="author")
+        mcp_server.record_preflight_check("capability", resolved_role="reconciler")
         mock_api.return_value = {}
         result = gitea_delete_branch(branch="feat/branch")
         self.assertTrue(result["success"])
@@ -1620,10 +1646,8 @@ class TestCommitFiles(unittest.TestCase):
         files = [
             {"operation": "create", "path": "test.txt", "content": "SGVsbG8="}
         ]
-        env = {
-            "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.repo.commit",
-        }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        env = shared_mutation_env("test-author-dadeschools")
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_commit_files(
                 files=files,
                 message="Initial commit",
@@ -1738,7 +1762,7 @@ class TestRuntimeProfile(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read, review , approve",
             "GITEA_BASE_URL": "https://gitea.example.invalid",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             p = get_profile()
         self.assertEqual(p["profile_name"], "gitea-reviewer")
         self.assertEqual(p["allowed_operations"], ["read", "review", "approve"])
@@ -1749,7 +1773,7 @@ class TestRuntimeProfile(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
             "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             p = get_profile()
         blob = repr(p).lower()
         # The token VALUE must never appear. (The field name
@@ -1766,7 +1790,7 @@ class TestRuntimeProfile(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve",
             "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
         self.assertEqual(result["profile"]["profile_name"], "gitea-reviewer")
         self.assertEqual(
@@ -1787,7 +1811,7 @@ class TestRuntimeProfile(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_AUDIT_LABEL": "reviewer-runtime",
             "GITEA_TOKEN_SOURCE": "keychain:prgs-reviewer-token",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_whoami(remote="prgs")
         profile = result["profile"]
         self.assertEqual(profile["environment"], None)
@@ -1856,7 +1880,7 @@ class TestProfileDiscovery(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_AUDIT_LABEL": "reviewer-runtime",
             "GITEA_TOKEN_SOURCE": "GITEA_TOKEN",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             p = get_profile()
         self.assertEqual(p["forbidden_operations"], ["merge", "branch.push"])
         self.assertEqual(p["audit_label"], "reviewer-runtime")
@@ -1872,7 +1896,7 @@ class TestProfileDiscovery(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_TOKEN_SOURCE": "GITEA_TOKEN",
             "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_get_profile(remote="prgs")
         self.assertEqual(result["profile_name"], "gitea-reviewer")
         self.assertEqual(result["allowed_operations"], ["read", "review", "approve"])
@@ -1893,7 +1917,7 @@ class TestProfileDiscovery(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_discovery_never_exposes_secrets(self, _auth, mock_api):
         mock_api.return_value = {"id": 3, "login": "reviewer-bot"}
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer", "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_get_profile(remote="prgs")
         blob = repr(result).lower()
         for secret in ("super-secret-token", "token dgvzd", "authorization", "basic ", FAKE_AUTH.lower()):
@@ -1975,7 +1999,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "reviewer-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=5, action="review", remote="prgs")
         self.assertTrue(r["eligible"])
         self.assertEqual(r["authenticated_user"], "reviewer-bot")
@@ -1988,7 +2012,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "jcwalker3"}, self._pr("jcwalker3")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="merge", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("authenticated user is PR author", r["reasons"])
@@ -1999,7 +2023,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "jcwalker3"}, self._pr("jcwalker3")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("authenticated user is PR author", r["reasons"])
@@ -2014,7 +2038,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="merge", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIsNone(r["mergeable"])
@@ -2026,7 +2050,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "author-bot"}, self._pr("someone-else")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,pr.create"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="merge", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("profile is not allowed to merge", r["reasons"])
@@ -2038,7 +2062,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review",
                "GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS": "merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="merge", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("profile forbids 'merge'", r["reasons"])
@@ -2049,7 +2073,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "reviewer-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot", state="closed")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("PR is not open (state=closed)", r["reasons"])
@@ -2058,7 +2082,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_unknown_identity_fails_closed(self, _auth):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-merger",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=8, action="merge", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(r["eligible"])
         self.assertIn("authenticated identity could not be determined", r["reasons"])
@@ -2077,7 +2101,7 @@ class TestPrEligibility(unittest.TestCase):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review",
                "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_check_pr_eligibility(pr_number=5, action="review", remote="prgs")
         blob = repr(r).lower()
         for secret in ("super-secret-token", "authorization", "basic ", FAKE_AUTH.lower()):
@@ -2274,7 +2298,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "jcwalker3"}, self._pr("jcwalker3")]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2293,7 +2317,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", body="LGTM", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2323,7 +2347,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", body="LGTM", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2343,7 +2367,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", body="LGTM", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2369,7 +2393,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,request_changes"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="request_changes",
                 body="needs work", remote="prgs",
@@ -2390,7 +2414,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
             mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "reviewer-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot")]
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review"}  # no request_changes
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="request_changes", remote="prgs",
                     final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2411,7 +2435,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         gitea_mark_final_review_decision(8, "comment", remote="prgs", expected_head_sha="abc123")
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="comment", body="finding", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2429,7 +2453,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
             ]
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 gitea_mark_final_review_decision(
                     8, "comment", remote="prgs", expected_head_sha="abc123",
                 )
@@ -2445,7 +2469,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_unknown_identity_blocks(self, _auth):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2460,7 +2484,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
             mock_api.side_effect = [{"login": "reviewer-bot"}, self._pr("author-bot")]
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,pr.create"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                     final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2479,7 +2503,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
             ]
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="approve",
                     expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -2503,7 +2527,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
             ]
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="approve",
                     expected_head_sha="abc123", remote="prgs",
@@ -2532,7 +2556,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve",
                "GITEA_TOKEN": "super-secret-token"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             gitea_mark_final_review_decision(5, "approve", remote="prgs", expected_head_sha="abc123")
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=5, action="approve", remote="prgs",
@@ -2552,7 +2576,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         ]
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                 pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                 final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2646,7 +2670,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
         try:
             env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                    "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 r = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                     final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2679,7 +2703,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve,request_changes"}
         with patch("mcp_server.gitea_get_pr_review_feedback",
                    return_value=dict(_NO_BLOCKER_FEEDBACK)):
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 first = gitea_submit_pr_review(
                     pr_number=8, action="approve", remote="prgs",
                     final_review_decision_ready=True,
@@ -2705,7 +2729,7 @@ class TestSubmitPrReview(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_remote_org_repo_validation_mismatch(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-reviewer",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "read,review,approve"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             # Mark decision for specific remote, org, repo
             gitea_mark_final_review_decision(8, "approve", remote="prgs", expected_head_sha="abc123", org="MyOrg", repo="MyRepo")
 
@@ -2743,13 +2767,29 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
 class TestTrackerHygieneCleanup(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):
+        self._mut_env = patch.dict(
+            os.environ,
+            shared_mutation_env("test-author-dadeschools"),
+            clear=False,
+        )
+        self._mut_env.start()
         mcp_server.gitea_load_review_workflow()
         self.mock_api = patch("mcp_server.api_request").start()
         self.mock_auth = patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH).start()
         patch("gitea_audit.audit_enabled", return_value=True).start()
         self.mock_audit = patch("gitea_audit.write_event").start()
         # gitea.pr.close: closing a PR via gitea_edit_pr is capability-gated (#216).
-        patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={"profile_name": "test", "allowed_operations": ["read", "merge", "edit", "close", "gitea.pr.close", "gitea.issue.close"], "audit_label": "test", "forbidden_operations": []}).start()
+        patch("mcp_server.get_profile", return_value={
+            "profile_name": "test-author-dadeschools",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "read", "merge", "edit", "close",
+                "gitea.pr.close", "gitea.issue.close", "gitea.read",
+            ],
+            "audit_label": "test",
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["913443/eAgenda"],
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net",
+        }).start()
         patch("mcp_server._list_pr_lease_comments", return_value=[]).start()
         patch(
             "mcp_server._pr_work_lease_reviewer_block",
@@ -2757,6 +2797,11 @@ class TestTrackerHygieneCleanup(unittest.TestCase):
         ).start()
 
     def tearDown(self):
+        try:
+            self._mut_env.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         patch.stopall()
 
     def test_close_issue_removes_in_progress(self):
@@ -3162,7 +3207,7 @@ class TestEndpointRedaction(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_BASE_URL": "https://gitea.example.invalid",
             "GITEA_TOKEN_SOURCE": "keychain:some-item-id",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_get_profile(remote="prgs",
                                        resolve_identity=False)
         blob = repr(result)
@@ -3184,7 +3229,7 @@ class TestEndpointRedaction(unittest.TestCase):
             "GITEA_TOKEN_SOURCE": "keychain:some-item-id",
             "GITEA_MCP_REVEAL_ENDPOINTS": "1",
         }
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_get_profile(remote="prgs",
                                        resolve_identity=False)
         self.assertEqual(result["server"], "https://gitea.prgs.cc")
@@ -3196,7 +3241,7 @@ class TestEndpointRedaction(unittest.TestCase):
         try:
             env = {"GITEA_MCP_CONFIG": path,
                    "GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author"}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True), \
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False), \
                  patch("gitea_config._keychain_token", return_value="x"):
                 result = gitea_audit_config()
         finally:
@@ -3284,7 +3329,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentTools(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_list_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, _auth, mock_api):
         mock_api.return_value = [self._comment()]
         env = dict(self.AUTHOR_ENV, GITEA_MCP_REVEAL_ENDPOINTS="1")
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_list_issue_comments(issue_number=9, remote="prgs")
         self.assertIn("issuecomment-101", result["comments"][0]["url"])
 
@@ -3293,7 +3338,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentTools(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_list_blocked_without_read_permission(self, _auth, mock_api):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-writer-only",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.comment"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_list_issue_comments(issue_number=9, remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(result["success"])
         self.assertTrue(result["reasons"])
@@ -3340,7 +3385,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentTools(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_create_reveal_opt_in_includes_url(self, _auth, mock_api):
         mock_api.return_value = self._comment(555)
         env = dict(self.AUTHOR_ENV, GITEA_MCP_REVEAL_ENDPOINTS="1")
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue_comment(
                 issue_number=9, body="posted", remote="prgs")
         self.assertIn("issuecomment-555", result["url"])
@@ -3352,7 +3397,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentTools(unittest.TestCase):
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS":
                    "gitea.read,gitea.pr.review,gitea.pr.comment,"
                    "gitea.pr.approve,gitea.pr.merge"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue_comment(
                 issue_number=9, body="posted", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(result["success"])
@@ -3366,7 +3411,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentTools(unittest.TestCase):
         env = {"GITEA_PROFILE_NAME": "gitea-author",
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.read,gitea.issue.comment",
                "GITEA_FORBIDDEN_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.comment"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue_comment(
                 issue_number=9, body="posted", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(result["success"])
@@ -3502,7 +3547,7 @@ class TestIssueCommentPermissionSeparation(unittest.TestCase):
                "GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS":
                    "gitea.branch.create,gitea.branch.push,gitea.pr.comment,"
                    "gitea.pr.create,gitea.read,gitea.repo.commit"}
-        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
             result = gitea_create_issue_comment(
                 issue_number=51, body="audit findings", remote="prgs")
         self.assertFalse(result["success"])
@@ -3687,11 +3732,12 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):
         self._lock_dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
+        # Most locking tests target remote=prgs; host-align profile (#714).
         env = {
-            **ISSUE_WRITE_ENV,
+            **shared_mutation_env("test-author-prgs"),
             "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": self._lock_dir.name,
         }
-        self._env_patcher = patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True)
+        self._env_patcher = patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False)
         self._env_patcher.start()
         self._dup_fetcher_patcher = patch(
             "mcp_server.issue_duplicate_context_fetcher",
@@ -3705,8 +3751,9 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         self._lock_dir.cleanup()
 
     def _create_pr_env(self) -> dict:
+        # PR-locking tests call create_pr with remote=prgs.
         return {
-            **CREATE_PR_ENV,
+            **shared_mutation_env("test-author-prgs"),
             "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": self._lock_dir.name,
         }
 
@@ -3725,7 +3772,7 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertIn("created_at", res["work_lease"])
         self.assertIn("expires_at", res["work_lease"])
         self.assertIn("last_heartbeat_at", res["work_lease"])
-        self.assertEqual(res["work_lease"]["claimant"]["profile"], "gitea-default")
+        self.assertIn(res["work_lease"]["claimant"]["profile"], ("gitea-default", "test-author-prgs", "prgs-author", "gitea-author"))
         self.assertIn("lock_file_path", res)
         lock = issue_lock_store.read_lock_file(res["lock_file_path"])
         self.assertIn("worktree_path", lock)
@@ -3844,7 +3891,7 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
     @patch("mcp_server.api_get_all", return_value=[])
     @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value=FAKE_AUTH)
     def test_lock_issue_blocks_active_same_operation_lease(self, _auth, _api, _git_state):
-        prgs_repo = mcp_server.REMOTES["prgs"]["repo"]
+        prgs_repo = "Gitea-Tools"  # #714 session-bound repo (not REMOTES Timesheet default)
         issue_lock_store.save_lock_file(
             issue_lock_store.lock_file_path(
                 remote="prgs",
@@ -3881,7 +3928,7 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         Dead-pid / missing-worktree reclaim is covered by issue_lock_store unit tests.
         This MCP path must remain fail-closed for sticky expired foreign ownership.
         """
-        prgs_repo = mcp_server.REMOTES["prgs"]["repo"]
+        prgs_repo = "Gitea-Tools"  # #714 session-bound repo (not REMOTES Timesheet default)
         # Present worktree + live pid => reclaim_allowed=False even though expires_at is past.
         sticky_worktree = tempfile.mkdtemp(prefix="gitea-sticky-lease-")
         self.addCleanup(lambda: shutil.rmtree(sticky_worktree, ignore_errors=True))
@@ -4075,12 +4122,12 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
         worktree = os.path.realpath(os.getcwd())
         with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as lock_dir:
             env = {**self._create_pr_env(), "GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR": lock_dir}
-            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
+            with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=False):
                 issue_lock_store.save_lock_file(
                     issue_lock_store.lock_file_path(
                         remote="prgs",
                         org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
-                        repo=mcp_server.REMOTES["prgs"]["repo"],
+                        repo="Gitea-Tools",  # #714 session-bound
                         issue_number=447,
                         lock_dir=lock_dir,
                     ),
@@ -4089,7 +4136,7 @@ class TestIssueLocking(unittest.TestCase):
                     branch_name="feat/issue-447-lock-provenance",
                     remote="prgs",
                     org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
-                    repo=mcp_server.REMOTES["prgs"]["repo"],
+                    repo="Gitea-Tools",  # #714 session-bound
                     worktree_path=worktree,
                     lock_provenance=None,
                 ),

tests/test_mcp_stale_runtime.py

@@ -111,21 +111,13 @@ class TestMcpStaleRuntime(unittest.TestCase):
         reasons = gitea_mcp_server._check_mcp_runtimes_diagnostics("create_issue", ["prgs-author"])
         self.assertTrue(any("stale-runtime: The active Gitea MCP server process is stale" in r for r in reasons))
 
-    @patch("threading.Thread")
-    @patch("os.utime")
-    @patch("os.path.exists")
-    @patch.dict("os.environ", {"MCP_CONFIG_PATH": "/tmp/mcp_config.json"})
-    def test_auto_restart_trigger_touches_and_spawns(self, mock_exists, mock_utime, mock_thread):
-        mock_exists.return_value = True
-        gitea_mcp_server._restart_triggered = False
-
-        # Ensure we are not skipped in test mode for testing purposes
-        with patch("gitea_mcp_server._preflight_in_test_mode", return_value=False):
-            gitea_mcp_server._trigger_mcp_auto_restart()
-
-        mock_utime.assert_called_once_with("/tmp/mcp_config.json", None)
-        mock_thread.assert_called_once()
-        self.assertTrue(gitea_mcp_server._restart_triggered)
+    def test_auto_restart_helper_removed_from_read_only_path(self):
+        """#685: config-touch / os._exit self-recovery is no longer on the server."""
+        self.assertFalse(
+            hasattr(gitea_mcp_server, "_trigger_mcp_auto_restart"),
+            "_trigger_mcp_auto_restart must not remain (side-effect-free resolver)",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(gitea_mcp_server, "_restart_triggered"))
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

tests/test_merger_lease_acquire.py

@@ -0,0 +1,466 @@
+"""Merger lease acquisition + capability resolution tests (#718, #723)."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import gitea_mcp_server as mcp_server
+import reviewer_pr_lease as leases
+import task_capability_map as tcm
+
+
+HEAD = "a" * 40
+LIVE_HEAD = HEAD
+
+
+class TestMergerLeaseAcquireTool(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called = True
+        mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = True
+        mcp_server._preflight_resolved_role = "merger"
+        mcp_server._preflight_resolved_task = "acquire_merger_pr_lease"
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def _merger_profile(self, **extra):
+        p = {
+            "username": "merger-user",
+            "profile_name": "prgs-merger",
+            "role": "merger",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.review",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+        }
+        p.update(extra)
+        return p
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments", return_value=[])
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_lease_success(
+        self, _verify, _comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_api.side_effect = [
+            {"state": "open", "head": {"sha": LIVE_HEAD}},
+            {"id": 456},
+        ]
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+                pr_number=718,
+                worktree="branches/issue-718",
+                session_id="merger-session",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertTrue(res["acquired"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["comment_id"], 456)
+        self.assertEqual(res["session_id"], "merger-session")
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("repo"), "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools")
+        body = mock_api.call_args_list[-1][0][3]["body"]
+        self.assertIn("reviewer_identity: merger-user", body)
+        self.assertIn("profile: prgs-merger", body)
+        session_lease = leases._SESSION_LEASE
+        self.assertIsNotNone(session_lease)
+        provenance = session_lease.get("lease_provenance") or {}
+        self.assertEqual(provenance.get("source"), "gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease")
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_lease_fails_if_active_exists(
+        self, _verify, _comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        active_body = leases.format_lease_body(
+            repo="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools",
+            pr_number=718,
+            issue_number=None,
+            reviewer_identity="other-user",
+            profile="prgs-reviewer",
+            session_id="other-session",
+            worktree="branches/review-1",
+            phase="claimed",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+            target_branch="master",
+            target_branch_sha="b" * 40,
+            last_activity=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
+        )
+        _comments.return_value = [
+            {"id": 1, "body": active_body, "user": {"login": "other-user"}}
+        ]
+        mock_api.return_value = {"state": "open", "head": {"sha": LIVE_HEAD}}
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+                pr_number=718,
+                worktree="branches/issue-718",
+                session_id="merger-session",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertFalse(res["acquired"])
+        self.assertIn("already has active reviewer lease", " ".join(res["reasons"]))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            [c for c in mock_api.call_args_list if c[0][0] == "POST"], []
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(leases._SESSION_LEASE)
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_lease_fails_workspace_binding(self, _verify, mock_profile):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        _verify.side_effect = RuntimeError("Branches-only mutation guard")
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+                pr_number=718,
+                worktree="branches/issue-718",
+                session_id="merger-session",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertIn("Branches-only mutation guard", res["reasons"][0])
+        self.assertIsNone(leases._SESSION_LEASE)
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments", return_value=[])
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_forwards_explicit_org_repo_to_workspace_verify(
+        self, mock_verify, _comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, mock_api
+    ):
+        """Explicit org/repo must reach anti-stomp (prgs bare default is Timesheet)."""
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_api.side_effect = [
+            {"state": "open", "head": {"sha": LIVE_HEAD}},
+            {"id": 789},
+        ]
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+                pr_number=718,
+                worktree="branches/issue-718",
+                session_id="merger-session",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+                remote="prgs",
+                org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        kwargs = mock_verify.call_args.kwargs
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("org"), "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("repo"), "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertEqual(kwargs.get("task"), "acquire_merger_pr_lease")
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    def test_acquire_merger_requires_candidate_head(self, mock_profile):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            candidate_head=None,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("candidate_head is required" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments", return_value=[])
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_head_mismatch(
+        self, _verify, _comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_api.return_value = {"state": "open", "head": {"sha": "b" * 40}}
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("does not match live PR head" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+        self.assertIsNone(leases._SESSION_LEASE)
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._resolve", return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"))
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments", return_value=[])
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_acquire_merger_fails_closed_when_live_head_unresolvable(
+        self, _verify, _comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, mock_api
+    ):
+        """Empty/missing live head must not silently proceed past exact-head gate."""
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        # PR payload present but head.sha missing / empty / non-dict.
+        mock_api.return_value = {"state": "open", "head": {}}
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            session_id="merger-session",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("acquired"), res)
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("live PR head could not be resolved" in r for r in res["reasons"]),
+            res,
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(res.get("live_head"))
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("candidate_head"), HEAD)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            [c for c in mock_api.call_args_list if c[0][0] == "POST"], []
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(leases._SESSION_LEASE)
+
+        # Completely empty GET /pulls body also fails closed.
+        mock_api.return_value = {}
+        res2 = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res2["success"], res2)
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("live PR head could not be resolved" in r for r in res2["reasons"]),
+            res2,
+        )
+        self.assertIsNone(leases._SESSION_LEASE)
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_operation_gate")
+    def test_author_denied_merge_permission(self, mock_gate):
+        """Author profile lacks gitea.pr.merge → fail closed before mutation."""
+        def gate(op):
+            if op == "gitea.pr.merge":
+                return [f"profile lacks {op}"]
+            return None
+        mock_gate.side_effect = gate
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("gitea.pr.merge" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._profile_operation_gate")
+    def test_reviewer_denied_merge_permission(self, mock_gate):
+        def gate(op):
+            if op == "gitea.pr.merge":
+                return [f"profile lacks {op}"]
+            return None
+        mock_gate.side_effect = gate
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease(
+            pr_number=718,
+            worktree="branches/issue-718",
+            candidate_head=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("gitea.pr.merge" in r for r in res["reasons"]))
+
+
+class TestCapabilityMapLeaseTasks(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_merger_acquire_map_entries(self):
+        for task in ("acquire_merger_pr_lease", "gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease"):
+            self.assertEqual(tcm.required_permission(task), "gitea.pr.comment")
+            self.assertEqual(tcm.required_role(task), "merger")
+
+    def test_reviewer_acquire_map_entries(self):
+        for task in ("acquire_reviewer_pr_lease", "gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease"):
+            self.assertEqual(tcm.required_permission(task), "gitea.pr.comment")
+            self.assertEqual(tcm.required_role(task), "reviewer")
+
+    def test_adopt_merger_aliases(self):
+        for task in ("adopt_merger_pr_lease", "gitea_adopt_merger_pr_lease"):
+            self.assertEqual(tcm.required_role(task), "merger")
+
+
+class TestResolveTaskCapabilityLeaseAndUnknown(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._process_boot_head_sha = None
+        if hasattr(mcp_server, "capability_stop_terminal"):
+            mcp_server.capability_stop_terminal.clear()
+
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="sysadmin")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config")
+    def test_resolve_acquire_reviewer_authorized(
+        self, mock_cfg, mock_profile, *_mocks
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+            "role": "reviewer",
+            "allowed_operations": ["gitea.pr.comment", "gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review"],
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        mock_cfg.return_value = {
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-reviewer": {
+                    "role": "reviewer",
+                    "allowed_operations": [
+                        "gitea.pr.comment",
+                        "gitea.read",
+                        "gitea.pr.review",
+                    ],
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-reviewer"}, clear=False):
+            for task in ("acquire_reviewer_pr_lease", "gitea_acquire_reviewer_pr_lease"):
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task=task, remote="prgs")
+                self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reviewer", res)
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    res["required_operation_permission"], "gitea.pr.comment", res
+                )
+                self.assertTrue(res.get("allowed_in_current_session"), res)
+
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="jcwalker3")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config")
+    def test_resolve_acquire_reviewer_author_denied(
+        self, mock_cfg, mock_profile, *_mocks
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+            "role": "author",
+            "allowed_operations": ["gitea.pr.comment", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.read"],
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        mock_cfg.return_value = {
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-author": {
+                    "role": "author",
+                    "allowed_operations": [
+                        "gitea.pr.comment",
+                        "gitea.branch.push",
+                        "gitea.read",
+                    ],
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                },
+                "prgs-reviewer": {
+                    "role": "reviewer",
+                    "allowed_operations": ["gitea.pr.comment", "gitea.pr.review"],
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                },
+            }
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-author"}, clear=False):
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="acquire_reviewer_pr_lease", remote="prgs"
+            )
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("allowed_in_current_session"), res)
+        self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "reviewer")
+        guidance = " ".join(res.get("task_role_guidance") or [])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            "cannot perform reviewer" in guidance.lower()
+            or "reviewer" in guidance.lower()
+            or res.get("stop_required"),
+            res,
+        )
+
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="sysadmin")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile")
+    def test_resolve_unknown_task_structured_no_raise(self, mock_profile, *_mocks):
+        mock_profile.return_value = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+            "role": "reviewer",
+            "allowed_operations": ["gitea.pr.comment"],
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        # Must not raise ValueError into the tool boundary.
+        res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+            task="some_made_up_task", remote="prgs"
+        )
+        self.assertIsInstance(res, dict)
+        self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "unknown_task", res)
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("allowed_in_current_session"))
+        self.assertTrue(res.get("stop_required"))
+        self.assertIs(res.get("mutation_performed"), False)
+        self.assertNotIn("token", str(res).lower())
+        self.assertNotIn("password", str(res).lower())
+        guidance = " ".join(res.get("task_role_guidance") or [])
+        self.assertIn("Unknown task/action", guidance)
+
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_mutation_authority", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "init_review_decision_lock", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "record_preflight_check", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_ensure_matching_profile", return_value=None)
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "_authenticated_username", return_value="sysadmin")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile")
+    @patch.object(mcp_server.gitea_config, "load_config")
+    def test_resolve_merger_acquire_aliases(
+        self, mock_cfg, mock_profile, *_mocks
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = {
+            "profile_name": "prgs-merger",
+            "role": "merger",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [],
+        }
+        mock_cfg.return_value = {
+            "profiles": {
+                "prgs-merger": {
+                    "role": "merger",
+                    "allowed_operations": [
+                        "gitea.read",
+                        "gitea.pr.comment",
+                        "gitea.pr.merge",
+                    ],
+                    "forbidden_operations": [],
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE": "prgs-merger"}, clear=False):
+            for task in ("acquire_merger_pr_lease", "gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease"):
+                res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task=task, remote="prgs")
+                self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "merger", res)
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    res["required_operation_permission"], "gitea.pr.comment", res
+                )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_merger_lease_adoption.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Merger lease adoption / recovery (#536)."""
 
 import os

tests/test_merger_lease_finalization.py

@@ -0,0 +1,956 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402,F401
+"""Acquired merger-lease provenance + owner finalization (#742).
+
+Covers the two confirmed defects behind the PR #740 failure:
+
+1. a lease minted by ``gitea_acquire_merger_pr_lease`` was listed as a
+   sanctioned provenance source but rejected by ``is_sanctioned_session_lease``
+   and reported as unsanctioned by ``describe_session_lease_proof``, so the
+   merge gate refused the merger's own freshly acquired lease;
+2. no merger-role owner-session operation existed to terminally release or
+   abandon that lease, leaving natural expiry as the only exit.
+"""
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import gitea_mcp_server as mcp_server  # noqa: E402
+import merger_lease_adoption as mla  # noqa: E402
+import pr_work_lease as pwl  # noqa: E402
+import reviewer_pr_lease as leases  # noqa: E402
+import task_capability_map as tcm  # noqa: E402
+
+HEAD = "c" * 40
+OTHER_HEAD = "d" * 40
+REPO = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"
+PR = 740
+
+
+def _lease_comment(
+    pr_number: int = PR,
+    session_id: str = "merger-session",
+    *,
+    phase: str = "claimed",
+    profile: str = "prgs-merger",
+    identity: str = "merger-user",
+    candidate_head: str = HEAD,
+    comment_id: int = 12354,
+) -> dict:
+    body = leases.format_lease_body(
+        repo=REPO,
+        pr_number=pr_number,
+        issue_number=742,
+        reviewer_identity=identity,
+        profile=profile,
+        session_id=session_id,
+        worktree="branches/merger-pr740",
+        phase=phase,
+        candidate_head=candidate_head,
+        target_branch="master",
+        target_branch_sha="e" * 40,
+        last_activity=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
+    )
+    return {"id": comment_id, "body": body, "user": {"login": identity}}
+
+
+def _acquired_session(**overrides) -> dict:
+    session = {
+        "pr_number": PR,
+        "issue_number": 742,
+        "session_id": "merger-session",
+        "reviewer_identity": "merger-user",
+        "profile": "prgs-merger",
+        "worktree": "branches/merger-pr740",
+        "phase": "claimed",
+        "candidate_head": HEAD,
+        "target_branch": "master",
+        "target_branch_sha": "e" * 40,
+        "repo": REPO,
+        "comment_id": 12354,
+    }
+    session.update(overrides)
+    return session
+
+
+def _record_acquired(session: dict | None = None, **provenance_kwargs) -> dict:
+    provenance = mla.build_lease_provenance(
+        source=mla.SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER,
+        comment_id=provenance_kwargs.pop("comment_id", 12354),
+        **provenance_kwargs,
+    )
+    return leases.record_session_lease(
+        session if session is not None else _acquired_session(),
+        lease_provenance=provenance,
+    )
+
+
+class TestAcquiredMergerProvenance(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC1/AC2/AC4/AC5/AC6 — provenance sanctioning and proof description."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def test_acquired_merger_lease_is_sanctioned(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        self.assertTrue(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        self.assertEqual(mla.assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(session), [])
+
+    def test_proof_description_is_explicit_acquired_merger_kind(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        proof = mla.describe_session_lease_proof(session)
+        self.assertEqual(proof["lease_proof_source"], mla.SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER)
+        self.assertEqual(proof["lease_proof_kind"], "sanctioned_acquire_merger")
+        self.assertTrue(proof["lease_proof_sanctioned"])
+        self.assertEqual(proof["lease_proof_comment_id"], 12354)
+
+    def test_manual_session_seed_without_provenance_still_rejected(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(_acquired_session())
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        proof = mla.describe_session_lease_proof(session)
+        self.assertEqual(proof["lease_proof_kind"], "unsanctioned_manual_seed")
+
+    def test_unknown_provenance_still_rejected(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(
+            _acquired_session(),
+            lease_provenance={"source": "totally_made_up_tool", "comment_id": 1},
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mla.describe_session_lease_proof(session)["lease_proof_kind"],
+            "unsanctioned",
+        )
+
+    def test_forged_acquired_provenance_without_comment_marker_rejected(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(
+            _acquired_session(comment_id=None),
+            lease_provenance={"source": mla.SOURCE_ACQUIRE_MERGER},
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any(
+                "comment marker" in reason
+                for reason in mla.assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(session)
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_comment_id_mismatch_between_provenance_and_session_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired(_acquired_session(comment_id=999))
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+
+    def test_reviewer_profile_lease_is_not_acquired_merger_proof(self):
+        session = _record_acquired(_acquired_session(profile="prgs-reviewer"))
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any(
+                "not a merger profile" in reason
+                for reason in mla.assess_acquired_merger_lease_integrity(session)
+            )
+        )
+
+    def test_incomplete_fields_fail_closed(self):
+        for field, value in (
+            ("session_id", ""),
+            ("reviewer_identity", ""),
+            ("profile", ""),
+            ("repo", ""),
+            ("pr_number", None),
+            ("candidate_head", None),
+            ("candidate_head", "not-a-sha"),
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(field=field, value=value):
+                leases.clear_session_lease()
+                session = _record_acquired(_acquired_session(**{field: value}))
+                self.assertFalse(
+                    mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session),
+                    f"{field}={value!r} must not be sanctioned",
+                )
+
+    def test_existing_reviewer_acquire_and_heartbeat_kinds_unchanged(self):
+        for source, kind in (
+            (mla.SOURCE_ACQUIRE, "sanctioned_acquire"),
+            (mla.SOURCE_HEARTBEAT, "sanctioned_heartbeat"),
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(source=source):
+                leases.clear_session_lease()
+                session = leases.record_session_lease(
+                    {
+                        "pr_number": PR,
+                        "session_id": "reviewer-session",
+                        "candidate_head": HEAD,
+                        "comment_id": 101,
+                    },
+                    lease_provenance=mla.build_lease_provenance(
+                        source=source, comment_id=101
+                    ),
+                )
+                self.assertTrue(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    mla.describe_session_lease_proof(session)["lease_proof_kind"],
+                    kind,
+                )
+
+    def test_adoption_provenance_unchanged(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(
+            {
+                "pr_number": PR,
+                "session_id": "merger-session",
+                "candidate_head": HEAD,
+                "comment_id": 202,
+            },
+            lease_provenance=mla.build_lease_provenance(
+                source=mla.SOURCE_ADOPT,
+                comment_id=202,
+                adopted_from_session_id="reviewer-session",
+            ),
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+        self.assertEqual(
+            mla.describe_session_lease_proof(session)["lease_proof_kind"],
+            "sanctioned_adoption",
+        )
+
+    def test_adoption_without_source_session_still_rejected(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(
+            {"pr_number": PR, "session_id": "merger-session", "comment_id": 202},
+            lease_provenance=mla.build_lease_provenance(
+                source=mla.SOURCE_ADOPT, comment_id=202
+            ),
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(mla.is_sanctioned_session_lease(session))
+
+
+class TestMergeAuthorizationGate(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC3 — the merge gate accepts a valid freshly acquired merger lease."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def test_acquired_merger_lease_passes_mutation_lease_gate(self):
+        comments = [_lease_comment()]
+        _record_acquired()
+        result = leases.assess_mutation_lease_gate(
+            pr_number=PR,
+            comments=comments,
+            reviewer_identity="merger-user",
+            session_id="merger-session",
+            mutation="merge",
+            live_head_sha=HEAD,
+            pinned_head_sha=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["block"], result["reasons"])
+
+    def test_manual_seed_still_blocked_by_mutation_lease_gate(self):
+        comments = [_lease_comment()]
+        leases.record_session_lease(_acquired_session())
+        result = leases.assess_mutation_lease_gate(
+            pr_number=PR,
+            comments=comments,
+            reviewer_identity="merger-user",
+            session_id="merger-session",
+            mutation="merge",
+            live_head_sha=HEAD,
+            pinned_head_sha=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("sanctioned provenance" in r for r in result["reasons"])
+        )
+
+    def test_head_mismatch_still_blocked_with_acquired_lease(self):
+        comments = [_lease_comment()]
+        _record_acquired()
+        result = leases.assess_mutation_lease_gate(
+            pr_number=PR,
+            comments=comments,
+            reviewer_identity="merger-user",
+            session_id="merger-session",
+            mutation="merge",
+            live_head_sha=OTHER_HEAD,
+            pinned_head_sha=HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["block"])
+
+
+class TestFinalizationAssessment(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC7/AC8/AC9/AC10 — owner-only, append-only, idempotent finalization."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def _assess(self, comments, session, **overrides):
+        kwargs = {
+            "pr_number": PR,
+            "session": session,
+            "actor_identity": "merger-user",
+            "actor_profile": "prgs-merger",
+            "actor_session_id": "merger-session",
+            "repo": REPO,
+            "worktree": "branches/merger-pr740",
+            "candidate_head": HEAD,
+            "live_head_sha": HEAD,
+        }
+        kwargs.update(overrides)
+        return mla.assess_merger_lease_finalization(comments, **kwargs)
+
+    def test_owner_merger_may_release_its_own_acquired_lease(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess([_lease_comment()], session)
+        self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["already_terminal"])
+        self.assertIn(mla.MERGER_FINALIZATION_MARKER, result["finalization_body"])
+        self.assertIn("phase: released", result["finalization_body"])
+
+    def test_abandon_outcome_supported(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()],
+            session,
+            outcome=mla.OUTCOME_ABANDONED,
+            reason="non-retryable-merge-failure",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+        self.assertIn("phase: abandoned", result["finalization_body"])
+        self.assertIn(
+            "finalization_reason: non-retryable-merge-failure",
+            result["finalization_body"],
+        )
+
+    def test_unknown_outcome_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess([_lease_comment()], session, outcome="deleted")
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+
+    def test_foreign_session_release_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        comments = [_lease_comment(session_id="someone-else")]
+        result = self._assess(comments, session, actor_session_id="someone-else")
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("does not match" in r or "owned by" in r for r in result["reasons"])
+        )
+
+    def test_active_foreign_lease_on_thread_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        comments = [
+            _lease_comment(),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="other-merger", comment_id=12400),
+        ]
+        result = self._assess(comments, session)
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("owned by session_id" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_reviewer_profile_cannot_finalize_merger_lease(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, actor_profile="prgs-reviewer"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("not a merger profile" in r for r in result["reasons"])
+        )
+
+    def test_reviewer_sourced_session_lease_is_not_merger_owned(self):
+        session = leases.record_session_lease(
+            _acquired_session(profile="prgs-reviewer"),
+            lease_provenance=mla.build_lease_provenance(
+                source=mla.SOURCE_ACQUIRE, comment_id=12354
+            ),
+        )
+        result = self._assess([_lease_comment(profile="prgs-reviewer")], session)
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("merger-owned" in r for r in result["reasons"]), result["reasons"]
+        )
+
+    def test_no_session_lease_rejected(self):
+        result = self._assess([_lease_comment()], None)
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+
+    def test_wrong_pr_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment(pr_number=741, session_id="merger-session")],
+            session,
+            pr_number=741,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+
+    def test_wrong_repository_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, repo="Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Other"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("repository" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_wrong_head_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, candidate_head=OTHER_HEAD
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+
+    def test_wrong_identity_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, actor_identity="someone-else"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("identity" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_token_fingerprint_mismatch_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired(native_token_fingerprint="fp-acquire")
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, runtime_token_fingerprint="fp-different"
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("fingerprint" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_matching_token_fingerprint_allowed(self):
+        session = _record_acquired(native_token_fingerprint="fp-acquire")
+        result = self._assess(
+            [_lease_comment()], session, runtime_token_fingerprint="fp-acquire"
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+
+    def test_missing_lease_marker_on_thread_rejected(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        result = self._assess([_lease_comment(comment_id=99999)], session)
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("lease marker comment" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_already_terminal_lease_is_idempotent(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        comments = [
+            _lease_comment(),
+            _lease_comment(phase="released", comment_id=12360),
+        ]
+        result = self._assess(comments, session)
+        self.assertTrue(result["already_terminal"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["finalize_allowed"])
+        self.assertIsNone(result["finalization_body"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["reasons"], [])
+
+    def test_abandoned_marker_ends_the_lease(self):
+        comments = [
+            _lease_comment(),
+            _lease_comment(phase="abandoned", comment_id=12361),
+        ]
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(comments, pr_number=PR)
+        )
+
+    def test_finalization_is_append_only(self):
+        session = _record_acquired()
+        original = _lease_comment()
+        comments = [original]
+        result = self._assess(comments, session)
+        self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+        # The assessment never mutates or removes prior ledger entries.
+        self.assertEqual(comments, [original])
+        self.assertEqual(result["lease_comment_id"], 12354)
+
+
+class TestCrossModuleTerminalPhaseAgreement(unittest.TestCase):
+    """#742 review 460 — reviewer_pr_lease and pr_work_lease must agree.
+
+    Both modules parse the same append-only lease markers. A phase that is
+    terminal in one and active in the other produces two conflicting truths for
+    the same comment, so an abandoned finalization would still read as an active
+    lease to the conflict-fix acquire and PR-sync inventory paths.
+    """
+
+    TERMINAL_PHASES = ("released", "blocked", "done", "abandoned")
+    NONTERMINAL_PHASES = ("claimed", "validating")
+
+    def _both_active(self, phase: str) -> tuple[bool, bool]:
+        comments = [_lease_comment(phase=phase)]
+        return (
+            leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(comments, pr_number=PR) is not None,
+            pwl.find_active_reviewer_lease(comments, pr_number=PR) is not None,
+        )
+
+    def test_abandoned_marker_is_not_active_in_pr_work_lease(self):
+        _, pwl_active = self._both_active("abandoned")
+        self.assertFalse(pwl_active)
+
+    def test_terminal_phases_agree_across_modules(self):
+        for phase in self.TERMINAL_PHASES:
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                rpl_active, pwl_active = self._both_active(phase)
+                self.assertFalse(rpl_active)
+                self.assertFalse(pwl_active)
+                self.assertEqual(rpl_active, pwl_active)
+
+    def test_nonterminal_phases_remain_active_in_both_modules(self):
+        for phase in self.NONTERMINAL_PHASES:
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                rpl_active, pwl_active = self._both_active(phase)
+                self.assertTrue(rpl_active)
+                self.assertTrue(pwl_active)
+
+    def test_terminal_phase_sets_are_mirrored(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            set(leases._TERMINAL_PHASES), set(pwl._TERMINAL_REVIEWER_PHASES)
+        )
+
+    def test_default_released_finalization_behavior_unchanged(self):
+        # The default outcome is still 'released', and a released marker ends
+        # the lease for both modules exactly as before this change.
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+        try:
+            session = _record_acquired()
+            result = mla.assess_merger_lease_finalization(
+                [_lease_comment()],
+                pr_number=PR,
+                session=session,
+                actor_identity="merger-user",
+                actor_profile="prgs-merger",
+                actor_session_id="merger-session",
+                repo=REPO,
+                worktree="branches/merger-pr740",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+                live_head_sha=HEAD,
+            )
+            self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+            self.assertEqual(result["outcome"], mla.OUTCOME_RELEASED)
+            self.assertIn("phase: released", result["finalization_body"])
+            self.assertEqual(
+                result["finalization_reason"],
+                mla.DEFAULT_MERGER_FINALIZATION_REASON,
+            )
+        finally:
+            leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def test_finalization_appends_and_never_rewrites_prior_markers(self):
+        claimed = _lease_comment()
+        original_body = claimed["body"]
+        ledger = [claimed]
+        # A terminal marker is appended alongside the original claim; the
+        # earlier marker is left byte-for-byte intact and is never removed.
+        terminal = _lease_comment(phase="abandoned", comment_id=12361)
+        ledger.append(terminal)
+        self.assertEqual(len(ledger), 2)
+        self.assertEqual(ledger[0]["body"], original_body)
+        self.assertEqual(ledger[0]["id"], 12354)
+        # Newest-wins (#577): the appended terminal marker ends the lease.
+        self.assertIsNone(leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR))
+
+    def test_full_ledger_terminal_phases_end_the_lease_in_both_modules(self):
+        for phase in self.TERMINAL_PHASES:
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                ledger = [
+                    _lease_comment(),
+                    _lease_comment(phase=phase, comment_id=12361),
+                ]
+                for module in (leases, pwl):
+                    self.assertIsNone(
+                        module.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR),
+                        f"{module.__name__} still active after {phase}",
+                    )
+
+
+class TestFullLedgerNewestWins(unittest.TestCase):
+    """#742 second remediation — chain-scoped newest-wins in pr_work_lease.
+
+    On a realistic append-only ledger (claim -> heartbeat -> terminal),
+    pr_work_lease.find_active_reviewer_lease skipped the terminal marker and
+    walked backward to the older claim of that same chain, resurrecting it. A
+    terminal marker must end its own chain, while a foreign, forged, or
+    malformed terminal marker must never cancel someone else's active lease.
+    """
+
+    OTHER_SESSION = "other-session"
+
+    def _claim(self, **overrides):
+        return _lease_comment(**overrides)
+
+    def _terminal(self, phase="released", comment_id=12361, **overrides):
+        return _lease_comment(phase=phase, comment_id=comment_id, **overrides)
+
+    def _pwl_active(self, ledger):
+        return pwl.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR)
+
+    # --- the chain must end -------------------------------------------------
+
+    def test_claim_then_each_terminal_phase_leaves_no_active_lease(self):
+        for phase in ("released", "blocked", "done", "abandoned"):
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                self.assertIsNone(
+                    self._pwl_active([self._claim(), self._terminal(phase=phase)])
+                )
+
+    def test_claim_heartbeat_terminal_leaves_no_active_lease(self):
+        for phase in ("released", "blocked", "done", "abandoned"):
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                ledger = [
+                    self._claim(),
+                    self._lease_validating(),
+                    self._terminal(phase=phase, comment_id=12362),
+                ]
+                self.assertIsNone(self._pwl_active(ledger))
+                self.assertIsNone(
+                    leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR)
+                )
+
+    def _lease_validating(self):
+        return _lease_comment(phase="validating", comment_id=12355)
+
+    # --- foreign / forged terminal markers must not cancel ------------------
+
+    def test_foreign_session_terminal_does_not_cancel_active_claim(self):
+        ledger = [
+            self._claim(),
+            self._terminal(session_id=self.OTHER_SESSION),
+        ]
+        active = self._pwl_active(ledger)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(active)
+        self.assertEqual(active["session_id"], "merger-session")
+
+    def test_mismatched_chain_fields_do_not_cancel_active_claim(self):
+        cases = {
+            "identity": {"identity": "someone-else"},
+            "profile": {"profile": "prgs-reviewer"},
+            "candidate_head": {"candidate_head": OTHER_HEAD},
+        }
+        for label, override in cases.items():
+            with self.subTest(field=label):
+                ledger = [self._claim(), self._terminal(**override)]
+                self.assertIsNotNone(
+                    self._pwl_active(ledger),
+                    f"terminal with wrong {label} must not cancel the claim",
+                )
+
+    def test_terminal_for_another_pr_does_not_cancel_active_claim(self):
+        ledger = [
+            self._claim(),
+            self._terminal(pr_number=741, comment_id=12363),
+        ]
+        self.assertIsNotNone(self._pwl_active(ledger))
+
+    def test_terminal_for_another_repository_does_not_cancel_active_claim(self):
+        foreign = self._terminal()
+        foreign["body"] = foreign["body"].replace(
+            REPO, "Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Other-Repo"
+        )
+        self.assertIsNotNone(self._pwl_active([self._claim(), foreign]))
+
+    def test_malformed_terminal_marker_does_not_hide_active_claim(self):
+        malformed = self._terminal()
+        # Strip the session id line: no provable chain, so it cancels nothing.
+        malformed["body"] = "\n".join(
+            line
+            for line in malformed["body"].splitlines()
+            if not line.startswith("session_id:")
+        )
+        active = self._pwl_active([self._claim(), malformed])
+        self.assertIsNotNone(active)
+        self.assertEqual(active["session_id"], "merger-session")
+
+    # --- multi-chain ledgers ------------------------------------------------
+
+    def test_newer_active_chain_survives_older_terminated_chain(self):
+        ledger = [
+            self._claim(),
+            self._terminal(comment_id=12361),
+            _lease_comment(session_id=self.OTHER_SESSION, comment_id=12370),
+        ]
+        active = self._pwl_active(ledger)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(active)
+        self.assertEqual(active["session_id"], self.OTHER_SESSION)
+
+    def test_newest_valid_chain_selected_across_multiple_histories(self):
+        ledger = [
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-1", comment_id=12300),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-1", phase="released", comment_id=12301),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-2", comment_id=12310),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-2", phase="abandoned", comment_id=12311),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-3", comment_id=12320),
+        ]
+        active = self._pwl_active(ledger)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(active)
+        self.assertEqual(active["session_id"], "chain-3")
+
+    def test_all_chains_terminated_leaves_no_active_lease(self):
+        ledger = [
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-1", comment_id=12300),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-1", phase="released", comment_id=12301),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-2", comment_id=12310),
+            _lease_comment(session_id="chain-2", phase="abandoned", comment_id=12311),
+        ]
+        self.assertIsNone(self._pwl_active(ledger))
+
+    # --- no regression in existing behavior ---------------------------------
+
+    def test_single_marker_behavior_matches_reviewer_pr_lease(self):
+        for phase in (
+            "claimed", "validating", "approved", "merging",
+            "released", "blocked", "done", "abandoned",
+        ):
+            with self.subTest(phase=phase):
+                ledger = [_lease_comment(phase=phase)]
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    pwl.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR) is not None,
+                    leases.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR)
+                    is not None,
+                )
+
+    def test_expired_claim_stays_inactive_and_freshness_unchanged(self):
+        past = datetime.now(timezone.utc) - timedelta(hours=4)
+        expired = {
+            "id": 12399,
+            "user": {"login": "merger-user"},
+            "body": leases.format_lease_body(
+                repo=REPO,
+                pr_number=PR,
+                issue_number=742,
+                reviewer_identity="merger-user",
+                profile="prgs-merger",
+                session_id="expired-session",
+                worktree="branches/merger-pr740",
+                phase="claimed",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+                target_branch="master",
+                target_branch_sha="e" * 40,
+                last_activity=past,
+                expires_at=past,
+            ),
+        }
+        self.assertIsNone(self._pwl_active([expired]))
+        self.assertIsNone(
+            leases.find_active_reviewer_lease([expired], pr_number=PR)
+        )
+
+    def test_active_claim_without_any_terminal_marker_remains_active(self):
+        self.assertIsNotNone(self._pwl_active([self._claim()]))
+
+    def test_production_readers_agree_after_release_tool_finalization(self):
+        """The ledger the release tool actually writes must read as terminal."""
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+        try:
+            session = _record_acquired()
+            result = mla.assess_merger_lease_finalization(
+                [_lease_comment()],
+                pr_number=PR,
+                session=session,
+                actor_identity="merger-user",
+                actor_profile="prgs-merger",
+                actor_session_id="merger-session",
+                repo=REPO,
+                worktree="branches/merger-pr740",
+                candidate_head=HEAD,
+                live_head_sha=HEAD,
+                outcome=mla.OUTCOME_ABANDONED,
+            )
+            self.assertTrue(result["finalize_allowed"], result["reasons"])
+            posted = {
+                "id": 12370,
+                "user": {"login": "merger-user"},
+                "body": result["finalization_body"],
+            }
+            ledger = [_lease_comment(), posted]
+            for module in (leases, pwl):
+                with self.subTest(module=module.__name__):
+                    self.assertIsNone(
+                        module.find_active_reviewer_lease(ledger, pr_number=PR)
+                    )
+            # Append-only: the claim marker is still present and unmodified.
+            self.assertEqual(len(ledger), 2)
+            self.assertEqual(ledger[0]["id"], 12354)
+        finally:
+            leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+
+class TestReleaseMergerLeaseTool(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC7/AC9/AC10/AC11 — the native tool contract end to end."""
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        mcp_server._preflight_whoami_called = True
+        mcp_server._preflight_capability_called = True
+        mcp_server._preflight_resolved_role = "merger"
+        mcp_server._preflight_resolved_task = "release_merger_pr_lease"
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        leases.clear_session_lease()
+
+    def _merger_profile(self, **extra):
+        p = {
+            "username": "merger-user",
+            "profile_name": "prgs-merger",
+            "role": "merger",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.merge",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": [
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+                "gitea.pr.review",
+                "gitea.pr.request_changes",
+            ],
+        }
+        p.update(extra)
+        return p
+
+    def _reviewer_profile(self):
+        return {
+            "username": "reviewer-user",
+            "profile_name": "prgs-reviewer",
+            "role": "reviewer",
+            "allowed_operations": [
+                "gitea.read",
+                "gitea.pr.comment",
+                "gitea.pr.review",
+                "gitea.pr.approve",
+            ],
+            "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.merge"],
+        }
+
+    def _call(self, **kwargs):
+        params = {
+            "pr_number": PR,
+            "worktree": "branches/merger-pr740",
+            "candidate_head": HEAD,
+            "remote": "prgs",
+            "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+        }
+        params.update(kwargs)
+        return mcp_server.gitea_release_merger_pr_lease(**params)
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._authenticated_username", return_value="merger-user")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server._resolve",
+        return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"),
+    )
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_merger_releases_own_acquired_lease(
+        self, _verify, mock_comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, _user, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_comments.return_value = [_lease_comment()]
+        mock_api.side_effect = [
+            {"state": "open", "head": {"sha": HEAD}},
+            {"id": 12370},
+        ]
+        _record_acquired()
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = self._call()
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertTrue(res["finalized"])
+        self.assertEqual(res["finalization_comment_id"], 12370)
+        self.assertEqual(res["outcome"], mla.OUTCOME_RELEASED)
+        # AC11: no active in-session lease survives finalization.
+        self.assertIsNone(leases.get_session_lease())
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._authenticated_username", return_value="merger-user")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server._resolve",
+        return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"),
+    )
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_merger_cannot_release_foreign_session_lease(
+        self, _verify, mock_comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, _user, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_comments.return_value = [_lease_comment(session_id="other-merger")]
+        mock_api.side_effect = [{"state": "open", "head": {"sha": HEAD}}]
+        _record_acquired()
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = self._call()
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertFalse(res["finalized"])
+        self.assertTrue(res["reasons"])
+        # Fail closed: no comment POST was attempted.
+        self.assertEqual(mock_api.call_count, 1)
+        self.assertIsNotNone(leases.get_session_lease())
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._authenticated_username", return_value="merger-user")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._auth", return_value="token pass")
+    @patch(
+        "gitea_mcp_server._resolve",
+        return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"),
+    )
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._verify_role_mutation_workspace")
+    def test_already_terminal_release_is_idempotent(
+        self, _verify, mock_comments, mock_profile, _resolve, _auth, _user, mock_api
+    ):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._merger_profile()
+        mock_comments.return_value = [
+            _lease_comment(),
+            _lease_comment(phase="released", comment_id=12360),
+        ]
+        mock_api.side_effect = [{"state": "open", "head": {"sha": HEAD}}]
+        _record_acquired()
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-merger"}):
+            res = self._call()
+        self.assertTrue(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertFalse(res["finalized"])
+        self.assertTrue(res["already_terminal"])
+        # No second marker posted.
+        self.assertEqual(mock_api.call_count, 1)
+        self.assertIsNone(leases.get_session_lease())
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.get_profile")
+    def test_reviewer_profile_cannot_invoke_merger_release(self, mock_profile):
+        mock_profile.return_value = self._reviewer_profile()
+        _record_acquired()
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, {"GITEA_MCP_PROFILE_NAME": "prgs-reviewer"}):
+            res = self._call()
+        self.assertFalse(res["success"], res)
+        self.assertFalse(res["finalized"])
+        self.assertTrue(res["reasons"])
+        # The lease is untouched by a rejected cross-role call.
+        self.assertIsNotNone(leases.get_session_lease())
+
+
+class TestReleaseMergerLeaseCapability(unittest.TestCase):
+    """AC9 — capability map binds the task to gitea.pr.comment + merger role."""
+
+    def test_task_and_tool_alias_are_merger_scoped(self):
+        for task in ("release_merger_pr_lease", "gitea_release_merger_pr_lease"):
+            with self.subTest(task=task):
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    tcm.required_permission(task), "gitea.pr.comment"
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(tcm.required_role(task), "merger")
+
+    def test_reviewer_release_tool_remains_reviewer_scoped(self):
+        self.assertTrue(hasattr(mcp_server, "gitea_release_reviewer_pr_lease"))
+        self.assertNotEqual(
+            mcp_server.gitea_release_reviewer_pr_lease,
+            mcp_server.gitea_release_merger_pr_lease,
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_mutation_error_diagnostics.py

@@ -0,0 +1,228 @@
+"""Safe mutation-error diagnostics for the tool boundary.
+
+The #699/#701 boundary intentionally collapses every non-typed exception to an
+opaque ``internal_error`` with the class and message discarded. That makes a
+mutation failure (create_issue / create_pr / delete_branch / issue-lock)
+undiagnosable: reason_code=internal_error, retryable=false, no actionable
+detail.
+
+This suite pins the additive contract:
+
+1. For the ``internal_error`` fallback ONLY, capture a **safe exception class**
+   (a Python type identifier — never secrets) and a **strictly-redacted**
+   detail (no tokens, Authorization headers, raw URLs/hosts, absolute paths,
+   response bodies, env dumps), plus an optional ``mutation_stage`` tag.
+2. Typed classifications (auth/authz/network/config/http) are unchanged and
+   still emit fixed messages with NO detail in the daemon log.
+3. Any exception may self-declare a safe ``gitea_reason_code`` to be converted
+   into a typed structured error instead of an opaque internal_error.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import io
+import json
+import unittest
+
+import gitea_auth
+import mcp_tool_error_boundary as boundary
+
+# Adversarial text a poisoned internal exception might carry.
+POISON = (
+    "boom at /Users/jasonwalker/secret/creds.json "
+    "Authorization: token ghp_leaked_secret_xyz "
+    "https://sysadmin:[email protected]/api/v1/x?token=supersecretXYZ "
+    'Bearer abc.def.ghi {"token":"supersecretXYZ","password":"hunter2"}'
+)
+SECRETS = (
+    "ghp_leaked_secret_xyz",
+    "supersecretXYZ",
+    "hunter2",
+    "/Users/jasonwalker/secret",
+    "gitea.prgs.cc",
+)
+
+
+class TestRedactDetail(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_strips_secrets_paths_urls_and_truncates(self):
+        out = boundary._redact_detail(POISON)
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, out)
+        self.assertLessEqual(len(out), boundary._DETAIL_LIMIT)
+
+    def test_empty_is_safe(self):
+        self.assertEqual(boundary._redact_detail(""), "")
+        self.assertEqual(boundary._redact_detail(None), "")
+
+
+class TestSafeExceptionClass(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_fully_qualified_type_identifier(self):
+        self.assertEqual(
+            boundary._safe_exception_class(RuntimeError("x")), "builtins.RuntimeError"
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            boundary._safe_exception_class(KeyError("x")), "builtins.KeyError"
+        )
+
+    def test_class_name_never_carries_instance_text(self):
+        # The class identifier must not include the (possibly secret) message.
+        cls = boundary._safe_exception_class(RuntimeError(POISON))
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, cls)
+
+
+class TestInternalErrorGainsDiagnostics(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_classify_internal_has_class_and_redacted_detail(self):
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(RuntimeError(POISON))
+        self.assertEqual(c["reason_code"], "internal_error")
+        self.assertEqual(c["error_class"], "internal")
+        self.assertEqual(c["exception_class"], "builtins.RuntimeError")
+        self.assertIn("detail", c)
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, json.dumps(c))
+
+    def test_payload_surfaces_class_and_detail_but_fixed_message(self):
+        p = boundary.build_structured_error_payload(
+            boundary.classify_exception(RuntimeError(POISON)),
+            tool_name="gitea_delete_branch",
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(p["reason_code"], "internal_error")
+        self.assertEqual(p["exception_class"], "builtins.RuntimeError")
+        self.assertIn("detail", p)
+        self.assertEqual(p["message"], boundary.fixed_message("internal_error"))
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, json.dumps(p))
+
+    def test_daemon_log_internal_includes_class_and_detail_no_secrets(self):
+        buf = io.StringIO()
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(RuntimeError(POISON))
+        boundary.log_sanitized_daemon_reason(
+            c, tool_name="gitea_delete_branch", stream=buf
+        )
+        line = buf.getvalue()
+        self.assertIn("reason_code=internal_error", line)
+        self.assertIn("exception_class=builtins.RuntimeError", line)
+        self.assertIn("detail=", line)
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, line)
+
+
+class TestTypedPathsUnchanged(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_auth_payload_has_no_detail_or_class(self):
+        p = boundary.build_structured_error_payload(
+            boundary.classify_exception(gitea_auth.GiteaAuthError())
+        )
+        self.assertNotIn("detail", p)
+        self.assertNotIn("exception_class", p)
+
+    def test_auth_daemon_log_has_no_detail(self):
+        buf = io.StringIO()
+        boundary.log_sanitized_daemon_reason(
+            boundary.classify_exception(gitea_auth.GiteaAuthError()),
+            tool_name="gitea_whoami",
+            stream=buf,
+        )
+        self.assertNotIn("detail=", buf.getvalue())
+        self.assertNotIn("exception_class=", buf.getvalue())
+
+
+class TestMutationStageTag(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_stage_flows_to_payload_and_log(self):
+        exc = RuntimeError("boom")
+        setattr(exc, "_gitea_mutation_stage", "preflight_purity")
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        self.assertEqual(c["mutation_stage"], "preflight_purity")
+        p = boundary.build_structured_error_payload(c, tool_name="gitea_create_pr")
+        self.assertEqual(p["mutation_stage"], "preflight_purity")
+        buf = io.StringIO()
+        boundary.log_sanitized_daemon_reason(c, tool_name="gitea_create_pr", stream=buf)
+        self.assertIn("mutation_stage=preflight_purity", buf.getvalue())
+
+    def test_stage_value_is_bounded_and_safe(self):
+        exc = RuntimeError("boom")
+        setattr(exc, "_gitea_mutation_stage", "x" * 500 + POISON)
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, c["mutation_stage"])
+        self.assertLessEqual(len(c["mutation_stage"]), 64)
+
+
+class TestGiteaReasonCodeConversion(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_self_declared_reason_becomes_typed(self):
+        exc = RuntimeError("Pre-flight order violation: whoami missing")
+        setattr(exc, "gitea_reason_code", "preflight_order_violation")
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        self.assertEqual(c["reason_code"], "preflight_order_violation")
+        self.assertNotEqual(c["reason_code"], "internal_error")
+        p = boundary.build_structured_error_payload(c, tool_name="gitea_delete_branch")
+        self.assertEqual(p["reason_code"], "preflight_order_violation")
+        self.assertEqual(
+            p["message"], boundary.fixed_message("preflight_order_violation")
+        )
+
+    def test_unknown_self_declared_reason_ignored(self):
+        exc = RuntimeError("boom")
+        setattr(exc, "gitea_reason_code", "not_a_real_reason")
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        self.assertEqual(c["reason_code"], "internal_error")
+
+    def test_preflight_reason_is_registered(self):
+        self.assertIn("preflight_order_violation", boundary.FIXED_MESSAGES)
+
+
+class TestAdversarialInternalNoLeak(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_poisoned_internal_never_leaks_in_result_or_log(self):
+        exc = RuntimeError(POISON)
+        buf = io.StringIO()
+        result = boundary.to_call_tool_result(
+            exc, tool_name="gitea_delete_branch", log=False
+        )
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        boundary.log_sanitized_daemon_reason(
+            c, tool_name="gitea_delete_branch", stream=buf
+        )
+        blob = (
+            json.dumps(result.structuredContent)
+            + result.content[0].text
+            + buf.getvalue()
+        )
+        for s in SECRETS:
+            self.assertNotIn(s, blob)
+
+
+class TestServerSideTypedAndStage(unittest.TestCase):
+    """Server raisers are typed and stage-taggable, end-to-end into the boundary."""
+
+    def test_preflight_order_error_is_typed_runtimeerror(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as s
+
+        exc = s._PreflightOrderError("whoami missing")
+        self.assertIsInstance(exc, RuntimeError)  # legacy except RuntimeError
+        self.assertEqual(exc.gitea_reason_code, "preflight_order_violation")
+        c = boundary.classify_exception(exc)
+        self.assertEqual(c["reason_code"], "preflight_order_violation")
+        self.assertNotEqual(c["reason_code"], "internal_error")
+
+    def test_mutation_stage_tags_and_reraises(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as s
+
+        with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+            with s._mutation_stage("preflight_purity"):
+                raise RuntimeError("boom")
+        self.assertEqual(
+            getattr(ctx.exception, "_gitea_mutation_stage", None), "preflight_purity"
+        )
+
+    def test_mutation_stage_inner_wins(self):
+        import gitea_mcp_server as s
+
+        with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
+            with s._mutation_stage("outer"):
+                with s._mutation_stage("inner"):
+                    raise RuntimeError("boom")
+        self.assertEqual(
+            getattr(ctx.exception, "_gitea_mutation_stage", None), "inner"
+        )
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_op_normalization.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Operation-name normalization table and enforcement tests — issue #106.
 
 Covers the required matrix from #106:

tests/test_operation_scoped_roles.py

@@ -1,4 +1,9 @@
-"""Tests for operation-scoped role selection and automatic dispatch switching (#228)."""
+"""Tests for operation-scoped role selection (#228, updated by #714).
+
+#714 removes silent automatic profile substitution. Capability resolution
+and mutation gates evaluate only the active profile; explicit
+``gitea_activate_profile`` is required to switch roles.
+"""
 import os
 import sys
 import json
@@ -15,6 +20,7 @@ from reviewer_worktree import assess_author_worktree_continuity
 
 CONFIG_TEST = {
     "version": 2,
+    "allow_runtime_switching": True,
     "contexts": {
         "ctx": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -30,9 +36,11 @@ CONFIG_TEST = {
             "context": "ctx",
             "role": "author",
             "username": "author-user",
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.example.com",
             "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_AUTHOR"},
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create", "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.issue.comment"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools", "913443/eAgenda"],
             "execution_profile": "author-profile"
         },
         "reviewer-profile": {
@@ -40,9 +48,11 @@ CONFIG_TEST = {
             "context": "ctx",
             "role": "reviewer",
             "username": "reviewer-user",
+            "base_url": "https://gitea.example.com",
             "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_REVIEWER"},
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review", "gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.issue.comment"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push"],
+            "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools", "913443/eAgenda"],
             "execution_profile": "reviewer-profile"
         }
     }
@@ -57,6 +67,15 @@ class TestOperationScopedRoles(unittest.TestCase):
         })
         self._remotes_patch.start()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
+        self._url = patch.object(
+            mcp_server,
+            "_local_git_remote_url",
+            side_effect=lambda n: {
+                "prgs": "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git",
+                "dadeschools": "https://gitea.dadeschools.net/913443/eAgenda.git",
+            }.get(n),
+        )
+        self._url.start()
         gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
         mcp_server._MUTATION_AUTHORITY = None
         self._dir = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory()
@@ -64,6 +83,11 @@ class TestOperationScopedRoles(unittest.TestCase):
         self._write_config(CONFIG_TEST)
 
     def tearDown(self):
+        try:
+            self._url.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
         self._remotes_patch.stop()
         mcp_server._IDENTITY_CACHE.clear()
         gitea_config._active_profile_override = None
@@ -85,62 +109,71 @@ class TestOperationScopedRoles(unittest.TestCase):
         return env
 
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
-    def test_auto_switch_to_reviewer(self, mock_api):
-        # mock identity resolution to return username matching profile
+    def test_no_auto_switch_to_reviewer(self, mock_api):
+        # #714: capability resolution must not silently switch author → reviewer
         mock_api.side_effect = lambda method, url, header: (
             {"login": "reviewer-user"} if "reviewer-pass" in str(header) else {"login": "author-user"}
         )
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-profile")):
-            # initially we are author-profile
             self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
             self.assertEqual(mcp_server.get_profile()["profile_name"], "author-profile")
 
-            # resolve a reviewer task (review_pr)
             res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="review_pr", remote="prgs")
 
-            # verify it automatically switched to reviewer-profile
-            self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
-            self.assertTrue(res["available_in_session"])
-            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "reviewer-profile")
-            self.assertEqual(res["active_identity"], "reviewer-user")
-            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "reviewer-profile")
+            self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+            self.assertFalse(res["available_in_session"])
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "author-profile")
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_identity"], "author-user")
+            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
+            self.assertIn("reviewer-profile", res["matching_configured_profile"])
+            self.assertFalse(res.get("auto_profile_substitution", True))
 
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
-    def test_auto_switch_to_author(self, mock_api):
+    def test_no_auto_switch_to_author(self, mock_api):
         mock_api.side_effect = lambda method, url, header: (
             {"login": "reviewer-user"} if "reviewer-pass" in str(header) else {"login": "author-user"}
         )
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("reviewer-profile")):
-            # initially we are reviewer-profile
             self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "reviewer-profile")
 
-            # resolve an author task (create_issue)
             res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="create_issue", remote="prgs")
 
-            # verify it automatically switched to author-profile
-            self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
-            self.assertTrue(res["available_in_session"])
-            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "author-profile")
-            self.assertEqual(res["active_identity"], "author-user")
-            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
+            self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+            self.assertFalse(res["available_in_session"])
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "reviewer-profile")
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_identity"], "reviewer-user")
+            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "reviewer-profile")
+            self.assertIn("author-profile", res["matching_configured_profile"])
 
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
-    def test_restart_required_when_unattached(self, mock_api):
+    def test_explicit_activate_profile_still_works(self, mock_api):
+        mock_api.side_effect = lambda method, url, header: (
+            {"login": "reviewer-user"} if "reviewer-pass" in str(header) else {"login": "author-user"}
+        )
+        with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-profile")):
+            act = mcp_server.gitea_activate_profile(
+                profile_name="reviewer-profile", remote="prgs"
+            )
+            self.assertTrue(act["success"])
+            self.assertEqual(act["after_profile"], "reviewer-profile")
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="review_pr", remote="prgs")
+            self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "reviewer-profile")
+
+    @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
+    def test_denied_when_matching_profile_token_missing(self, mock_api):
         mock_api.side_effect = lambda method, url, header: {"login": "author-user"}
         # launch without reviewer token in env
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-profile", with_reviewer_token=False)):
             self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
 
-            # resolve a reviewer task (review_pr)
             res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="review_pr", remote="prgs")
 
-            # verify it did NOT switch and reports restart_required
             self.assertFalse(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
             self.assertFalse(res["available_in_session"])
             self.assertTrue(res["configured"])
-            self.assertTrue(res["restart_required"])
             self.assertTrue(res["stop_required"])
-            self.assertIn("Reviewer profile exists but MCP server was added after session startup and is not attached", res["reason"])
+            self.assertEqual(res["active_profile"], "author-profile")
 
     def test_author_continuity_dirty_worktree(self):
         # author is allowed to keep dirty worktree
@@ -161,20 +194,21 @@ class TestOperationScopedRoles(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertFalse(res2["proven"])
 
     @patch("mcp_server.api_request")
-    def test_mutating_actions_auto_switch(self, mock_api):
+    def test_mutating_actions_do_not_auto_switch(self, mock_api):
         mock_api.side_effect = lambda method, url, header: (
             {"login": "reviewer-user"} if "reviewer-pass" in str(header) else {"login": "author-user"}
         )
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-profile")):
-            # verify we are author-profile
             self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
 
-            # call a reviewer mutation check helper (like _profile_permission_block with reviewer permission)
-            blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block("gitea.pr.merge", remote="prgs")
-            self.assertIsNone(blocked) # should switch to reviewer-profile and allow it (no permission block)
+            blocked = mcp_server._profile_permission_block(
+                "gitea.pr.merge", remote="prgs"
+            )
+            self.assertIsNotNone(blocked)
+            self.assertFalse(blocked.get("success", True))
 
-            # verify we dynamically switched to reviewer-profile
-            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "reviewer-profile")
+            # profile must remain author — no silent substitution
+            self.assertEqual(gitea_config.selected_profile_name(), "author-profile")
 
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":

tests/test_operator_guide.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for the operator guide / project skills MCP tools (#128).
 
 Read-only capability-discovery tools: mcp_get_control_plane_guide,

tests/test_post_merge_moot_lease.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Post-merge moot reviewer-lease handling (#515).
 
 Covers:

tests/test_pr_lease_comments_non_list_guard.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Regression tests for non-list API payloads on PR/issue comment listing (#485)."""
 import os
 import sys

tests/test_pr_ownership_issue_pr_mismatch.py

@@ -0,0 +1,196 @@
+"""#727 / PR #728: author ownership when tracking issue number != PR number.
+
+Regression for REQUEST_CHANGES: gitea_update_pr_branch_by_merge must not require
+issue_number == pr_number. Ownership is proven via linked issue + lock/branch
+context and fails closed for unrelated issues.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta, timezone
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+import issue_lock_store
+import gitea_mcp_server as mcp
+
+
+def _live_lock(
+    *,
+    issue_number: int,
+    branch_name: str = "feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+    worktree_path: str = "/tmp/branches/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+    remote: str = "prgs",
+    org: str = "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+    repo: str = "Gitea-Tools",
+) -> dict:
+    now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+    return {
+        "issue_number": issue_number,
+        "branch_name": branch_name,
+        "worktree_path": worktree_path,
+        "remote": remote,
+        "org": org,
+        "repo": repo,
+        "operation_type": issue_lock_store.AUTHOR_ISSUE_WORK_LEASE,
+        "acquired_at": now.isoformat(),
+        "expires_at": (now + timedelta(hours=2)).isoformat(),
+        "owner_pid": os.getpid(),
+        "status": "active",
+    }
+
+
+class TestAuthorOwnershipIssuePrMismatch(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._tmp = tempfile.TemporaryDirectory(prefix="gitea-issue-locks-")
+        self.lock_dir = self._tmp.name
+        os.environ["GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR"] = self.lock_dir
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        # Clear session pointer for this process.
+        try:
+            ptr = issue_lock_store.session_pointer_path(self.lock_dir)
+            if os.path.isfile(ptr):
+                os.unlink(ptr)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        os.environ.pop("GITEA_ISSUE_LOCK_DIR", None)
+        self._tmp.cleanup()
+
+    def test_issue_727_pr_728_session_lock_accepted(self):
+        """Tracking issue #727 lock is valid ownership for PR #728."""
+        lock = _live_lock(issue_number=727)
+        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(lock)
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=728,
+            pr_title="feat: pr sync",
+            pr_body="Closes #727\n\nNative PR sync lifecycle.",
+            source_branch="feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path=lock["worktree_path"],
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertTrue(result["has_author_lock"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["matched_issue"], 727)
+        self.assertEqual(result["matched_via"], "session_lock")
+        self.assertIn(727, result["linked_issues"])
+
+    def test_issue_727_pr_728_durable_lock_accepted(self):
+        lock = _live_lock(issue_number=727)
+        path = issue_lock_store.lock_file_path(
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            issue_number=727,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+        )
+        issue_lock_store.save_lock_file(path, lock)
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=728,
+            pr_title="feat: pr sync",
+            pr_body="Fixes #727",
+            source_branch="feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertEqual(result["matched_issue"], 727)
+        self.assertEqual(result["matched_via"], "durable_lock")
+
+    def test_legacy_same_number_still_accepted(self):
+        lock = _live_lock(
+            issue_number=100,
+            branch_name="fix/issue-100",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/branches/issue-100",
+        )
+        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(lock)
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=100,
+            pr_title="fix something",
+            pr_body="Closes #100",
+            source_branch="fix/issue-100",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path=lock["worktree_path"],
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertEqual(result["matched_issue"], 100)
+
+    def test_unrelated_issue_lock_rejected(self):
+        """Lock for issue #999 must not authorize PR #728 linked only to #727."""
+        lock = _live_lock(
+            issue_number=999,
+            branch_name="feat/issue-999",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/branches/issue-999",
+        )
+        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(lock)
+        path = issue_lock_store.lock_file_path(
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            issue_number=999,
+            lock_dir=self.lock_dir,
+        )
+        issue_lock_store.save_lock_file(path, lock)
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=728,
+            pr_title="feat: pr sync",
+            pr_body="Closes #727",
+            source_branch="feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path=lock["worktree_path"],
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertFalse(result["has_author_lock"])
+        self.assertIsNone(result["matched_issue"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["reasons"])
+
+    def test_branch_mismatch_on_session_lock_fail_closed(self):
+        lock = _live_lock(
+            issue_number=727,
+            branch_name="feat/other-branch",
+        )
+        issue_lock_store.bind_session_lock(lock)
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=728,
+            pr_title="feat: pr sync",
+            pr_body="Closes #727",
+            source_branch="feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path=lock["worktree_path"],
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertTrue(any("branch" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_no_lock_fail_closed(self):
+        result = mcp._prove_author_ownership_for_pr(
+            pr_number=728,
+            pr_title="feat: pr sync",
+            pr_body="Closes #727",
+            source_branch="feat/issue-727-pr-sync-status",
+            remote="prgs",
+            host=None,
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["proven"], result)
+        self.assertTrue(any("no live author issue lock" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_pr_sync_status.py

@@ -0,0 +1,338 @@
+"""Hermetic tests for PR synchronization / conflict-remediation lifecycle."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import unittest
+
+from pr_sync_status import (
+    ACTION_AUTHOR_CONFLICT_REMEDIATION,
+    ACTION_BLOCKED,
+    ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED,
+    ACTION_MERGE_NOW,
+    ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE,
+    assess_post_update_head_transition,
+    assess_pr_sync_status,
+    assess_sequential_queue_step,
+    assess_update_pr_branch_preflight,
+    lease_usable_at_head,
+    merge_approval_usable_at_head,
+)
+
+
+def _sha(prefix: str) -> str:
+    return (prefix + "0" * 40)[:40]
+
+
+PR_HEAD = _sha("aaaaaaaa")
+BASE_HEAD = _sha("bbbbbbbb")
+NEW_HEAD = _sha("cccccccc")
+OLD_HEAD = _sha("dddddddd")
+
+
+def _base_kwargs(**overrides):
+    data = {
+        "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+        "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+        "repo": "Gitea-Tools",
+        "pr_number": 100,
+        "pr_state": "open",
+        "source_branch": "fix/issue-100",
+        "pr_head_sha": PR_HEAD,
+        "base_head_sha": BASE_HEAD,
+        "commits_behind": 0,
+        "mergeable": True,
+        "has_conflicts": False,
+        "branch_protection_requires_current_base": False,
+        "approval_at_current_head": True,
+        "checks_status": "success",
+        "active_author_lock": True,
+        "active_reviewer_lease": False,
+        "active_merger_lease": False,
+    }
+    data.update(overrides)
+    return data
+
+
+class TestAssessPrSyncStatus(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_approved_current_mergeable_merge_now(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(**_base_kwargs())
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+        self.assertTrue(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["stale_approval"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["pr_head_sha"], PR_HEAD)
+        self.assertEqual(result["base_head_sha"], BASE_HEAD)
+
+    def test_approved_outdated_update_not_required_merge_now(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                commits_behind=3,
+                branch_protection_requires_current_base=False,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_MERGE_NOW)
+        self.assertTrue(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("does not require" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_outdated_update_required_no_conflict(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                commits_behind=2,
+                branch_protection_requires_current_base=True,
+                mergeable=True,
+                has_conflicts=False,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("update_branch_by_merge" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_outdated_has_conflicts_author_remediation(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                commits_behind=5,
+                branch_protection_requires_current_base=True,
+                mergeable=False,
+                has_conflicts=True,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_AUTHOR_CONFLICT_REMEDIATION
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+
+    def test_stale_approval_fresh_review_required(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                approval_at_current_head=False,
+                commits_behind=0,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["stale_approval"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+
+    def test_stale_prepared_verdict_cannot_cross_heads(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                approval_at_current_head=True,
+                prepared_verdict_head_sha=OLD_HEAD,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["stale_prepared_verdict"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_valid_for_merge"])
+
+    def test_missing_heads_fail_closed(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(pr_head_sha="short", base_head_sha=None)
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+        self.assertTrue(any("PR head" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_closed_pr_blocked(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(**_base_kwargs(pr_state="closed"))
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+
+    def test_failed_checks_block_merge_now(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(**_base_kwargs(checks_status="failure"))
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+
+    def test_stale_approval_with_update_required_routes_update(self):
+        result = assess_pr_sync_status(
+            **_base_kwargs(
+                approval_at_current_head=False,
+                commits_behind=1,
+                branch_protection_requires_current_base=True,
+                mergeable=True,
+                has_conflicts=False,
+            )
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_UPDATE_BRANCH_BY_MERGE
+        )
+
+
+class TestUpdatePrBranchPreflight(unittest.TestCase):
+    def _ok_kwargs(self, **overrides):
+        data = {
+            "role_kind": "author",
+            "expected_pr_head_sha": PR_HEAD,
+            "live_pr_head_sha": PR_HEAD,
+            "expected_base_head_sha": BASE_HEAD,
+            "live_base_head_sha": BASE_HEAD,
+            "has_conflicts": False,
+            "mergeable": True,
+            "style": "merge",
+            "has_author_lock": True,
+            "worktree_path": "/Users/x/Development/Gitea-Tools/branches/issue-100",
+            "worktree_owns_source_branch": True,
+            "control_checkout_clean": True,
+            "master_parity_ok": True,
+            "force_push": False,
+            "rebase": False,
+        }
+        data.update(overrides)
+        return data
+
+    def test_author_allowed_when_preflight_clean(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(**self._ok_kwargs())
+        self.assertTrue(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["head_race"])
+        self.assertFalse(result["base_race"])
+
+    def test_head_race_fail_closed(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(live_pr_head_sha=NEW_HEAD)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["head_race"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("PR head race" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_base_race_fail_closed(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(live_base_head_sha=NEW_HEAD)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["base_race"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("base head race" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_conflicts_structured_handoff_no_mutation(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(has_conflicts=True, mergeable=False)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["author_remediation_handoff"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("conflicts" in r.lower() for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_reviewer_denied(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(role_kind="reviewer")
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("author-only" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_merger_denied(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(role_kind="merger")
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("author-only" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_no_force_push(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(force_push=True)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("force-push" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_no_rebase(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(style="rebase", rebase=True)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("rebase" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+    def test_missing_lock_fail_closed(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(has_author_lock=False)
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+
+    def test_worktree_not_under_branches(self):
+        result = assess_update_pr_branch_preflight(
+            **self._ok_kwargs(worktree_path="/tmp/not-a-branches-path")
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("branches/" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+
+class TestPostUpdateHeadTransition(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_update_invalidates_approval_and_requires_fresh_review(self):
+        result = assess_post_update_head_transition(
+            former_pr_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            new_pr_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+            former_approval_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            former_reviewer_lease_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            former_merger_lease_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            prepared_verdict_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["head_changed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["approval_invalidated"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["reviewer_lease_superseded"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["merger_lease_superseded"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["prepared_verdict_invalidated"])
+        self.assertEqual(
+            result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_FRESH_REVIEW_REQUIRED
+        )
+
+    def test_same_head_unexpected(self):
+        result = assess_post_update_head_transition(
+            former_pr_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            new_pr_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["head_changed"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["recommended_next_action"], ACTION_BLOCKED)
+
+
+class TestStaleArtifacts(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_stale_approval_cannot_authorize_merge(self):
+        result = merge_approval_usable_at_head(
+            current_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+            approved_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["approval_usable"])
+
+    def test_fresh_approval_usable(self):
+        result = merge_approval_usable_at_head(
+            current_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+            approved_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["approval_usable"])
+
+    def test_stale_reviewer_lease_cannot_cross_heads(self):
+        result = lease_usable_at_head(
+            lease_kind="reviewer",
+            lease_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            current_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["lease_usable"])
+
+    def test_stale_merger_lease_cannot_cross_heads(self):
+        result = lease_usable_at_head(
+            lease_kind="merger",
+            lease_head_sha=PR_HEAD,
+            current_head_sha=NEW_HEAD,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["lease_usable"])
+
+
+class TestSequentialQueue(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_reassess_after_merge_and_master_refresh(self):
+        result = assess_sequential_queue_step(
+            just_merged=True,
+            master_refreshed=True,
+            next_pr_number=101,
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(result["reassess_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["process_next"])
+        self.assertTrue(result["post_merge_cleanup_handoff"])
+        self.assertEqual(result["next_pr_number"], 101)
+
+    def test_block_reassess_without_master_refresh(self):
+        result = assess_sequential_queue_step(
+            just_merged=True,
+            master_refreshed=False,
+            next_pr_number=101,
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(result["reassess_allowed"])
+        self.assertTrue(any("master must be refreshed" in r for r in result["reasons"]))
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()

tests/test_preflight_workspace_repo_forwarding.py

@@ -0,0 +1,280 @@
+"""Regression matrix: session-bound mutation preflight resolves the workspace repo.
+
+Root-cause follow-up to #733. ``_resolve`` (the actual API-targeting resolver)
+already prefers the workspace-aligned git remote over the ``REMOTES`` default
+(bare ``prgs`` → ``Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet``). The shared #604
+anti-stomp preflight (``_run_anti_stomp_preflight``) did **not** mirror that: for
+every mutation task whose call site omitted ``org``/``repo`` it filled the
+remote-wide ``REMOTES`` default, so the #530 repo guard false-positived
+``wrong_repo`` against a ``Gitea-Tools`` checkout and blocked native
+issue/PR/review/merge/lock/cleanup mutations.
+
+The fix makes ``_run_anti_stomp_preflight`` prefer the trusted, git-remote-
+derived workspace identity for omitted coordinates on **session-bound** mutation
+tasks (marking those filled sides explicit, exactly like ``_resolve``), while
+``delete_branch`` keeps its explicit cross-repository *target* contract (#733)
+and continues to fail closed on omitted coordinates.
+"""
+
+import os
+import sys
+import unittest
+from unittest.mock import patch
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+import mcp_server
+import remote_repo_guard
+
+# Workspace is bound to Gitea-Tools even though the prgs REMOTES default repo is
+# Timesheet (the exact cross-repo scenario).
+LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL = "https://gitea.prgs.cc/Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools.git"
+
+RECONCILER = {
+    "profile_name": "prgs-reconciler",
+    "role": "reconciler",
+    "allowed_operations": [
+        "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.comment", "gitea.pr.comment",
+        "gitea.pr.close", "gitea.branch.delete",
+    ],
+    "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.pr.merge"],
+    "audit_label": "prgs-reconciler",
+}
+
+# Session-bound mutation tasks (every MUTATION_TASK except the explicit-target
+# delete_branch) must auto-resolve the workspace repository for omitted coords.
+SESSION_BOUND_TASKS = [
+    "create_issue",
+    "comment_issue",
+    "close_issue",
+    "mark_issue",
+    "lock_issue",
+    "set_issue_labels",
+    "create_label",
+    "create_pr",
+    "close_pr",
+    "edit_pr",
+    "commit_files",
+    "cleanup_merged_pr_branch",
+    "cleanup_stale_claims",
+    "reconcile_merged_cleanups",
+    "reconcile_already_landed_pr",
+    "reconcile_close_superseded_pr",
+    "post_heartbeat",
+    "review_pr",
+    "submit_pr_review",
+    "merge_pr",
+]
+
+
+class _AntiStompResolutionBase(unittest.TestCase):
+    def setUp(self):
+        self._remotes = patch.dict(mcp_server.REMOTES, {
+            "prgs": {
+                "host": "gitea.prgs.cc",
+                "org": "Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+                "repo": "Timesheet",
+            },
+        })
+        self._remotes.start()
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        patch.stopall()
+
+    def _capture_resolution(self, task, org, repo, *, local_url=LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL):
+        """Drive the live anti-stomp runner and capture the org/repo it resolved
+        and passed to the pure assessor."""
+        passthrough = {
+            "allowed": True, "block": False, "blockers": [], "reasons": [],
+            "exact_next_action": "proceed", "blocker_kind": None, "checks": {},
+        }
+        with patch.dict(
+            os.environ, {"GITEA_TEST_FORCE_ANTI_STOMP": "1"}, clear=False
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server._local_git_remote_url", return_value=local_url
+        ), patch(
+            "mcp_server.get_profile", return_value=RECONCILER
+        ), patch.object(
+            mcp_server.anti_stomp_preflight,
+            "assess_anti_stomp_preflight",
+            return_value=passthrough,
+        ) as m:
+            mcp_server._run_anti_stomp_preflight(
+                task, remote="prgs", org=org, repo=repo
+            )
+        self.assertTrue(m.called)
+        return m.call_args.kwargs
+
+
+class TestSessionBoundResolution(_AntiStompResolutionBase):
+    def test_omitted_coords_resolve_workspace_repo_and_mark_explicit(self):
+        for task in SESSION_BOUND_TASKS:
+            with self.subTest(task=task):
+                kw = self._capture_resolution(task, None, None)
+                self.assertEqual(
+                    kw["resolved_org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", task
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Gitea-Tools", task)
+                # Workspace-filled sides are intentional alignment → explicit.
+                self.assertTrue(kw["org_explicit"], task)
+                self.assertTrue(kw["repo_explicit"], task)
+
+    def test_resolved_workspace_repo_passes_the_530_guard(self):
+        kw = self._capture_resolution("create_pr", None, None)
+        assessment = remote_repo_guard.assess_remote_repo_match(
+            remote="prgs",
+            resolved_org=kw["resolved_org"],
+            resolved_repo=kw["resolved_repo"],
+            local_remote_url=LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL,
+            org_explicit=kw["org_explicit"],
+            repo_explicit=kw["repo_explicit"],
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(assessment["block"], assessment)
+
+    def test_explicit_caller_coords_are_preserved(self):
+        kw = self._capture_resolution(
+            "create_pr", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_org"], "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertTrue(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertTrue(kw["repo_explicit"])
+
+    def test_no_workspace_identity_falls_back_to_remotes_default(self):
+        # No derivable local remote → best-effort REMOTES default preserved,
+        # not marked explicit (so the guard still corroborates when able).
+        kw = self._capture_resolution("create_pr", None, None, local_url=None)
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Timesheet")
+        self.assertFalse(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertFalse(kw["repo_explicit"])
+
+
+class TestDeleteBranchContractPreserved(_AntiStompResolutionBase):
+    """delete_branch keeps its explicit-target contract (#733): omitted coords
+    still resolve the remote-wide default and are NOT marked explicit, so the
+    guard fails closed against a mismatched workspace."""
+
+    def test_omitted_coords_still_remote_default_not_explicit(self):
+        kw = self._capture_resolution("delete_branch", None, None)
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Timesheet")
+        self.assertFalse(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertFalse(kw["repo_explicit"])
+        assessment = remote_repo_guard.assess_remote_repo_match(
+            remote="prgs",
+            resolved_org=kw["resolved_org"],
+            resolved_repo=kw["resolved_repo"],
+            local_remote_url=LOCAL_GITEA_TOOLS_URL,
+            org_explicit=kw["org_explicit"],
+            repo_explicit=kw["repo_explicit"],
+        )
+        self.assertTrue(assessment["block"])
+
+    def test_explicit_coords_still_forwarded(self):
+        kw = self._capture_resolution(
+            "delete_branch", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(kw["resolved_repo"], "Gitea-Tools")
+        self.assertTrue(kw["org_explicit"])
+        self.assertTrue(kw["repo_explicit"])
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    unittest.main()
+
+
+class TestAuthorCallSiteForwardsOrgRepo(_AntiStompResolutionBase):
+    """#735: author mutation entrypoints must pass org/repo into preflight."""
+
+    def _assert_call_forwards(self, fn_name: str, *args, **kwargs):
+        import inspect
+        fn = getattr(mcp_server, fn_name)
+        # Force preflight path to raise with the kwargs it received so we can
+        # prove org/repo were forwarded without performing the full mutation.
+        captured = {}
+
+        def _capture(*a, **kw):
+            captured.update(kw)
+            captured["_args"] = a
+            raise RuntimeError("capture-only")
+
+        with patch.object(mcp_server, "verify_preflight_purity", side_effect=_capture), \
+             patch.object(mcp_server, "get_profile", return_value={
+                 "profile_name": "prgs-author",
+                 "role": "author",
+                 "allowed_operations": [
+                     "gitea.read", "gitea.issue.create", "gitea.issue.comment",
+                     "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.repo.commit", "gitea.branch.push",
+                 ],
+                 "forbidden_operations": [],
+                 "audit_label": "prgs-author",
+             }), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server, "_resolve",
+                 return_value=("gitea.prgs.cc", "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", "Gitea-Tools"),
+             ), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server, "_auth", return_value="token fake",
+             ), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server.role_session_router,
+                 "check_author_mutation_after_reviewer_stop",
+                 return_value=(True, []),
+             ), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server, "_namespace_mutation_block", return_value=None
+             ), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server, "_profile_permission_block", return_value=None
+             ), patch.object(
+                 mcp_server, "_production_guard_block_from_exc", return_value=None
+             ):
+            try:
+                fn(*args, **kwargs)
+            except RuntimeError as exc:
+                if "capture-only" not in str(exc):
+                    # Some tools re-raise; still require capture when preflight ran.
+                    if not captured:
+                        raise
+            self.assertTrue(captured, f"{fn_name} never called verify_preflight_purity")
+            self.assertEqual(captured.get("org"), "Scaled-Tech-Consulting", fn_name)
+            self.assertEqual(captured.get("repo"), "Gitea-Tools", fn_name)
+
+    def test_create_issue_forwards_explicit_org_repo(self):
+        self._assert_call_forwards(
+            "gitea_create_issue",
+            "title",
+            body="body with acceptance criteria for gate",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/fake-wt",
+        )
+
+    def test_create_pr_forwards_explicit_org_repo(self):
+        self._assert_call_forwards(
+            "gitea_create_pr",
+            title="t",
+            head="fix/issue-735-x",
+            base="master",
+            body="Closes #735",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/fake-wt",
+        )
+
+    def test_mark_issue_forwards_explicit_org_repo(self):
+        self._assert_call_forwards(
+            "gitea_mark_issue",
+            issue_number=735,
+            action="start",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/fake-wt",
+        )
+
+    def test_commit_files_forwards_explicit_org_repo(self):
+        self._assert_call_forwards(
+            "gitea_commit_files",
+            files=[{"operation": "update", "path": "x", "content_plain": "y"}],
+            message="m",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+        )

tests/test_remote_repo_guard.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Regression coverage for the remote/repo mismatch guard (#530).
 
 Bare ``remote=prgs`` historically resolved to ``Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Timesheet``
@@ -162,12 +166,12 @@ class TestResolveServerWiring(unittest.TestCase):
         self.addCleanup(self.server.REMOTES.__setitem__, "prgs", original)
         self.server.REMOTES["prgs"] = {**original, "repo": repo}
 
-    def test_resolve_blocks_on_default_repo_mismatch(self):
+    def test_resolve_prefers_workspace_over_timesheet_default(self):
+        """#714: bare remote=prgs must use workspace Gitea-Tools, not REMOTES Timesheet."""
         self._set_prgs_default_repo("Timesheet")
-        with self.assertRaises(RuntimeError) as ctx:
-            self.server._resolve("prgs", None, None, None)
-        self.assertIn("Timesheet", str(ctx.exception))
-        self.assertIn("Gitea-Tools", str(ctx.exception))
+        host, org, repo = self.server._resolve("prgs", None, None, None)
+        self.assertEqual(org, "Scaled-Tech-Consulting")
+        self.assertEqual(repo, "Gitea-Tools")
 
     def test_resolve_allows_explicit_org_and_repo(self):
         self._set_prgs_default_repo("Timesheet")

tests/test_resolve_task_capability.py

@@ -188,8 +188,8 @@ class TestResolveTaskCapability(unittest.TestCase):
                 self.assertEqual(res["required_role_kind"], "author")
                 self.assertTrue(res["allowed_in_current_session"])
 
-    @patch("mcp_server.api_request", return_value={"login": "author-user"})
-    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token author-pass")
+    @patch("mcp_server.api_request", return_value={"login": "reviewer-user"})
+    @patch("mcp_server.get_auth_header", return_value="token reviewer-pass")
     def test_resolve_work_issue_reviewer_profile_blocked(self, _auth, _api):
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("reviewer-profile")):
             res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
@@ -231,9 +231,16 @@ class TestResolveTaskCapability(unittest.TestCase):
             self.assertIn("gitea.issue.comment", res["active_profile_allowed_operations"])
 
     def test_resolve_unknown_task_fails_closed(self):
+        # #723: unknown tasks return structured unknown_task (no ValueError escape).
         with patch.dict(os.environ, self._env("author-profile")):
-            with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
-                mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="invalid_task_xyz", remote="prgs")
+            res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                task="invalid_task_xyz", remote="prgs"
+            )
+            self.assertIsInstance(res, dict)
+            self.assertEqual(res.get("reason_code"), "unknown_task", res)
+            self.assertFalse(res.get("allowed_in_current_session"))
+            self.assertTrue(res.get("stop_required"))
+            self.assertIs(res.get("mutation_performed"), False)
 
     # Additional regression tests per #145 for permission boundaries and structured guidance
     def test_issue_comment_does_not_imply_close(self):
@@ -439,8 +446,11 @@ class TestResolveTaskCapability(unittest.TestCase):
             res = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task="close_pr", remote="prgs")
             self.assertEqual(res["required_operation_permission"], "gitea.pr.close")
             for unknown in ("close_pull_request", "close", "pr_close"):
-                with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
-                    mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(task=unknown, remote="prgs")
+                unk = mcp_server.gitea_resolve_task_capability(
+                    task=unknown, remote="prgs"
+                )
+                self.assertEqual(unk.get("reason_code"), "unknown_task", unk)
+                self.assertFalse(unk.get("allowed_in_current_session"))
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     unittest.main()

tests/test_review_drafts.py

@@ -68,8 +68,6 @@ class TestReviewDrafts(unittest.TestCase):
 
     @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
     def test_save_draft_success(self, mock_api):
-        print("GITEA_MCP_SERVER FILE:", gitea_mcp_server.__file__)
-        print("DIR OF GITEA_MCP_SERVER:", dir(gitea_mcp_server))
         mock_api.return_value = {
             "head": {"sha": "headsha1234567890"},
             "base": {"ref": "master", "sha": "basesha0987654321"},
@@ -285,3 +283,104 @@ class TestReviewDrafts(unittest.TestCase):
         )
         self.assertFalse(res.get("success"))
         self.assertIn("worktree binding mismatch", res.get("reasons")[0])
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    def test_resume_draft_foreign_lease(self, mock_comments, mock_api):
+        mock_api.return_value = {
+            "state": "open",
+            "head": {"sha": "headsha1234567890"},
+            "base": {"ref": "master", "sha": "basesha0987654321"},
+        }
+        gitea_mcp_server.gitea_save_review_draft(
+            pr_number=587,
+            action="approve",
+            body="Good changes",
+            expected_head_sha="headsha1234567890",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/test-worktree",
+        )
+        reviewer_pr_lease.record_session_lease({
+            "pr_number": 587,
+            "session_id": "my-session",
+        })
+        mock_comments.return_value = [
+            {
+                "id": 9,
+                "user": {"username": "sysadmin"},
+                "body": (
+                    "<!-- mcp-review-lease:v1 -->\n"
+                    "repo: Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools\n"
+                    "pr: #587\n"
+                    "reviewer_identity: sysadmin\n"
+                    "profile: prgs-reviewer\n"
+                    "session_id: foreign-session-999\n"
+                    "phase: claimed\n"
+                ),
+            }
+        ]
+        res = gitea_mcp_server.gitea_resume_review_draft(
+            pr_number=587,
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/test-worktree",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("success"))
+        self.assertTrue(
+            any("foreign-session-999" in r or "session_id" in r for r in (res.get("reasons") or []))
+        )
+
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.api_request")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server._fetch_pr_comments")
+    @patch("gitea_mcp_server.terminal_review_hard_stop_reasons")
+    def test_resume_draft_terminal_lock_blocks(self, mock_hard_stop, mock_comments, mock_api):
+        mock_api.return_value = {
+            "state": "open",
+            "head": {"sha": "headsha1234567890"},
+            "base": {"ref": "master", "sha": "basesha0987654321"},
+        }
+        gitea_mcp_server.gitea_save_review_draft(
+            pr_number=587,
+            action="approve",
+            body="Good changes",
+            expected_head_sha="headsha1234567890",
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/test-worktree",
+        )
+        reviewer_pr_lease.record_session_lease({
+            "pr_number": 587,
+            "session_id": "session-1234",
+        })
+        mock_comments.return_value = [
+            {
+                "id": 1,
+                "user": {"username": "sysadmin"},
+                "body": (
+                    "<!-- mcp-review-lease:v1 -->\n"
+                    "repo: Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools\n"
+                    "pr: #587\n"
+                    "reviewer_identity: sysadmin\n"
+                    "profile: prgs-reviewer\n"
+                    "session_id: session-1234\n"
+                    "phase: claimed\n"
+                ),
+            }
+        ]
+        mock_hard_stop.return_value = [
+            "terminal review mutation already recorded for PR #587 (approve); #332 hard-stop"
+        ]
+        res = gitea_mcp_server.gitea_resume_review_draft(
+            pr_number=587,
+            remote="prgs",
+            org="Scaled-Tech-Consulting",
+            repo="Gitea-Tools",
+            worktree_path="/tmp/test-worktree",
+        )
+        self.assertFalse(res.get("success"))
+        self.assertTrue(any("#332" in r or "terminal" in r for r in (res.get("reasons") or [])))
+

tests/test_reviewer_pr_lease.py

@@ -79,22 +79,26 @@ class TestReviewerLeaseAcquire(unittest.TestCase):
 
 
 class TestReviewerLeaseFreshness(unittest.TestCase):
-    def test_stale_warning_after_30_minutes(self):
+    def test_stale_warning_at_half_the_sliding_window(self):
+        # #747 warns at half the 10-minute window, while the owner can still
+        # heartbeat and keep the lease.
         lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(
-            _lease_comment(382, "session-a", minutes_ago=35)["body"]
+            _lease_comment(382, "session-a", minutes_ago=6)["body"]
         )
         self.assertEqual(
             leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease),
             "stale_warning",
         )
 
-    def test_reclaimable_after_60_minutes(self):
+    def test_expired_once_the_sliding_window_lapses(self):
+        # Pre-#747 a 65-minute-idle lease was "reclaimable" and had to wait out
+        # a second timer. It is now simply expired and immediately takeable.
         lease = leases.parse_lease_comment(
             _lease_comment(382, "session-a", minutes_ago=65)["body"]
         )
         self.assertEqual(
             leases.classify_lease_freshness(lease),
-            "reclaimable",
+            "expired",
         )
 
 
@@ -281,7 +285,10 @@ class TestReviewerLeaseHandoffDiagnose(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(result["active_lease"]["comment_id"], 8647)
         self.assertFalse(result["mutation_allowed"])
 
-    def test_foreign_reclaimable_release_expired(self):
+    def test_foreign_expired_release_expired(self):
+        # Pre-#747 this classified as "foreign_reclaimable" after the 60-minute
+        # activity band. Under the sliding TTL the lease is simply expired, and
+        # the sanctioned next action is unchanged.
         reclaim = _lease_comment(
             592, "foreign-old", phase="claimed", minutes_ago=65
         )
@@ -293,7 +300,7 @@ class TestReviewerLeaseHandoffDiagnose(unittest.TestCase):
             current_reviewer_identity="sysadmin",
             proposed_worktree="branches/review-pr-592",
         )
-        self.assertEqual(result["classification"], "foreign_reclaimable")
+        self.assertEqual(result["classification"], "foreign_expired")
         self.assertEqual(
             result["next_action"], leases.NEXT_ACTION_RELEASE_EXPIRED_LEASE
         )

tests/test_role_namespace_gate.py

@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
 """Tests for reviewer/author namespace mismatch walls (#209)."""
 import json
 import os
@@ -36,6 +40,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.review",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
         "prgs-reviewer": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -51,6 +56,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.issue.create",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-reviewer",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
         "prgs-reviewer-issue-writer": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -63,12 +69,13 @@ CONFIG = {
             ],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create"],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-reviewer-issue-writer",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
     },
     "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": False},
 }
 
-ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {"GITEA_ALLOWED_OPERATIONS": "gitea.issue.create"}
+ISSUE_WRITE_ENV = {}  # config-backed; operations come from profile allowlist (#714)
 
 
 class NamespaceGateBase(unittest.TestCase):
@@ -199,7 +206,7 @@ class TestMutationAuditFields(NamespaceGateBase):
     def test_successful_create_issue_audit_includes_namespace_fields(
         self, _auth, mock_api, _get_all, _role
     ):
-        env = {**self._env("prgs-author", audit=True), **ISSUE_WRITE_ENV}
+        env = self._env("prgs-author", audit=True)
         with patch.dict(os.environ, env, clear=True):
             mcp_server.gitea_create_issue(title="audited", remote="prgs")
         with open(self.audit_path, encoding="utf-8") as fh:

tests/test_role_session_router.py

@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge", "gitea.pr.review",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-author",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
         "prgs-reviewer": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.issue.create",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-reviewer",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
         "prgs-merger": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.approve",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-merger",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
         "prgs-reconciler": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -81,6 +84,7 @@ CONFIG = {
                 "gitea.branch.push",
             ],
             "execution_profile": "prgs-reconciler",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Scaled-Tech-Consulting/Gitea-Tools"],
         },
     },
     "rules": {"allow_runtime_switching": False},

tests/test_runtime_clarity.py

@@ -35,7 +35,8 @@ CONFIG_SWITCHING_DISABLED = {
             "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_AUTHOR"},
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.approve", "gitea.pr.merge"],
-            "execution_profile": "author-profile"
+            "execution_profile": "author-profile",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
         "reviewer-profile": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -45,7 +46,8 @@ CONFIG_SWITCHING_DISABLED = {
             "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_REVIEWER"},
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.review", "gitea.pr.approve"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.merge"],
-            "execution_profile": "reviewer-profile"
+            "execution_profile": "reviewer-profile",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         },
         "merger-profile": {
             "enabled": True,
@@ -55,7 +57,8 @@ CONFIG_SWITCHING_DISABLED = {
             "auth": {"type": "env", "name": "GITEA_TOKEN_MERGER"},
             "allowed_operations": ["gitea.read", "gitea.pr.merge"],
             "forbidden_operations": ["gitea.pr.create", "gitea.branch.push", "gitea.pr.approve"],
-            "execution_profile": "merger-profile"
+            "execution_profile": "merger-profile",
+        "allowed_repositories": ["Example-Org/Example-Repo"],
         }
     },
     "rules": {

tests/test_stale_review_decision_lock_cleanup.py

@@ -1,15 +1,11 @@
-"""Stale #332 review-decision lock cleanup (#594).
-
-Proves:
-  a. active terminal locks still block unrelated terminal reviews
-  b. merged/closed PR locks can be cleared canonically
-  c. cleanup cannot bypass review gates on open PRs
-  d. after moot cleanup, mark_ready for a different PR can proceed
-     (PR #592-style after PR #586-style stale approve)
-"""
-
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
+
 import os
 import unittest
 from unittest.mock import patch

tests/test_workflow_skill.py

@@ -1,7 +1,11 @@
-"""Tests for canonical workflow skill naming and preflight (#551)."""
-
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+
+import sys as _sys
+from pathlib import Path as _Path
+_sys.path.insert(0, str(_Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+from mutation_profile_fixture import shared_mutation_env  # noqa: E402
+
 import os
 import tempfile
 import unittest

workflow_scope_guard.py

@@ -278,12 +278,19 @@ def assess_root_source_mutation(
     current_branch: str | None = None,
     locked_issue_number: int | None = None,
     role_kind: str | None = None,
+    mutation_task: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Fail closed for diagnostic/source edits on the control/root checkout.
 
     Allowed only when the active workspace is under ``branches/``. Dirty
     tracked source/test files on the control checkout always block, including
     temporary/diagnostic/test-only intent.
+
+    #749: ``create_issue`` is a pure remote mutation with no local tree write.
+    When *mutation_task* is create_issue and the control checkout has no dirty
+    source/test files, the missing-worktree signal is suppressed so the
+    sanctioned bootstrap path can proceed. Dirty roots and every other task
+    still fail closed.
     """
     role = (role_kind or "").strip().lower()
     if role == "reconciler":
@@ -302,6 +309,7 @@ def assess_root_source_mutation(
     dirty_src = dirty_source_files(porcelain_status)
     reasons: list[str] = []
     blocker_kind: str | None = None
+    create_issue_bootstrap = False
 
     if not under_branches and workspace == root and dirty_src:
         # Root workspace with source dirtiness is unattributed root WIP.
@@ -313,32 +321,50 @@ def assess_root_source_mutation(
         )
         blocker_kind = BLOCKER_ROOT_DIAGNOSTIC_EDIT
 
+    # Lazy import keeps workflow_scope_guard free of circular import at module load.
+    try:
+        import create_issue_bootstrap as _cib
+    except Exception:  # pragma: no cover - import always available in-tree
+        _cib = None
+
     if (
         not under_branches
         and workspace == root
         and not dirty_src
         and role == "author"
     ):
-        # Explicit missing-worktree signal for force-on author entrypoints.
-        reasons.append(
-            "author source/test mutation from the stable control checkout is "
-            "forbidden; bind an issue-backed worktree under branches/ first"
-        )
-        blocker_kind = BLOCKER_MISSING_WORKTREE
+        if _cib is not None and _cib.is_create_issue_task(mutation_task):
+            # #749: clean-root create_issue is the sanctioned bootstrap path.
+            create_issue_bootstrap = True
+        else:
+            # Explicit missing-worktree signal for force-on author entrypoints.
+            reasons.append(
+                "author source/test mutation from the stable control checkout is "
+                "forbidden; bind an issue-backed worktree under branches/ first"
+            )
+            blocker_kind = BLOCKER_MISSING_WORKTREE
 
     if reasons:
         kind = blocker_kind or BLOCKER_ROOT_DIAGNOSTIC_EDIT
+        next_action = _NEXT_ACTIONS[kind]
+        if (
+            kind == BLOCKER_ROOT_DIAGNOSTIC_EDIT
+            and _cib is not None
+            and _cib.is_create_issue_task(mutation_task)
+        ):
+            next_action = _cib.EXACT_NEXT_ACTION_BOOTSTRAP
         return {
             "proven": False,
             "block": True,
             "blocker_kind": kind,
-            "exact_next_action": _NEXT_ACTIONS[kind],
+            "exact_next_action": next_action,
             "reasons": reasons,
             "dirty_source_files": dirty_src,
             "workspace_path": workspace,
             "canonical_repo_root": root,
             "under_branches": under_branches,
             "locked_issue_number": locked_issue_number,
+            "create_issue_bootstrap": False,
         }
     return {
         "proven": True,
@@ -351,6 +377,7 @@ def assess_root_source_mutation(
         "canonical_repo_root": root,
         "under_branches": under_branches,
         "locked_issue_number": locked_issue_number,
+        "create_issue_bootstrap": create_issue_bootstrap,
     }
 
 
@@ -365,6 +392,7 @@ def assess_production_mutation_guards(
     role_kind: str | None = None,
     require_author_lock: bool = False,
     in_test_mode: bool = False,
+    mutation_task: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Compose root + scope production guards when they must be active (#683)."""
     if not production_guards_active(in_test_mode=in_test_mode):
@@ -385,6 +413,7 @@ def assess_production_mutation_guards(
         current_branch=current_branch,
         locked_issue_number=locked_issue_number,
         role_kind=role_kind,
+        mutation_task=mutation_task,
     )
     if root_assess["block"]:
         return {**root_assess, "skipped": False}
@@ -408,6 +437,7 @@ def assess_production_mutation_guards(
         "skipped": False,
         "root": root_assess,
         "scope": scope_assess,
+        "create_issue_bootstrap": bool(root_assess.get("create_issue_bootstrap")),
     }