refactor(linkedin-studio): S30 magnitude-scrub (discrete-% class) — unsourced reach/engagement penalties -> SSOT

Hardening-class, NOT re-hardening: surgical SSOT-reconciliation of discrete percentage
penalties/declines stated as fact with no primary source in the SSOT
(references/algorithm-signals-reference.md). Same tool-grounded discipline as S27/S28
(read-and-show -> grep-confirm -> re-grep final). Re-grep surfaced drift + same-class siblings
beyond the plan's stored list; all surfaced and operator-approved before edit.

Scope: the discrete-% reach/engagement-penalty class only. The unsourced "Nx" reach/format
MULTIPLIER class (~50 instances across ~15 files) is a separate, larger pass -> deferred to S31
(operator: run everything, across multiple sessions).

HARDEN (20 edits, 7 files):
- linkedin-formats.md (5): :6 47-50% decline + :7 15%->31% feed-share -> directional; :176
  AI-comment 30%/55% -> ~45% less engagement (correlational, medium); :231/:279 hashtags -68%
  -> diminishing returns, no discrete figure.
- linkedin-growth-playbook (6): :158 47-50% decline (twin of formats:6) + :166 hashtags -68%
  + :224/:225 post-length 25%/32% + :435/:828 posting-frequency 25% -> directional, no
  discrete figure. (:221 1.17x multiplier folded in per operator approval; the rest of the
  multiplier class -> S31.)
- glossary.md (2): :91 engagement-bait -30-50% + :235 topic-gap -15-25% -> "correlate with
  lower reach, no discrete figure".
- engagement-coach.md (2): :195 55% + :455 -30%/-55% AI-comment -> ~45% less engagement
  (correlational), actively suppressed.
- post-feedback-monitor.md (1): :330 -25%/post -> "tends to split your own audience".
- ab-testing-framework.md (1): :66 hashtags -68% -> no discrete figure.
- poll-strategy-guide.md (2): :20 / :205 poll-overuse penalty -> declining effectiveness
  (directional).

KEPT INTACT (operator-locked / different class): engagement-pod + AI-slop suppression framing
(SSOT high-confidence); firsthour:112 (no number); poll:206 / poll:3 (qualitative); growth:567
conversion-rate; formats:268 list item.

VERIFY: discrete-% penalty/decline class re-grep across the 7 files -> NONE; leave-items intact;
bash scripts/test-runner.sh -> Passed 81 / Failed 0 / Warnings 0, exit 0; counts 29/19/26/6 +
v0.5.0 unchanged (.md prose only). Disposition: FIXED (20 edits, 7 files), one atomic commit,
local (push held).

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_016qgzo6rxthw7KuxHjn5vyE

agents/engagement-coach.md

@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ Structure: Connect to their point → Share brief relevant story → Extract the
 4. **Write for the audience**, not just the author — other readers are watching
 5. **End with energy** — a question or statement that invites response
 6. **Match the post's tone** — serious post = serious comment, personal post = personal comment
-7. **AI-generated comments cost you** — 55% engagement penalty when detected. Use templates as scaffolding, write in YOUR voice.
+7. **AI-generated comments cost you** — ~45% less engagement (correlational, medium confidence) and actively suppressed when detected. Use templates as scaffolding, write in YOUR voice.
 
 ### Optimal Comment Windows (CET)
 
@@ -452,7 +452,7 @@ Why this works: [Brief explanation]
 | "Thanks for sharing" | Passive, doesn't spark conversation | Share what specifically resonated and why |
 | "100%" / "This!" / emoji-only | Not counted as quality engagement | Write 15+ words with your perspective |
 | Pitch in comments | Reputation killer, transparent self-promotion | Add value first, DM relationship later |
-| AI-generated comments | -30% reach, -55% engagement when detected | Use CEA templates but write in YOUR voice |
+| AI-generated comments | ~45% less engagement (correlational); actively suppressed when detected | Use CEA templates but write in YOUR voice |
 | Comment pods | Actively detected, shadow-ban risk | Build genuine inner circle through real engagement |
 | Only commenting when you post | Algorithm notices inconsistent behavior | Comment daily regardless of posting schedule |
 | Commenting late (>3 hours) | Miss the visibility window | Set alerts for key accounts, check feed 3-4x daily |

agents/post-feedback-monitor.md

@@ -327,7 +327,7 @@ Check: Did you post at an optimal time? Is the hook strong? Does the topic match
 Almost never. Deleting and reposting is detected by the algorithm and can result in reduced distribution. The exception: if you spot a major factual error in the first 5 minutes and have <10 impressions.
 
 ### "My post is doing well — should I post again today?"
-No. Multiple posts within 3 hours get a -25% penalty each. Let the current post breathe for at least 18-24 hours. Use that energy to engage in comments instead.
+No. Posting multiple times within 3 hours tends to split your own audience (directional; no discrete figure). Let the current post breathe for at least 18-24 hours. Use that energy to engage in comments instead.
 
 ### "It's been 48 hours, can I still boost it?"
 After 48 hours, organic reach is essentially locked. Your energy is better spent on the next post. Document what you learned and apply it forward.

references/ab-testing-framework.md

@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ Organized by impact level. Always start with high-impact variables.
 
 | # | Variable | What to Test | Why It Matters |
 |---|----------|-------------|----------------|
-| 9 | **Hashtag count** | 0 vs. 3 vs. 5 | Diminishing returns; 5+ triggers -68% penalty. |
+| 9 | **Hashtag count** | 0 vs. 3 vs. 5 | Diminishing returns; no primary source for a discrete figure. |
 | 10 | **First comment** | With vs. without, link vs. context vs. question | First comment strategy can boost or confuse engagement. |
 | 11 | **Emoji usage** | None vs. minimal vs. heavy | Audience-dependent; professional audiences may penalize heavy use. |
 | 12 | **Line spacing** | Dense vs. airy | Readability matters on mobile but effect is subtle. |

references/glossary.md

@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ Duration a user spends viewing content with ≥50% visible on screen. Posts with
 ## E
 
 ### Engagement Bait
-Prohibited engagement tactics ("Comment YES if...", "Tag someone who...", "Type 1 for...") that trigger -30-50% reach penalty. The algorithm actively detects and penalizes these patterns.
+Prohibited engagement tactics ("Comment YES if...", "Tag someone who...", "Type 1 for...") that correlate with lower reach — actively detected and suppressed (directional; no primary source for a discrete figure).
 
 **Used in:** `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`
 
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ Three-question quality gate before publishing: (1) Does this help someone make a
 **Used in:** `references/content-angles.md`, `agents/differentiation-checker.md`, `agents/trend-spotter.md`
 
 ### Topical Consistency
-Posting about consistent topics within demonstrated expertise areas. The algorithm learns your domain expertise over 30+ days. Gaps >5 days trigger -15-25% reach penalty on return.
+Posting about consistent topics within demonstrated expertise areas. The algorithm learns your domain expertise over 30+ days. Consistency is a ranking input; gaps correlate with lower reach on return (directional; no primary source for a discrete figure).
 
 **Used in:** `references/linkedin-growth-playbook-2025-2026.md`, `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`
 

references/linkedin-formats.md

@@ -3,8 +3,8 @@
 ## Critical Context: The Algorithm Revolution
 
 **The 2025-2026 Shift:**
-- Organic reach declined 47-50% for average users
-- Top 1% of creators: content rose from 15% to 31% of all feeds
+- Organic reach declined sharply platform-wide (directional; exact YoY varies by source — see `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`)
+- Feed distribution concentrated further toward top creators (directional; no single sourced figure)
 - Algorithm now prioritizes topical authority over everything else
 - Dwell time became the golden metric
 - External links in the body correlate with lower reach (see `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`)
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ The first hour after posting determines 70% of your post's total reach. See the
 4. **Comments <15 words** (Medium signal)
 5. **Reactions** (Lower signal - baseline engagement unit; see `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`)
 
-**AI-generated generic comments reduce reach by 30% and engagement by 55%**
+**AI-generated generic comments correlate with ~45% less engagement (correlational, medium confidence) and are actively suppressed; no separate sourced reach figure — see `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`**
 
 ### Dwell Time: The Golden Metric
 
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ Algorithm prioritizes content that keeps users on platform longer.
 
 **Current function:**
 - Metadata only, not discovery
-- Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (5+ hashtags = -68% reach)
+- Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (more shows diminishing returns; no primary source for a discrete figure)
 - Focus on keyword-driven SEO throughout content
 - Actual words in your post matter MORE than hashtags
 
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ Immediate engagement in first hour is critical for triggering subsequent waves.
 - Compound authority over time
 
 **Hashtag guidance (updated for 2026):**
-- Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (5+ hashtags = -68% reach)
+- Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (more shows diminishing returns; no primary source for a discrete figure)
 - Focus on keyword-driven SEO throughout post
 - Actual words matter more than hashtags
 - Don't rely on hashtags for discovery

references/linkedin-growth-playbook-2025-2026.md

@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ The difference is between riding a wave (window active) and swimming steadily (p
 
 **What this means:**
 - Platform deliberately designs against virality
-- Organic reach declined 47-50% for most creators (2025-2026)
+- Organic reach declined sharply for most creators (2025-2026; directional, exact YoY varies by source — see `references/algorithm-signals-reference.md`)
 - Success requires understanding how LinkedIn evaluates expertise
 - Focus on engagement quality over quantity
 
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ The difference is between riding a wave (window active) and swimming steadily (p
 
 LinkedIn removed hashtag following, hashtag pages, and "Talks About" sections in late 2024. Hashtags are now metadata only.
 
-**Best practice:** Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (5+ triggers -68% reach penalty). Focus on keyword-driven SEO throughout content. See linkedin-formats.md for detailed hashtag strategy.
+**Best practice:** Use 3-4 relevant hashtags (more shows diminishing returns; no primary source for a discrete figure). Focus on keyword-driven SEO throughout content. See linkedin-formats.md for detailed hashtag strategy.
 
 ---
 
@@ -218,11 +218,11 @@ LinkedIn removed hashtag following, hashtag pages, and "Talks About" sections in
 ### Text-Only Posts
 
 **Performance:**
-- **1.17x average reach** for personal profiles
+- Solid average reach for personal profiles (directional; no reliable multiplier)
 - Excel at generating thoughtful comments
 - Optimal length: **1,200-1,800 characters**
-- Posts under 1,000 characters: **25% reach penalty**
-- Posts exceeding 2,500 characters: **32% underperformance**
+- Very short posts tend to underperform (directional; no primary source for a discrete figure)
+- Very long posts tend to underperform (directional; no primary source for a discrete figure)
 
 **Mobile cutoff:**
 - ~140 characters displayed before "see more"
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ Start professional dialogue, not sales pitch. Build relationships that convert o
 - "Secret to growth hacking on LinkedIn"
 
 **Cautions:**
-- Posting twice within 24 hours can reduce reach by 25%
+- Posting twice within 24 hours tends to split your own audience (directional; no discrete figure)
 - Consecutive posts of same format show decreased performance
 - Algorithm learns your posting rhythm
 
@@ -825,7 +825,7 @@ Avoid weekends for B2B content.
 ### Tactics That Now Hurt Performance
 
 **Excessive posting frequency:**
-Multiple times within 3 hours can reduce reach by 25%.
+Posting multiple times within 3 hours tends to split your own audience (directional; no discrete figure).
 
 **Link preview cards:**
 Significantly reduce distribution. Always remove if including external links. Consider adding links in comments or as text-only format instead.

references/poll-strategy-guide.md

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ LinkedIn polls generate high impressions but their effectiveness is declining in
 **Why most polls fail:**
 - Generic questions that don't teach anything
 - No follow-up content using the results
-- Overuse (more than 2 per month gets penalized)
+- Overuse (declining effectiveness; use sparingly — directional)
 - Options that are obviously "right answer" bait
 
 ## When to Use Polls (and When Not To)
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ What do you think — did the results match your expectation?
 |-----------|--------|
 | 1 per month | Optimal — each poll feels intentional |
 | 2 per month | Acceptable — space them 2+ weeks apart |
-| 1 per week | Too much — reach penalty, audience fatigue |
+| 1 per week | Too much — declining returns, audience fatigue |
 | Multiple per week | Algorithm suppression, looks like engagement farming |
 
 **Calendar rule:** Never post polls in consecutive weeks. Alternate with text, carousel, and story posts.