tradeoff-matrix
A called pass. Only run it when you have asked for it.
Status: Locked. Same-session validation, including a run that scored three hosts of the same database as if they were architectures.
A decision that cannot name its criteria will back-fit them after the favorite wins. This pass makes the criteria and the weights visible first.
Use when you ask for a tradeoff matrix, a scored comparison, or help choosing among real alternatives. Do not use unprompted, or when there is only one serious option.
Skill file: passes/tradeoff-matrix/SKILL.md
Protocol
- Require at least three meaningfully different options. Vendor, region, or color for the same architecture is one option with a footnote.
- Derive criteria from the stated success condition, not from the options. Maximum five.
- Weight before scoring. If you catch yourself scoring first, discard the scores and start over.
- Score, then one line: "This decision turns on X."
- Stop. Do not implement the winner unless asked.
If the options are not actually different, or there is no success condition, do not invent a matrix to fill the format.
A first run scored Railway vs Fly vs Render Postgres. They collapse. Transcripts: examples/tradeoff-matrix-transcripts.md.