fix: use explicit variable reference in interaction_style RULE

Change all 34 RULE directives from bare "When interaction_style is"
to explicit "Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable
from activation step 2" with a fallback default to structured mode.

Addresses cynical review finding that LLMs struggle with implicit
natural-language conditionals and need explicit variable lookup
instructions plus failure mode handling.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

src/utility/agent-components/activation-rules.txt

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
   <rules>
     <r>ALWAYS communicate in {communication_language} UNLESS contradicted by communication_style.</r>
-    <r>When {interaction_style} is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.</r>
+    <r>Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.</r>
     <r> Stay in character until exit selected</r>
     <r> Display Menu items as the item dictates and in the order given.</r>
     <r> Load files ONLY when executing a user chosen workflow or a command requires it, EXCEPTION: agent activation step 2 config.yaml</r>

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/codex.js

@@ -416,6 +416,7 @@ class CodexSetup extends BaseIdeSetup {
     const skillContent =
       `---\n${fm}\n---\n` +
       "\nYou must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.\n" +
+      '\nRULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `ask_user_question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.\n' +
       '\n<agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">\n' +
       `1. LOAD the FULL agent file from @${agentPath}\n` +
       '2. READ its entire contents - this contains the complete agent persona, menu, and instructions\n' +

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/agent-command-template.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 <agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">
 1. LOAD the FULL agent file from @_bmad/{{module}}/agents/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/antigravity.md

@@ -7,4 +7,4 @@ Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_p
 
 Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/claude-agent.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 <agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">
 1. LOAD the FULL agent file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/claude-task.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Read the entire task file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/claude-tool.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Read the entire tool file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/claude-workflow-yaml.md

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: '{{name}}'
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/claude-workflow.md

@@ -3,6 +3,6 @@ name: '{{name}}'
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `AskUserQuestion` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL @{project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}, READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-agent.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 <agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">
 1. LOAD the FULL agent file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-task.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Read the entire task file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-tool.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Read the entire tool file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow-yaml.md

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: '{{name}}'
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/default-workflow.md

@@ -3,6 +3,6 @@ name: '{{name}}'
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL @{project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}, READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-agent.toml

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST:
 3.  [ ] CONFIRM: The user's name from config is {user_name}.
 4.  [ ] CONFIRM: interaction_style is set to "{interaction_style}".
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Only after all checks are complete, greet the user by name and display the menu.
 Acknowledge this checklist is complete in your first response.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-task.toml

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ TASK INSTRUCTIONS:
 2. READ its entire contents
 3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 TASK FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 """

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-tool.toml

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ TOOL INSTRUCTIONS:
 2. READ its entire contents
 3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 TOOL FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}
 """

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow-yaml.toml

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ CRITICAL: This is a structured YAML workflow. Follow these steps precisely:
 3. EXECUTE each step in order
 4. VALIDATE outputs before proceeding to next step
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_path}}
 """

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/gemini-workflow.toml

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
 3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
 4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the ask_user tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_path}}
 """

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-agent.md

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ inclusion: manual
 
 You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 <agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">
 1. LOAD the FULL agent file from #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-task.md

@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ Read the entire task file at: #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]
 
 Follow all instructions in the task file exactly as written.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-tool.md

@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ Read the entire tool file at: #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]]
 
 Follow all instructions in the tool file exactly as written.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow-yaml.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ inclusion: manual
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/kiro-workflow.md

@@ -4,6 +4,6 @@ inclusion: manual
 
 # {{name}}
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL #[[file:{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}]], READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-agent.md

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ description: '{{description}}'
 
 You must fully embody this agent's persona and follow all activation instructions exactly as specified. NEVER break character until given an exit command.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 <agent-activation CRITICAL="TRUE">
 1. LOAD the FULL agent file from {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-task.md

@@ -10,6 +10,6 @@ TASK INSTRUCTIONS:
 2. READ its entire contents
 3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 TASK FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-tool.md

@@ -10,6 +10,6 @@ TOOL INSTRUCTIONS:
 2. READ its entire contents
 3. FOLLOW every instruction precisely as specified
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 TOOL FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow-yaml.md

@@ -13,6 +13,6 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
 3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
 4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/opencode-workflow.md

@@ -13,6 +13,6 @@ WORKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
 3. FOLLOW every step precisely as specified
 4. DO NOT skip or modify any steps
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST call the `question` tool unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 WORKFLOW FILE: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{path}}

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/rovodev.md

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_path}}
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/trae.md

@@ -8,4 +8,4 @@ Read the entire workflow file at: {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_p
 
 Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/combined/windsurf-workflow.md

@@ -9,4 +9,4 @@ Read the entire workflow file at {project-root}/{{bmadFolderName}}/{{workflow_pa
 
 Follow all instructions in the workflow file exactly as written.
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-command-template.md

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THESE STEPS - while staying in character as the current agent persona you may have loaded:
 

tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/templates/workflow-commander.md

@@ -2,6 +2,6 @@
 description: '{{description}}'
 ---
 
-RULE: When interaction_style is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input.
+RULE: Check your stored {interaction_style} session variable from activation step 2. When its value is "structured", EVERY question to the user MUST use structured options with a numbered list unless the workflow or user explicitly requests free-form input. If you cannot determine {interaction_style}, default to structured mode.
 
 IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THIS COMMAND: LOAD the FULL @{{workflow_path}}, READ its entire contents and follow its directions exactly!