Classify then route

Classification is the statement of whether the codebase already holds the pattern the work follows. The size of the work and how long it will take play no part in it.

That statement precedes assignment. Work handed to a model before it is classified is a violation, whatever model receives it. The classification is recorded at assignment.

The axis is precedent. Work with precedent in the codebase goes to the cheaper, faster model. Work without precedent goes to the strongest available. Precedent means an existing instance in this codebase that the new work follows.

One classification carries two consequences. It selects the model, and it sets the level of supervision applied to the result. Work with precedent takes the lighter supervision; work without it takes the heavier. A classification that names a model and leaves supervision unstated is a violation.

Convenience is not a classification. Routing work to whatever is already open is a violation.

Which decisions belong to the builder at all is the subject of Own the decisions. This principle governs one decision the builder has already claimed, and what follows from it once it is made.

A change resembling a pattern common across the industry, with no instance of that pattern in this codebase, is work without precedent.

Inspection

Walk me through our last ten tasks: which had a pattern here to follow, which were new ground, and which model got each one.

Held this, or broke it? Say which principle and what happened — tell me at /contact, subject Principles. What moves a band is somebody else's experience, and I'll publish what moved and who moved it.