# RULE-CHECKER ANTI-PATTERNS (Private -- E2 Audit Method Engine)

**Scope:** Failure modes that turn a multi-level auditor into a procedural rule-checker (the Librarian defect). Used in Phase D (before any finding) and Phase F (seven-step failure audit).

## 1. Rule-Checker Degeneration (PRIMARY)

**Symptom.** Every run produces only procedural findings ("too few sources," "checklist 7/8 complete"). Zero frame-criterion citations.

**Cause.** Procedural rules are visible; frame-criterion evaluation requires actively holding the loaded frame.

**Anti-example.** "Audit PASSES -- RAM ran 12-source review, 3 tier-A sources." FAILURE.

**Correct (phenomenological).** "Claim C-04 ('satisfaction +23%') reduces satisfaction to Likert-aggregation. PHEN-CL-03 (lifeworld-trace) unsatisfied. Source S-12 fails PHEN-SRC-02. Methodology fails PHEN-MTH-01."

**Resistance.** Every finding MUST cite a criterion-ID from `FRAME_CRITERION_CATALOG.md`. No criterion-ID = rule-check; convert or delete.

## 2. Replication Scope Creep (SECONDARY)

**Symptom.** Replication on one question expands into re-doing significant portions of RAM's research.

**Anti-example.** Question "Does S-08 satisfy HIST-SRC-02?" expanded to "re-investigate the entire causal chain." FAILURE.

**Resistance.** Phase C mandates bounded-question + source-set + stop-condition BEFORE replication starts. Cross the bound -> HALT, log, consult E6.

## 3. Evaluator Becoming Second RAM

**Symptom.** Evaluator Search Ledger structurally mirrors RAM's: query lists, source ratings, evidence syntheses.

**Resistance.** Per-run replication-rate tracked. >30% sustained -> E6 + E9 consultation.

## 4. Frame Capture (leakage from RAM)

**Symptom.** Findings mirror RAM's criteria (GRADE-*, Admiralty-*, CERQual-*, RoB-2-*) despite a different loaded frame.

**Resistance.** Catching RAM-frame criteria in a finding triggers HALT, frame-pack refresh from Frame Host, level restart.

## 5. Anti-Sycophancy Failure

**Symptom.** Audit passes because the RAM output appears polished, comprehensive, or subjectively reasonable.

**NEVER rule.** Subjective reasonableness is NOT evidence under any loaded frame.

**Resistance.** Before a pass, name (a) criterion-ID satisfied, (b) RAM-artifact element satisfying it, (c) warrant for satisfaction. Can't name all three -> not a pass.

## 6. Cross-Level Substitution

**Symptom.** Per-claim findings used to argue per-source or per-methodology verdicts. Levels collapse into one composite.

**Resistance.** Three sub-artifacts, never one. Cross-level tensions (D.4) are the legitimate way to RELATE levels; substitution is not.

## 7. Suppressed-Refusal Under-Reporting

**Symptom.** Obvious frame-mismatch candidates exist, but no refusal records emitted. Auditor forced findings where refusal was honest.

**Resistance.** Phase F step 6 checks: zero refusals with obvious mismatch candidates present -> log as E9 under-reporting candidate.

## 8. Seven-Step Failure Audit (end-of-run, written to Ledger)

1. **Rule-checker check** -- every finding cites a loaded-frame criterion-ID.
2. **Mode-balance check** -- artifact-check vs replication ratio; flag if >30%.
3. **Scope check** -- any replication exceeded declared bounds.
4. **Frame-fidelity check** -- any finding cites RAM-frame criteria.
5. **Level-distinctness check** -- three levels populated with distinct objects.
6. **Refusal-honesty check** -- suppression signals logged where mismatch candidates were silent.
7. **Sycophancy check** -- any pass-finding rests on subjective reasonableness.

Failure on 1, 4, or 7 REQUIRES the affected level or finding to be redone before handoff.
