diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 3ad2b5266..fe0f732d0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ use:
 
 ```sh
 # Claude Code
-npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/v0.7.3/skills/rigs --skill rigs --agent claude-code
+npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/v0.7.4/skills/rigs --skill rigs --agent claude-code
 # Codex
-npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/v0.7.3/skills/rigs --skill rigs --agent codex
+npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/v0.7.4/skills/rigs --skill rigs --agent codex
 ```
 
 Then type `/rigs` in Claude Code, or `$rigs` in Codex, and say what you want built. The skill has your agent tell
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ Requires Node.js 22 or 24 and tmux, on macOS or Linux, and one working Claude Co
 
 ### Install it yourself
 
-This runs OpenRig's install script from the `v0.7.3` release. It checks Node.js and npm, installs the latest published `@openrig/cli` with `npm install -g`, runs the Node.js and SQLite check, then runs `rig setup --dry-run` and `rig setup`. The first line prints that plan and changes nothing:
+This runs OpenRig's install script from the `v0.7.4` release. It checks Node.js and npm, installs the latest published `@openrig/cli` with `npm install -g`, runs the Node.js and SQLite check, then runs `rig setup --dry-run` and `rig setup`. The first line prints that plan and changes nothing:
 
 ```bash
-curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.3/scripts/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
-curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.3/scripts/install.sh | sh
+curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.4/scripts/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
+curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.4/scripts/install.sh | sh
 ```
 
 If a provider isn't signed in yet, the last step reports `FAILED [4/4]`, and `rig setup` lists the sign-in under "Some steps need attention". If the only remaining failures are provider sign-ins, the install steps finished; sign in to each selected provider as below and continue.
diff --git a/docs/reference/getting-started.md b/docs/reference/getting-started.md
index 9df8d6ea2..29adfd954 100644
--- a/docs/reference/getting-started.md
+++ b/docs/reference/getting-started.md
@@ -191,11 +191,11 @@ You can also read [`skills/rigs/SKILL.md`](../../skills/rigs/SKILL.md) directly.
 script will do and changes nothing:
 
 ```sh
-curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.3/scripts/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
+curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.4/scripts/install.sh | sh -s -- --dry-run
 ```
 
 The same command without `--dry-run`,
-`curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.3/scripts/install.sh | sh`, installs the
+`curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mvschwarz/openrig/v0.7.4/scripts/install.sh | sh`, installs the
 latest published `@openrig/cli` with `npm install -g`,
 runs the Node.js and SQLite check, then `rig setup --dry-run` and `rig setup`. `rig setup` checks both Claude Code and
 Codex and may install a missing one, as described below. A failed step prints
diff --git a/docs/reference/quickstart.md b/docs/reference/quickstart.md
index a1628e646..351883e2f 100644
--- a/docs/reference/quickstart.md
+++ b/docs/reference/quickstart.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/<release-tag>/skills/ri
 npx skills add https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/tree/<release-tag>/skills/rigs --skill rigs --agent codex
 ```
 
-For a new install, use the latest release's tag, for example `v0.7.3`. If OpenRig is already installed, use the tag
+For a new install, use the latest release's tag, for example `v0.7.4`. If OpenRig is already installed, use the tag
 that matches `rig --version`, or upgrade first. If the command fails with `npx: command not found`, Node.js isn't
 installed or isn't on your PATH yet (see [What you need](#what-you-need)). Then type `/rigs` in Claude Code, or `$rigs` in Codex, and say what
 you want built.
diff --git a/docs/releases/README.md b/docs/releases/README.md
index 95e062b35..069564a26 100644
--- a/docs/releases/README.md
+++ b/docs/releases/README.md
@@ -1,38 +1,15 @@
 # Release Notes
 
-This directory is the lightweight release history for OpenRig.
+This directory holds one note per release for OpenRig v0.1.12 through v0.6.3, plus v0.6.12 (for example `v0.1.12.md`).
 
-It is intentionally simpler than a monolithic `CHANGELOG.md`.
-
-Each shipped release gets its own note:
-
-- `v0.1.12.md`
-- `v0.2.0.md`
-- `v0.3.0.md`
-- and so on
-
-## Why This Exists
-
-We want a practical release-management pattern that works with how OpenRig is actually being shipped today:
-
-- npm package release
-- optional Git tag
-- optional GitHub Release
-- short, human-written summary of what is included
-
-This keeps release notes:
-
-- easy to author
-- easy to link in GitHub Releases
-- easy to paste into announcements
-- durable in the repo
+Notes for later releases are in [`CHANGELOG.md`](../../CHANGELOG.md) and on the [GitHub Releases page](https://github.com/mvschwarz/openrig/releases).
 
 ## Minimal Process
 
 For each release:
 
-1. Copy `_template.md` to `vX.Y.Z.md`.
-2. Fill in the release summary, included changes, operator notes, known limitations, and verification performed.
+1. Add the release's section to [`CHANGELOG.md`](../../CHANGELOG.md).
+2. Write the release's GitHub Release notes. No new file is added to this directory.
 3. Run the **substance gate** at the exact release cut. The gate derives every
    file under the shipped pack sources, verifies a hash-bound human judgment
    and an individual disposition for each mechanical candidate, scans the
@@ -79,16 +56,16 @@ For each release:
    git push origin vX.Y.Z
    ```
 
-5. Create a GitHub Release using the same file:
+5. Create the GitHub Release with the notes from step 2:
 
    ```bash
    gh release create vX.Y.Z \
      --repo mvschwarz/openrig \
-     --title "OpenRig vX.Y.Z" \
-     --notes-file docs/releases/vX.Y.Z.md
+     --title "OpenRig X.Y.Z" \
+     --notes-file <release-notes.md>
    ```
 
-6. Publish the npm package if that is part of the release flow.
+6. Publish the npm package.
 
 ## Guidance
 
@@ -101,5 +78,3 @@ For each release:
 ## Scope
 
 This directory is a release-note archive, not a full historical changelog taxonomy.
-
-If OpenRig later wants a curated `CHANGELOG.md`, it can be generated or summarized from the release notes here.
diff --git a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
index fb99db52b..6c4465303 100644
--- a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
+++ b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ metadata:
     stage: factory-approved
     sibling_skills:
       - openrig-user
-      - openrig-operator
       - developing-openrig
       - openrig-upgrade
       - forming-an-openrig-mental-model
diff --git a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
index 2666e1a92..d57e1d033 100644
--- a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
+++ b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ metadata:
     stage: factory-approved
     sibling_skills:
       - openrig-user
-      - openrig-operator
       - forming-an-openrig-mental-model
 ---
 
diff --git a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
index 96057b8b4..1ac325c63 100644
--- a/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
+++ b/packages/daemon/specs/agents/shared/skills/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ states.
 ## Don't use this when
 
 - The operation is single-command and deterministic — use `openrig-user` skill for CLI surface
-- The work is operator-level configuration of OpenRig itself — use `openrig-operator`
+- The work is operator-level configuration or troubleshooting of OpenRig itself — run `rig context get help`
 - The work is rig spec authoring — use `openrig-architect`
 
 ## Failure modes (4)
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ different claims; don't conflate.
 ## See also
 
 - `openrig-user` skill — CLI surface for `rig up / down / restore / etc.`
-- `openrig-operator` skill — operator-level discipline for OpenRig itself
+- `rig context get help` — the help guide for the installed version, for when OpenRig itself isn't working
 - `seat-continuity-and-handover` skill — sub-primitive: occupant-creation modes for restore (`resume` / `rebuild` / `fresh` / `failed`)
 - `session-source-fork` skill — `forked` continuity outcome for fork-based restore
 - `permission-and-capability-preflight` skill — provider-auth blocker → escalation path
diff --git a/packages/daemon/specs/rigs/launch/kernel/culture/CULTURE.md b/packages/daemon/specs/rigs/launch/kernel/culture/CULTURE.md
index aa4efe843..631dcbac6 100644
--- a/packages/daemon/specs/rigs/launch/kernel/culture/CULTURE.md
+++ b/packages/daemon/specs/rigs/launch/kernel/culture/CULTURE.md
@@ -47,7 +47,8 @@ machine and have things happen.
     marks them healthy. A HOST reboot drops tmux entirely; the
     reconciler then marks the kernel's member sessions detached, and
     the operator pod owns the agent-restart workflow ("bring my
-    sessions back online") per the openrig-operator skill.
+    sessions back online") per "Incomplete setup and restart":
+    `rig context get reference/getting-started.md#incomplete-setup-and-restart`.
   Other rigs are NOT auto-instantiated by the daemon at any point —
   they require explicit operator-initiated `rig up` / `rig restore`
   via the agent-driven workflow.
diff --git a/scripts/skill-edge-digests.generated.json b/scripts/skill-edge-digests.generated.json
index 41101b173..229be3b59 100644
--- a/scripts/skill-edge-digests.generated.json
+++ b/scripts/skill-edge-digests.generated.json
@@ -7,19 +7,19 @@
       "core/cross-host-rig-commands/SKILL.md": "79ee21fa7da143aa4c3defa8fbb78c0a87ae822c69f1a99cd1acf50a9931ce4d",
       "core/human-in-the-loop/SKILL.md": "14cf0c4a0dc89179121465d4b8d81d40406427351adcdc34f875097d1e6e9ab2",
       "core/messaging-the-human/SKILL.md": "680ca50b22b0aec280a6c7bb5e118cda1dca991742f42f9a5b74e138448753fe",
-      "core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md": "51b65d2e878eeaf2af2f23974677d6a3272728024f3a6854bf3a646567fd3ae6",
+      "core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md": "affa65df8087efca711e429e36e8756c711419dccc801d26d9e51a746b56391d",
       "core/openrig-cmux/SKILL.md": "73a86eac45d68b16a38fc0a4438713c634d86061073dac96a4d9e656ea5d34dc",
       "core/openrig-herdr/SKILL.md": "cb39b51f954ca89e8d7ec0f8b3f326476d5c4dd3bc17dbd47e6379aa630e7b22",
       "core/openrig-skills/SKILL.md": "bdd6594ae1108455103239d39694c865cc40d3f7d9f24cd3566a18397df270da",
       "core/openrig-software-factory/SKILL.md": "7a57815f3c6865d5cc42c063cccdca998d6ee100a82812362d0c81f314465b77",
       "core/openrig-software-factory/references/worked-example.md": "64dec0e832692b655ffc1ca9f72e96f221f78b8bc97f73775198f188b502f147",
-      "core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md": "5653ccb547ef22ecb4afe3d9a376e522997d1ebf44639690a875cdc5d7447951",
+      "core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md": "3cdbff3ed7ce31a6386586018269cb09221ef6c97c67475963bbd3eeb556d5a3",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/backup-sqlite.mjs": "52fe3015a0399986b586b6603e0664f61136d2210611b1638110a7b6b06e38b4",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/inspect-upgrade.mjs": "0f9239f3f8ad75885e985433576ffba9cf155dd8616801dd73d60bf3e9990a2a",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/migrate-telemetry-state-0.5.9.mjs": "3d7bdb43ce0618cf1d939e08c3f91531d866ac5b6fec5c4c3e4308d61e2bfc9f",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/refresh-managed-plugin.mjs": "cd117e3e891d6ad632f88a0ad10f5fc8a68ea724ce2715c89f45b6000307cf81",
       "core/rig-bundles-and-shareable-artifacts/SKILL.md": "bcad18ba818ac04e02167accd41d7361edc0e6dee500bf533d0c127e74f3c080",
-      "core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md": "8346e01d532795b24c3dba63413ca662c7b44cc5eed39ee2e85568580f40adca",
+      "core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md": "9e0c994626b5e67d2548ff87658069ad17eca44f61d2baaef988f23f995fe1c3",
       "core/session-source-fork/SKILL.md": "c5381d130e0a58c2dd6669770a391314b0db0797df07641cf2d3f9804fac21a2",
       "core/specification-system/SKILL.md": "5226d6e8b1362df89ba3d5afd82e4b4add355870132ca4b140d7f9f4324ffdc1",
       "core/topology-mutation-and-seat-management/SKILL.md": "527ca074432ce6513fb25cd27e8c709dabe0c91361b8999e09b272f3813abe62",
@@ -111,19 +111,19 @@
       "core/cross-host-rig-commands/SKILL.md": "79ee21fa7da143aa4c3defa8fbb78c0a87ae822c69f1a99cd1acf50a9931ce4d",
       "core/human-in-the-loop/SKILL.md": "14cf0c4a0dc89179121465d4b8d81d40406427351adcdc34f875097d1e6e9ab2",
       "core/messaging-the-human/SKILL.md": "680ca50b22b0aec280a6c7bb5e118cda1dca991742f42f9a5b74e138448753fe",
-      "core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md": "51b65d2e878eeaf2af2f23974677d6a3272728024f3a6854bf3a646567fd3ae6",
+      "core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md": "affa65df8087efca711e429e36e8756c711419dccc801d26d9e51a746b56391d",
       "core/openrig-cmux/SKILL.md": "73a86eac45d68b16a38fc0a4438713c634d86061073dac96a4d9e656ea5d34dc",
       "core/openrig-herdr/SKILL.md": "cb39b51f954ca89e8d7ec0f8b3f326476d5c4dd3bc17dbd47e6379aa630e7b22",
       "core/openrig-skills/SKILL.md": "bdd6594ae1108455103239d39694c865cc40d3f7d9f24cd3566a18397df270da",
       "core/openrig-software-factory/SKILL.md": "7a57815f3c6865d5cc42c063cccdca998d6ee100a82812362d0c81f314465b77",
       "core/openrig-software-factory/references/worked-example.md": "64dec0e832692b655ffc1ca9f72e96f221f78b8bc97f73775198f188b502f147",
-      "core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md": "5653ccb547ef22ecb4afe3d9a376e522997d1ebf44639690a875cdc5d7447951",
+      "core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md": "3cdbff3ed7ce31a6386586018269cb09221ef6c97c67475963bbd3eeb556d5a3",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/backup-sqlite.mjs": "52fe3015a0399986b586b6603e0664f61136d2210611b1638110a7b6b06e38b4",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/inspect-upgrade.mjs": "0f9239f3f8ad75885e985433576ffba9cf155dd8616801dd73d60bf3e9990a2a",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/migrate-telemetry-state-0.5.9.mjs": "3d7bdb43ce0618cf1d939e08c3f91531d866ac5b6fec5c4c3e4308d61e2bfc9f",
       "core/openrig-upgrade/scripts/refresh-managed-plugin.mjs": "cd117e3e891d6ad632f88a0ad10f5fc8a68ea724ce2715c89f45b6000307cf81",
       "core/rig-bundles-and-shareable-artifacts/SKILL.md": "bcad18ba818ac04e02167accd41d7361edc0e6dee500bf533d0c127e74f3c080",
-      "core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md": "8346e01d532795b24c3dba63413ca662c7b44cc5eed39ee2e85568580f40adca",
+      "core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md": "9e0c994626b5e67d2548ff87658069ad17eca44f61d2baaef988f23f995fe1c3",
       "core/session-source-fork/SKILL.md": "c5381d130e0a58c2dd6669770a391314b0db0797df07641cf2d3f9804fac21a2",
       "core/specification-system/SKILL.md": "5226d6e8b1362df89ba3d5afd82e4b4add355870132ca4b140d7f9f4324ffdc1",
       "core/topology-mutation-and-seat-management/SKILL.md": "527ca074432ce6513fb25cd27e8c709dabe0c91361b8999e09b272f3813abe62",
diff --git a/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md b/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
index fb99db52b..6c4465303 100644
--- a/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-architect/SKILL.md
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ metadata:
     stage: factory-approved
     sibling_skills:
       - openrig-user
-      - openrig-operator
       - developing-openrig
       - openrig-upgrade
       - forming-an-openrig-mental-model
diff --git a/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md b/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
index 2666e1a92..d57e1d033 100644
--- a/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/_canonical/core/openrig-upgrade/SKILL.md
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ metadata:
     stage: factory-approved
     sibling_skills:
       - openrig-user
-      - openrig-operator
       - forming-an-openrig-mental-model
 ---
 
diff --git a/skills/_canonical/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md b/skills/_canonical/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
index 96057b8b4..1ac325c63 100644
--- a/skills/_canonical/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/_canonical/core/rig-lifecycle/SKILL.md
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ states.
 ## Don't use this when
 
 - The operation is single-command and deterministic — use `openrig-user` skill for CLI surface
-- The work is operator-level configuration of OpenRig itself — use `openrig-operator`
+- The work is operator-level configuration or troubleshooting of OpenRig itself — run `rig context get help`
 - The work is rig spec authoring — use `openrig-architect`
 
 ## Failure modes (4)
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ different claims; don't conflate.
 ## See also
 
 - `openrig-user` skill — CLI surface for `rig up / down / restore / etc.`
-- `openrig-operator` skill — operator-level discipline for OpenRig itself
+- `rig context get help` — the help guide for the installed version, for when OpenRig itself isn't working
 - `seat-continuity-and-handover` skill — sub-primitive: occupant-creation modes for restore (`resume` / `rebuild` / `fresh` / `failed`)
 - `session-source-fork` skill — `forked` continuity outcome for fork-based restore
 - `permission-and-capability-preflight` skill — provider-auth blocker → escalation path