When `claude` is unreachable, the plugin/MCP checks (magic, ui-ux-pro-max —
the most important design tools) return `unknown`. The old verdict folded that
into a silent `READY` exit 0 — a fail-OPEN: the gate granted "proceed" exactly
when it had verified nothing. Contradicts the fail-closed-on-uncertainty rule.
Now fail-VISIBLE (not strict fail-closed — claude can be merely slow, false
blocks would get the gate ignored): a third outcome READY BUT UNVERIFIED with a
distinct exit 11. It proceeds, but says so loudly and names the unchecked tools,
telling the user to confirm with `claude mcp list` / `claude plugin list`. The
distinct non-zero code also stops a naive `if gate; then proceed` shell caller
from silently passing. Also covers the non-reproducible "transient claude absent
after apply" flake seen in live testing.
design-gate.md §DECISION updated: exit-code line + a real branch-3 state for 11.
Verified: shellcheck clean; reachable+active -> READY exit 0; claude off PATH ->
READY BUT UNVERIFIED exit 11 naming magic+ui-ux-pro-max; magic off -> INCOMPLETE
exit 10 (trip branch intact after the restructure).
Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
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