Challenge complexity and find simpler alternatives before implementing
Evaluates proposed solutions for unnecessary complexity and suggests simpler alternatives.
/plugin marketplace add outfitter-dev/agents/plugin install baselayer@outfitterproposed solution or approach to evaluateEvaluate the proposed solution for unnecessary complexity before committing to it.
Run iterative cycles with a persistent skeptic agent until complexity is resolved:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. ANALYZE — Dispatch baselayer:skeptic │
│ └─ Examine proposal, identify complexity triggers, │
│ generate alternatives, return structured findings │
│ ↓ │
│ 2. PRESENT — Share findings with user │
│ └─ Escalation level, alternatives, probing questions │
│ ↓ │
│ 3. DISCUSS — Gather user response │
│ └─ User provides context, answers questions, │
│ or asks skeptic to dig deeper │
│ ↓ │
│ 4. EVALUATE — Determine next action │
│ └─ If resolved → Document decision │
│ └─ If more analysis needed → Resume skeptic (step 1) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
resume: {agentId} and new contextThe skeptic maintains context across invocations via the resume parameter:
Initial dispatch:
→ skeptic analyzes proposal
→ returns findings + agentId: "abc123"
User provides additional context:
→ resume skeptic with { resume: "abc123" }
→ skeptic refines analysis with new information
User asks about specific concern:
→ resume skeptic with { resume: "abc123" }
→ skeptic digs deeper on that aspect
This preserves the skeptic's understanding of the proposal through multiple rounds of refinement.
When dispatching to the skeptic subagent, include:
When resuming the skeptic, include:
Watch for these justifications — they usually indicate unjustified complexity:
The skeptic returns one of three verdicts:
| Verdict | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| proceed | Complexity is minor (◇) | Note alternatives, continue |
| caution | Complexity is moderate (◆) | Discuss before proceeding |
| block | Complexity is high risk (◆◆) | Address concerns first |
After discussion, document the outcome:
The goal is NOT to reject all complexity — it's to ensure complexity is justified by evidence, not speculation.