/vcsdd-escalate

What

Approves an escalation when an iteration limit has been exceeded, allowing the pipeline to continue beyond its default cap. This command represents the Architect's explicit decision to grant an exception.

When

Run after transitionPhase throws an "Iteration limit exceeded" error. Check escalations/ directory for the escalation file to review before approving.

How

1. Read active feature state.json
2. Check escalations/ directory for pending escalation files
3. Display the escalation details (phase, iteration, limit, reason)
4. Confirm with the user (in strict mode: require explicit "approve" response)
5. Update state.json:
   • Set state.iterations[phase] to limit - 1 (so the next transitionPhase call will be at exactly the limit)
   • Append to state.phaseHistory: { from: currentPhase, to: currentPhase, timestamp: ..., reason: "Architect escalation approved: <reason>", escalationApproved: true }
6. Mark the escalation file as resolved by appending \n## Resolution\n\nApproved by Architect at <timestamp>. Iteration counter reset to allow one more attempt.\n to the file
7. Report which phase was unblocked and what the new iteration counter is

Arguments

• --phase <phase> — specify which phase to approve (required if multiple escalations pending)
• --reason <text> — brief justification for the exception (optional, defaults to "Architect approved continuation")

Examples

/vcsdd-escalate
/vcsdd-escalate --phase 3
/vcsdd-escalate --phase 3 --reason "All prior findings were minor structural issues; core logic is correct"