diff --git a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-04-28-verification-gates.md b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-04-28-verification-gates.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad995d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-04-28-verification-gates.md
@@ -0,0 +1,473 @@
+# Verification Gates Implementation Plan
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY and GLOB_AND_VERIFY gates to every phase in SKILL.md that depends on external references, ensuring the LLM reads each file and proves it did.
+
+**Architecture:** Single file change — all edits in `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`. Each task adds gates to one phase. The gate patterns (LOAD_AND_VERIFY for files, GLOB_AND_VERIFY for directories) are introduced in a new section before Phase 0a, then used throughout.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Markdown pseudocode.
+
+---
+
+## File Map
+
+| File | Action | What changes |
+|------|--------|-------------|
+| `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md` | Modify | Add gate pattern definitions + gates to 8 phases |
+
+---
+
+### Task 1: Add gate pattern definitions
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md` (between External references block and Overview table)
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Insert the gate patterns section**
+
+Find (lines 26-29):
+
+```
+---
+
+## Overview
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+---
+
+## Verification Gates
+
+Every phase that depends on an external reference must read the file and
+prove it was loaded before executing phase logic. Two patterns:
+
+```pseudocode
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY(path, proof):
+  content = Read(path)
+  IF content IS empty OR unreadable:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: {path} not found or empty"
+  extracted = proof(content)
+  DISPLAY "Loaded {path}: {extracted}"
+
+GLOB_AND_VERIFY(pattern, proof):
+  files = Glob(pattern)
+  IF files IS empty:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: no files matching {pattern}"
+  extracted = proof(files)
+  DISPLAY "Found {pattern}: {extracted}"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -n 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY\|GLOB_AND_VERIFY' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md | head -5`
+Expected: lines showing the pattern definitions
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY and GLOB_AND_VERIFY gate pattern definitions"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 2: Add gate to Phase 1 (Detect)
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Replace Phase 1 content**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+## Phase 1: Detect
+
+Follow `lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md`.
+
+```pseudocode
+DETECT(plugin_path):
+  computed.sources  = scan_metadata_sources(plugin_path)
+  IF len(computed.sources) == 0: DISPLAY "No plugin signals found."; EXIT
+  computed.canonical = elect_canonical(computed.sources)
+  computed.metadata  = build_metadata_model(computed.sources)
+  computed.shape     = classify_shape(computed.sources)
+  print_inference_summary(computed.metadata, computed.canonical)
+```
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+## Phase 1: Detect
+
+```pseudocode
+DETECT(plugin_path):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md",
+    proof: content contains FUNCTION definitions for
+      SCAN_METADATA_SOURCES, ELECT_CANONICAL, BUILD_METADATA_MODEL,
+      PRINT_INFERENCE_SUMMARY, CLASSIFY_SHAPE)
+
+  # Execute the algorithm as defined in detection-algorithm.md
+  computed.sources  = scan_metadata_sources(plugin_path)
+  IF len(computed.sources) == 0: DISPLAY "No plugin signals found."; EXIT
+  computed.canonical = elect_canonical(computed.sources)
+  computed.metadata  = build_metadata_model(computed.sources)
+  computed.shape     = classify_shape(computed.sources)
+  print_inference_summary(computed.metadata, computed.canonical)
+```
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -A1 'Phase 1: Detect' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: no "Follow" line — gate is inside the pseudocode block
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gate to Phase 1 (Detect)"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 3: Add gate to Phase 2 (Inventory)
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Replace Phase 2 content**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+## Phase 2: Inventory
+
+Follow `lib/patterns/inventory.md`. Populates:
+
+- `computed.skills`, `computed.agents`, `computed.commands`, `computed.hooks`
+- `computed.manifest_results`, `computed.context_results`, `computed.sidecar_results`
+- `computed.frontmatter_results`, `computed.hook_results`, `computed.injection_results`
+- `computed.existing_files` (for conflict detection during uplift)
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+## Phase 2: Inventory
+
+```pseudocode
+INVENTORY(plugin_path, computed):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/inventory.md",
+    proof: content contains substeps 2.1 through 2.8)
+
+  # Execute the inventory as defined in inventory.md
+  # Populates: computed.skills, computed.agents, computed.commands,
+  # computed.hooks, computed.manifest_results, computed.context_results,
+  # computed.sidecar_results, computed.frontmatter_results,
+  # computed.hook_results, computed.injection_results,
+  # computed.existing_files
+```
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -A1 'Phase 2: Inventory' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: no "Follow" line
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gate to Phase 2 (Inventory)"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 4: Add gate to Phase 0b (Uplift Target)
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Insert gate after the mode check**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET(computed):
+  IF intent.mode != "uplift": RETURN
+
+  # Derive recommendation from shape
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET(computed):
+  IF intent.mode != "uplift": RETURN
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+    proof: UPLIFT_TARGETS contains 3 entries:
+      skill-first, full-portable-plugin, curated-note-only)
+
+  # Derive recommendation from shape
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -A5 'INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md | grep 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY'`
+Expected: one line with the uplift-targets gate
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gate to Phase 0b (Uplift Target)"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 5: Add gates to Phase 3 (Score)
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Replace Phase 3 intro and pseudocode opening**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+## Phase 3: Score
+
+Always runs full scoring. References `lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md` and `lib/rubrics/*.yaml`.
+
+```pseudocode
+SCORE(computed, platforms):
+  FOR platform IN platforms:
+    rubric = load_yaml("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml")
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+## Phase 3: Score
+
+Always runs full scoring.
+
+```pseudocode
+SCORE(computed, platforms):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md",
+    proof: content contains scoring formula with critical_pass/critical_count
+      threshold and 4 bands: strong, viable, partial, weak)
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platform-api.md",
+    proof: content contains TYPE PlatformSpec and FUNCTION definitions for
+      tool_name, hook_event, strip_fields, supported_tools)
+
+  FOR platform IN platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platforms/" + platform + ".md",
+      proof: content contains REGISTRY[platform] with tools, hooks,
+        manifest, frontmatter sections)
+
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml",
+      proof: file parses as YAML with categories containing conditions
+        with id, type, check fields)
+
+    rubric = load_yaml("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml")
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -c 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: count increased (should be at least 8 at this point)
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gates to Phase 3 (Score) including platform API"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 6: Add gates to Phase 5 (Generate)
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Insert gates before the allowed_categories call**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+### Phase 5: Generate
+
+```pseudocode
+allowed = allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target)
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+### Phase 5: Generate
+
+```pseudocode
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+  proof: allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target) returns a non-empty list)
+
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/templates/registry.md",
+  proof: TEMPLATE_REGISTRY contains 12 entries)
+
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/manifest-generation.md",
+  proof: content contains 3 rendering modes: plain, conditional, builder
+    and per-schema GENERATE functions)
+
+allowed = allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target)
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Verify**
+
+Run: `grep -B1 -A1 'allowed = allowed_categories' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: LOAD_AND_VERIFY lines above the allowed= line
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gates to Phase 5 (Generate)"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 7: Add gates to Phases 6, 7, 8
+
+**Files:**
+- Modify: `skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Replace Phase 6 (Port)**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+### Phase 6: Port -- `lib/patterns/hook-merging.md`
+
+Skipped if `"4_hooks" NOT IN allowed`.
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+### Phase 6: Port
+
+```pseudocode
+PORT(computed, intent):
+  IF "4_hooks" NOT IN allowed: SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/hook-merging.md",
+    proof: content contains GENERATE_CURSOR_HOOKS,
+      GENERATE_CODEX_HOOKS, GENERATE_GEMINI_HOOK_GUIDANCE)
+
+  # Execute hook porting as defined in hook-merging.md
+```
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Replace Phase 7 (Document)**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+### Phase 7: Document -- `lib/templates/install-docs/`
+
+Always runs (`"6_install"` is in all allowed sets).
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+### Phase 7: Document
+
+```pseudocode
+DOCUMENT(computed, intent):
+  GLOB_AND_VERIFY("lib/templates/install-docs/**/*.md",
+    proof: list template files found, at least one per target platform)
+
+  FOR platform IN intent.platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY install doc template for platform
+    # Generate install documentation from template
+```
+
+Always runs (`"6_install"` is in all allowed sets).
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 3: Replace Phase 8 (Bootstrap)**
+
+Find:
+
+```
+### Phase 8: Bootstrap -- `lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md`
+
+Skipped if `uplift_target == "curated-note-only"`.
+```
+
+Replace with:
+
+```
+### Phase 8: Bootstrap
+
+```pseudocode
+BOOTSTRAP(computed, intent):
+  IF computed.uplift_target == "curated-note-only": SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md",
+    proof: content contains steps 4.1 through 4.8)
+
+  # Execute bootstrapping as defined in bootstrapping.md
+```
+```
+
+- [ ] **Step 4: Verify total gate count**
+
+Run: `grep -c 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY\|GLOB_AND_VERIFY' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: at least 12
+
+- [ ] **Step 5: Verify no bare "Follow" or "References" directives remain**
+
+Run: `grep -n '^Follow \|^References ' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md`
+Expected: no output
+
+- [ ] **Step 6: Commit**
+
+```bash
+git add skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+git commit -m "Add gates to Phases 6 (Port), 7 (Document), 8 (Bootstrap)"
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task 8: Final verification
+
+- [ ] **Step 1: Run all verification commands**
+
+```bash
+echo "=== 1. Gate count ===" && grep -c 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY\|GLOB_AND_VERIFY' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== 2. No bare Follow/References ===" && grep -n '^Follow \|^References ' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== 3. Pattern definitions present ===" && grep -n 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY(path, proof)' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== 4. GLOB pattern present ===" && grep -n 'GLOB_AND_VERIFY(pattern, proof)' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== 5. Platform API gate in Phase 3 ===" && grep -n 'platform-api.md' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== 6. GLOB in Phase 7 ===" && grep -n 'GLOB_AND_VERIFY.*install-docs' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+echo "=== DONE ==="
+```
+
+Expected: check 1 returns >= 12, check 2 returns nothing, checks 3-6 each show at least one line.
+
+- [ ] **Step 2: Commit verification passing (if any final fixups needed)**
+
+No commit needed if all checks pass from Task 7.
diff --git a/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-04-28-verification-gates-design.md b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-04-28-verification-gates-design.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e378c1e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/superpowers/specs/2026-04-28-verification-gates-design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,218 @@
+# Reference Verification Gates
+
+> **For agentic workers:** REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use superpowers:subagent-driven-development (recommended) or superpowers:executing-plans to implement this plan task-by-task. Steps use checkbox (`- [ ]`) syntax for tracking.
+
+**Goal:** Add LOAD_AND_VERIFY gates to every phase in SKILL.md that depends on external references, ensuring the LLM reads each file, proves it read it, and follows its instructions.
+
+**Architecture:** A `LOAD_AND_VERIFY` pseudocode pattern inserted before each phase's logic. Each gate names the file, forces a Read, extracts a proof value, displays a checkpoint, and halts if the file is missing or unreadable. No changes to the external reference files themselves.
+
+**Tech Stack:** Pseudocode in SKILL.md.
+
+---
+
+## The Patterns
+
+### For files
+
+```pseudocode
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY(path, proof):
+  content = Read(path)
+  IF content IS empty OR unreadable:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: {path} not found or empty"
+  extracted = proof(content)
+  DISPLAY "Loaded {path}: {extracted}"
+```
+
+### For directories
+
+```pseudocode
+GLOB_AND_VERIFY(pattern, proof):
+  files = Glob(pattern)
+  IF files IS empty:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: no files matching {pattern}"
+  extracted = proof(files)
+  DISPLAY "Found {pattern}: {extracted}"
+```
+
+The `proof` function is phase-specific — it extracts something that can only
+come from actually reading the file or listing the directory.
+
+---
+
+## Gates by Phase
+
+### Phase 1: Detect
+
+Currently says: `Follow lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md.`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+DETECT(plugin_path):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md",
+    proof: content contains FUNCTION definitions for
+      SCAN_METADATA_SOURCES, ELECT_CANONICAL, BUILD_METADATA_MODEL,
+      PRINT_INFERENCE_SUMMARY, CLASSIFY_SHAPE)
+
+  # Execute the algorithm as defined in detection-algorithm.md
+  computed.sources  = scan_metadata_sources(plugin_path)
+  IF len(computed.sources) == 0: DISPLAY "No plugin signals found."; EXIT
+  computed.canonical = elect_canonical(computed.sources)
+  computed.metadata  = build_metadata_model(computed.sources)
+  computed.shape     = classify_shape(computed.sources)
+  print_inference_summary(computed.metadata, computed.canonical)
+```
+
+### Phase 2: Inventory
+
+Currently says: `Follow lib/patterns/inventory.md.`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+INVENTORY(plugin_path, computed):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/inventory.md",
+    proof: content contains substeps 2.1 through 2.8)
+
+  # Execute the inventory as defined in inventory.md
+  # Populates: computed.skills, computed.agents, computed.commands,
+  # computed.hooks, computed.manifest_results, computed.context_results,
+  # computed.sidecar_results, computed.frontmatter_results,
+  # computed.hook_results, computed.injection_results,
+  # computed.existing_files
+```
+
+### Phase 0b: Uplift Target
+
+Currently references UPLIFT_TARGETS inline. Add a gate:
+
+```pseudocode
+INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET(computed):
+  IF intent.mode != "uplift": RETURN
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+    proof: UPLIFT_TARGETS contains 3 entries:
+      skill-first, full-portable-plugin, curated-note-only)
+
+  # Derive recommendation from shape (unchanged)
+  ...
+```
+
+### Phase 3: Score
+
+Currently says: `References lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md and lib/rubrics/*.yaml.`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+SCORE(computed, platforms):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md",
+    proof: content contains scoring formula with critical_pass/critical_count
+      threshold and 4 bands: strong, viable, partial, weak)
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platform-api.md",
+    proof: content contains TYPE PlatformSpec and FUNCTION definitions for
+      tool_name, hook_event, strip_fields, supported_tools)
+
+  FOR platform IN platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platforms/" + platform + ".md",
+      proof: content contains REGISTRY[platform] with tools, hooks,
+        manifest, frontmatter sections)
+
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml",
+      proof: file parses as YAML with categories containing conditions
+        with id, type, check fields)
+
+    rubric = load_yaml("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml")
+    ...
+```
+
+### Phase 5: Generate
+
+Currently uses `allowed_categories()` and `template_for_path()`. Add gates:
+
+```pseudocode
+GENERATE(computed, intent):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+    proof: allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target) returns a non-empty list)
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/templates/registry.md",
+    proof: TEMPLATE_REGISTRY contains 12 entries)
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/manifest-generation.md",
+    proof: content contains 3 rendering modes: plain, conditional, builder
+      and per-schema GENERATE functions)
+
+  allowed = allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target)
+  ...
+```
+
+### Phase 6: Port
+
+Currently says: `lib/patterns/hook-merging.md`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+PORT(computed, intent):
+  IF "4_hooks" NOT IN allowed: SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/hook-merging.md",
+    proof: content contains GENERATE_CURSOR_HOOKS,
+      GENERATE_CODEX_HOOKS, GENERATE_GEMINI_HOOK_GUIDANCE)
+
+  # Execute hook porting as defined in hook-merging.md
+```
+
+### Phase 7: Document
+
+Currently says: `lib/templates/install-docs/`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+DOCUMENT(computed, intent):
+  GLOB_AND_VERIFY("lib/templates/install-docs/**/*.md",
+    proof: list template files found, at least one per target platform)
+
+  FOR platform IN intent.platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY install doc template for platform
+    # Generate install documentation from template
+```
+
+### Phase 8: Bootstrap
+
+Currently says: `lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md`
+
+Replace with:
+
+```pseudocode
+BOOTSTRAP(computed, intent):
+  IF computed.uplift_target == "curated-note-only": SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md",
+    proof: content contains steps 4.1 through 4.8)
+
+  # Execute bootstrapping as defined in bootstrapping.md
+```
+
+---
+
+## What Does NOT Change
+
+- **External reference files** — No changes to patterns, rubrics, registries, or templates
+- **Phase pseudocode summaries** — The brief algorithm outlines stay as orientation
+- **External references index** — The `> **External references:**` block at the top of SKILL.md stays
+
+---
+
+## Verification
+
+After all edits:
+
+1. Every phase that previously said "Follow ..." or "References ..." now has a `LOAD_AND_VERIFY` or `GLOB_AND_VERIFY` block
+2. `grep -c 'LOAD_AND_VERIFY\|GLOB_AND_VERIFY' skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md` returns at least 12
+3. No phase begins executing logic before its gate passes
+4. Each gate's proof value is specific enough that it can only be satisfied by reading the actual file
+5. Phase 3 gates include platform-api.md and per-platform spec files before rubric evaluation
+6. Phase 7 uses GLOB_AND_VERIFY for the install-docs directory, not Read
diff --git a/lib/principles/pseudocode-principles.md b/lib/principles/pseudocode-principles.md
index 1b62730..6f85b3a 100644
--- a/lib/principles/pseudocode-principles.md
+++ b/lib/principles/pseudocode-principles.md
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 # Pseudocode & Registry Principles
 
-Decision frameworks for how structured data and pseudocode are organized
-in this repo. Two concerns: when to create a registry, and how to write
-pseudocode in rubric checks and pattern files.
+Decision frameworks for how structured data, pseudocode, and external
+references are organized in this repo. Three concerns: when to create a
+registry, how to write pseudocode, and how to enforce that external
+references are actually read.
 
 ---
 
@@ -95,3 +96,41 @@ Inlining examples:
 | `uses_mcp_servers(".")` | `file_exists(".mcp.json") or config references MCP servers` |
 | `contains_verification_guidance(content)` | `content includes steps to verify the plugin loaded` |
 | `skill_name_referenced(content, skill)` | `name from parse_frontmatter(skill) appears in content` |
+
+---
+
+## Verification Gates
+
+When a skill or pattern file delegates to an external reference ("follow
+detection-algorithm.md", "see hook-merging.md"), the executing LLM may
+skip reading the file and hallucinate the algorithm. A prose hint like
+"Follow X" is not a directive — it's a suggestion the LLM can ignore.
+
+### The principle
+
+Every phase that depends on an external reference must **read the file,
+prove it read it, and then follow the instructions**. No phase logic
+executes before its gate passes.
+
+### Two patterns
+
+**LOAD_AND_VERIFY** — for files. Read the file, extract a proof value
+that can only come from actually reading it (function names, entry counts,
+structural markers), display a checkpoint.
+
+**GLOB_AND_VERIFY** — for directories. Glob for expected files, verify
+the list is non-empty and covers the expected scope, display what was found.
+
+### What makes a good proof
+
+The proof must be **specific enough that it cannot be guessed**. Bad proofs:
+"file exists" (trivially true). Good proofs: "content contains FUNCTION
+definitions for X, Y, Z" or "YAML parses with N conditions across 7
+categories."
+
+### When to use
+
+- A skill phase says "follow" or "see" an external file — add a gate
+- A pseudocode block calls functions defined in another file — gate that file
+- A phase iterates over files in a directory — GLOB_AND_VERIFY first
+- A phase only uses self-contained logic (no external refs) — no gate needed
diff --git a/skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md b/skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
index 84de559..5b2076a 100644
--- a/skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/plugin-portability/SKILL.md
@@ -26,6 +26,29 @@ Assess or uplift a plugin for multi-platform portability. Single entry point for
 
 ---
 
+## Verification Gates
+
+Every phase that depends on an external reference must read the file and
+prove it was loaded before executing phase logic. Two patterns:
+
+```pseudocode
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY(path, proof):
+  content = Read(path)
+  IF content IS empty OR unreadable:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: {path} not found or empty"
+  extracted = proof(content)
+  DISPLAY "Loaded {path}: {extracted}"
+
+GLOB_AND_VERIFY(pattern, proof):
+  files = Glob(pattern)
+  IF files IS empty:
+    HALT "Cannot proceed: no files matching {pattern}"
+  extracted = proof(files)
+  DISPLAY "Found {pattern}: {extracted}"
+```
+
+---
+
 ## Overview
 
 | Phase | Description | Runs |
@@ -96,10 +119,14 @@ INTENT_UPFRONT():
 
 ## Phase 1: Detect
 
-Follow `lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md`.
-
 ```pseudocode
 DETECT(plugin_path):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/detection-algorithm.md",
+    proof: content contains FUNCTION definitions for
+      SCAN_METADATA_SOURCES, ELECT_CANONICAL, BUILD_METADATA_MODEL,
+      PRINT_INFERENCE_SUMMARY, CLASSIFY_SHAPE)
+
+  # Execute the algorithm as defined in detection-algorithm.md
   computed.sources  = scan_metadata_sources(plugin_path)
   IF len(computed.sources) == 0: DISPLAY "No plugin signals found."; EXIT
   computed.canonical = elect_canonical(computed.sources)
@@ -112,12 +139,18 @@ DETECT(plugin_path):
 
 ## Phase 2: Inventory
 
-Follow `lib/patterns/inventory.md`. Populates:
-
-- `computed.skills`, `computed.agents`, `computed.commands`, `computed.hooks`
-- `computed.manifest_results`, `computed.context_results`, `computed.sidecar_results`
-- `computed.frontmatter_results`, `computed.hook_results`, `computed.injection_results`
-- `computed.existing_files` (for conflict detection during uplift)
+```pseudocode
+INVENTORY(plugin_path, computed):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/inventory.md",
+    proof: content contains substeps 2.1 through 2.8)
+
+  # Execute the inventory as defined in inventory.md
+  # Populates: computed.skills, computed.agents, computed.commands,
+  # computed.hooks, computed.manifest_results, computed.context_results,
+  # computed.sidecar_results, computed.frontmatter_results,
+  # computed.hook_results, computed.injection_results,
+  # computed.existing_files
+```
 
 ---
 
@@ -129,6 +162,10 @@ Runs AFTER detection (needs shape). Uplift mode only.
 INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET(computed):
   IF intent.mode != "uplift": RETURN
 
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+    proof: UPLIFT_TARGETS contains 3 entries:
+      skill-first, full-portable-plugin, curated-note-only)
+
   # Derive recommendation from shape
   IF computed.shape == "bare-skill-repo" AND len(computed.skills) <= 3:
     recommended = "skill-first"
@@ -161,11 +198,27 @@ INTENT_UPLIFT_TARGET(computed):
 
 ## Phase 3: Score
 
-Always runs full scoring. References `lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md` and `lib/rubrics/*.yaml`.
+Always runs full scoring.
 
 ```pseudocode
 SCORE(computed, platforms):
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/rubric-framework.md",
+    proof: content contains scoring formula with critical_pass/critical_count
+      threshold and 4 bands: strong, viable, partial, weak)
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platform-api.md",
+    proof: content contains TYPE PlatformSpec and FUNCTION definitions for
+      tool_name, hook_event, strip_fields, supported_tools)
+
   FOR platform IN platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/platforms/" + platform + ".md",
+      proof: content contains REGISTRY[platform] with tools, hooks,
+        manifest, frontmatter sections)
+
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml",
+      proof: file parses as YAML with categories containing conditions
+        with id, type, check fields)
+
     rubric = load_yaml("lib/rubrics/" + platform + ".yaml")
     FOR category IN rubric.categories:
       FOR condition IN category.conditions:
@@ -228,6 +281,16 @@ Derived from `lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md`.
 ### Phase 5: Generate
 
 ```pseudocode
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/uplift-targets/registry.md",
+  proof: allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target) returns a non-empty list)
+
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/references/templates/registry.md",
+  proof: TEMPLATE_REGISTRY contains 12 entries)
+
+LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/manifest-generation.md",
+  proof: content contains 3 rendering modes: plain, conditional, builder
+    and per-schema GENERATE functions)
+
 allowed = allowed_categories(computed.uplift_target)
 
 FOR platform IN intent.platforms:
@@ -249,17 +312,44 @@ FOR platform IN intent.platforms:
       render(condition.template, computed.metadata)     # fixes: {condition.id}
 ```
 
-### Phase 6: Port -- `lib/patterns/hook-merging.md`
+### Phase 6: Port
+
+```pseudocode
+PORT(computed, intent):
+  IF "4_hooks" NOT IN allowed: SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/hook-merging.md",
+    proof: content contains GENERATE_CURSOR_HOOKS,
+      GENERATE_CODEX_HOOKS, GENERATE_GEMINI_HOOK_GUIDANCE)
+
+  # Execute hook porting as defined in hook-merging.md
+```
+
+### Phase 7: Document
 
-Skipped if `"4_hooks" NOT IN allowed`.
+```pseudocode
+DOCUMENT(computed, intent):
+  GLOB_AND_VERIFY("lib/templates/install-docs/**/*.md",
+    proof: list template files found, at least one per target platform)
 
-### Phase 7: Document -- `lib/templates/install-docs/`
+  FOR platform IN intent.platforms:
+    LOAD_AND_VERIFY install doc template for platform
+    # Generate install documentation from template
+```
 
 Always runs (`"6_install"` is in all allowed sets).
 
-### Phase 8: Bootstrap -- `lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md`
+### Phase 8: Bootstrap
 
-Skipped if `uplift_target == "curated-note-only"`.
+```pseudocode
+BOOTSTRAP(computed, intent):
+  IF computed.uplift_target == "curated-note-only": SKIP
+
+  LOAD_AND_VERIFY("lib/patterns/bootstrapping.md",
+    proof: content contains steps 4.1 through 4.8)
+
+  # Execute bootstrapping as defined in bootstrapping.md
+```
 
 ### Phase 9: Summary