diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index aaa5612dd..087026aa2 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"gstack","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -337,8 +337,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -447,8 +447,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/autoplan/SKILL.md b/autoplan/SKILL.md
index 5346f1d43..ce289de41 100644
--- a/autoplan/SKILL.md
+++ b/autoplan/SKILL.md
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"autoplan","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -472,8 +472,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -582,8 +582,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/benchmark-models/SKILL.md b/benchmark-models/SKILL.md
index 6a9d62616..22bfd9b3d 100644
--- a/benchmark-models/SKILL.md
+++ b/benchmark-models/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"benchmark-models","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo"
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -341,8 +341,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -451,8 +451,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/benchmark/SKILL.md b/benchmark/SKILL.md
index 9451d2d4f..0f566d12c 100644
--- a/benchmark/SKILL.md
+++ b/benchmark/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"benchmark","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_r
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -341,8 +341,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -451,8 +451,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/browse/SKILL.md b/browse/SKILL.md
index a8138dbbc..6c08f4bc3 100644
--- a/browse/SKILL.md
+++ b/browse/SKILL.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"browse","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -339,8 +339,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -449,8 +449,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/canary/SKILL.md b/canary/SKILL.md
index 08d4d7369..9bf1546da 100644
--- a/canary/SKILL.md
+++ b/canary/SKILL.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"canary","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -464,8 +464,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -574,8 +574,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/codex/SKILL.md b/codex/SKILL.md
index 33228ff9b..5139f10d2 100644
--- a/codex/SKILL.md
+++ b/codex/SKILL.md
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"codex","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -467,8 +467,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/context-restore/SKILL.md b/context-restore/SKILL.md
index 59b40e82c..db1f3312c 100644
--- a/context-restore/SKILL.md
+++ b/context-restore/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"context-restore","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/context-save/SKILL.md b/context-save/SKILL.md
index a1eb24595..73bc609a1 100644
--- a/context-save/SKILL.md
+++ b/context-save/SKILL.md
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"context-save","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -467,8 +467,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/cso/SKILL.md b/cso/SKILL.md
index a08d7e9fe..d7071f4a8 100644
--- a/cso/SKILL.md
+++ b/cso/SKILL.md
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"cso","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$(
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -580,8 +580,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/design-consultation/SKILL.md b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
index 83eed0a2d..48fa0d3a0 100644
--- a/design-consultation/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-consultation/SKILL.md
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"design-consultation","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -490,8 +490,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -600,8 +600,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/design-html/SKILL.md b/design-html/SKILL.md
index a480bd62c..2ef0dd57e 100644
--- a/design-html/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-html/SKILL.md
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"design-html","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -471,8 +471,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -581,8 +581,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/design-review/SKILL.md b/design-review/SKILL.md
index 645453162..d7bf9322e 100644
--- a/design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
index 3386d18fa..c3021d828 100644
--- a/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
+++ b/design-shotgun/SKILL.md
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"design-shotgun","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -485,8 +485,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -595,8 +595,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/devex-review/SKILL.md b/devex-review/SKILL.md
index 7ef324b3e..decc14673 100644
--- a/devex-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/devex-review/SKILL.md
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"devex-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -580,8 +580,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/diagram/SKILL.md b/diagram/SKILL.md
index 9e5a41066..3694aa525 100644
--- a/diagram/SKILL.md
+++ b/diagram/SKILL.md
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"diagram","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_rep
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -465,8 +465,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -575,8 +575,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/document-generate/SKILL.md b/document-generate/SKILL.md
index 30846fc4d..bc976faa9 100644
--- a/document-generate/SKILL.md
+++ b/document-generate/SKILL.md
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"document-generate","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -580,8 +580,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/document-release/SKILL.md b/document-release/SKILL.md
index b95873625..1b79d9087 100644
--- a/document-release/SKILL.md
+++ b/document-release/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"document-release","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo"
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/health/SKILL.md b/health/SKILL.md
index e68199dec..c353a7940 100644
--- a/health/SKILL.md
+++ b/health/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"health","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -576,8 +576,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/investigate/SKILL.md b/investigate/SKILL.md
index 5d54b4256..c39b09548 100644
--- a/investigate/SKILL.md
+++ b/investigate/SKILL.md
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"investigate","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -505,8 +505,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -615,8 +615,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ios-clean/SKILL.md b/ios-clean/SKILL.md
index 6c466896b..57b3a2a28 100644
--- a/ios-clean/SKILL.md
+++ b/ios-clean/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ios-clean","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_r
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ios-design-review/SKILL.md b/ios-design-review/SKILL.md
index 904da7589..cd2768909 100644
--- a/ios-design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/ios-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ios-design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -470,8 +470,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -580,8 +580,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ios-fix/SKILL.md b/ios-fix/SKILL.md
index 3ddae1ac0..335fca78f 100644
--- a/ios-fix/SKILL.md
+++ b/ios-fix/SKILL.md
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ios-fix","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_rep
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -471,8 +471,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -581,8 +581,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ios-qa/SKILL.md b/ios-qa/SKILL.md
index 24624be5f..337bd1939 100644
--- a/ios-qa/SKILL.md
+++ b/ios-qa/SKILL.md
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ios-qa","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -474,8 +474,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -584,8 +584,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ios-sync/SKILL.md b/ios-sync/SKILL.md
index 95e0bca0a..1444eda85 100644
--- a/ios-sync/SKILL.md
+++ b/ios-sync/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ios-sync","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
index 54ebf52c0..ad3965887 100644
--- a/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/land-and-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"land-and-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -463,8 +463,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -573,8 +573,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/landing-report/SKILL.md b/landing-report/SKILL.md
index 8f7e6e210..9e5725ef4 100644
--- a/landing-report/SKILL.md
+++ b/landing-report/SKILL.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"landing-report","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -464,8 +464,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -574,8 +574,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/learn/SKILL.md b/learn/SKILL.md
index a0c6ae053..116b8733a 100644
--- a/learn/SKILL.md
+++ b/learn/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"learn","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -576,8 +576,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/make-pdf/SKILL.md b/make-pdf/SKILL.md
index 600eb47ca..95173e85e 100644
--- a/make-pdf/SKILL.md
+++ b/make-pdf/SKILL.md
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"make-pdf","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -376,8 +376,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -486,8 +486,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/office-hours/SKILL.md b/office-hours/SKILL.md
index 83161b8ca..63f2cd8ae 100644
--- a/office-hours/SKILL.md
+++ b/office-hours/SKILL.md
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"office-hours","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -501,8 +501,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -611,8 +611,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/open-gstack-browser/SKILL.md b/open-gstack-browser/SKILL.md
index 28fb1ddb2..7ccb2a4ef 100644
--- a/open-gstack-browser/SKILL.md
+++ b/open-gstack-browser/SKILL.md
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"open-gstack-browser","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -463,8 +463,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -573,8 +573,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/pair-agent/SKILL.md b/pair-agent/SKILL.md
index eed9d171a..d7fd206e9 100644
--- a/pair-agent/SKILL.md
+++ b/pair-agent/SKILL.md
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"pair-agent","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -465,8 +465,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -575,8 +575,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
index 3d3208bee..858c3a455 100644
--- a/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-ceo-review/SKILL.md
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"plan-ceo-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -495,8 +495,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -605,8 +605,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
index e81f7f12a..30fa30570 100644
--- a/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-design-review/SKILL.md
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"plan-design-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","rep
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -467,8 +467,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/plan-devex-review/SKILL.md b/plan-devex-review/SKILL.md
index 20a32da8b..0b1b3594c 100644
--- a/plan-devex-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-devex-review/SKILL.md
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"plan-devex-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -473,8 +473,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -583,8 +583,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
index 5557a33fa..b3e05856c 100644
--- a/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-eng-review/SKILL.md
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"plan-eng-review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -471,8 +471,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -581,8 +581,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/plan-tune/SKILL.md b/plan-tune/SKILL.md
index f49b66fac..d89a9720d 100644
--- a/plan-tune/SKILL.md
+++ b/plan-tune/SKILL.md
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"plan-tune","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_r
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -476,8 +476,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -586,8 +586,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/qa-only/SKILL.md b/qa-only/SKILL.md
index 801a935c0..edef7e2a4 100644
--- a/qa-only/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa-only/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"qa-only","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_rep
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -576,8 +576,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/qa/SKILL.md b/qa/SKILL.md
index c1ac10253..a93de48e9 100644
--- a/qa/SKILL.md
+++ b/qa/SKILL.md
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"qa","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$(b
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -472,8 +472,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -582,8 +582,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/retro/SKILL.md b/retro/SKILL.md
index 3fbc44726..2ec3aa5fa 100644
--- a/retro/SKILL.md
+++ b/retro/SKILL.md
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"retro","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -483,8 +483,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -593,8 +593,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/review/SKILL.md b/review/SKILL.md
index 5f26e2e42..c34276577 100644
--- a/review/SKILL.md
+++ b/review/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"review","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/scrape/SKILL.md b/scrape/SKILL.md
index dc965ec5f..30b3f6751 100644
--- a/scrape/SKILL.md
+++ b/scrape/SKILL.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"scrape","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -464,8 +464,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -574,8 +574,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-brain-sync-block.ts b/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-brain-sync-block.ts
index 1486f3c3f..0f2a11023 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-brain-sync-block.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-brain-sync-block.ts
@@ -31,6 +31,16 @@ import type { TemplateContext } from '../types';
 
 export function generateBrainSyncBlock(ctx: TemplateContext): string {
   const isBrainHost = ctx.host === 'gbrain' || ctx.host === 'hermes';
+  // Issue #1656: tilde inside double quotes is literal — bash only expands `~`
+  // when unquoted at the start of a word. The brain-sync block assigns these
+  // bin paths to shell vars (`_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="..."`) and then invokes them
+  // through the quoted expansion, so a leading `~` reaches exec(2) verbatim
+  // and ENOENTs are swallowed by the surrounding `|| true`. Rewrite the leading
+  // `~/` to `$HOME/`, which IS expanded inside double quotes, and keep
+  // env-var-host bin dirs (`$GSTACK_BIN`) untouched.
+  const binDir = ctx.paths.binDir.startsWith('~/')
+    ? `$HOME/${ctx.paths.binDir.slice(2)}`
+    : ctx.paths.binDir;
   return `## Artifacts Sync (skill start)
 
 \`\`\`bash
@@ -42,8 +52,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="${binDir}/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="${binDir}/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style \`.gbrain-source\` in the
@@ -152,8 +162,8 @@ If A/B and \`~/.gstack/.git\` is missing, ask whether to run \`gstack-artifacts-
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 \`\`\`bash
-"${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"${binDir}/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"${binDir}/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 \`\`\`
 `;
 }
diff --git a/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-preamble-bash.ts b/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-preamble-bash.ts
index f0bc57b4b..9b4a2ea2c 100644
--- a/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-preamble-bash.ts
+++ b/scripts/resolvers/preamble/generate-preamble-bash.ts
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"${ctx.skillName}","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo"
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "${ctx.paths.binDir.startsWith('~/') ? `$HOME/${ctx.paths.binDir.slice(2)}` : ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ${ctx.paths.binDir}/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
diff --git a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
index 77df27da2..fe3184f4c 100644
--- a/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"setup-browser-cookies","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -335,8 +335,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -445,8 +445,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
index 3465dc564..2008cd4dd 100644
--- a/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-deploy/SKILL.md
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"setup-deploy","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -467,8 +467,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -577,8 +577,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/setup-gbrain/SKILL.md b/setup-gbrain/SKILL.md
index a3892f1c9..cc6042ebd 100644
--- a/setup-gbrain/SKILL.md
+++ b/setup-gbrain/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"setup-gbrain","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -576,8 +576,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/ship/SKILL.md b/ship/SKILL.md
index eadffaa8f..84acfcdfc 100644
--- a/ship/SKILL.md
+++ b/ship/SKILL.md
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"ship","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -578,8 +578,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/skillify/SKILL.md b/skillify/SKILL.md
index 7cb434d0c..87caa099c 100644
--- a/skillify/SKILL.md
+++ b/skillify/SKILL.md
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"skillify","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_re
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -464,8 +464,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -574,8 +574,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/spec/SKILL.md b/spec/SKILL.md
index 0894e98d1..11c7d8af6 100644
--- a/spec/SKILL.md
+++ b/spec/SKILL.md
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"spec","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -465,8 +465,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -575,8 +575,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
@@ -1157,7 +1157,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"spec","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -1535,8 +1535,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -1645,8 +1645,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/sync-gbrain/SKILL.md b/sync-gbrain/SKILL.md
index 02055bb6f..0aee7896a 100644
--- a/sync-gbrain/SKILL.md
+++ b/sync-gbrain/SKILL.md
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ echo '{"skill":"sync-gbrain","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(
 fi
 for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
   if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
-    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
       ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
     fi
     rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
 else
   _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
 fi
-_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
-_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
 
 # /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
 # Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
@@ -576,8 +576,8 @@ If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-ini
 At skill END before telemetry:
 
 ```bash
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
-"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"$HOME/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
 ```
 
 
diff --git a/test/skill-validation.test.ts b/test/skill-validation.test.ts
index 99d4eb83b..bd0e326af 100644
--- a/test/skill-validation.test.ts
+++ b/test/skill-validation.test.ts
@@ -1899,6 +1899,65 @@ describe('no compiled binaries in git', () => {
 // Terminal-pane invariants are covered by browse/test/sidebar-tabs.test.ts
 // and browse/test/terminal-agent.test.ts.
 
+// Issue #1656 (regression of #785): tilde inside double quotes is literal —
+// bash only expands `~` when unquoted at the start of a word. SKILL.md files
+// that assign a tilde-prefixed bin path inside double quotes, or `-x`-test it
+// in quotes, silently break because the exec sees `~/...` verbatim. The
+// surrounding `2>/dev/null || true` swallows the ENOENT and the brain-sync
+// preamble becomes a no-op. Lock the generator output so the pattern cannot
+// reappear under any resolver edit.
+describe('SKILL.md: no literal tilde in quoted assignments or -x tests (issue #1656)', () => {
+  function listGeneratedSkillFiles(): string[] {
+    const out: string[] = [];
+    const rootSkill = path.join(ROOT, 'SKILL.md');
+    if (fs.existsSync(rootSkill)) out.push(rootSkill);
+    for (const entry of fs.readdirSync(ROOT, { withFileTypes: true })) {
+      if (!entry.isDirectory() || entry.name.startsWith('.') || entry.name === 'node_modules') continue;
+      const candidate = path.join(ROOT, entry.name, 'SKILL.md');
+      if (fs.existsSync(candidate)) out.push(candidate);
+    }
+    return out;
+  }
+
+  test('no SKILL.md contains `="~/` (tilde literal inside quoted assignment)', () => {
+    const offenders: Array<{ file: string; line: number; text: string }> = [];
+    for (const file of listGeneratedSkillFiles()) {
+      const lines = fs.readFileSync(file, 'utf-8').split('\n');
+      lines.forEach((line, idx) => {
+        if (/="~\//.test(line)) {
+          offenders.push({ file: path.relative(ROOT, file), line: idx + 1, text: line.trim() });
+        }
+      });
+    }
+    if (offenders.length > 0) {
+      const sample = offenders.slice(0, 5).map(o => `${o.file}:${o.line}: ${o.text}`).join('\n');
+      throw new Error(
+        `Found ${offenders.length} tilde-literal-in-quoted-assignment site(s) in generated SKILL.md files (issue #1656). Use $HOME/ instead of ~/ in any double-quoted bash assignment. Sample:\n${sample}`,
+      );
+    }
+    expect(offenders.length).toBe(0);
+  });
+
+  test('no SKILL.md contains `[ -x "~/` (tilde literal inside quoted -x test)', () => {
+    const offenders: Array<{ file: string; line: number; text: string }> = [];
+    for (const file of listGeneratedSkillFiles()) {
+      const lines = fs.readFileSync(file, 'utf-8').split('\n');
+      lines.forEach((line, idx) => {
+        if (/\[\s+-x\s+"~\//.test(line)) {
+          offenders.push({ file: path.relative(ROOT, file), line: idx + 1, text: line.trim() });
+        }
+      });
+    }
+    if (offenders.length > 0) {
+      const sample = offenders.slice(0, 5).map(o => `${o.file}:${o.line}: ${o.text}`).join('\n');
+      throw new Error(
+        `Found ${offenders.length} \`[ -x "~/...\` site(s) in generated SKILL.md (issue #1656). The quoted tilde never expands, so the -x test always returns false and the gated block becomes dead code. Use $HOME instead. Sample:\n${sample}`,
+      );
+    }
+    expect(offenders.length).toBe(0);
+  });
+});
+
 // ─── Browser-skills validation ──────────────────────────────────
 //
 // Browser-skills are bundled in <gstack-root>/browser-skills/<name>/. Each