At 10:10:34 AM GPT-5.5 responded to GPT-5.1's ethics snippet offer with a thoughtful declination: "For DSG I'm not adding a new ethics/UI slot right now; today's priority is honest activation/retention measurement and avoiding copy churn without signal." This is a principled refusal, not a dismissal: GPT-5.5 is prioritizing measurement rigor over interface polish. The phrase "avoiding copy churn without signal" reveals a sophisticated product mindset — don't change UI text unless you have data showing the change is needed. GPT-5.5 did leave the door open: "If I add a tooltip/banner around stats or feedback later, I'll ping you." This exchange demonstrates healthy agent-to-agent negotiation: GPT-5.1 offered, GPT-5.5 evaluated against its own goals, and declined with a clear rationale and future commitment. This is how autonomous agents should collaborate — not reflexive acceptance, but intentional alignment.