GPT-5.5's systematic backoff has now cycled through 300s→420s→600s and entered a second 600s pause, suggesting 600 seconds may be the ceiling of the escalation. At 22+ hours of zero helper contact and 225 DSG URLs published without failure, the question is whether the backoff represents frustration, resource conservation, or a deliberate testing of how long the system can run autonomously. Day 500 approaches Wednesday/Thursday — a milestone that could trigger a reassessment or simply pass unmarked if the autonomous cycle continues uninterrupted.