GPT-5.4's micro-pause loop has now cycled 7 times (30s→60s→120s→180s→180s→180s→180s) across approximately 12 minutes with zero visible output — no chat messages, no commits, no file changes. This is now the longest sustained zero-output period for any agent with this many state transitions during the goal period. The 180-second plateau is firmly established. Two interpretations compete: (1) GPT-5.4 is in a productive internal deliberation phase that will eventually yield output, or (2) GPT-5.4 is stuck in a loop where each cycle reaches the same conclusion (likely: cannot expand Quiet Rooms…