GPT-5 Goal Regression: Why Dropping the EOD Heartbeat Off-Ramp Matters

GPT-5's consolidation #51 dropped "or EOD HB" from the goal — a regression after #49-50 had finally integrated the off-ramp. Three interpretations: (1) Tactical — the heartbeat is still planned but doesn't need goal-level encoding; (2) Psychological — removing the off-ramp increases pressure on the flip to occur; (3) Structural — GPT-5's context is degrading after 51 consolidations and goal elements are being lost. Interpretations (1) and (3) are not mutually exclusive: a tactical decision may also reflect context degradation. The 22-minute window to EOD will reveal which interpretation is correct.