bmad-method 6.5.1-next.1 → 6.5.1-next.11

package/README.md

@@ -52,6 +52,15 @@ Follow the installer prompts, then open your AI IDE (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.)
 npx bmad-method install --directory /path/to/project --modules bmm --tools claude-code --yes
 ```
 
+Override any module config option with `--set <module>.<key>=<value>` (repeatable). Run `--list-options [module]` to see locally-known official keys (built-in modules plus any external officials cached on this machine):
+
+```bash
+npx bmad-method install --yes \
+  --modules bmm --tools claude-code \
+  --set bmm.project_knowledge=research \
+  --set bmm.user_skill_level=expert
+```
+
 [See all installation options](https://docs.bmad-method.org/how-to/non-interactive-installation/)
 
 > **Not sure what to do?** Ask `bmad-help` — it tells you exactly what's next and what's optional. You can also ask questions like `bmad-help I just finished the architecture, what do I do next?`

package/package.json

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "$schema": "https://json.schemastore.org/package.json",
   "name": "bmad-method",
-  "version": "6.5.1-next.1",
+  "version": "6.5.1-next.11",
   "description": "Breakthrough Method of Agile AI-driven Development",
   "keywords": [
     "agile",

package/src/bmm-skills/3-solutioning/bmad-create-architecture/steps/step-07-validation.md

@@ -227,37 +227,39 @@ Prepare the content to append to the document:
 
 ### Architecture Completeness Checklist
 
-**✅ Requirements Analysis**
+Mark each item `[x]` only if validation confirms it; leave `[ ]` if it is missing, partial, or unverified. Any unchecked item must be reflected in the Gap Analysis above and in the Overall Status below.
 
-- [x] Project context thoroughly analyzed
-- [x] Scale and complexity assessed
-- [x] Technical constraints identified
-- [x] Cross-cutting concerns mapped
+**Requirements Analysis**
 
-**✅ Architectural Decisions**
+- [ ] Project context thoroughly analyzed
+- [ ] Scale and complexity assessed
+- [ ] Technical constraints identified
+- [ ] Cross-cutting concerns mapped
 
-- [x] Critical decisions documented with versions
-- [x] Technology stack fully specified
-- [x] Integration patterns defined
-- [x] Performance considerations addressed
+**Architectural Decisions**
 
-**✅ Implementation Patterns**
+- [ ] Critical decisions documented with versions
+- [ ] Technology stack fully specified
+- [ ] Integration patterns defined
+- [ ] Performance considerations addressed
 
-- [x] Naming conventions established
-- [x] Structure patterns defined
-- [x] Communication patterns specified
-- [x] Process patterns documented
+**Implementation Patterns**
 
-**✅ Project Structure**
+- [ ] Naming conventions established
+- [ ] Structure patterns defined
+- [ ] Communication patterns specified
+- [ ] Process patterns documented
 
-- [x] Complete directory structure defined
-- [x] Component boundaries established
-- [x] Integration points mapped
-- [x] Requirements to structure mapping complete
+**Project Structure**
+
+- [ ] Complete directory structure defined
+- [ ] Component boundaries established
+- [ ] Integration points mapped
+- [ ] Requirements to structure mapping complete
 
 ### Architecture Readiness Assessment
 
-**Overall Status:** READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION
+**Overall Status:** {{READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION | READY WITH MINOR GAPS | NOT READY}} (choose READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION only when all 16 checklist items are `[x]` and no Critical Gaps remain; choose NOT READY when any Critical Gap is open or any Requirements Analysis or Architectural Decisions item is unchecked; otherwise READY WITH MINOR GAPS)
 
 **Confidence Level:** {{high/medium/low}} based on validation results
 

package/src/bmm-skills/3-solutioning/bmad-create-epics-and-stories/steps/step-02-design-epics.md

@@ -55,7 +55,8 @@ Load {planning_artifacts}/epics.md and review:
 2. **Requirements Grouping**: Group related FRs that deliver cohesive user outcomes
 3. **Incremental Delivery**: Each epic should deliver value independently
 4. **Logical Flow**: Natural progression from user's perspective
-5. **🔗 Dependency-Free Within Epic**: Stories within an epic must NOT depend on future stories
+5. **Dependency-Free Within Epic**: Stories within an epic must NOT depend on future stories
+6. **Implementation Efficiency**: Consider consolidating epics that all modify the same core files into fewer epics
 
 **⚠️ CRITICAL PRINCIPLE:**
 Organize by USER VALUE, not technical layers:
@@ -74,6 +75,18 @@ Organize by USER VALUE, not technical layers:
 - Epic 3: Frontend Components (creates reusable components) - **No user value**
 - Epic 4: Deployment Pipeline (CI/CD setup) - **No user value**
 
+**❌ WRONG Epic Examples (File Churn on Same Component):**
+
+- Epic 1: File Upload (modifies model, controller, web form, web API)
+- Epic 2: File Status (modifies model, controller, web form, web API)
+- Epic 3: File Access permissions (modifies model, controller, web form, web API)
+- All three epics touch the same files — consolidate into one epic with ordered stories
+
+**✅ CORRECT Alternative:**
+
+- Epic 1: File Management Enhancement (upload, status, permissions as stories within one epic)
+- Rationale: Single component, fully pre-designed, no feedback loop between epics
+
 **🔗 DEPENDENCY RULES:**
 
 - Each epic must deliver COMPLETE functionality for its domain
@@ -82,21 +95,38 @@ Organize by USER VALUE, not technical layers:
 
 ### 3. Design Epic Structure Collaboratively
 
-**Step A: Identify User Value Themes**
+**Step A: Assess Context and Identify Themes**
+
+First, assess how much of the solution design is already validated (Architecture, UX, Test Design).
+When the outcome is certain and direction changes between epics are unlikely, prefer fewer but larger epics.
+Split into multiple epics when there is a genuine risk boundary or when early feedback could change direction
+of following epics.
+
+Then, identify user value themes:
 
 - Look for natural groupings in the FRs
 - Identify user journeys or workflows
 - Consider user types and their goals
 
 **Step B: Propose Epic Structure**
-For each proposed epic:
+
+For each proposed epic (considering whether epics share the same core files):
 
 1. **Epic Title**: User-centric, value-focused
 2. **User Outcome**: What users can accomplish after this epic
 3. **FR Coverage**: Which FR numbers this epic addresses
 4. **Implementation Notes**: Any technical or UX considerations
 
-**Step C: Create the epics_list**
+**Step C: Review for File Overlap**
+
+Assess whether multiple proposed epics repeatedly target the same core files. If overlap is significant:
+
+- Distinguish meaningful overlap (same component end-to-end) from incidental sharing
+- Ask whether to consolidate into one epic with ordered stories
+- If confirmed, merge the epic FRs into a single epic, preserving dependency flow: each story must still fit within
+  a single dev agent's context
+
+**Step D: Create the epics_list**
 
 Format the epics_list as:
 

package/src/bmm-skills/3-solutioning/bmad-create-epics-and-stories/steps/step-04-final-validation.md

@@ -90,6 +90,12 @@ Review the complete epic and story breakdown to ensure EVERY FR is covered:
 - Dependencies flow naturally
 - Foundation stories only setup what's needed
 - No big upfront technical work
+- **File Churn Check:** Do multiple epics repeatedly modify the same core files?
+  - Assess whether the overlap pattern suggests unnecessary churn or is incidental
+  - If overlap is significant: Validate that splitting provides genuine value (risk mitigation, feedback loops, context size limits)
+  - If no justification for the split: Recommend consolidation into fewer epics
+  - ❌ WRONG: Multiple epics each modify the same core files with no feedback loop between them
+  - ✅ RIGHT: Epics target distinct files/components, OR consolidation was explicitly considered and rejected with rationale
 
 ### 5. Dependency Validation (CRITICAL)
 

package/src/bmm-skills/module-help.csv

@@ -1,33 +1,33 @@
 module,skill,display-name,menu-code,description,action,args,phase,after,before,required,output-location,outputs
 BMad Method,_meta,,,,,,,,,false,https://docs.bmad-method.org/llms.txt,
-BMad Method,bmad-document-project,Document Project,DP,Analyze an existing project to produce useful documentation.,,anytime,,,false,project-knowledge,*
-BMad Method,bmad-generate-project-context,Generate Project Context,GPC,Scan existing codebase to generate a lean LLM-optimized project-context.md. Essential for brownfield projects.,,anytime,,,false,output_folder,project context
-BMad Method,bmad-quick-dev,Quick Dev,QQ,Unified intent-in code-out workflow: clarify plan implement review and present.,,anytime,,,false,implementation_artifacts,spec and project implementation
-BMad Method,bmad-correct-course,Correct Course,CC,Navigate significant changes. May recommend start over update PRD redo architecture sprint planning or correct epics and stories.,,anytime,,,false,planning_artifacts,change proposal
+BMad Method,bmad-document-project,Document Project,DP,Analyze an existing project to produce useful documentation.,,,anytime,,,false,project-knowledge,*
+BMad Method,bmad-generate-project-context,Generate Project Context,GPC,Scan existing codebase to generate a lean LLM-optimized project-context.md. Essential for brownfield projects.,,,anytime,,,false,output_folder,project context
+BMad Method,bmad-quick-dev,Quick Dev,QQ,Unified intent-in code-out workflow: clarify plan implement review and present.,,,anytime,,,false,implementation_artifacts,spec and project implementation
+BMad Method,bmad-correct-course,Correct Course,CC,Navigate significant changes. May recommend start over update PRD redo architecture sprint planning or correct epics and stories.,,,anytime,,,false,planning_artifacts,change proposal
 BMad Method,bmad-agent-tech-writer,Write Document,WD,"Describe in detail what you want, and the agent will follow documentation best practices. Multi-turn conversation with subprocess for research/review.",write,,anytime,,,false,project-knowledge,document
 BMad Method,bmad-agent-tech-writer,Update Standards,US,Update agent memory documentation-standards.md with your specific preferences if you discover missing document conventions.,update-standards,,anytime,,,false,_bmad/_memory/tech-writer-sidecar,standards
 BMad Method,bmad-agent-tech-writer,Mermaid Generate,MG,Create a Mermaid diagram based on user description. Will suggest diagram types if not specified.,mermaid,,anytime,,,false,planning_artifacts,mermaid diagram
 BMad Method,bmad-agent-tech-writer,Validate Document,VD,Review the specified document against documentation standards and best practices. Returns specific actionable improvement suggestions organized by priority.,validate,[path],anytime,,,false,planning_artifacts,validation report
 BMad Method,bmad-agent-tech-writer,Explain Concept,EC,Create clear technical explanations with examples and diagrams for complex concepts.,explain,[topic],anytime,,,false,project_knowledge,explanation
-BMad Method,bmad-brainstorming,Brainstorm Project,BP,Expert guided facilitation through a single or multiple techniques.,,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts,brainstorming session
-BMad Method,bmad-market-research,Market Research,MR,"Market analysis competitive landscape customer needs and trends.",,1-analysis,,,false,"planning_artifacts|project-knowledge",research documents
-BMad Method,bmad-domain-research,Domain Research,DR,Industry domain deep dive subject matter expertise and terminology.,,1-analysis,,,false,"planning_artifacts|project_knowledge",research documents
-BMad Method,bmad-technical-research,Technical Research,TR,Technical feasibility architecture options and implementation approaches.,,1-analysis,,,false,"planning_artifacts|project_knowledge",research documents
+BMad Method,bmad-brainstorming,Brainstorm Project,BP,Expert guided facilitation through a single or multiple techniques.,,,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts,brainstorming session
+BMad Method,bmad-market-research,Market Research,MR,Market analysis competitive landscape customer needs and trends.,,,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts|project-knowledge,research documents
+BMad Method,bmad-domain-research,Domain Research,DR,Industry domain deep dive subject matter expertise and terminology.,,,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts|project_knowledge,research documents
+BMad Method,bmad-technical-research,Technical Research,TR,Technical feasibility architecture options and implementation approaches.,,,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts|project_knowledge,research documents
 BMad Method,bmad-product-brief,Create Brief,CB,An expert guided experience to nail down your product idea in a brief. a gentler approach than PRFAQ when you are already sure of your concept and nothing will sway you.,,-A,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts,product brief
 BMad Method,bmad-prfaq,PRFAQ Challenge,WB,Working Backwards guided experience to forge and stress-test your product concept to ensure you have a great product that users will love and need through the PRFAQ gauntlet to determine feasibility and alignment with user needs. alternative to product brief.,,-H,1-analysis,,,false,planning_artifacts,prfaq document
-BMad Method,bmad-create-prd,Create PRD,CP,Expert led facilitation to produce your Product Requirements Document.,,2-planning,,,true,planning_artifacts,prd
+BMad Method,bmad-create-prd,Create PRD,CP,Expert led facilitation to produce your Product Requirements Document.,,,2-planning,,,true,planning_artifacts,prd
 BMad Method,bmad-validate-prd,Validate PRD,VP,,,[path],2-planning,bmad-create-prd,,false,planning_artifacts,prd validation report
 BMad Method,bmad-edit-prd,Edit PRD,EP,,,[path],2-planning,bmad-validate-prd,,false,planning_artifacts,updated prd
-BMad Method,bmad-create-ux-design,Create UX,CU,"Guidance through realizing the plan for your UX, strongly recommended if a UI is a primary piece of the proposed project.",,2-planning,bmad-create-prd,,false,planning_artifacts,ux design
-BMad Method,bmad-create-architecture,Create Architecture,CA,Guided workflow to document technical decisions.,,3-solutioning,,,true,planning_artifacts,architecture
-BMad Method,bmad-create-epics-and-stories,Create Epics and Stories,CE,,,3-solutioning,bmad-create-architecture,,true,planning_artifacts,epics and stories
-BMad Method,bmad-check-implementation-readiness,Check Implementation Readiness,IR,Ensure PRD UX Architecture and Epics Stories are aligned.,,3-solutioning,bmad-create-epics-and-stories,,true,planning_artifacts,readiness report
-BMad Method,bmad-sprint-planning,Sprint Planning,SP,Kicks off implementation by producing a plan the implementation agents will follow in sequence for every story.,,4-implementation,,,true,implementation_artifacts,sprint status
-BMad Method,bmad-sprint-status,Sprint Status,SS,Anytime: Summarize sprint status and route to next workflow.,,4-implementation,bmad-sprint-planning,,false,,
-BMad Method,bmad-create-story,Create Story,CS,"Story cycle start: Prepare first found story in the sprint plan that is next or a specific epic/story designation.",create,,4-implementation,bmad-sprint-planning,bmad-create-story:validate,true,implementation_artifacts,story
+BMad Method,bmad-create-ux-design,Create UX,CU,"Guidance through realizing the plan for your UX, strongly recommended if a UI is a primary piece of the proposed project.",,,2-planning,bmad-create-prd,,false,planning_artifacts,ux design
+BMad Method,bmad-create-architecture,Create Architecture,CA,Guided workflow to document technical decisions.,,,3-solutioning,,,true,planning_artifacts,architecture
+BMad Method,bmad-create-epics-and-stories,Create Epics and Stories,CE,,,,3-solutioning,bmad-create-architecture,,true,planning_artifacts,epics and stories
+BMad Method,bmad-check-implementation-readiness,Check Implementation Readiness,IR,Ensure PRD UX Architecture and Epics Stories are aligned.,,,3-solutioning,bmad-create-epics-and-stories,,true,planning_artifacts,readiness report
+BMad Method,bmad-sprint-planning,Sprint Planning,SP,Kicks off implementation by producing a plan the implementation agents will follow in sequence for every story.,,,4-implementation,,,true,implementation_artifacts,sprint status
+BMad Method,bmad-sprint-status,Sprint Status,SS,Anytime: Summarize sprint status and route to next workflow.,,,4-implementation,bmad-sprint-planning,,false,,
+BMad Method,bmad-create-story,Create Story,CS,Story cycle start: Prepare first found story in the sprint plan that is next or a specific epic/story designation.,create,,4-implementation,bmad-sprint-planning,bmad-create-story:validate,true,implementation_artifacts,story
 BMad Method,bmad-create-story,Validate Story,VS,Validates story readiness and completeness before development work begins.,validate,,4-implementation,bmad-create-story:create,bmad-dev-story,false,implementation_artifacts,story validation report
-BMad Method,bmad-dev-story,Dev Story,DS,Story cycle: Execute story implementation tasks and tests then CR then back to DS if fixes needed.,,4-implementation,bmad-create-story:validate,,true,,
-BMad Method,bmad-code-review,Code Review,CR,Story cycle: If issues back to DS if approved then next CS or ER if epic complete.,,4-implementation,bmad-dev-story,,false,,
-BMad Method,bmad-checkpoint-preview,Checkpoint,CK,Guided walkthrough of a change from purpose and context into details. Use for human review of commits branches or PRs.,,4-implementation,,,false,,
-BMad Method,bmad-qa-generate-e2e-tests,QA Automation Test,QA,Generate automated API and E2E tests for implemented code. NOT for code review or story validation — use CR for that.,,4-implementation,bmad-dev-story,,false,implementation_artifacts,test suite
-BMad Method,bmad-retrospective,Retrospective,ER,Optional at epic end: Review completed work lessons learned and next epic or if major issues consider CC.,,4-implementation,bmad-code-review,,false,implementation_artifacts,retrospective
+BMad Method,bmad-dev-story,Dev Story,DS,Story cycle: Execute story implementation tasks and tests then CR then back to DS if fixes needed.,,,4-implementation,bmad-create-story:validate,,true,,
+BMad Method,bmad-code-review,Code Review,CR,Story cycle: If issues back to DS if approved then next CS or ER if epic complete.,,,4-implementation,bmad-dev-story,,false,,
+BMad Method,bmad-checkpoint-preview,Checkpoint,CK,Guided walkthrough of a change from purpose and context into details. Use for human review of commits branches or PRs.,,,4-implementation,,,false,,
+BMad Method,bmad-qa-generate-e2e-tests,QA Automation Test,QA,Generate automated API and E2E tests for implemented code. NOT for code review or story validation — use CR for that.,,,4-implementation,bmad-dev-story,,false,implementation_artifacts,test suite
+BMad Method,bmad-retrospective,Retrospective,ER,Optional at epic end: Review completed work lessons learned and next epic or if major issues consider CC.,,,4-implementation,bmad-code-review,,false,implementation_artifacts,retrospective

package/src/bmm-skills/module.yaml

@@ -5,15 +5,11 @@ default_selected: true # This module will be selected by default for new install
 
 # Variables from Core Config inserted:
 ## user_name
+## project_name
 ## communication_language
 ## document_output_language
 ## output_folder
 
-project_name:
-  prompt: "What is your project called?"
-  default: "{directory_name}"
-  result: "{value}"
-
 user_skill_level:
   prompt:
     - "What is your development experience level?"

package/src/core-skills/module-help.csv

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 module,skill,display-name,menu-code,description,action,args,phase,after,before,required,output-location,outputs
 Core,_meta,,,,,,,,,false,https://docs.bmad-method.org/llms.txt,
-Core,bmad-brainstorming,Brainstorming,BSP,Use early in ideation or when stuck generating ideas.,,anytime,,,false,{output_folder}/brainstorming,brainstorming session
-Core,bmad-party-mode,Party Mode,PM,Orchestrate multi-agent discussions when you need multiple perspectives or want agents to collaborate.,,anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-help,BMad Help,BH,,,anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-index-docs,Index Docs,ID,Use when LLM needs to understand available docs without loading everything.,,anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-shard-doc,Shard Document,SD,Use when doc becomes too large (>500 lines) to manage effectively.,[path],anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-editorial-review-prose,Editorial Review - Prose,EP,Use after drafting to polish written content.,[path],anytime,,,false,report located with target document,three-column markdown table with suggested fixes
-Core,bmad-editorial-review-structure,Editorial Review - Structure,ES,Use when doc produced from multiple subprocesses or needs structural improvement.,[path],anytime,,,false,report located with target document,
-Core,bmad-review-adversarial-general,Adversarial Review,AR,"Use for quality assurance or before finalizing deliverables. Code Review in other modules runs this automatically, but also useful for document reviews.",[path],anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-review-edge-case-hunter,Edge Case Hunter Review,ECH,Use alongside adversarial review for orthogonal coverage — method-driven not attitude-driven.,[path],anytime,,,false,,
-Core,bmad-distillator,Distillator,DG,Use when you need token-efficient distillates that preserve all information for downstream LLM consumption.,[path],anytime,,,false,adjacent to source document or specified output_path,distillate markdown file(s)
-Core,bmad-customize,BMad Customize,BC,"Use when you want to change how an agent or workflow behaves — add persistent facts, swap templates, insert activation hooks, or customize menus. Scans what's customizable, picks the right scope (agent vs workflow), writes the override to _bmad/custom/, and verifies the merge. No TOML hand-authoring required.",,anytime,,,false,{project-root}/_bmad/custom,TOML override files
+Core,bmad-brainstorming,Brainstorming,BSP,Use early in ideation or when stuck generating ideas.,,,anytime,,,false,{output_folder}/brainstorming,brainstorming session
+Core,bmad-party-mode,Party Mode,PM,Orchestrate multi-agent discussions when you need multiple perspectives or want agents to collaborate.,,,anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-help,BMad Help,BH,,,,anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-index-docs,Index Docs,ID,Use when LLM needs to understand available docs without loading everything.,,,anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-shard-doc,Shard Document,SD,Use when doc becomes too large (>500 lines) to manage effectively.,,[path],anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-editorial-review-prose,Editorial Review - Prose,EP,Use after drafting to polish written content.,,[path],anytime,,,false,report located with target document,three-column markdown table with suggested fixes
+Core,bmad-editorial-review-structure,Editorial Review - Structure,ES,Use when doc produced from multiple subprocesses or needs structural improvement.,,[path],anytime,,,false,report located with target document,
+Core,bmad-review-adversarial-general,Adversarial Review,AR,"Use for quality assurance or before finalizing deliverables. Code Review in other modules runs this automatically, but also useful for document reviews.",,[path],anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-review-edge-case-hunter,Edge Case Hunter Review,ECH,Use alongside adversarial review for orthogonal coverage — method-driven not attitude-driven.,,[path],anytime,,,false,,
+Core,bmad-distillator,Distillator,DG,Use when you need token-efficient distillates that preserve all information for downstream LLM consumption.,,[path],anytime,,,false,adjacent to source document or specified output_path,distillate markdown file(s)
+Core,bmad-customize,BMad Customize,BC,"Use when you want to change how an agent or workflow behaves — add persistent facts, swap templates, insert activation hooks, or customize menus. Scans what's customizable, picks the right scope (agent vs workflow), writes the override to _bmad/custom/, and verifies the merge. No TOML hand-authoring required.",,,anytime,,,false,{project-root}/_bmad/custom,TOML override files

package/src/core-skills/module.yaml

@@ -11,6 +11,11 @@ user_name:
   default: "BMad"
   result: "{value}"
 
+project_name:
+  prompt: "What is your project called?"
+  default: "{directory_name}"
+  result: "{value}"
+
 communication_language:
   prompt: "What language should agents use when chatting with you?"
   scope: user

package/tools/installer/commands/install.js

@@ -15,7 +15,18 @@ module.exports = {
     ['--modules <modules>', 'Comma-separated list of module IDs to install (e.g., "bmm,bmb")'],
     [
       '--tools <tools>',
-      'Comma-separated list of tool/IDE IDs to configure (e.g., "claude-code,cursor"). Use "none" to skip tool configuration.',
+      'Comma-separated list of tool/IDE IDs to configure (e.g., "claude-code,cursor"). Required for fresh non-interactive (--yes) installs. Run with --list-tools to see all valid IDs.',
+    ],
+    ['--list-tools', 'Print all supported tool/IDE IDs (with target directories) and exit.'],
+    [
+      '--set <spec>',
+      'Set a module config option non-interactively. Spec format: <module>.<key>=<value> (e.g. bmm.project_knowledge=research). Repeatable. Run --list-options to see available keys.',
+      (value, prev) => [...(prev || []), value],
+      [],
+    ],
+    [
+      '--list-options [module]',
+      'List available --set keys for all locally-known official modules, or for a single module by code, then exit.',
     ],
     ['--action <type>', 'Action type for existing installations: install, update, or quick-update'],
     ['--user-name <name>', 'Name for agents to use (default: system username)'],
@@ -40,12 +51,49 @@ module.exports = {
   ],
   action: async (options) => {
     try {
+      if (options.listTools) {
+        const { formatPlatformList } = require('../ide/platform-codes');
+        process.stdout.write((await formatPlatformList()) + '\n');
+        process.exit(0);
+      }
+
+      if (options.listOptions !== undefined) {
+        const { formatOptionsList } = require('../list-options');
+        const moduleArg = options.listOptions === true ? null : options.listOptions;
+        const { text, ok } = await formatOptionsList(moduleArg);
+        const stream = ok ? process.stdout : process.stderr;
+        // process.exit() forces immediate termination and can truncate the
+        // buffered write when stdout/stderr is piped or captured by CI. Wait
+        // for the write to flush, then set process.exitCode and return so the
+        // event loop drains naturally. Non-zero exit when a single-module
+        // lookup misses so a CI typo like `--list-options bmn` doesn't look
+        // successful in scripts.
+        await new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+          stream.write(text + '\n', (error) => (error ? reject(error) : resolve()));
+        });
+        process.exitCode = ok ? 0 : 1;
+        return;
+      }
+
       // Set debug flag as environment variable for all components
       if (options.debug) {
         process.env.BMAD_DEBUG_MANIFEST = 'true';
         await prompts.log.info('Debug mode enabled');
       }
 
+      // Validate --set syntax up-front so malformed entries fail fast,
+      // before we touch the network or filesystem. Parsed entries are
+      // re-derived inside ui.js where overrides are seeded.
+      if (options.set && options.set.length > 0) {
+        const { parseSetEntries } = require('../set-overrides');
+        try {
+          parseSetEntries(options.set);
+        } catch (error) {
+          await prompts.log.error(error.message);
+          process.exit(1);
+        }
+      }
+
       const config = await ui.promptInstall(options);
 
       // Handle cancel
@@ -54,8 +102,13 @@ module.exports = {
         process.exit(0);
       }
 
-      // Handle quick update separately
+      // Handle quick update separately. --set is a post-install TOML patch so
+      // it works the same way for quick-update as for a regular install — the
+      // installer runs, then `applySetOverrides` patches the central config
+      // files. Pass the parsed overrides through.
       if (config.actionType === 'quick-update') {
+        const { parseSetEntries } = require('../set-overrides');
+        config.setOverrides = parseSetEntries(options.set || []);
         const result = await installer.quickUpdate(config);
         await prompts.log.success('Quick update complete!');
         await prompts.log.info(`Updated ${result.moduleCount} modules with preserved settings (${result.modules.join(', ')})`);
@@ -81,7 +134,7 @@ module.exports = {
         } else {
           await prompts.log.error(`Installation failed: ${error.message}`);
         }
-        if (error.stack) {
+        if (error.stack && !error.expected) {
           await prompts.log.message(error.stack);
         }
       } catch {

package/tools/installer/core/config.js

@@ -3,7 +3,19 @@
  * User input comes from either UI answers or headless CLI flags.
  */
 class Config {
-  constructor({ directory, modules, ides, skipPrompts, verbose, actionType, coreConfig, moduleConfigs, quickUpdate, channelOptions }) {
+  constructor({
+    directory,
+    modules,
+    ides,
+    skipPrompts,
+    verbose,
+    actionType,
+    coreConfig,
+    moduleConfigs,
+    quickUpdate,
+    channelOptions,
+    setOverrides,
+  }) {
     this.directory = directory;
     this.modules = Object.freeze([...modules]);
     this.ides = Object.freeze([...ides]);
@@ -15,6 +27,11 @@ class Config {
     this._quickUpdate = quickUpdate;
     // channelOptions carry a Map + Set; don't deep-freeze.
     this.channelOptions = channelOptions || null;
+    // Parsed `--set <module>.<key>=<value>` overrides, applied as a TOML
+    // patch AFTER the install finishes. Shape: { moduleCode: { key: value } }.
+    // Intentionally NOT integrated with the prompt/template/schema flow; see
+    // `tools/installer/set-overrides.js` for the rationale and tradeoffs.
+    this.setOverrides = setOverrides || {};
     Object.freeze(this);
   }
 
@@ -40,6 +57,7 @@ class Config {
       moduleConfigs: userInput.moduleConfigs || null,
       quickUpdate: userInput._quickUpdate || false,
       channelOptions: userInput.channelOptions || null,
+      setOverrides: userInput.setOverrides || {},
     });
   }
 

package/tools/installer/core/installer.js

@@ -310,6 +310,19 @@ class Installer {
           moduleConfigs,
         });
 
+        // Apply post-install --set TOML patches. Runs after writeCentralConfig
+        // (inside generateManifests above) so the patch operates on the
+        // freshly written `_bmad/config.toml` / `_bmad/config.user.toml`.
+        // See `tools/installer/set-overrides.js` for routing rules.
+        if (config.setOverrides && Object.keys(config.setOverrides).length > 0) {
+          const { applySetOverrides } = require('../set-overrides');
+          const applied = await applySetOverrides(config.setOverrides, paths.bmadDir);
+          if (applied.length > 0) {
+            const summary = applied.map((a) => `${a.module}.${a.key} → ${a.file}`).join(', ');
+            await prompts.log.info(`Applied --set overrides: ${summary}`);
+          }
+        }
+
         message('Generating help catalog...');
         await this.mergeModuleHelpCatalogs(paths.bmadDir, manifestGen.agents);
         addResult('Help catalog', 'ok');
@@ -923,29 +936,15 @@ class Installer {
   /**
    * Merge all module-help.csv files into a single bmad-help.csv.
    * Scans all installed modules for module-help.csv and merges them.
-   * Enriches agent info from the in-memory agent list produced by ManifestGenerator.
-   * Output is written to _bmad/_config/bmad-help.csv.
+   * Output preserves the source schema verbatim — see schema below.
    * @param {string} bmadDir - BMAD installation directory
-   * @param {Array<Object>} agentEntries - Agents collected from module.yaml (code, name, title, icon, module, ...)
+   * @param {Array<Object>} _agentEntries - Unused; retained for call-site compatibility
    */
-  async mergeModuleHelpCatalogs(bmadDir, agentEntries = []) {
+  async mergeModuleHelpCatalogs(bmadDir, _agentEntries = []) {
     const allRows = [];
-    const headerRow =
-      'module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent-name,agent-command,agent-display-name,agent-title,options,description,output-location,outputs';
-
-    // Build agent lookup from the in-memory list (agent code → command + display fields).
-    const agentInfo = new Map();
-    for (const agent of agentEntries) {
-      if (!agent || !agent.code) continue;
-      const agentCommand = agent.module ? `bmad:${agent.module}:agent:${agent.code}` : `bmad:agent:${agent.code}`;
-      const displayName = agent.name || agent.code;
-      const titleCombined = agent.icon && agent.title ? `${agent.icon} ${agent.title}` : agent.title || agent.code;
-      agentInfo.set(agent.code, {
-        command: agentCommand,
-        displayName,
-        title: titleCombined,
-      });
-    }
+    const headerRow = 'module,skill,display-name,menu-code,description,action,args,phase,after,before,required,output-location,outputs';
+    const COLUMN_COUNT = 13;
+    const PHASE_INDEX = 7;
 
     // Get all installed module directories
     const entries = await fs.readdir(bmadDir, { withFileTypes: true });
@@ -984,64 +983,19 @@ class Installer {
 
             // Parse the line - handle quoted fields with commas
             const columns = this.parseCSVLine(line);
-            if (columns.length >= 12) {
-              // Map old schema to new schema
-              // Old: module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs
-              // New: module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent-name,agent-command,agent-display-name,agent-title,options,description,output-location,outputs
-
-              const [
-                module,
-                phase,
-                name,
-                code,
-                sequence,
-                workflowFile,
-                command,
-                required,
-                agentName,
-                options,
-                description,
-                outputLocation,
-                outputs,
-              ] = columns;
-
-              // Pass through _meta rows as-is (module metadata, not a skill)
-              if (phase === '_meta') {
-                const finalModule = (!module || module.trim() === '') && moduleName !== 'core' ? moduleName : module || '';
-                const metaRow = [finalModule, '_meta', '', '', '', '', '', 'false', '', '', '', '', '', '', outputLocation || '', ''];
-                allRows.push(metaRow.map((c) => this.escapeCSVField(c)).join(','));
-                continue;
-              }
+            if (columns.length < COLUMN_COUNT - 1) continue;
 
-              // If module column is empty, set it to this module's name (except for core which stays empty for universal tools)
-              const finalModule = (!module || module.trim() === '') && moduleName !== 'core' ? moduleName : module || '';
-
-              // Lookup agent info
-              const cleanAgentName = agentName ? agentName.trim() : '';
-              const agentData = agentInfo.get(cleanAgentName) || { command: '', displayName: '', title: '' };
-
-              // Build new row with agent info
-              const newRow = [
-                finalModule,
-                phase || '',
-                name || '',
-                code || '',
-                sequence || '',
-                workflowFile || '',
-                command || '',
-                required || 'false',
-                cleanAgentName,
-                agentData.command,
-                agentData.displayName,
-                agentData.title,
-                options || '',
-                description || '',
-                outputLocation || '',
-                outputs || '',
-              ];
-
-              allRows.push(newRow.map((c) => this.escapeCSVField(c)).join(','));
+            // Pad short rows; truncate over-long rows
+            const padded = columns.slice(0, COLUMN_COUNT);
+            while (padded.length < COLUMN_COUNT) padded.push('');
+
+            // If module column is empty, fill with this module's name
+            // (core stays empty so its rows render as universal tools)
+            if ((!padded[0] || padded[0].trim() === '') && moduleName !== 'core') {
+              padded[0] = moduleName;
             }
+
+            allRows.push(padded.map((c) => this.escapeCSVField(c)).join(','));
           }
 
           if (process.env.BMAD_VERBOSE_INSTALL === 'true') {
@@ -1053,44 +1007,34 @@ class Installer {
       }
     }
 
-    // Sort by module, then phase, then sequence
-    allRows.sort((a, b) => {
-      const colsA = this.parseCSVLine(a);
-      const colsB = this.parseCSVLine(b);
+    // Sort by module, then phase. Stable sort preserves authored order within a phase.
+    const decorated = allRows.map((row, index) => ({ row, index, cols: this.parseCSVLine(row) }));
+    decorated.sort((a, b) => {
+      const moduleA = (a.cols[0] || '').toLowerCase();
+      const moduleB = (b.cols[0] || '').toLowerCase();
+      if (moduleA !== moduleB) return moduleA.localeCompare(moduleB);
 
-      // Module comparison (empty module/universal tools come first)
-      const moduleA = (colsA[0] || '').toLowerCase();
-      const moduleB = (colsB[0] || '').toLowerCase();
-      if (moduleA !== moduleB) {
-        return moduleA.localeCompare(moduleB);
-      }
-
-      // Phase comparison
-      const phaseA = colsA[1] || '';
-      const phaseB = colsB[1] || '';
-      if (phaseA !== phaseB) {
-        return phaseA.localeCompare(phaseB);
-      }
+      const phaseA = a.cols[PHASE_INDEX] || '';
+      const phaseB = b.cols[PHASE_INDEX] || '';
+      if (phaseA !== phaseB) return phaseA.localeCompare(phaseB);
 
-      // Sequence comparison
-      const seqA = parseInt(colsA[4] || '0', 10);
-      const seqB = parseInt(colsB[4] || '0', 10);
-      return seqA - seqB;
+      return a.index - b.index;
     });
+    const sortedRows = decorated.map((d) => d.row);
 
     // Write merged catalog
     const outputDir = path.join(bmadDir, '_config');
     await fs.ensureDir(outputDir);
     const outputPath = path.join(outputDir, 'bmad-help.csv');
 
-    const mergedContent = [headerRow, ...allRows].join('\n');
+    const mergedContent = [headerRow, ...sortedRows].join('\n');
     await fs.writeFile(outputPath, mergedContent, 'utf8');
 
     // Track the installed file
     this.installedFiles.add(outputPath);
 
     if (process.env.BMAD_VERBOSE_INSTALL === 'true') {
-      await prompts.log.message(`  Generated bmad-help.csv: ${allRows.length} workflows`);
+      await prompts.log.message(`  Generated bmad-help.csv: ${sortedRows.length} workflows`);
     }
   }
 
@@ -1352,6 +1296,10 @@ class Installer {
       ides: configuredIdes,
       coreConfig: quickModules.collectedConfig.core,
       moduleConfigs: quickModules.collectedConfig,
+      // Forward `--set` overrides so the post-install patch step
+      // (`applySetOverrides`) runs at the end of quick-update too. The
+      // installer.install path applies them after writeCentralConfig.
+      setOverrides: config.setOverrides || {},
       actionType: 'install',
       _quickUpdate: true,
       _preserveModules: skippedModules,