MDPE.16:3.8 - Remove only for a supported reason

Before removing or collapsing a branch, state the present use from which it is removed; the evidence, constraint, or decision supporting removal; whether the reason is reversible; the source, lineage, minority, recovery, contrast, or stepping-stone value that would be lost; which affected Agents and Systems bear the loss; whether archive-only retention is useful; and the condition that could reopen membership.

Do not call an alternative eliminated merely because it is not today’s winner. Do not keep it live merely because deletion feels irreversible.