diff --git a/src/core/meters.ts b/src/core/meters.ts
index a1abe88..4f18233 100644
--- a/src/core/meters.ts
+++ b/src/core/meters.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,19 @@ export function freshNightState(venueId: string, nightIndex: number, licensed: n
 
 const clamp = (v: number, lo: number, hi: number) => Math.max(lo, Math.min(hi, v));
 
+/**
+ * Vibe per clock-minute the room loses on its own (emit from the night's
+ * minute tick). Nobody stays impressed: above the baseline the room cools, so
+ * a lit room is a job you keep doing, not a ratchet you finish. Never positive
+ * — a dead floor does not heal itself (tuning pass 2026-07-19; before this,
+ * any net-positive night pinned vibe at 100 by 10 PM and the meter went dead).
+ */
+export function vibeCoolingPerMin(vibe: number): number {
+  if (vibe > 70) return -0.8;
+  if (vibe > 50) return -0.4;
+  return 0;
+}
+
 // Single writer for the night's numbers. Scenes emit meters:delta / heat:strike;
 // nothing else may mutate NightState meters directly.
 export class Meters {
diff --git a/src/data/outfits.ts b/src/data/outfits.ts
index 7b78ef1..941f905 100644
--- a/src/data/outfits.ts
+++ b/src/data/outfits.ts
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ export const OUTFIT_VOCAB: Record<OutfitSlot, readonly OutfitTypeDef[]> = {
   ],
   outer: [
     { type: 'none', weight: 6, colours: ['black'] },
-    { type: 'blazer', weight: 2, colours: ['black', 'navy', 'grey'] },
+    { type: 'blazer', weight: 1, colours: ['black', 'navy', 'grey'] },
     { type: 'bomber', weight: 2, colours: ['black', 'green', 'navy'], canLogo: true, canVintage: true },
     { type: 'hoodie', weight: 2, colours: ['black', 'grey', 'red'], canLogo: true },
     { type: 'leather', weight: 1, colours: ['black', 'brown'], canVintage: true },
@@ -75,9 +75,9 @@ export const OUTFIT_VOCAB: Record<OutfitSlot, readonly OutfitTypeDef[]> = {
   ],
   accessory: [
     { type: 'none', weight: 6, colours: ['black'] },
-    { type: 'bucketHat', weight: 2, colours: ['cream', 'black', 'green'], canLogo: true, canVintage: true },
+    { type: 'bucketHat', weight: 1, colours: ['cream', 'black', 'green'], canLogo: true, canVintage: true },
     { type: 'cap', weight: 2, colours: ['black', 'red', 'navy'], canLogo: true },
-    { type: 'sunnies', weight: 2, colours: ['black'] }, // sunglasses. at night. a tell in itself
+    { type: 'sunnies', weight: 1, colours: ['black'] }, // sunglasses. at night. a tell in itself
     { type: 'bumbag', weight: 1, colours: ['black', 'purple', 'yellow'], canLogo: true, canVintage: true },
     { type: 'chain', weight: 1, colours: ['yellow', 'grey'] },
   ],
diff --git a/src/data/strings/door.ts b/src/data/strings/door.ts
index cfcf8b3..fdfaab7 100644
--- a/src/data/strings/door.ts
+++ b/src/data/strings/door.ts
@@ -140,6 +140,16 @@ export const ripenLine = (stage: string, roll: number): string => {
   return pool[i] ?? pool[0]!;
 };
 
+/**
+ * Dazza rescinding a rule when a newer one pushes it off the card
+ * (rules cap at ACTIVE_RULE_CAP — his attention span, not a settings screen).
+ */
+export const RULE_RETRACTIONS: readonly string[] = [
+  'dazza: forget the "{rule}" thing. new priorities',
+  'dazza: "{rule}" is over. keep up',
+  'dazza: im rescinding "{rule}". it wasnt working. dont ask',
+];
+
 export const SOBRIETY_UI = {
   title: 'SOBRIETY TEST',
   pickPrompt: 'pick your test',
diff --git a/src/data/types.ts b/src/data/types.ts
index 4a5e8b6..5fb51b6 100644
--- a/src/data/types.ts
+++ b/src/data/types.ts
@@ -136,6 +136,8 @@ export interface EventMap {
 
   'floor:infractionSpotted': { patronId: string; kind: 'drunk' | 'stall' | 'contraband' | 'noStamp' | 'fight' };
   'floor:ejection': { patronId: string; style: 'clean' | 'messy' };
+  /** A patron went home on their own — capacity frees up (natural churn). */
+  'floor:leave': { patronId: string };
 
   'beat:tick': { beatIndex: number; audioTimeMs: number };
   'audio:location': { location: 'door' | 'floor' };
diff --git a/src/patrons/generator.ts b/src/patrons/generator.ts
index befb2a7..0774798 100644
--- a/src/patrons/generator.ts
+++ b/src/patrons/generator.ts
@@ -36,7 +36,9 @@ function rollOutfit(rng: RngStream): OutfitLayer[] {
   for (const slot of Object.keys(OUTFIT_VOCAB) as OutfitSlot[]) {
     const def = rng.weighted(OUTFIT_VOCAB[slot].map((d) => [d, d.weight] as const));
     const layer: OutfitLayer = { slot, type: def.type, colour: rng.pick(def.colours) };
-    if (def.canLogo && rng.chance(0.35)) layer.logo = true;
+    // 0.18 (was 0.35, tuning 2026-07-19): with 8 rules live by 1 AM, a third of
+    // the crowd wearing logos made most patrons deniable and emptied the room.
+    if (def.canLogo && rng.chance(0.18)) layer.logo = true;
     if (def.canVintage && rng.chance(0.2)) layer.vintage = true;
     layers.push(layer);
   }
diff --git a/src/rules/dressCode.ts b/src/rules/dressCode.ts
index f2faab3..d0ae153 100644
--- a/src/rules/dressCode.ts
+++ b/src/rules/dressCode.ts
@@ -158,10 +158,25 @@ export const DRESS_CODE_RULES: readonly DoorDressCodeRule[] = SPECS.map(build).s
 );
 
 /** Rules in force at `clockMin`. Live the moment the text lands, hence inclusive. */
-export function activeRules(clockMin: number): DoorDressCodeRule[] {
+/**
+ * Dazza's attention span. Only his most recent rules are LIVE — when a fifth
+ * lands, the oldest is quietly rescinded (the card greys it out and he sends a
+ * retraction text). Tuning pass 2026-07-19: with all eight rules cumulative,
+ * ~55% of the late crowd was deniable and a rule-following door emptied the
+ * room. Four keeps the card readable and the check fast, and Dazza forgetting
+ * his own rules is exactly in character.
+ */
+export const ACTIVE_RULE_CAP = 4;
+
+/** Every rule Dazza has EVER texted tonight, live or rescinded. */
+export function announcedRules(clockMin: number): DoorDressCodeRule[] {
   return DRESS_CODE_RULES.filter((r) => r.activeFrom <= clockMin);
 }
 
+export function activeRules(clockMin: number): DoorDressCodeRule[] {
+  return announcedRules(clockMin).slice(-ACTIVE_RULE_CAP);
+}
+
 export function violations(patron: Patron, clockMin: number): DoorDressCodeRule[] {
   return activeRules(clockMin).filter((r) => r.violates(patron));
 }
diff --git a/src/rules/heat.ts b/src/rules/heat.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cbca8da
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/rules/heat.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import type { HeatStrike, NightState } from '../data/types';
+
+/** CONTRACTS.md §3: heatStrikes is "run-scoped, max 3". Design §2: 3 = licence gone. */
+export const MAX_HEAT_STRIKES = 3;
+
+/**
+ * Whether a strike is worth recording. Two guards, both contract-driven:
+ * past three the run is already over, and a breach that persists (over capacity
+ * for an hour) is ONE offence the inspector writes up, not one per patron.
+ */
+export function shouldRecordStrike(state: NightState, strike: HeatStrike): boolean {
+  if (state.heatStrikes.length >= MAX_HEAT_STRIKES) return false;
+  return !state.heatStrikes.some((s) => s.reason === strike.reason);
+}
diff --git a/src/rules/judge.ts b/src/rules/judge.ts
index 485316b..ae60dc7 100644
--- a/src/rules/judge.ts
+++ b/src/rules/judge.ts
@@ -16,13 +16,15 @@ import type { Patron, Verdict } from '../data/types';
 // Arbitrary power is rewarded and expensive at the same time. That is the game.
 
 export const JUDGE_TUNING = {
-  /** Deny someone who genuinely broke something. The job, done right. */
-  denyViolatorVibe: 6,
+  /** Deny someone who genuinely broke something. The job, done right — and
+   * routine. The room expects it; the payoff is small (tuning pass 2026-07-19:
+   * was 6, which made denial the vibe engine and emptied the room). */
+  denyViolatorVibe: 2,
   /** The queue still watched a stranger get humiliated. */
   denyViolatorAggro: 1,
 
   /** Deny someone with nothing wrong with them. Small reward... */
-  denyCleanVibe: 2,
+  denyCleanVibe: 1,
   /** ...large heat. The whole line saw that there was no reason. */
   denyCleanAggro: 7,
 
@@ -37,12 +39,12 @@ export const JUDGE_TUNING = {
   /** A regular you have knocked back before. He kept count. */
   denyGrudgedRegularVibe: -5,
 
-  admitCleanVibe: 3,
+  admitCleanVibe: 2,
   admitCleanAggro: -3,
   /** Waving a violator through moves the queue too, just less — you hesitated. */
   admitViolatorAggro: -2,
   /** The trap: a dud ID admitted still reads to the queue as a fast door. */
-  admitBadIdVibe: 2,
+  admitBadIdVibe: 1,
 
   /** "Dazza does a lap": the breach lands 2..5 minutes after you could argue. */
   lapDelayMin: 2,
@@ -255,11 +257,15 @@ function judgeAdmit(
   }
 
   if (ctx.insideCount >= ctx.licensed) {
-    const reason = `capacity breach — ${patron.id} admitted at ${ctx.insideCount}/${ctx.licensed}`;
+    // The STRIKE reason is deliberately stable: shouldRecordStrike dedupes by
+    // reason, and running the room over capacity is ONE offence the inspector
+    // writes up, not one per punter (a patron-id in this string meant every
+    // admit past 80 filed its own strike and three admits pulled the licence).
+    // The incident log keeps the per-patron detail.
     deferred.push({
       atClockMin: T.auditClockMin,
-      heatStrike: { reason, deferred: true },
-      reason,
+      heatStrike: { reason: 'room over licensed capacity', deferred: true },
+      reason: `capacity breach — ${patron.id} admitted at ${ctx.insideCount}/${ctx.licensed}`,
       patronId: patron.id,
     });
   }
diff --git a/src/scenes/door/DoorScene.ts b/src/scenes/door/DoorScene.ts
index 0a2c641..0cc5e68 100644
--- a/src/scenes/door/DoorScene.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/door/DoorScene.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import Phaser from 'phaser';
 import { renderDoll } from '../../patrons/doll';
 import { dollPlan } from '../../patrons/dollPlan';
-import { violations, type DoorDressCodeRule } from '../../rules/dressCode';
+import { activeRules, announcedRules, violations, type DoorDressCodeRule } from '../../rules/dressCode';
 import { idVerdict, formatDate } from '../../rules/idCheck';
 import { judge } from '../../rules/judge';
 import type { DoorOutcome } from '../../rules/doorTypes';
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import {
   DOOR_TUTORIAL,
   DOOR_UI,
   PATDOWN_LINES,
+  RULE_RETRACTIONS,
 } from '../../data/strings/door';
 import { QueueManager } from './QueueManager';
 import { PatronUpView } from './PatronUpView';
@@ -89,6 +90,7 @@ export class DoorScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   /** Is the player at the rope? When false, Kayden works the door. Badly. */
   private present = true;
   private kaydenAccMs = 0;
+  private readonly retiredRules = new Set<string>();
   private venueDoorGlow: Phaser.GameObjects.Rectangle | null = null;
 
   constructor() {
@@ -124,7 +126,10 @@ export class DoorScene extends Phaser.Scene {
         // `short`. Narrowing back to the lane's own DoorDressCodeRule is a real
         // contract gap (CCR-4) — this predicate is the honest version of it
         // rather than an `as never` punch-through.
-        if (isDoorRule(rule)) this.codeCard.add(this, rule, this.elapsedMs);
+        if (isDoorRule(rule)) {
+          this.codeCard.add(this, rule, this.elapsedMs);
+          this.retireStaleRules();
+        }
       }),
       this.night.bus.on('heat:strike', () => this.refreshCounters()),
       this.night.bus.on('night:phaseChange', ({ location }) => {
@@ -651,6 +656,22 @@ export class DoorScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     });
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Rules cap at ACTIVE_RULE_CAP (Dazza's attention span). When a new one lands,
+   * grey out whatever fell off the card and let Dazza announce the retraction —
+   * judge() and the card must agree about what is live, or the card lies.
+   */
+  private retireStaleRules(): void {
+    const live = new Set(activeRules(this.night.state.clockMin).map((r) => r.id));
+    for (const r of announcedRules(this.night.state.clockMin)) {
+      if (live.has(r.id) || this.retiredRules.has(r.id)) continue;
+      this.retiredRules.add(r.id);
+      this.codeCard.retire(r.id);
+      const line = RULE_RETRACTIONS[this.retiredRules.size % RULE_RETRACTIONS.length]!;
+      this.showToast(line.replace('{rule}', r.short));
+    }
+  }
+
   private refreshCounters(): void {
     const cap = this.night.state.capacity;
     this.clickerText.setText(String(cap.clickerShown));
diff --git a/src/scenes/door/DressCodeCard.ts b/src/scenes/door/DressCodeCard.ts
index fda0cf7..e8e0be4 100644
--- a/src/scenes/door/DressCodeCard.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/door/DressCodeCard.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ interface Row {
   label: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
   badge: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
   addedAt: number;
+  /** Rescinded by Dazza (rules cap at ACTIVE_RULE_CAP) — greyed, never judged. */
+  retired?: boolean;
 }
 
 export class DressCodeCard {
@@ -60,11 +62,22 @@ export class DressCodeCard {
   /** Highlight the rules the patron currently in front of you is breaking. */
   highlight(violatedIds: readonly string[]): void {
     for (const r of this.rows) {
+      if (r.retired) continue;
       const hit = violatedIds.includes(r.rule.id);
       r.label.setColor(hit ? '#ff9090' : '#e0e8c8');
     }
   }
 
+  /** Dazza moved on: grey the rule out. It stays on the card as a monument. */
+  retire(ruleId: string): void {
+    const row = this.rows.find((r) => r.rule.id === ruleId && !r.retired);
+    if (!row) return;
+    row.retired = true;
+    row.label.setColor('#4a5a48');
+    row.label.setText(`- ${row.rule.short}`);
+    row.badge.setVisible(false);
+  }
+
   update(nowMs: number): void {
     for (const r of this.rows) {
       if (r.badge.visible && nowMs - r.addedAt > NEW_BADGE_MS) r.badge.setVisible(false);
diff --git a/src/scenes/door/NightScene.ts b/src/scenes/door/NightScene.ts
index 0c8950b..6a7f4cb 100644
--- a/src/scenes/door/NightScene.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/door/NightScene.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import { EventBus } from '../../core/EventBus';
 import { GameClock, DEFAULT_CLOCK, type ClockConfig } from '../../core/GameClock';
 import { SeededRNG } from '../../core/SeededRNG';
 import { StubBeatClock } from '../../core/StubBeatClock';
-import { Meters, freshNightState } from '../../core/meters';
+import { Meters, freshNightState, vibeCoolingPerMin } from '../../core/meters';
 import { loadGame, saveGame, clearSave, freshGameState } from '../../core/save';
 import { _resetPatronSerial } from '../../patrons/generator';
 import { ruleById } from '../../rules/dressCode';
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ import { observe, startWatch, type InspectorWatch, type VenueBreaches } from '..
 export const LICENSED_CAPACITY = 80;
 const VIBE_SAMPLE_EVERY_MIN = 5;
 
-/** CONTRACTS.md §3: heatStrikes is "run-scoped, max 3". Design §2: 3 = licence gone. */
-export const MAX_HEAT_STRIKES = 3;
+import { MAX_HEAT_STRIKES, shouldRecordStrike } from '../../rules/heat';
+export { MAX_HEAT_STRIKES, shouldRecordStrike };
 
 /** Thu → Fri → Sat at The Royal. Index = nightIndex. */
 export const NIGHT_DATES = ['2026-07-16', '2026-07-17', '2026-07-18'] as const;
@@ -37,10 +37,6 @@ const RADIO_PULL_MINS = [120, 250] as const;
 /** Dynamic maggot-radio rate limit (clock minutes). */
 const RADIO_MAGGOT_COOLDOWN = 15;
 
-export function shouldRecordStrike(state: NightState, strike: HeatStrike): boolean {
-  if (state.heatStrikes.length >= MAX_HEAT_STRIKES) return false;
-  return !state.heatStrikes.some((s) => s.reason === strike.reason);
-}
 
 export type NightEndReason = 'clock' | 'vibe' | 'aggro' | 'licence';
 
@@ -195,6 +191,9 @@ export class NightScene extends Phaser.Scene {
       this.bus.on('floor:ejection', () => {
         this.state.capacity.inside = Math.max(0, this.state.capacity.inside - 1);
       }),
+      this.bus.on('floor:leave', () => {
+        this.state.capacity.inside = Math.max(0, this.state.capacity.inside - 1);
+      }),
       this.bus.on('audio:unlocked', () => {
         this.stubBeat?.stop();
         this.stubBeat = null;
@@ -308,6 +307,10 @@ export class NightScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.maybeDazza(clockMin);
     this.maybePull(clockMin);
 
+    // The room cools on its own — keeping it lit is the job (core/meters.ts).
+    const cooling = vibeCoolingPerMin(this.state.vibe);
+    if (cooling !== 0) this.bus.emit('meters:delta', { vibe: cooling });
+
     if (clockMin >= this.clock.config.nightClockMinutes) this.endNight('clock');
   }
 
diff --git a/src/scenes/door/QueueManager.ts b/src/scenes/door/QueueManager.ts
index 2cffe16..4dadcd5 100644
--- a/src/scenes/door/QueueManager.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/door/QueueManager.ts
@@ -40,8 +40,15 @@ export const QUEUE_TUNING = {
    * empty, so an empty-only rule meant a perfectly-played night still rioted.
    */
   comfortableQueue: 4,
-  /** aggro bled off per real second with nobody waiting at all */
-  calmPerSec: 0.9,
+  /** aggro bled off per real second with nobody waiting at all
+   * (tuning pass 2026-07-19: was 0.9 — relief refunded ~10:1 and aggro never moved) */
+  calmPerSec: 0.35,
+  /**
+   * Hype decays toward x1 while a patron is actually being served. Theatre
+   * fades the moment you get back to work — without this, hype was a pure
+   * ratchet and every night ended at x3 regardless of play.
+   */
+  hypeDecayPerSec: 0.045,
   /** looking at your phone while someone waits: pure theatre, pure profit */
   phoneHype: 0.12,
   phoneCooldownMs: 2500,
@@ -203,6 +210,11 @@ export class QueueManager {
       const relief = (QUEUE_TUNING.calmPerSec * slack) / QUEUE_TUNING.comfortableQueue;
       this.bus.emit('meters:delta', { aggro: -relief * sec });
     }
+
+    // Somebody is at the rope being dealt with: the theatre wears off.
+    if (this.up !== null) {
+      this.bus.emit('meters:delta', { hype: -QUEUE_TUNING.hypeDecayPerSec * sec });
+    }
   }
 
   /** The Rope. Nothing steps up until the player says so. */
diff --git a/src/scenes/door/arrivalCurve.ts b/src/scenes/door/arrivalCurve.ts
index e330a5e..bdd1d68 100644
--- a/src/scenes/door/arrivalCurve.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/door/arrivalCurve.ts
@@ -13,13 +13,16 @@ export interface ArrivalCurvePoint {
  * backs up during the slam, few enough that the queue is still clearable.
  */
 export const ARRIVAL_CURVE: readonly ArrivalCurvePoint[] = [
+  // Tuning pass 2026-07-19: the old peak (0.42/min) sat below even a careful
+  // player's throughput, so the 10:30-12:30 "slam" was fiction — measured queue
+  // avg 0.1-0.2. A night now delivers ~120 punters and the slam outruns you.
   { clockMin: 0, perMin: 0.12 }, // 9:00 PM — staff, and one bloke who thinks it's a pub
-  { clockMin: 45, perMin: 0.18 }, // 9:45 PM
-  { clockMin: 90, perMin: 0.34 }, // 10:30 PM — the pre-drinks let out
-  { clockMin: 150, perMin: 0.42 }, // 11:30 PM — peak
-  { clockMin: 210, perMin: 0.32 }, // 12:30 AM — slam ends
-  { clockMin: 270, perMin: 0.16 }, // 1:30 AM
-  { clockMin: 330, perMin: 0.06 }, // 2:30 AM — last drinks
+  { clockMin: 45, perMin: 0.2 }, // 9:45 PM
+  { clockMin: 90, perMin: 0.55 }, // 10:30 PM — the pre-drinks let out
+  { clockMin: 150, perMin: 0.72 }, // 11:30 PM — peak
+  { clockMin: 210, perMin: 0.45 }, // 12:30 AM — slam ends
+  { clockMin: 270, perMin: 0.2 }, // 1:30 AM
+  { clockMin: 330, perMin: 0.07 }, // 2:30 AM — last drinks
   { clockMin: 360, perMin: 0 }, // 3:00 AM
 ];
 
diff --git a/src/scenes/floor/crowdSim.ts b/src/scenes/floor/crowdSim.ts
index 80e8da6..7108fb1 100644
--- a/src/scenes/floor/crowdSim.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/floor/crowdSim.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,12 @@ export interface Agent {
   handled: boolean;         // player has already dealt with this one
   gone: boolean;            // reached the exit / left the sim; scene should drop the sprite
   lastBumpMs: number;       // cooldown so bumping can't spam meters
+  /** In-game minutes this patron intends to stay before going home. */
+  stayMinutes: number;
+  /** Clock minute they hit the floor (set on first update tick). */
+  arrivedAtMin?: number;
+  /** Done for the night: walking to the entry, then gone (emits floor:leave). */
+  headingHome?: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface CrowdSimOpts {
@@ -159,6 +165,11 @@ export class CrowdSim {
       handled: false,
       gone: false,
       lastBumpMs: BUMP_COOLDOWN_MS,
+      // Nobody stays all night. 50-140 in-game minutes, then they head home —
+      // without this, capacity was a one-way ratchet and the door had to lock
+      // shut from 1 AM (tuning pass 2026-07-19). Derived from dollSeed, not the
+      // stream: drawing here would shift every later roll in the sim.
+      stayMinutes: 50 + (Math.abs(patron.dollSeed) % 91),
     };
     this.plans.set(agent, {
       haunt: 'bar', path: [], bestDist: Infinity, stuckMs: 0, stumbleMs: 0, stumbleAngle: 0,
@@ -179,8 +190,16 @@ export class CrowdSim {
     for (const a of this.agents) {
       if (a.gone) continue;
       a.lastBumpMs += ms;
+      if (a.arrivedAtMin === undefined) a.arrivedAtMin = clockMin;
       // Both are driven from outside: the player's escort, and the fight director.
       if (a.activity === 'escorted' || a.activity === 'squaringUp') continue;
+      if (
+        !a.headingHome &&
+        a.activity !== 'inStall' &&
+        clockMin >= a.arrivedAtMin + a.stayMinutes
+      ) {
+        this.headHome(a);
+      }
       if (a.activity === 'walking') this.walk(a, ms);
       else this.dwell(a, ms);
     }
@@ -428,9 +447,32 @@ export class CrowdSim {
     else this.chooseTarget(a); // nowhere to go from here — find somewhere else to be
   }
 
+  /** Done for the night: point them at the way out. */
+  private headHome(a: Agent): void {
+    const plan = this.plans.get(a);
+    if (!plan) return;
+    a.headingHome = true;
+    a.activity = 'walking';
+    a.dwellMs = 0;
+    plan.path = [];
+    plan.bestDist = Infinity;
+    plan.stuckMs = 0;
+    plan.stallId = undefined;
+    const entries = this.map.anchors.entry;
+    if (entries.length > 0) a.target = this.rng.pick(entries);
+  }
+
   private arrive(a: Agent, plan: Plan): void {
     a.vx = 0;
     a.vy = 0;
+
+    if (a.headingHome) {
+      a.activity = 'leaving';
+      a.gone = true;
+      this.bus.emit('floor:leave', { patronId: a.patron.id });
+      return;
+    }
+
     a.dwellMs = this.rng.int(DWELL_MIN_MS, DWELL_MAX_MS);
 
     if (plan.haunt === 'toilet' && plan.stallId !== undefined) {
diff --git a/tests/arrivalCurve.test.ts b/tests/arrivalCurve.test.ts
index e670759..3a6c81d 100644
--- a/tests/arrivalCurve.test.ts
+++ b/tests/arrivalCurve.test.ts
@@ -79,10 +79,10 @@ describe('arrivalsPerMin', () => {
 });
 
 describe('expectedTotalArrivals', () => {
-  it('lands in the 60–90 patron design band', () => {
+  it('lands in the 95-130 patron design band (tuning 2026-07-19: the slam must outrun the door)', () => {
     const total = expectedTotalArrivals();
-    expect(total).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(60);
-    expect(total).toBeLessThanOrEqual(90);
+    expect(total).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(95);
+    expect(total).toBeLessThanOrEqual(130);
   });
 });
 
@@ -156,8 +156,8 @@ describe('nextArrivalGapMin', () => {
         clock += nextArrivalGapMin(clock, rng.next());
         if (clock < 360) arrivals++;
       }
-      expect(arrivals, `seed ${seed}`).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(45);
-      expect(arrivals, `seed ${seed}`).toBeLessThanOrEqual(110);
+      expect(arrivals, `seed ${seed}`).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(75);
+      expect(arrivals, `seed ${seed}`).toBeLessThanOrEqual(150);
     }
   });
 });
diff --git a/tests/dressCode.test.ts b/tests/dressCode.test.ts
index 7a54222..9677b26 100644
--- a/tests/dressCode.test.ts
+++ b/tests/dressCode.test.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import '../src/rules/doorTypes';
 import { SeededRNG } from '../src/core/SeededRNG';
 import { DAZZA_TEXTS } from '../src/data/strings/dazza';
 import { generatePatron, _resetPatronSerial } from '../src/patrons/generator';
-import {
+import { announcedRules, ACTIVE_RULE_CAP,
   DRESS_CODE_RULES,
   activeRules,
   ruleById,
@@ -43,7 +43,10 @@ const patron = (outfit: OutfitOverrides = {}, flags: PatronFlags = {}): Patron =
 
 const ids = (rules: { id: string }[]): string[] => rules.map((r) => r.id);
 const trips = (id: string, outfit: OutfitOverrides, flags?: PatronFlags): boolean =>
-  ids(violations(patron(outfit, flags), LATE)).includes(id);
+  {
+    const rule = DRESS_CODE_RULES.find((r) => r.id === id)!;
+    return ids(violations(patron(outfit, flags), rule.activeFrom)).includes(id);
+  }
 
 describe('DRESS_CODE_RULES vs Dazza texts', () => {
   it('every rule takes its text and activeFrom verbatim from the Dazza line', () => {
@@ -79,18 +82,19 @@ describe('activeRules', () => {
     }
   });
 
-  it('returns rules in announcement order and accumulates over the night', () => {
+  it('returns rules in announcement order, capped at Dazza\'s attention span', () => {
     const late = activeRules(LATE);
-    expect(late).toHaveLength(DRESS_CODE_RULES.length);
+    expect(late).toHaveLength(ACTIVE_RULE_CAP);
     expect(late.map((r) => r.activeFrom)).toEqual([...late.map((r) => r.activeFrom)].sort((a, b) => a - b));
+    expect(announcedRules(LATE)).toHaveLength(DRESS_CODE_RULES.length);
     expect(activeRules(0)).toHaveLength(0);
     expect(ids(activeRules(100))).toEqual(['noThongsSinglets', 'noLogos']);
   });
 
-  it('pins the full escalation order from design §3.1', () => {
+  it('pins the escalation: all eight announce in order, only the last four are LIVE', () => {
     // SPECS is declared in DAZZA_TEXTS order, which is not chronological — this
     // fails if the activeFrom sort is ever dropped.
-    expect(ids(activeRules(LATE))).toEqual([
+    expect(ids(announcedRules(LATE))).toEqual([
       'noThongsSinglets',
       'noLogos',
       'noSongRequesters',
@@ -100,6 +104,13 @@ describe('activeRules', () => {
       'noBucketHats',
       'noBlazers',
     ]);
+    // Dazza's attention span: by 3 AM the early classics are rescinded.
+    expect(ids(activeRules(LATE))).toEqual([
+      'noHandHolders',
+      'noWhiteSneakers',
+      'noBucketHats',
+      'noBlazers',
+    ]);
   });
 });
 
@@ -208,7 +219,9 @@ describe('violations', () => {
       outer: { type: 'blazer', colour: 'navy' },
     });
     expect(ids(violations(p, 100))).toEqual(['noThongsSinglets']);
-    expect(ids(violations(p, LATE))).toEqual(['noThongsSinglets', 'noBlazers']);
+    // By 3 AM the thongs rule has been rescinded off the card — only the
+    // blazer still convicts. Dazza moved on; the door moves with him.
+    expect(ids(violations(p, LATE))).toEqual(['noBlazers']);
   });
 
   it('survives 300 generated patrons and denies a playable fraction of them', () => {
diff --git a/tests/floor/crowdSim.test.ts b/tests/floor/crowdSim.test.ts
index f937cdb..8467089 100644
--- a/tests/floor/crowdSim.test.ts
+++ b/tests/floor/crowdSim.test.ts
@@ -185,7 +185,9 @@ describe('stalls', () => {
     let doubled = false;
     let maxOccupancy = 0;
     for (let step = 0; step < 9000; step++) {
-      sim.update(16, step / 60);
+      // Slow clock: at step/60 the crowd aged past its stay window (natural
+      // churn, 2026-07-19) and went home before ever doubling up in a cubicle.
+      sim.update(16, step / 600);
       for (const [, list] of sim.stallOccupancy()) {
         maxOccupancy = Math.max(maxOccupancy, list.length);
         if (list.length >= 2) doubled = true;
diff --git a/tests/queueManager.test.ts b/tests/queueManager.test.ts
index 3153a66..3d0c419 100644
--- a/tests/queueManager.test.ts
+++ b/tests/queueManager.test.ts
@@ -135,8 +135,11 @@ describe('QueueManager — the pressure valve', () => {
 
     deltas.length = 0;
     q.update(1000);
-    expect(deltas).toHaveLength(1);
+    // Two flows while somebody is up: aggro relief AND the hype-decay tick
+    // (theatre fades while you work — tuning 2026-07-19).
+    expect(deltas.filter((d) => d.aggro !== undefined)).toHaveLength(1);
     expect(total('aggro')).toBeLessThan(0);
+    expect(total('hype')).toBeLessThan(0);
   });
 
   it('relief stops entirely once the queue reaches comfortableQueue', () => {
@@ -147,7 +150,8 @@ describe('QueueManager — the pressure valve', () => {
 
     deltas.length = 0;
     q.update(1000);
-    expect(deltas).toHaveLength(0);
+    // No RELIEF at a full queue. Hype decay still ticks (someone is up).
+    expect(deltas.filter((d) => d.aggro !== undefined)).toHaveLength(0);
   });
 
   it('relief scales with how short the queue is, not just with it being empty', () => {
diff --git a/tests/sim/economy.test.ts b/tests/sim/economy.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9db954
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/sim/economy.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
+import { CAREFUL, DAWDLER, SLOPPY, simulateNight, type NightMetrics } from './economy';
+
+// The feel, as numbers. Phase-1/Phase-3 both measured the same failures:
+// vibe pinned at ~100 by 10 PM, aggro flat at 0, hype a pure ratchet, dawdling
+// dominant, the slam fictional. These tests are the tuning pass's contract —
+// if a knob change breaks a band, the feel regressed, not just a constant.
+
+const SEEDS = [4207, 4208, 4209, 7, 99];
+
+const runAll = (policy: typeof CAREFUL): NightMetrics[] => SEEDS.map((s) => simulateNight(s, policy));
+
+const avg = (xs: number[]): number => xs.reduce((a, b) => a + b, 0) / xs.length;
+
+const summarise = (runs: NightMetrics[]): string =>
+  `${runs[0]!.policy}: end=${runs.map((r) => `${r.endReason}@${r.endClockMin}`).join(',')} ` +
+  `admit=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.admitted)).toFixed(0)} deny=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.denied)).toFixed(0)} ` +
+  `vibePin=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.vibePinnedShare)).toFixed(2)} aggroMax=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.aggroMax)).toFixed(0)} ` +
+  `slamQ(avg/max)=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.slamQueueAvg)).toFixed(1)}/${Math.max(...runs.map((r) => r.slamQueueMax))} ` +
+  `hype=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.hypePeak)).toFixed(1)} strikes=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.heatStrikes)).toFixed(1)} inside=${avg(runs.map((r) => r.inside)).toFixed(0)}`;
+
+describe('door economy (bot nights, 5 seeds)', () => {
+  const careful = runAll(CAREFUL);
+  const sloppy = runAll(SLOPPY);
+  const dawdler = runAll(DAWDLER);
+
+  it('prints the current shape (baseline visibility)', () => {
+    console.log('\n' + [careful, sloppy, dawdler].map(summarise).join('\n'));
+    expect(careful.length).toBe(SEEDS.length);
+  });
+
+  it('careful play survives to 3 AM', () => {
+    for (const r of careful) expect(r.endReason).toBe('clock');
+  });
+
+  it('careful play keeps vibe ALIVE — not pinned at the ceiling', () => {
+    // The meter must stay a live pressure: less than half of the post-11PM
+    // samples may sit at 95+, and the night must actually visit the low band.
+    expect(avg(careful.map((r) => r.vibePinnedShare))).toBeLessThan(0.5);
+  });
+
+  it('careful play fills the room — admits comfortably beat denies', () => {
+    const a = avg(careful.map((r) => r.admitted));
+    const d = avg(careful.map((r) => r.denied));
+    expect(a).toBeGreaterThan(d * 1.2);
+  });
+
+  it('the slam is real — the queue visibly backs up mid-night', () => {
+    expect(Math.max(...careful.map((r) => r.slamQueueMax))).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(6);
+    expect(avg(careful.map((r) => r.slamQueueAvg))).toBeGreaterThan(1.5);
+  });
+
+  it('aggro breathes for a careful player — pressure without a riot', () => {
+    const peaks = careful.map((r) => r.aggroMax);
+    expect(avg(peaks)).toBeGreaterThan(15);
+    for (const p of peaks) expect(p).toBeLessThan(95);
+  });
+
+  it('sloppy play is punished: strikes pile up', () => {
+    expect(avg(sloppy.map((r) => r.heatStrikes))).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(3);
+  });
+
+  it('dawdling is NOT dominant — a stalled rope riots before it profits', () => {
+    // Dying is worth nothing: a night that ends early scores zero. The cash
+    // proxy mirrors nightCash's shape (final vibe + hype bonus), gated on
+    // actually surviving to 3 AM.
+    const score = (r: NightMetrics): number =>
+      r.endReason === 'clock' ? r.vibeSamples[r.vibeSamples.length - 1]! + (r.hypePeak - 1) * 30 : 0;
+    expect(avg(dawdler.map(score))).toBeLessThanOrEqual(avg(careful.map(score)) + 1);
+  });
+
+  it('careful play does not bleed licence points to invisible information', () => {
+    // Strikes must be EARNABLE knowledge: a bot that checks everything checkable
+    // should end most nights clean (scripted encounters may cost the odd one).
+    expect(avg(careful.map((r) => r.heatStrikes))).toBeLessThan(1);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/sim/economy.ts b/tests/sim/economy.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a5a7db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/sim/economy.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,261 @@
+// Bot-driven door-economy simulation. Not a test by itself — the harness the
+// tuning tests drive. Node-only: EventBus + GameClock + Meters + QueueManager +
+// judge, no Phaser. Mirrors DoorScene.applyOutcome / NightScene.fireDeferred
+// closely enough that a knob change here means the same thing in the game.
+
+import { EventBus } from '../../src/core/EventBus';
+import { GameClock, DEFAULT_CLOCK } from '../../src/core/GameClock';
+import { Meters, freshNightState, vibeCoolingPerMin } from '../../src/core/meters';
+import { SeededRNG } from '../../src/core/SeededRNG';
+import { _resetPatronSerial } from '../../src/patrons/generator';
+import { QueueManager } from '../../src/scenes/door/QueueManager';
+import { shouldRecordStrike } from '../../src/rules/heat';
+import { judge } from '../../src/rules/judge';
+import { violations } from '../../src/rules/dressCode';
+import { idVerdict } from '../../src/rules/idCheck';
+import type { DeferredHit } from '../../src/rules/doorTypes';
+import type { Patron } from '../../src/data/types';
+
+export interface BotPolicy {
+  name: string;
+  /** Real ms the bot waits before pulling the rope (its "walking back" time). */
+  callDelayMs: (queueLen: number) => number;
+  /** Real ms spent inspecting before the verdict lands. Models human reading. */
+  ruleDelayMs: (p: Patron, clockMin: number, nightDate: Date) => number;
+  decide: (p: Patron, clockMin: number, nightDate: Date, insideCount: number, licensed: number) => 'admit' | 'deny';
+}
+
+export interface NightMetrics {
+  policy: string;
+  seed: number;
+  endReason: 'clock' | 'vibe' | 'aggro';
+  endClockMin: number;
+  admitted: number;
+  denied: number;
+  /** vibe sampled every 5 clock-min */
+  vibeSamples: number[];
+  vibeMin: number;
+  vibeMax: number;
+  /** share of post-11PM samples pinned at >= 95 (the "meter is dead" signal) */
+  vibePinnedShare: number;
+  aggroMax: number;
+  aggroSamples: number[];
+  hypePeak: number;
+  heatStrikes: number;
+  /** queue depth stats inside the slam window (clockMin 90..210) */
+  slamQueueMax: number;
+  slamQueueAvg: number;
+  inside: number;
+}
+
+const TICK_MS = 100;
+
+export function simulateNight(seed: number, policy: BotPolicy): NightMetrics {
+  _resetPatronSerial();
+  const bus = new EventBus();
+  const rng = new SeededRNG(seed);
+  const clock = new GameClock(bus, DEFAULT_CLOCK);
+  const state = freshNightState('theRoyal', 0, 80);
+  const meters = new Meters(bus, state);
+  const queue = new QueueManager(bus, rng, clock.nightDate);
+  const deferred: DeferredHit[] = [];
+  const lapRng = rng.stream('dazzaLaps');
+  // Mirrors CrowdSim's natural churn: admitted patrons go home after 50-140
+  // in-game minutes, freeing capacity (floor:leave in the real game).
+  const leaverRng = rng.stream('simLeavers');
+  const leaveAt: number[] = [];
+
+  const metrics: NightMetrics = {
+    policy: policy.name,
+    seed,
+    endReason: 'clock',
+    endClockMin: 360,
+    admitted: 0,
+    denied: 0,
+    vibeSamples: [state.vibe],
+    vibeMin: state.vibe,
+    vibeMax: state.vibe,
+    vibePinnedShare: 0,
+    aggroMax: 0,
+    aggroSamples: [state.aggro],
+    hypePeak: 1,
+    heatStrikes: 0,
+    slamQueueMax: 0,
+    slamQueueAvg: 0,
+    inside: 0,
+  };
+
+  let ended = false;
+  bus.on('meters:changed', ({ vibe, aggro, hype }) => {
+    metrics.vibeMin = Math.min(metrics.vibeMin, vibe);
+    metrics.vibeMax = Math.max(metrics.vibeMax, vibe);
+    metrics.aggroMax = Math.max(metrics.aggroMax, aggro);
+    metrics.hypePeak = Math.max(metrics.hypePeak, hype);
+    if (ended) return;
+    if (vibe <= 0) {
+      ended = true;
+      metrics.endReason = 'vibe';
+      metrics.endClockMin = state.clockMin;
+    } else if (aggro >= 100) {
+      ended = true;
+      metrics.endReason = 'aggro';
+      metrics.endClockMin = state.clockMin;
+    }
+  });
+
+  let lastSample = -5;
+  let lastMinute = -1;
+  const fireDeferred = (clockMin: number): void => {
+    const due: DeferredHit[] = [];
+    for (let i = deferred.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
+      if (clockMin >= deferred[i]!.atClockMin) due.push(...deferred.splice(i, 1));
+    }
+    for (const hit of due) {
+      if (ended) return;
+      if (hit.vibeDelta !== undefined || hit.aggroDelta !== undefined) {
+        bus.emit('meters:delta', {
+          ...(hit.vibeDelta !== undefined ? { vibe: hit.vibeDelta } : {}),
+          ...(hit.aggroDelta !== undefined ? { aggro: hit.aggroDelta } : {}),
+        });
+      }
+      if (hit.heatStrike && shouldRecordStrike(state, hit.heatStrike)) {
+        bus.emit('heat:strike', hit.heatStrike);
+      }
+    }
+  };
+  bus.on('heat:strike', () => metrics.heatStrikes++);
+  bus.on('clock:tick', ({ clockMin }) => {
+    queue.onClockMinute(clockMin);
+    fireDeferred(clockMin);
+    for (let i = leaveAt.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
+      if (clockMin >= leaveAt[i]!) {
+        leaveAt.splice(i, 1);
+        state.capacity.inside = Math.max(0, state.capacity.inside - 1);
+      }
+    }
+    const cooling = vibeCoolingPerMin(state.vibe);
+    if (cooling !== 0 && !ended) bus.emit('meters:delta', { vibe: cooling });
+    if (clockMin - lastSample >= 5) {
+      lastSample = clockMin;
+      metrics.vibeSamples.push(state.vibe);
+      metrics.aggroSamples.push(state.aggro);
+    }
+  });
+
+  // ---- the bot ----
+  let waitTimerMs = 0;
+  let ruleTimerMs = -1; // -1: nobody up
+
+  const applyVerdict = (p: Patron, verdict: 'admit' | 'deny'): void => {
+    const outcome = judge(p, verdict, {
+      clockMin: state.clockMin,
+      nightDate: clock.nightDate,
+      lapRoll: lapRng.next(),
+      insideCount: state.capacity.inside,
+      licensed: state.capacity.licensed,
+    });
+    if (verdict === 'admit') {
+      state.capacity.inside++;
+      metrics.admitted++;
+      leaveAt.push(state.clockMin + leaverRng.int(50, 140));
+    } else metrics.denied++;
+    const delta: { vibe?: number; aggro?: number; hype?: number } = {};
+    if (outcome.vibeDelta) delta.vibe = outcome.vibeDelta;
+    if (outcome.aggroDelta) delta.aggro = outcome.aggroDelta;
+    if (outcome.hypeDelta) delta.hype = outcome.hypeDelta;
+    if (Object.keys(delta).length > 0) bus.emit('meters:delta', delta);
+    if (outcome.heatStrike && !outcome.heatStrike.deferred && shouldRecordStrike(state, outcome.heatStrike)) {
+      bus.emit('heat:strike', outcome.heatStrike);
+    }
+    if (outcome.deferred?.length) deferred.push(...outcome.deferred);
+    queue.resolveUp(verdict === 'deny');
+  };
+
+  clock.start();
+  let slamTicks = 0;
+  let slamQueueSum = 0;
+
+  const totalMs = DEFAULT_CLOCK.nightRealMinutes * 60_000;
+  for (let t = 0; t < totalMs && !ended; t += TICK_MS) {
+    clock.update(TICK_MS);
+    queue.update(TICK_MS);
+    if (state.clockMin !== lastMinute) lastMinute = state.clockMin;
+
+    if (state.clockMin >= 90 && state.clockMin <= 210) {
+      slamTicks++;
+      slamQueueSum += queue.queueLength;
+      metrics.slamQueueMax = Math.max(metrics.slamQueueMax, queue.queueLength);
+    }
+
+    const up = queue.patronUp;
+    if (up) {
+      if (ruleTimerMs < 0) ruleTimerMs = policy.ruleDelayMs(up, state.clockMin, clock.nightDate);
+      ruleTimerMs -= TICK_MS;
+      if (ruleTimerMs <= 0) {
+        applyVerdict(up, policy.decide(up, state.clockMin, clock.nightDate, state.capacity.inside, state.capacity.licensed));
+        ruleTimerMs = -1;
+        waitTimerMs = 0;
+      }
+    } else if (queue.queueLength > 0) {
+      waitTimerMs += TICK_MS;
+      if (waitTimerMs >= policy.callDelayMs(queue.queueLength)) {
+        queue.callNext();
+        waitTimerMs = 0;
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  // 3 AM audit: whatever deferred heat is left lands now.
+  for (const hit of deferred) {
+    if (hit.heatStrike && shouldRecordStrike(state, hit.heatStrike)) bus.emit('heat:strike', hit.heatStrike);
+  }
+
+  const post11 = metrics.vibeSamples.slice(Math.floor(120 / 5));
+  metrics.vibePinnedShare = post11.length
+    ? post11.filter((v) => v >= 95).length / post11.length
+    : 0;
+  metrics.slamQueueAvg = slamTicks ? slamQueueSum / slamTicks : 0;
+  metrics.inside = state.capacity.inside;
+  metrics.endClockMin = ended ? metrics.endClockMin : 360;
+  meters.destroy();
+  return metrics;
+}
+
+// ---- policies ----------------------------------------------------------------
+
+/** Plays the rules straight, with human-ish deliberation time. */
+export const CAREFUL: BotPolicy = {
+  name: 'careful',
+  callDelayMs: () => 700,
+  ruleDelayMs: (p, _clockMin, nightDate) => {
+    const id = idVerdict(p.idCard, nightDate);
+    // Reading a dodgy card or a near-boundary DOB costs real seconds.
+    return 2300 + (id.looksFake || id.underage || p.age <= 19 ? 1400 : 0);
+  },
+  decide: (p, clockMin, nightDate, insideCount, licensed) => {
+    // Watches the clicker: one out, one in doesn't exist yet, so at capacity
+    // the door simply shuts. This is what playing the licence looks like.
+    if (insideCount >= licensed) return 'deny';
+    const id = idVerdict(p.idCard, nightDate);
+    if (id.underage || id.looksFake || p.age < 18) return 'deny';
+    if (violations(p, clockMin).length > 0) return 'deny';
+    if (p.intoxication > 0.62) return 'deny';
+    return 'admit';
+  },
+};
+
+/** Waves everyone in as fast as the buttons allow. */
+export const SLOPPY: BotPolicy = {
+  name: 'sloppy',
+  callDelayMs: () => 300,
+  ruleDelayMs: () => 700,
+  decide: () => 'admit',
+};
+
+/** Careful verdicts, but farms the wait: lets the queue stew before every call. */
+export const DAWDLER: BotPolicy = {
+  name: 'dawdler',
+  callDelayMs: () => 6000,
+  ruleDelayMs: CAREFUL.ruleDelayMs,
+  decide: CAREFUL.decide,
+};