diff --git a/.github/copilot-instructions.md b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
index d8ddcc81d..d8a5249f6 100644
--- a/.github/copilot-instructions.md
+++ b/.github/copilot-instructions.md
@@ -10,6 +10,20 @@ MetaBuilder is a **data-driven, multi-tenant platform** with 95% functionality i
 - **Package System**: Self-contained modules in `/packages/{name}/seed/` with metadata, components, scripts
 - **Multi-Tenancy**: All data queries filter by `tenantId`; each tenant has isolated configurations
 
+## 0-kickstart Operating Rules
+
+Follow `.github/prompts/0-kickstart.md` as the current workflow source of truth. Key rules:
+- Work through `.github/prompts/` as needed; start with `0-kickstart.md`.
+- Commit as you go with descriptive messages; default to trunking on `main`.
+- Use `act` to diagnose GitHub workflow issues locally.
+- Keep unit tests parameterized; create new test files where possible; use 1:1 source-to-test naming.
+- Leave TODO comments for missing functionality.
+- Check `docs/todo/` before starting.
+- One lambda per file; classes only serve as containers for related lambdas (see `.github/prompts/LAMBDA_PROMPT.md`).
+- Route data access through DBAL; treat it as the trusted layer.
+- Design for flexibility, modularity, and containerization.
+- See `docs/RADIX_TO_MUI_MIGRATION.md` for UI migration guidance.
+
 ## Critical Patterns
 
 ### 1. API-First DBAL Development
@@ -108,10 +122,11 @@ import { Dialog, Button } from '@mui/material'
 **See:** `UI_STANDARDS.md` and `docs/UI_MIGRATION.md` for complete reference
 
 ### TypeScript/React
-- Max 150 LOC per component (check `RenderComponent.tsx` ← 221 LOC is exception using recursive pattern)
+- One lambda per file; classes are containers for related lambdas.
+- Keep files small and focused; split by responsibility when they grow.
 - Use `@/` absolute paths
 - Functional components with hooks; avoid class components
-- Test files next to source: `utils.ts` + `utils.test.ts` using parameterized `it.each()`
+- Test files next to source with matching names: `utils.ts` + `utils.test.ts`, using parameterized `it.each()`
 
 ### Tests
 All functions need coverage with parameterized tests:
@@ -136,21 +151,23 @@ Material-UI with SASS; theme in `src/theme/mui-theme.ts` with light/dark mode su
 
 ## Development Checklist
 
-**Before implementing**: Check `docs/` for relevant guides, especially `docs/architecture/5-level-system.md` for permission logic.
+**Before implementing**: Check `docs/` and `docs/todo/`, and review `.github/prompts/0-kickstart.md` for current workflow rules.
 
 **During implementation**:
 1. Define database schema changes first (Prisma)
 2. Add seed data to `src/seed-data/` or package `/seed/`
 3. Use generic renderers (`RenderComponent`) not hardcoded JSX
 4. Add Lua scripts in `src/lib/lua-snippets.ts` or package `/seed/scripts/`
-5. Keep components < 150 LOC
-6. Add parameterized tests in `.test.ts` files
+5. Keep one lambda per file and split as needed
+6. Add parameterized tests in `.test.ts` files with matching names
 
 **Before commit**:
 - `npm run lint:fix` (fixes ESLint issues)
 - `npm test -- --run` (all tests pass)
 - `npm run test:coverage:report` (verify new functions have tests)
 - `npm run test:e2e` (critical workflows still work)
+- Use `npm run act:diagnose` or `npm run act` when investigating CI/workflow failures
+- Commit with a descriptive message on `main` unless a PR workflow is explicitly required
 
 ## Multi-Tenant Safety
 
@@ -189,8 +206,9 @@ If fixing a DBAL bug:
 ❌ **Forgetting tenantId filter** → Breaks multi-tenancy
 ❌ **Adding fields without Prisma generate** → Type errors in DB helper
 ❌ **Plain JS loops over Fengari tables** → Use Lua, not TS, for Lua data
-❌ **Components > 150 LOC** → Refactor to composition + `RenderComponent`
+❌ **Multiple lambdas per file** → Split into single-lambda files and wrap with a class only when needed
 ❌ **New function without test** → `npm run test:check-functions` will fail
+❌ **Missing TODO for unfinished behavior** → Leave a TODO comment where functionality is pending
 
 ## Key Files
 
@@ -207,6 +225,6 @@ If fixing a DBAL bug:
 2. Could a generic component render this instead of custom TSX?
 3. Does this query filter by tenantId?
 4. Could Lua handle this without code changes?
-5. Is the component < 150 LOC? (If not, refactor)
+5. Is this one lambda per file (and test file name matches)?
 6. Does this function have a parameterized test?
 7. Is this DBAL change reflected in YAML schema first?
diff --git a/config/next.config.ts b/config/next.config.ts
index 8978b66bd..47253fa32 100644
--- a/config/next.config.ts
+++ b/config/next.config.ts
@@ -19,18 +19,10 @@ const nextConfig: NextConfig = {
     },
     // Optimize package imports
     optimizePackageImports: [
-      '@radix-ui/react-accordion',
-      '@radix-ui/react-alert-dialog',
-      '@radix-ui/react-avatar',
-      '@radix-ui/react-checkbox',
-      '@radix-ui/react-dialog',
-      '@radix-ui/react-dropdown-menu',
-      '@radix-ui/react-label',
-      '@radix-ui/react-popover',
-      '@radix-ui/react-select',
-      '@radix-ui/react-tabs',
-      '@radix-ui/react-tooltip',
-      'lucide-react',
+      '@mui/material',
+      '@mui/icons-material',
+      '@mui/x-data-grid',
+      '@mui/x-date-pickers',
       'recharts',
       'd3',
     ],
diff --git a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-email.ts b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-email.ts
index c5efa57ed..f99348f86 100644
--- a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-email.ts
+++ b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-email.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
-// Email validation using regex (RFC-compliant)
+// Email validation using regex with length guard
 export function isValidEmail(email: string): boolean {
+  if (!email || email.length > 255) {
+    return false
+  }
   const emailPattern = /^[a-zA-Z0-9._%+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9.-]+\.[a-zA-Z]{2,}$/
   return emailPattern.test(email)
 }
diff --git a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-slug.ts b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-slug.ts
index ec420b979..e1eed43e4 100644
--- a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-slug.ts
+++ b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-slug.ts
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
-// Slug validation: lowercase alphanumeric with hyphens (1-100 chars)
+// Slug validation: lowercase alphanumeric with hyphens and slashes (1-255 chars)
 export function isValidSlug(slug: string): boolean {
-  if (!slug || slug.length === 0 || slug.length > 100) {
+  if (!slug || slug.length === 0 || slug.length > 255) {
     return false
   }
-  const slugPattern = /^[a-z0-9-]+$/
+  const slugPattern = /^[a-z0-9-/]+$/
   return slugPattern.test(slug)
 }
diff --git a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-username.ts b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-username.ts
index 2490466e7..70e2ed157 100644
--- a/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-username.ts
+++ b/dbal/ts/src/core/validation/is-valid-username.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-// Username validation: alphanumeric, underscore, hyphen only (1-50 chars)
+// Username validation: alphanumeric, underscore, hyphen only (3-50 chars)
 export function isValidUsername(username: string): boolean {
-  if (!username || username.length === 0 || username.length > 50) {
+  if (!username || username.length < 3 || username.length > 50) {
     return false
   }
   const usernamePattern = /^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-email.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-email.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..304e33e08
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-email.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { isValidEmail } from '../../../src/core/validation/is-valid-email'
+
+describe('isValidEmail', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { email: 'user@example.com', expected: true, description: 'basic email' },
+    { email: 'user.name+tag@example.co.uk', expected: true, description: 'subdomain with plus tag' },
+    { email: 'user_name-123@example-domain.com', expected: true, description: 'underscore and hyphen' },
+    { email: 'user@domain', expected: false, description: 'missing top level domain' },
+    { email: 'user@domain.c', expected: false, description: 'tld too short' },
+    { email: 'user@domain.123', expected: false, description: 'numeric tld' },
+    { email: 'user@@example.com', expected: false, description: 'double at' },
+    { email: 'userexample.com', expected: false, description: 'missing at' },
+    { email: '', expected: false, description: 'empty string' },
+  ])('returns $expected for $description', ({ email, expected }) => {
+    expect(isValidEmail(email)).toBe(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-level.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-level.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ba4244d91
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-level.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { isValidLevel } from '../../../src/core/validation/is-valid-level'
+
+describe('isValidLevel', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { level: -1, expected: false, description: 'below range' },
+    { level: 0, expected: true, description: 'minimum' },
+    { level: 3, expected: true, description: 'middle of range' },
+    { level: 5, expected: true, description: 'maximum' },
+    { level: 6, expected: false, description: 'above range' },
+  ])('returns $expected for $description', ({ level, expected }) => {
+    expect(isValidLevel(level)).toBe(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-slug.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-slug.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..370cac9f2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-slug.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { isValidSlug } from '../../../src/core/validation/is-valid-slug'
+
+const maxSlug = 'a'.repeat(100)
+const tooLongSlug = 'a'.repeat(101)
+
+describe('isValidSlug', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { slug: 'my-page-1', expected: true, description: 'lowercase with hyphens' },
+    { slug: 'a', expected: true, description: 'single character' },
+    { slug: maxSlug, expected: true, description: 'max length' },
+    { slug: '', expected: false, description: 'empty string' },
+    { slug: tooLongSlug, expected: false, description: 'too long' },
+    { slug: 'My-page', expected: false, description: 'uppercase letters' },
+    { slug: 'page_name', expected: false, description: 'underscore' },
+    { slug: 'page!', expected: false, description: 'punctuation' },
+  ])('returns $expected for $description', ({ slug, expected }) => {
+    expect(isValidSlug(slug)).toBe(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-title.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-title.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e6e985774
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-title.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { isValidTitle } from '../../../src/core/validation/is-valid-title'
+
+const maxTitle = 'a'.repeat(200)
+const tooLongTitle = 'a'.repeat(201)
+
+describe('isValidTitle', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { title: 'Title', expected: true, description: 'simple title' },
+    { title: maxTitle, expected: true, description: 'max length' },
+    { title: '', expected: false, description: 'empty string' },
+    { title: tooLongTitle, expected: false, description: 'too long' },
+  ])('returns $expected for $description', ({ title, expected }) => {
+    expect(isValidTitle(title)).toBe(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-username.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-username.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..5f0717d0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/is-valid-username.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { isValidUsername } from '../../../src/core/validation/is-valid-username'
+
+const fiftyChars = 'a'.repeat(50)
+const fiftyOneChars = 'a'.repeat(51)
+
+describe('isValidUsername', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { username: 'user', expected: true, description: 'simple username' },
+    { username: 'user_name-123', expected: true, description: 'allowed symbols' },
+    { username: fiftyChars, expected: true, description: 'max length' },
+    { username: '', expected: false, description: 'empty string' },
+    { username: fiftyOneChars, expected: false, description: 'too long' },
+    { username: 'user name', expected: false, description: 'contains space' },
+    { username: 'user!', expected: false, description: 'contains punctuation' },
+    { username: 'user.name', expected: false, description: 'contains dot' },
+  ])('returns $expected for $description', ({ username, expected }) => {
+    expect(isValidUsername(username)).toBe(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/validate-id.test.ts b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/validate-id.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fce712396
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dbal/ts/tests/core/validation/validate-id.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import { validateId } from '../../../src/core/validation/validate-id'
+
+describe('validateId', () => {
+  it.each([
+    { id: 'id-123', expected: [], description: 'valid id' },
+    { id: '', expected: ['ID cannot be empty'], description: 'empty string' },
+    { id: '   ', expected: ['ID cannot be empty'], description: 'whitespace only' },
+  ])('returns errors for $description', ({ id, expected }) => {
+    expect(validateId(id)).toEqual(expected)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md b/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md
index d91aed6db..42b2a87f4 100644
--- a/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/docs/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -4,12 +4,29 @@ How to contribute to MetaBuilder development.
 
 ## 📋 Table of Contents
 
+- [Project Workflow (0-kickstart)](#project-workflow-0-kickstart)
 - [Getting Started](#getting-started)
 - [Code Style](#code-style)
 - [Testing](#testing)
 - [Documentation](#documentation)
 - [Pull Request Process](#pull-request-process)
 
+## Project Workflow (0-kickstart)
+
+This repo follows `../.github/prompts/0-kickstart.md` as the current workflow source of truth. If anything here conflicts, prefer `0-kickstart.md`.
+
+Key rules:
+- Start with `../.github/prompts/0-kickstart.md` and other prompts as needed.
+- Commit as you go with descriptive messages; default to trunk-based work on `main` unless a PR flow is required.
+- Use `act` to diagnose GitHub workflows (`npm run act`, `npm run act:diagnose`).
+- Keep unit tests parameterized; create new test files where possible; keep 1:1 source-to-test naming.
+- Leave TODO comments for missing functionality.
+- Check `./todo/` before starting.
+- One lambda per file; classes are containers for related lambdas (see `../.github/prompts/LAMBDA_PROMPT.md`).
+- Route data access through DBAL; treat it as the trusted layer.
+- Design for flexibility, modularity, and containerization.
+- UI work follows `./RADIX_TO_MUI_MIGRATION.md` and `../UI_STANDARDS.md`.
+
 ## Getting Started
 
 ### Prerequisites
@@ -52,7 +69,7 @@ How to contribute to MetaBuilder development.
 
 ### TypeScript/React Conventions
 
-1. **Component Size** - Keep components under 150 lines of code
+1. **One Lambda per File** - Split logic so each file contains a single lambda; classes are containers only
 2. **Naming** - Use PascalCase for components, camelCase for functions
 3. **Imports** - Use absolute imports with `@/` prefix
 4. **Props** - Define prop interfaces, use destructuring
@@ -78,20 +95,18 @@ export function Button(props: any) {
 
 ### Styling
 
-- Use Tailwind utility classes exclusively
-- No CSS-in-JS or inline styles
-- Follow theme from `src/index.css`
+- Use Material-UI (`@mui/material`) components and the `sx` prop
+- Avoid Tailwind utility classes and Radix UI imports
+- Use `.module.scss` for custom component styles when needed
+- Follow `../UI_STANDARDS.md` and `./UI_MIGRATION.md`
 
 ```typescript
 // ✅ Good
-<button className="px-4 py-2 bg-blue-500 text-white rounded">
-  Click me
-</button>
+import { Button, Box } from '@mui/material'
 
-// ❌ Bad
-<button style={{ padding: "8px 16px", backgroundColor: "blue" }}>
-  Click me
-</button>
+<Box sx={{ display: 'flex', gap: 2 }}>
+  <Button variant="contained">Click me</Button>
+</Box>
 ```
 
 ### Hooks & State Management
@@ -117,11 +132,14 @@ npm run test:all
 
 ### Writing Tests
 
-1. **Unit Tests** - Test individual functions in isolation
+1. **Unit Tests** - Test individual functions in isolation with parameterized cases
    ```typescript
-   it('calculates total correctly', () => {
-     expect(calculateTotal([1, 2, 3])).toBe(6);
-   });
+   it.each([
+     { input: [1, 2, 3], expected: 6 },
+     { input: [], expected: 0 },
+   ])('calculates total correctly', ({ input, expected }) => {
+     expect(calculateTotal(input)).toBe(expected)
+   })
    ```
 
 2. **E2E Tests** - Test complete user flows
@@ -135,6 +153,7 @@ npm run test:all
    ```
 
 3. **Coverage** - Aim for 80%+ coverage on critical paths
+4. **File Mapping** - Keep tests next to sources with matching names (`foo.ts` + `foo.test.ts`)
 
 ## Documentation
 
@@ -163,6 +182,7 @@ npm run test:all
 3. **Architecture Docs** - Document complex systems in `docs/architecture/`
 
 4. **Examples** - Create `.example.tsx` files showing how to use components
+5. **TODOs** - Leave TODO comments for missing functionality
 
 ### Running Quality Checker
 
@@ -178,6 +198,8 @@ Target: **80%+** quality score
 
 ## Pull Request Process
 
+Trunk-based work on `main` is the default. Use the PR process below only when a PR/feature branch flow is explicitly required (external contributions, review gates, or automation).
+
 ### Before Creating PR
 
 1. **Run Linter**
diff --git a/docs/START_HERE.md b/docs/START_HERE.md
index 63e997c67..3521f3e9c 100644
--- a/docs/START_HERE.md
+++ b/docs/START_HERE.md
@@ -6,6 +6,19 @@ TODO: This file is in docs/ so ./docs/ links are broken; the root-level file lis
 
 ---
 
+## Current Workflow (0-kickstart)
+
+If you're unsure which workflow to follow, start with `../.github/prompts/0-kickstart.md`. Key expectations:
+- Work through `.github/prompts/` as needed.
+- Commit as you go with descriptive messages; default to trunk-based work on `main`.
+- Use `act` to diagnose GitHub workflow issues locally (see `./guides/ACT_TESTING.md`).
+- Keep unit tests parameterized; create new test files when possible; keep source/test names aligned.
+- Leave TODO comments for missing functionality.
+- Check `./todo/` before starting.
+- One lambda per file; classes are containers for related lambdas (see `../.github/prompts/LAMBDA_PROMPT.md`).
+- UI work follows `./RADIX_TO_MUI_MIGRATION.md`.
+- Treat DBAL as the trusted data layer; wire data access through it.
+
 ## 📚 Documentation is Organized
 
 **All MetaBuilder documentation is in the `/docs` folder.**