diff --git a/.ai/shots/backend_route.py b/.ai/shots/backend_route.py
index b67a4767..f1d40a2d 100644
--- a/.ai/shots/backend_route.py
+++ b/.ai/shots/backend_route.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 #[DEF:BackendRouteShot:Module]
-# @TIER: STANDARD
+# @COMPLEXITY: 3
 # @SEMANTICS: Route, Task, API, Async
 # @PURPOSE: Reference implementation of a task-based route using GRACE-Poly.
 # @LAYER: Interface (API)
-# @RELATION: IMPLEMENTS -> [DEF:Std:API_FastAPI]
-# @INVARIANT: TaskManager must be available in dependency graph.
+# @RELATION: [IMPLEMENTS] ->[API_FastAPI]
 
 from typing import Dict, Any
 from fastapi import APIRouter, Depends, HTTPException, status
@@ -25,15 +24,13 @@ class CreateTaskRequest(BaseModel):
 # [/DEF:CreateTaskRequest:Class]
 
 # [DEF:create_task:Function]
+# @COMPLEXITY: 4
 # @PURPOSE: Create and start a new task using TaskManager. Non-blocking.
-# @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> CreateTaskRequest, Output -> Task
+# @RELATION: [CALLS] ->[task_manager.create_task]
 # @PRE: plugin_id must match a registered plugin.
 # @POST: A new task is spawned; Task object returned immediately.
 # @SIDE_EFFECT: Writes to DB, Triggers background worker.
-#
-# @UX_STATE: Success -> 201 Created
-# @UX_STATE: Error(Validation) -> 400 Bad Request
-# @UX_STATE: Error(System) -> 500 Internal Server Error
+# @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> CreateTaskRequest, Output -> Task
 @router.post("/tasks", response_model=Task, status_code=status.HTTP_201_CREATED)
 async def create_task(
     request: CreateTaskRequest,
diff --git a/.ai/shots/critical_module.py b/.ai/shots/critical_module.py
index 8a72e130..4fb390b3 100644
--- a/.ai/shots/critical_module.py
+++ b/.ai/shots/critical_module.py
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 # [DEF:TransactionCore:Module]
-# @TIER: CRITICAL
+# @COMPLEXITY: 5
 # @SEMANTICS: Finance, ACID, Transfer, Ledger
 # @PURPOSE: Core banking transaction processor with ACID guarantees.
 # @LAYER: Domain (Core)
-# @RELATION: DEPENDS_ON -> [DEF:Infra:PostgresDB]
+# @RELATION: [DEPENDS_ON] ->[PostgresDB]
 #
 # @INVARIANT: Total system balance must remain constant (Double-Entry Bookkeeping).
 # @INVARIANT: Negative transfers are strictly forbidden.
@@ -33,14 +33,13 @@ class TransferResult(NamedTuple):
     new_balance: Decimal
 
 # [DEF:execute_transfer:Function]
+# @COMPLEXITY: 5
 # @PURPOSE: Atomically move funds between accounts with audit trails.
-# @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> (sender_id: str, receiver_id: str, amount: Decimal), Output -> TransferResult
+# @RELATION: [CALLS] ->[atomic_transaction]
 # @PRE: amount > 0; sender != receiver; sender_balance >= amount.
 # @POST: sender_balance -= amount; receiver_balance += amount; Audit Record Created.
 # @SIDE_EFFECT: Database mutation (Rows locked), Audit IO.
-#
-# @UX_STATE: Success -> Returns 200 OK + Transaction Receipt.
-# @UX_STATE: Error(LowBalance) -> 422 Unprocessable -> UI shows "Top-up needed" modal.
+# @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> (sender_id: str, receiver_id: str, amount: Decimal), Output -> TransferResult
 def execute_transfer(sender_id: str, receiver_id: str, amount: Decimal) -> TransferResult:
     # Guard: Input Validation (Вне belief_scope, так как это trivial проверка)
     if amount <= Decimal("0.00"):
@@ -54,7 +53,6 @@ def execute_transfer(sender_id: str, receiver_id: str, amount: Decimal) -> Trans
         logger.reason("Initiating transfer", extra={"from": sender_id, "to": receiver_id, "amount": amount})
 
         try:
-            # @RELATION: CALLS -> atomic_transaction
             with atomic_transaction():
                 current_balance = get_balance(sender_id, for_update=True)
                 
diff --git a/.ai/shots/frontend_component.svelte b/.ai/shots/frontend_component.svelte
index c4dcf4f3..9478ebb2 100644
--- a/.ai/shots/frontend_component.svelte
+++ b/.ai/shots/frontend_component.svelte
@@ -1,18 +1,27 @@
 <!-- [DEF:FrontendComponentShot:Component] -->
 <!--
 /**
- * @TIER: CRITICAL
+ * @COMPLEXITY: 5
  * @SEMANTICS: Task, Button, Action, UX
  * @PURPOSE: Action button to spawn a new task with full UX feedback cycle.
  * @LAYER: UI (Presentation)
- * @RELATION: CALLS -> postApi
+ * @RELATION: [CALLS] ->[postApi]
  *
  * @INVARIANT: Must prevent double-submission while loading.
  * @INVARIANT: Loading state must always terminate (no infinite spinner).
  * @INVARIANT: User must receive feedback on both success and failure.
  *
+ * @SIDE_EFFECT: Sends network request and emits toast notifications.
+ * @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> { plugin_id: string, params: object }, Output -> { task_id?: string }
+ *
  * @UX_REACTIVITY: Props -> $props(), LocalState -> $state(isLoading).
- * 
+ * @UX_STATE: Idle -> Button enabled, primary color, no spinner.
+ * @UX_STATE: Loading -> Button disabled, spinner visible, aria-busy=true.
+ * @UX_STATE: Success -> Toast success displayed.
+ * @UX_STATE: Error -> Toast error displayed.
+ * @UX_FEEDBACK: toast.success, toast.error
+ * @UX_RECOVERY: Error -> Keep form interactive and allow retry after failure.
+ *
  * @TEST_CONTRACT: ComponentState ->
  * {
  *   required_fields: { isLoading: bool },
@@ -21,26 +30,13 @@
  *     "isLoading=true implies aria-busy=true"
  *   ]
  * }
- *
  * @TEST_FIXTURE: idle_state -> { isLoading: false }
  * @TEST_FIXTURE: successful_response -> { task_id: "task_123" }
- * 
  * @TEST_EDGE: api_failure -> raises Error("Network")
  * @TEST_EDGE: empty_response -> {}
  * @TEST_EDGE: rapid_double_click -> special: concurrent_click
- * 
  * @TEST_INVARIANT: prevent_double_submission -> VERIFIED_BY:[rapid_double_click]
  * @TEST_INVARIANT: feedback_always_emitted -> VERIFIED_BY:[successful_response, api_failure]
- *
- * @UX_STATE: Idle -> Button enabled, primary color, no spinner.
- * @UX_STATE: Loading -> Button disabled, spinner visible, aria-busy=true.
- * @UX_STATE: Success -> Toast success displayed.
- * @UX_STATE: Error -> Toast error displayed.
- *
- * @UX_FEEDBACK: toast.success, toast.error
- *
- * @UX_TEST: Idle -> {click: spawnTask, expected: isLoading=true}
- * @UX_TEST: Loading -> {double_click: ignored, expected: single_api_call}
  */
 -->
 <script>
diff --git a/.ai/shots/plugin_example.py b/.ai/shots/plugin_example.py
index 4518c0f9..25097406 100644
--- a/.ai/shots/plugin_example.py
+++ b/.ai/shots/plugin_example.py
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 # [DEF:PluginExampleShot:Module]
-# @TIER: STANDARD
+# @COMPLEXITY: 3
 # @SEMANTICS: Plugin, Core, Extension
 # @PURPOSE: Reference implementation of a plugin following GRACE standards.
 # @LAYER: Domain (Business Logic)
-# @RELATION: INHERITS -> PluginBase
-# @INVARIANT: get_schema must return valid JSON Schema.
+# @RELATION: [INHERITS] ->[PluginBase]
 
 from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
 from ..core.plugin_base import PluginBase
@@ -14,6 +13,7 @@ from ..core.logger import logger, belief_scope
 
 # [DEF:ExamplePlugin:Class]
 # @PURPOSE: A sample plugin to demonstrate execution context and logging.
+# @RELATION: [INHERITS] ->[PluginBase]
 class ExamplePlugin(PluginBase):
     @property
     def id(self) -> str:
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ class ExamplePlugin(PluginBase):
 
     #[DEF:get_schema:Function]
     # @PURPOSE: Defines input validation schema.
-    # @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> None, Output -> Dict (JSON Schema draft 7)
     def get_schema(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
         return {
             "type": "object",
@@ -36,8 +35,9 @@ class ExamplePlugin(PluginBase):
     #[/DEF:get_schema:Function]
 
     # [DEF:execute:Function]
+    # @COMPLEXITY: 4
     # @PURPOSE: Core plugin logic with structured logging and scope isolation.
-    # @DATA_CONTRACT: Input -> (params: Dict, context: Optional[TaskContext]), Output -> None
+    # @RELATION: [BINDS_TO] ->[context.logger]
     # @PRE: params must be validated against get_schema() before calling.
     # @POST: Plugin payload is processed; progress is reported if context exists.
     # @SIDE_EFFECT: Emits logs to centralized system and TaskContext.
diff --git a/.ai/shots/trivial_utility.py b/.ai/shots/trivial_utility.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..abf7ace0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.ai/shots/trivial_utility.py
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+# [DEF:TrivialUtilityShot:Module]
+# @COMPLEXITY: 1
+# @PURPOSE: Reference implementation of a zero-overhead utility using implicit Complexity 1.
+
+import re
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from typing import Optional
+
+# [DEF:slugify:Function]
+# @PURPOSE: Converts a string to a URL-safe slug.
+def slugify(text: str) -> str:
+    if not text:
+        return ""
+    text = text.lower().strip()
+    text = re.sub(r'[^\w\s-]', '', text)
+    return re.sub(r'[-\s]+', '-', text)
+# [/DEF:slugify:Function]
+
+# [DEF:get_utc_now:Function]
+def get_utc_now() -> datetime:
+    """Returns current UTC datetime (purpose is omitted because it's obvious)."""
+    return datetime.now(timezone.utc)
+# [/DEF:get_utc_now:Function]
+
+# [DEF:PaginationDTO:Class]
+class PaginationDTO:
+    # [DEF:__init__:Function]
+    def __init__(self, page: int = 1, size: int = 50):
+        self.page = max(1, page)
+        self.size = min(max(1, size), 1000)
+    # [/DEF:__init__:Function]
+
+    # [DEF:offset:Function]
+    @property
+    def offset(self) -> int:
+        return (self.page - 1) * self.size
+    # [/DEF:offset:Function]
+# [/DEF:PaginationDTO:Class]
+
+# [/DEF:TrivialUtilityShot:Module]
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/.ai/standards/semantics.md b/.ai/standards/semantics.md
index 3db1a53c..af6cb066 100644
--- a/.ai/standards/semantics.md
+++ b/.ai/standards/semantics.md
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 
 ## III. ТОПОЛОГИЯ ФАЙЛА (СТРОГИЙ ПОРЯДОК)
 1. **HEADER (Заголовок):**[DEF:filename:Module]
-   @TIER: [CRITICAL | STANDARD | TRIVIAL]
+   @COMPLEXITY: [1|2|3|4|5] *(алиас: `@C:`; legacy `@TIER` допустим только для обратной совместимости)*
    @SEMANTICS: [keywords]
    @PURPOSE: [Однострочная суть]
    @LAYER: [Domain | UI | Infra]
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 3. **FOOTER (Подвал):** [/DEF:filename:Module]
 
 ## IV. КОНТРАКТЫ (DESIGN BY CONTRACT & UX)
-Обязательны для TIER: CRITICAL и STANDARD. Заменяют стандартные Docstrings.
+Контракты требуются адаптивно по уровню сложности, а не по жесткому tier.
 
 **[CORE CONTRACTS]:**
 - `@PURPOSE:` Суть функции/компонента.
@@ -62,11 +62,40 @@
 - `@TEST_EDGE: [Название] ->[Сбой]` (Минимум 3: missing_field, invalid_type, external_fail).
 - `@TEST_INVARIANT: [Имя] -> VERIFIED_BY: [scenario_1, ...]`
 
-## V. УРОВНИ СТРОГОСТИ (TIERS)
-Степень контроля задается в Header.
-- **CRITICAL** (Ядро/Деньги/Безопасность): 100% покрытие тегами GRACE. Обязательны: Граф, Инварианты, Логи `logger.reason/reflect`, все `@UX` и `@TEST` теги. Использование `belief_scope` строго обязательно.
-- **STANDARD** (Бизнес-логика / Типовые формы): Базовый уровень. Обязательны: `@PURPOSE`, `@UX_STATE`, `@RELATION`, базовое логирование.
-- **TRIVIAL** (Утилиты / DTO / Атомы UI): Минимальный каркас. Только якоря `[DEF]...[/DEF]` и `@PURPOSE`.
+## V. ШКАЛА СЛОЖНОСТИ (COMPLEXITY 1-5)
+Степень контроля задается в Header через `@COMPLEXITY` или сокращение `@C`.
+Если тег отсутствует, сущность по умолчанию считается **Complexity 1**. Это сделано специально для экономии токенов и снижения шума на очевидных утилитах.
+
+- **1 — ATOMIC**
+  - Примеры: DTO, исключения, геттеры, простые утилиты, короткие адаптеры.
+  - Обязательны только якоря `[DEF]...[/DEF]`.
+  - `@PURPOSE` желателен, но не обязателен.
+
+- **2 — SIMPLE**
+  - Примеры: простые helper-функции, небольшие мапперы, UI-атомы.
+  - Обязателен `@PURPOSE`.
+  - Остальные контракты опциональны.
+
+- **3 — FLOW**
+  - Примеры: стандартная бизнес-логика, API handlers, сервисные методы, UI с загрузкой данных.
+  - Обязательны: `@PURPOSE`, `@RELATION`.
+  - Для UI дополнительно обязателен `@UX_STATE`.
+
+- **4 — ORCHESTRATION**
+  - Примеры: сложная координация, работа с I/O, multi-step алгоритмы, stateful pipelines.
+  - Обязательны: `@PURPOSE`, `@RELATION`, `@PRE`, `@POST`, `@SIDE_EFFECT`.
+  - Для Python обязателен осмысленный путь логирования через `logger.reason()` / `logger.reflect()` или аналогичный belief-state механизм.
+
+- **5 — CRITICAL**
+  - Примеры: auth, security, database boundaries, migration core, money-like invariants.
+  - Обязателен полный контракт: уровень 4 + `@DATA_CONTRACT` + `@INVARIANT`.
+  - Для UI требуются UX-контракты.
+  - Использование `belief_scope` строго обязательно.
+
+**Legacy mapping (обратная совместимость):**
+- `@TIER: TRIVIAL` -> Complexity 1
+- `@TIER: STANDARD` -> Complexity 3
+- `@TIER: CRITICAL` -> Complexity 5
 
 ## VI. ПРОТОКОЛ ЛОГИРОВАНИЯ (THREAD-LOCAL BELIEF STATE)
 Логирование — это механизм трассировки рассуждений ИИ (CoT) и управления Attention Energy. Архитектура использует Thread-local storage (`_belief_state`), поэтому `ID` прокидывается автоматически.
@@ -90,11 +119,11 @@
 
 ## VII. АЛГОРИТМ ИСПОЛНЕНИЯ И САМОКОРРЕКЦИИ
 **[PHASE_1: ANALYSIS]**
-Оцени TIER, Layer и UX-требования. При слепоте контекста -> `yield [NEED_CONTEXT: id]`.
+Оцени Complexity, Layer и UX-требования. При слепоте контекста -> `yield [NEED_CONTEXT: id]`.
 **[PHASE_2: SYNTHESIS]**
-Сгенерируй каркас из `[DEF]`, Header и Контрактов.
+Сгенерируй каркас из `[DEF]`, Header и только тех контрактов, которые соответствуют уровню сложности.
 **[PHASE_3: IMPLEMENTATION]**
-Напиши код строго по Контракту. Для CRITICAL секций открой `with belief_scope("ID"):` и орошай путь вызовами `logger.reason()` и `logger.reflect()`.
+Напиши код строго по Контракту. Для Complexity 5 секций открой `with belief_scope("ID"):` и орошай путь вызовами `logger.reason()` и `logger.reflect()`.
 **[PHASE_4: CLOSURE]**
 Убедись, что все `[DEF]` закрыты соответствующими `[/DEF]`.
 
diff --git a/generate_semantic_map.py b/generate_semantic_map.py
index e6651d66..6f60c110 100644
--- a/generate_semantic_map.py
+++ b/generate_semantic_map.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import json
 import datetime
 import fnmatch
 import argparse
-from enum import Enum
+from enum import Enum, IntEnum
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Any, Pattern, Tuple, Set
 
@@ -59,13 +59,24 @@ class belief_scope:
 class Tier(Enum):
     # [DEF:Tier:Class]
     # @TIER: TRIVIAL
-    # @PURPOSE: Enumeration of semantic tiers defining validation strictness.
+    # @PURPOSE: Legacy tier buckets retained for backward-compatible reporting.
     CRITICAL = "CRITICAL"
     STANDARD = "STANDARD"
     TRIVIAL = "TRIVIAL"
     # [/DEF:Tier:Class]
 
 
+class Complexity(IntEnum):
+    # [DEF:Complexity:Class]
+    # @PURPOSE: Adaptive semantic complexity scale used for validation strictness.
+    ONE = 1
+    TWO = 2
+    THREE = 3
+    FOUR = 4
+    FIVE = 5
+    # [/DEF:Complexity:Class]
+
+
 class Severity(Enum):
     # [DEF:Severity:Class]
     # @TIER: TRIVIAL
@@ -95,31 +106,53 @@ OUTPUT_COMPRESSED_MD = ".ai/PROJECT_MAP.md"
 OUTPUT_MODULE_MAP_MD = ".ai/MODULE_MAP.md"
 REPORTS_DIR = "semantics/reports"
 
-# Tier-based mandatory tags aligned with .ai/standards/semantics.md
-TIER_MANDATORY_TAGS = {
-    Tier.CRITICAL: {
-        "Module": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "TIER", "INVARIANT", "RELATION"],
-        "Component": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "TIER", "INVARIANT", "RELATION", "UX_STATE", "UX_FEEDBACK", "UX_RECOVERY", "UX_REACTIVITY"],
-        "Function": ["PURPOSE", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT", "TEST_CONTRACT", "TEST_SCENARIO", "TEST_FIXTURE", "TEST_EDGE", "TEST_INVARIANT"],
-        "Class": ["PURPOSE", "TIER", "INVARIANT"],
-        "Store": ["PURPOSE", "TIER", "INVARIANT"],
-        "Block": ["PURPOSE", "TIER"]
+# Complexity-based mandatory tags aligned with .ai/standards/semantics.md
+LEGACY_TIER_TO_COMPLEXITY = {
+    "TRIVIAL": Complexity.ONE,
+    "STANDARD": Complexity.THREE,
+    "CRITICAL": Complexity.FIVE,
+}
+
+COMPLEXITY_MANDATORY_TAGS = {
+    Complexity.ONE: {
+        "Module": [],
+        "Component": [],
+        "Function": [],
+        "Class": [],
+        "Store": [],
+        "Block": []
     },
-    Tier.STANDARD: {
-        "Module": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "TIER", "RELATION"],
-        "Component": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "TIER", "RELATION", "UX_STATE", "UX_REACTIVITY"],
-        "Function": ["PURPOSE", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
-        "Class": ["PURPOSE", "TIER"],
-        "Store": ["PURPOSE", "TIER"],
-        "Block": ["PURPOSE"]
-    },
-    Tier.TRIVIAL: {
+    Complexity.TWO: {
         "Module": ["PURPOSE"],
         "Component": ["PURPOSE"],
         "Function": ["PURPOSE"],
         "Class": ["PURPOSE"],
         "Store": ["PURPOSE"],
         "Block": ["PURPOSE"]
+    },
+    Complexity.THREE: {
+        "Module": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "RELATION"],
+        "Component": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "UX_STATE"],
+        "Function": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION"],
+        "Class": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION"],
+        "Store": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION"],
+        "Block": ["PURPOSE"]
+    },
+    Complexity.FOUR: {
+        "Module": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "RELATION", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT"],
+        "Component": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "UX_STATE", "UX_REACTIVITY", "SIDE_EFFECT"],
+        "Function": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT"],
+        "Class": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT"],
+        "Store": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT"],
+        "Block": ["PURPOSE", "SIDE_EFFECT"]
+    },
+    Complexity.FIVE: {
+        "Module": ["PURPOSE", "LAYER", "SEMANTICS", "RELATION", "INVARIANT", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
+        "Component": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "INVARIANT", "UX_STATE", "UX_FEEDBACK", "UX_RECOVERY", "UX_REACTIVITY", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
+        "Function": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
+        "Class": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "INVARIANT", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
+        "Store": ["PURPOSE", "RELATION", "INVARIANT", "PRE", "POST", "SIDE_EFFECT", "DATA_CONTRACT"],
+        "Block": ["PURPOSE", "SIDE_EFFECT"]
     }
 }
 
@@ -127,11 +160,13 @@ ALLOWED_RELATION_PREDICATES = {
     "DEPENDS_ON", "CALLS", "INHERITS", "IMPLEMENTS", "DISPATCHES", "BINDS_TO"
 }
 
-# Tier-based belief state requirements
-TIER_BELIEF_REQUIRED = {
-    Tier.CRITICAL: True,
-    Tier.STANDARD: True,
-    Tier.TRIVIAL: False
+# Complexity-based belief state requirements
+COMPLEXITY_BELIEF_REQUIRED = {
+    Complexity.ONE: False,
+    Complexity.TWO: False,
+    Complexity.THREE: False,
+    Complexity.FOUR: True,
+    Complexity.FIVE: True,
 }
 
 # [/SECTION]
@@ -157,7 +192,7 @@ class ComplianceIssue:
 # [DEF:SemanticEntity:Class]
 # @TIER: CRITICAL
 # @PURPOSE: Represents a code entity (Module, Function, Component) found during parsing.
-# @INVARIANT: start_line is always set; end_line is set upon closure; tier defaults to STANDARD.
+# @INVARIANT: start_line is always set; end_line is set upon closure; complexity defaults to 1 unless explicitly raised.
 class SemanticEntity:
     # [DEF:__init__:Function]
     # @TIER: STANDARD
@@ -187,18 +222,26 @@ class SemanticEntity:
             self.has_runes: bool = False
     # [/DEF:__init__:Function]
 
-    # [DEF:get_tier:Function]
-    # @TIER: STANDARD
-    # @PURPOSE: Returns the tier of the entity, defaulting to STANDARD.
-    # @PRE:     tags dictionary is accessible.
-    # @POST:    Returns Tier enum value.
-    def get_tier(self) -> Tier:
-        with belief_scope("get_tier"):
-            tier_str = self.tags.get("TIER", "STANDARD").upper()
-            try:
-                base_tier = Tier(tier_str)
-            except ValueError:
-                base_tier = Tier.STANDARD
+    # [DEF:has_explicit_complexity:Function]
+    # @PURPOSE: Returns whether the entity explicitly declares complexity metadata.
+    def has_explicit_complexity(self) -> bool:
+        return any(tag.upper() in {"COMPLEXITY", "C", "TIER"} for tag in self.tags)
+
+    # [DEF:get_complexity:Function]
+    # @PURPOSE: Returns effective complexity with backward compatibility for legacy tiers.
+    # @PRE: tags dictionary is accessible.
+    # @POST: Returns Complexity enum value.
+    def get_complexity(self) -> Complexity:
+        with belief_scope("get_complexity"):
+            complexity_value = self.tags.get("COMPLEXITY") or self.tags.get("C")
+            if complexity_value is not None:
+                try:
+                    base_complexity = Complexity(int(str(complexity_value).strip()))
+                except (ValueError, TypeError):
+                    base_complexity = Complexity.ONE
+            else:
+                legacy_tier = str(self.tags.get("TIER", "")).upper().strip()
+                base_complexity = LEGACY_TIER_TO_COMPLEXITY.get(legacy_tier, Complexity.ONE)
 
             file_path_lower = self.file_path.lower()
             is_test_entity = (
@@ -207,36 +250,44 @@ class SemanticEntity:
                 or self.name.startswith("test_")
             )
 
-            # 1. Tests should never be higher than STANDARD
-            if is_test_entity and base_tier == Tier.CRITICAL:
-                return Tier.STANDARD
+            if is_test_entity and base_complexity > Complexity.THREE:
+                base_complexity = Complexity.THREE
 
-            # 2. Non-route Svelte entities should not be escalated beyond STANDARD by path heuristics.
             if self.file_path.endswith(".svelte"):
                 is_route_level_svelte = any(
                     marker in self.name for marker in ["+page", "+layout", "Page", "Layout"]
                 )
-                if not is_route_level_svelte and base_tier == Tier.CRITICAL:
-                    return Tier.STANDARD
+                if not is_route_level_svelte and base_complexity > Complexity.THREE:
+                    base_complexity = Complexity.THREE
 
-            # 3. Tooling scripts should not be escalated beyond STANDARD.
-            if ("scripts/" in self.file_path or "_tui.py" in self.file_path) and base_tier == Tier.CRITICAL:
-                return Tier.STANDARD
+            if ("scripts/" in self.file_path or "_tui.py" in self.file_path) and base_complexity > Complexity.THREE:
+                base_complexity = Complexity.THREE
 
-            # 4. Promote only module-like entities in critical domains by path heuristic.
-            # This prevents path segments like "migration" from forcing every nested
-            # Block/Function/Component in a route file into CRITICAL validation.
             critical_keywords = ["auth", "security", "jwt", "database", "migration", "config", "session"]
             module_like_types = {"Module", "Class", "Store"}
             if (
-                self.type in module_like_types
+                not self.has_explicit_complexity()
+                and self.type in module_like_types
                 and any(keyword in file_path_lower for keyword in critical_keywords)
                 and not is_test_entity
-                and base_tier != Tier.TRIVIAL
             ):
-                return Tier.CRITICAL
+                return Complexity.FIVE
 
-            return base_tier
+            return base_complexity
+
+    # [DEF:get_tier:Function]
+    # @TIER: STANDARD
+    # @PURPOSE: Returns legacy tier bucket derived from effective complexity.
+    # @PRE:     tags dictionary is accessible.
+    # @POST:    Returns Tier enum value.
+    def get_tier(self) -> Tier:
+        with belief_scope("get_tier"):
+            complexity = self.get_complexity()
+            if complexity >= Complexity.FIVE:
+                return Tier.CRITICAL
+            if complexity >= Complexity.THREE:
+                return Tier.STANDARD
+            return Tier.TRIVIAL
     # [/DEF:get_tier:Function]
 
     # [DEF:to_dict:Function]
@@ -249,6 +300,7 @@ class SemanticEntity:
             result = {
                 "name": self.name,
                 "type": self.type,
+                "complexity": int(self.get_complexity()),
                 "tier": self.get_tier().value,
                 "start_line": self.start_line,
                 "end_line": self.end_line,
@@ -272,15 +324,16 @@ class SemanticEntity:
 
     # [DEF:validate:Function]
     # @TIER: CRITICAL
-    # @PURPOSE: Checks for semantic compliance based on TIER requirements.
-    # @PRE:     Entity structure is complete; tier is determined.
+    # @PURPOSE: Checks for semantic compliance based on complexity requirements.
+    # @PRE:     Entity structure is complete; complexity is determined.
     # @POST:    Populates self.compliance_issues with severity levels.
     # @SIDE_EFFECT: Modifies self.compliance_issues list.
     def validate(self):
         with belief_scope("validate"):
+            complexity = self.get_complexity()
             tier = self.get_tier()
 
-            # 1. Check Closure (required for ALL tiers)
+            # 1. Check Closure (required for ALL complexity levels)
             if self.end_line is None:
                 self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
                     f"Unclosed Anchor: [DEF:{self.name}:{self.type}] started at line {self.start_line}",
@@ -288,8 +341,8 @@ class SemanticEntity:
                     self.start_line
                 ))
 
-            # 2. Check Mandatory Tags based on TIER
-            required = TIER_MANDATORY_TAGS.get(tier, {}).get(self.type, [])
+            # 2. Check Mandatory Tags based on complexity
+            required = COMPLEXITY_MANDATORY_TAGS.get(complexity, {}).get(self.type, [])
             for req_tag in required:
                 found = False
                 if req_tag == "RELATION" and len(self.relations) > 0:
@@ -300,9 +353,9 @@ class SemanticEntity:
                             found = True
                             break
                 if not found:
-                    severity = Severity.ERROR if tier == Tier.CRITICAL else Severity.WARNING
+                    severity = Severity.ERROR if complexity >= Complexity.FOUR else Severity.WARNING
                     self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
-                        f"Missing Mandatory Tag: @{req_tag} (required for {tier.value} tier)",
+                        f"Missing Mandatory Tag: @{req_tag} (required for complexity {int(complexity)})",
                         severity,
                         self.start_line
                     ))
@@ -313,40 +366,39 @@ class SemanticEntity:
                 if rel_type and rel_type not in ALLOWED_RELATION_PREDICATES:
                     self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
                         f"Invalid @RELATION predicate: {rel_type}. Allowed: {', '.join(sorted(ALLOWED_RELATION_PREDICATES))}",
-                        Severity.ERROR if tier == Tier.CRITICAL else Severity.WARNING,
+                        Severity.ERROR if complexity >= Complexity.FOUR else Severity.WARNING,
                         self.start_line
                     ))
 
-            # 4. Check for Belief State Logging based on TIER
+            # 4. Check for Belief State Logging based on complexity
             if self.type == "Function":
-                belief_required = TIER_BELIEF_REQUIRED.get(tier, False)
+                belief_required = COMPLEXITY_BELIEF_REQUIRED.get(complexity, False)
                 if belief_required:
                     is_python = self.file_path.endswith(".py")
                     has_belief = self.has_belief_scope if is_python else self.has_console_log
 
                     if not has_belief:
-                        # Check if it's a special case (logger.py or mock functions)
                         if "logger.py" not in self.file_path and "__" not in self.name:
-                            severity = Severity.ERROR if tier == Tier.CRITICAL else Severity.WARNING
+                            severity = Severity.ERROR if complexity >= Complexity.FOUR else Severity.WARNING
                             log_type = "belief_scope / molecular methods" if is_python else "console.log with [ID][STATE]"
                             self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
-                                f"Missing Belief State Logging: Function should use {log_type} (required for {tier.value} tier)",
+                                f"Missing Belief State Logging: Function should use {log_type} (required for complexity {int(complexity)})",
                                 severity,
                                 self.start_line
                             ))
 
-            # 5. Check for @INVARIANT in CRITICAL tier
-            if tier == Tier.CRITICAL and self.type in ["Module", "Component", "Class"]:
+            # 5. Check for @INVARIANT in maximum complexity
+            if complexity == Complexity.FIVE and self.type in ["Module", "Component", "Class"]:
                 if "INVARIANT" not in [k.upper() for k in self.tags.keys()]:
                     self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
-                        f"Missing @INVARIANT tag (required for CRITICAL tier)",
+                        "Missing @INVARIANT tag (required for complexity 5)",
                         Severity.ERROR,
                         self.start_line
                     ))
 
             # 6. Validate modern Svelte reactivity protocol
             if self.type == "Component" and self.file_path.endswith(".svelte"):
-                strict_severity = Severity.ERROR if tier == Tier.CRITICAL else Severity.WARNING
+                strict_severity = Severity.ERROR if complexity >= Complexity.FOUR else Severity.WARNING
 
                 if self.has_export_let:
                     self.compliance_issues.append(ComplianceIssue(
@@ -379,7 +431,7 @@ class SemanticEntity:
 
     # [DEF:get_score:Function]
     # @TIER: STANDARD
-    # @PURPOSE: Calculates a compliance score (0.0 to 1.0) based on tier requirements.
+    # @PURPOSE: Calculates a compliance score (0.0 to 1.0) based on complexity requirements.
     # @PRE:     validate() has been called.
     # @POST:    Returns a float score.
     def get_score(self) -> float:
@@ -387,11 +439,11 @@ class SemanticEntity:
             if self.end_line is None:
                 return 0.0
 
-            tier = self.get_tier()
+            complexity = self.get_complexity()
             score = 1.0
 
-            # Dynamic penalties based on Tier
-            error_penalty = 0.5 if tier == Tier.CRITICAL else 0.3
+            # Dynamic penalties based on complexity
+            error_penalty = 0.5 if complexity >= Complexity.FOUR else 0.3
             warning_penalty = 0.15
 
             # Count issues by severity
@@ -403,7 +455,7 @@ class SemanticEntity:
             score -= warnings * warning_penalty
 
             # Check mandatory tags
-            required = TIER_MANDATORY_TAGS.get(tier, {}).get(self.type, [])
+            required = COMPLEXITY_MANDATORY_TAGS.get(complexity, {}).get(self.type, [])
             if required:
                 found_count = 0
                 for req_tag in required:
@@ -687,7 +739,7 @@ def parse_file(full_path: str, rel_path: str, lang: str) -> Tuple[List[SemanticE
                         # Create orphan function entity
                         orphan = SemanticEntity(func_name, "Function", lineno, rel_path)
                         orphan.tags["PURPOSE"] = f"Auto-detected function (orphan)"
-                        orphan.tags["TIER"] = "TRIVIAL"
+                        orphan.tags["COMPLEXITY"] = "1"
                         orphan.end_line = lineno  # Mark as closed immediately
                         orphan_functions.append(orphan)
 
@@ -770,7 +822,7 @@ def parse_file(full_path: str, rel_path: str, lang: str) -> Tuple[List[SemanticE
                     rel_path
                 )
                 synthetic_module.tags["PURPOSE"] = f"Auto-generated module for {rel_path}"
-                synthetic_module.tags["TIER"] = "TRIVIAL"
+                synthetic_module.tags["COMPLEXITY"] = "1"
                 synthetic_module.tags["LAYER"] = "Unknown"
                 synthetic_module.end_line = len(lines)