Verification levels

flowchart LR B["Builds\ncompiles or packages"] --> T["Tested\nrelevant suites pass here"] --> M["Metal-verified\nobserved on named hardware"]

Text equivalent: a successful build is the first and weakest claim. Passing relevant automated suites permits “tested.” Only a recorded observation on the named classic Mac permits “metal-verified.” Each level includes the previous evidence but answers a stronger question.

Level	Proves	Does not prove
Builds	The selected toolchain accepted the source	Runtime behavior, interaction, or real-hardware compatibility
Tested	Named automated suites passed in the stated environment	Behavior outside their coverage or on a physical classic Mac
Metal-verified	A person or instrument observed the named build on named hardware	Untested machines, configurations, or broader reliability

“Works” is not a verification level. Record skips, the identity of the build that answered, and whether the artifact itself proves the observation plane armed.