diff --git a/OPEN_THREADS.md b/OPEN_THREADS.md
index 8c56b41..2f73987 100644
--- a/OPEN_THREADS.md
+++ b/OPEN_THREADS.md
@@ -147,12 +147,17 @@ Completed:
 - stale default `zpack-api.internal.zlh` fallback removed
 - explicit `ZPACK_REHYDRATE_ENDPOINT` env wiring validated
 - happy-path player routing validated live after restart
+- negative-path startup validation passed: no backend registered when rehydrate returned zero eligible servers
 
 Outstanding:
-- ZpackCommands not registered (`/zpack status`, `/zpack list`, `/zpack reload`)
-- negative-path readiness validation still pending for a `ready=false` backend
+- confirm whether any remaining agent-side registration path can surface a backend before readiness probe success
 - see `SCRATCH/velocity-plugin.md`
 
+Optional / Nonessential:
+- `ZpackCommands` exist in code but are not currently needed operationally
+- prefer plugin HTTP status endpoint and host metrics over in-proxy admin commands
+- if metrics coverage is sufficient, command registration can remain omitted or the command class can be removed later
+
 ---
 
 ## Pre-Launch Checklist