diff --git a/.claude/skills/CLAUDE.md b/.claude/skills/CLAUDE.md
index 0867c6ba..3a3d1457 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/CLAUDE.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ This directory contains skills **for developing and maintaining the claude-mem p
 ## Skills in This Directory
 
 ### version-bump
-Manages semantic versioning for the claude-mem project itself. Handles updating all four version files (package.json, marketplace.json, plugin.json, CLAUDE.md), creating git tags, and GitHub releases.
+Manages semantic versioning for the claude-mem project itself. Handles updating all three version files (package.json, marketplace.json, plugin.json), creating git tags, and GitHub releases.
 
 **Usage**: Only for claude-mem maintainers releasing new versions.
 
diff --git a/.claude/skills/version-bump/SKILL.md b/.claude/skills/version-bump/SKILL.md
index b037fb43..38b61df9 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/version-bump/SKILL.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/version-bump/SKILL.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 name: version-bump
-description: Manage semantic version updates for claude-mem project. Handles patch, minor, and major version increments following semantic versioning. Updates package.json, marketplace.json, plugin.json, and CLAUDE.md version number (NOT version history). Creates git tags and GitHub releases. Auto-generates CHANGELOG.md from releases.
+description: Manage semantic version updates for claude-mem project. Handles patch, minor, and major version increments following semantic versioning. Updates package.json, marketplace.json, and plugin.json. Creates git tags and GitHub releases. Auto-generates CHANGELOG.md from releases.
 ---
 
 # Version Bump Skill
@@ -9,11 +9,10 @@ Manage semantic versioning across the claude-mem project with consistent updates
 
 ## Quick Reference
 
-**Files requiring updates (ALL FOUR):**
+**Files requiring updates (ALL THREE):**
 1. `package.json` (line 3)
 2. `.claude-plugin/marketplace.json` (line 13)
 3. `plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json` (line 3)
-4. `CLAUDE.md` (line 9 ONLY - version number, NOT version history)
 
 **Semantic versioning:**
 - **PATCH** (x.y.Z): Bugfixes only
@@ -37,7 +36,7 @@ See [operations/workflow.md](operations/workflow.md) for detailed step-by-step p
 1. Determine version type (PATCH/MINOR/MAJOR)
 2. Calculate new version from current
 3. Preview changes to user
-4. Update ALL FOUR files
+4. Update ALL THREE files
 5. Verify consistency
 6. Build and test
 7. Commit and create git tag
@@ -54,29 +53,27 @@ See [operations/scenarios.md](operations/scenarios.md) for examples:
 ## Critical Rules
 
 **ALWAYS:**
-- Update ALL FOUR files with matching version numbers
+- Update ALL THREE files with matching version numbers
 - Create git tag with format `vX.Y.Z`
 - Create GitHub release from the tag
 - Generate CHANGELOG.md from releases after creating release
 - Ask user if version type is unclear
 
 **NEVER:**
-- Update only one, two, or three files
+- Update only one or two files
 - Skip the verification step
 - Forget to create git tag or GitHub release
-- Add version history entries to CLAUDE.md (that's managed separately)
 
 ## Verification Checklist
 
 Before considering the task complete:
-- [ ] All FOUR files have matching version numbers
+- [ ] All THREE files have matching version numbers
 - [ ] `npm run build` succeeds
 - [ ] Git commit created with all version files
 - [ ] Git tag created (format: vX.Y.Z)
 - [ ] Commit and tags pushed to remote
 - [ ] GitHub release created from the tag
 - [ ] CHANGELOG.md generated and committed
-- [ ] CLAUDE.md: ONLY line 9 updated (version number), NOT version history
 
 ## Reference Commands
 
@@ -92,7 +89,7 @@ git tag -l -n1
 
 # Check what will be committed
 git status
-git diff package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md
+git diff package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
 ```
 
 For more commands, see [operations/reference.md](operations/reference.md).
diff --git a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/reference.md b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/reference.md
index a1270128..9f9aedd3 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/reference.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/reference.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Quick reference for version bump commands and file locations.
 
 ## File Locations
 
-### Version-Tracked Files (ALL FOUR)
+### Version-Tracked Files (ALL THREE)
 
 1. **package.json**
    - Path: `package.json`
@@ -21,11 +21,6 @@ Quick reference for version bump commands and file locations.
    - Line: 3
    - Format: `"version": "X.Y.Z",`
 
-4. **CLAUDE.md**
-   - Path: `CLAUDE.md`
-   - Line: 9
-   - Format: `**Current Version**: X.Y.Z`
-
 ## Essential Commands
 
 ### View Current Version
@@ -39,7 +34,6 @@ grep '"version"' package.json | head -1 | sed 's/.*"version": "\(.*\)".*/\1/'
 
 # From all version files
 grep '"version"' package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json
-grep "Current Version" CLAUDE.md
 ```
 
 ### Verify Version Consistency
@@ -52,10 +46,6 @@ grep '"version"' package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plu
 # package.json:3:  "version": "5.3.0",
 # .claude-plugin/marketplace.json:13:  "version": "5.3.0",
 # plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json:3:  "version": "5.3.0",
-
-# Check CLAUDE.md
-grep "Current Version" CLAUDE.md
-# Should output: **Current Version**: 5.3.0
 ```
 
 ### Git Commands
@@ -96,7 +86,7 @@ npm test
 
 ```bash
 # Stage version files
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md plugin/scripts/
+git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json plugin/scripts/
 
 # Commit
 git commit -m "Release vX.Y.Z: [Description]"
@@ -163,11 +153,11 @@ MAJOR: 5.3.2 → 6.0.0 (resets minor and patch)
 
 ```bash
 # Example: 5.3.0 → 5.3.1
-# 1. Update all four files to 5.3.1
+# 1. Update all three files to 5.3.1
 # 2. Build and test
 npm run build
 # 3. Commit and tag
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md plugin/scripts/
+git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json plugin/scripts/
 git commit -m "Release v5.3.1: Fixed observer crash"
 git tag v5.3.1 -m "Release v5.3.1: Fixed observer crash"
 git push && git push --tags
@@ -179,11 +169,11 @@ gh release create v5.3.1 --title "v5.3.1" --notes "Fixed observer crash on empty
 
 ```bash
 # Example: 5.3.0 → 5.4.0
-# 1. Update all four files to 5.4.0
+# 1. Update all three files to 5.4.0
 # 2. Build and test
 npm run build
 # 3. Commit and tag
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md plugin/scripts/
+git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json plugin/scripts/
 git commit -m "Release v5.4.0: Added dark mode support"
 git tag v5.4.0 -m "Release v5.4.0: Added dark mode support"
 git push && git push --tags
@@ -195,11 +185,11 @@ gh release create v5.4.0 --title "v5.4.0" --generate-notes
 
 ```bash
 # Example: 5.3.0 → 6.0.0
-# 1. Update all four files to 6.0.0
+# 1. Update all three files to 6.0.0
 # 2. Build and test
 npm run build
 # 3. Commit and tag
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md plugin/scripts/
+git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json plugin/scripts/
 git commit -m "Release v6.0.0: Storage layer redesign"
 git tag v6.0.0 -m "Release v6.0.0: Storage layer redesign"
 git push && git push --tags
diff --git a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/scenarios.md b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/scenarios.md
index a5cdec92..fcd18b04 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/scenarios.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/scenarios.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Current: 4.2.8
 New: 4.2.9 (PATCH)
 
 Steps:
-1. Update all four files to 4.2.9
+1. Update all three files to 4.2.9
 2. npm run build
 3. git commit -m "Release v4.2.9: Fixed memory leak in search"
 4. git tag v4.2.9 -m "Release v4.2.9: Fixed memory leak in search"
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ Current: 4.2.8
 New: 4.3.0 (MINOR - reset patch to 0)
 
 Steps:
-1. Update all four files to 4.3.0
+1. Update all three files to 4.3.0
 2. npm run build
 3. git commit -m "Release v4.3.0: Added web search MCP integration"
 4. git tag v4.3.0 -m "Release v4.3.0: Added web search MCP integration"
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ Current: 4.2.8
 New: 5.0.0 (MAJOR - reset minor and patch to 0)
 
 Steps:
-1. Update all four files to 5.0.0
+1. Update all three files to 5.0.0
 2. npm run build
 3. git commit -m "Release v5.0.0: Storage layer redesign with migration required"
 4. git tag v5.0.0 -m "Release v5.0.0: Storage layer redesign"
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Current: 4.2.8
 New: 4.2.9 (PATCH)
 
 Steps:
-1. Update all four files to 4.2.9
+1. Update all three files to 4.2.9
 2. npm run build
 3. git commit -m "Release v4.2.9: Multiple bug fixes
 
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ Current: 5.1.0
 New: 5.2.0 (MINOR)
 
 Steps:
-1. Update all four files to 5.2.0
+1. Update all three files to 5.2.0
 2. npm run build
 3. git commit -m "Release v5.2.0: Dark mode support + bug fixes
 
diff --git a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/workflow.md b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/workflow.md
index 172d4bbc..c48318ee 100644
--- a/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/workflow.md
+++ b/.claude/skills/version-bump/operations/workflow.md
@@ -64,7 +64,6 @@ Files to update:
 - package.json: "version": "4.2.9"
 - marketplace.json: "version": "4.2.9"
 - plugin.json: "version": "4.2.9"
-- CLAUDE.md line 9: "**Current Version**: 4.2.9" (version number ONLY)
 - Git tag: v4.2.9
 
 Proceed? (yes/no)
@@ -116,18 +115,6 @@ File: `plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json`
 
 Update line 3 with new version.
 
-### Update CLAUDE.md
-
-File: `CLAUDE.md`
-
-**ONLY update line 9 with the version number:**
-
-```markdown
-**Current Version**: 4.2.9
-```
-
-**CRITICAL:** DO NOT add version history entries to CLAUDE.md. Version history is managed separately outside this skill.
-
 ## Step 6: Verify Consistency
 
 ```bash
@@ -155,7 +142,7 @@ Build must succeed before proceeding.
 
 ```bash
 # Stage all version files
-git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json CLAUDE.md plugin/scripts/
+git add package.json .claude-plugin/marketplace.json plugin/.claude-plugin/plugin.json plugin/scripts/
 
 # Commit with descriptive message
 git commit -m "Release vX.Y.Z: [Brief description]
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index a3d92521..3cfc4917 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -6,8 +6,6 @@
 
 Claude-mem is a Claude Code plugin providing persistent memory across sessions. It captures tool usage, compresses observations using the Claude Agent SDK, and injects relevant context into future sessions.
 
-**Current Version**: 7.2.1
-
 ## Architecture
 
 **5 Lifecycle Hooks**: SessionStart → UserPromptSubmit → PostToolUse → Summary → SessionEnd
@@ -34,13 +32,16 @@ Claude-mem is a Claude Code plugin providing persistent memory across sessions.
 
 ## Build Commands
 
-**Hooks only**: `npm run build && npm run sync-marketplace`
+```bash
+npm run build-and-sync        # Build, sync to marketplace, restart worker (most common)
+npm run build                 # Compile TypeScript only
+npm run sync-marketplace      # Copy to ~/.claude/plugins only
+npm run worker:restart        # Restart worker service only
+npm run worker:status         # Check worker status
+npm run worker:logs           # View worker logs
+```
 
-**Worker changes**: `npm run build && npm run sync-marketplace && npm run worker:restart`
-
-**Skills only**: `npm run sync-marketplace`
-
-**Viewer UI**: `npm run build && npm run sync-marketplace && npm run worker:restart`
+**Viewer UI**: http://localhost:37777
 
 ## Configuration
 
@@ -48,23 +49,13 @@ Settings are managed in `~/.claude-mem/settings.json`. The file is auto-created
 
 **Core Settings:**
 - `CLAUDE_MEM_MODEL` - Model for observations/summaries (default: claude-haiku-4-5)
-- `CLAUDE_MEM_CONTEXT_OBSERVATIONS` - Observations injected at SessionStart (default: 50)
+- `CLAUDE_MEM_CONTEXT_OBSERVATIONS` - Observations injected at SessionStart
 - `CLAUDE_MEM_WORKER_PORT` - Worker service port (default: 37777)
 - `CLAUDE_MEM_WORKER_HOST` - Worker bind address (default: 127.0.0.1, use 0.0.0.0 for remote access)
 
 **System Configuration:**
 - `CLAUDE_MEM_DATA_DIR` - Data directory location (default: ~/.claude-mem)
 - `CLAUDE_MEM_LOG_LEVEL` - Log verbosity: DEBUG, INFO, WARN, ERROR, SILENT (default: INFO)
-- `CLAUDE_MEM_PYTHON_VERSION` - Python version for uvx/chroma-mcp (default: 3.13, avoids onnxruntime compatibility issues with Python 3.14+)
-- `CLAUDE_CODE_PATH` - Path to Claude executable (default: auto-detect via 'which claude')
-
-**Settings File Format:**
-```json
-{
-  "CLAUDE_MEM_MODEL": "claude-haiku-4-5",
-  "CLAUDE_MEM_WORKER_PORT": "37777"
-}
-```
 
 ## File Locations
 
@@ -73,30 +64,15 @@ Settings are managed in `~/.claude-mem/settings.json`. The file is auto-created
 - **Installed Plugin**: `~/.claude/plugins/marketplaces/thedotmack/`
 - **Database**: `~/.claude-mem/claude-mem.db`
 - **Chroma**: `~/.claude-mem/chroma/`
-- **Usage Logs**: `~/.claude-mem/usage-logs/usage-YYYY-MM-DD.jsonl`
 
 ## Requirements
 
-- **Bun** >= 1.0 (all platforms - auto-installed if missing)
+- **Bun** (all platforms - auto-installed if missing)
 - **uv** (all platforms - auto-installed if missing, provides Python for Chroma)
-- Node.js >= 18 (build tools only)
-
-## Quick Reference
-
-```bash
-npm run build                 # Compile TypeScript
-npm run sync-marketplace      # Copy to ~/.claude/plugins
-npm run worker:restart        # Restart worker service
-npm run worker:status         # Check worker status
-npm run worker:logs           # View worker logs
-```
-
-**Viewer UI**: http://localhost:37777
-**Worker Logs**: `~/.claude-mem/logs/worker-YYYY-MM-DD.log`
+- Node.js (build tools only)
 
 ## Documentation
 
 **Public Docs**: https://docs.claude-mem.ai (Mintlify)
 **Source**: `docs/public/` - MDX files, edit `docs.json` for navigation
 **Deploy**: Auto-deploys from GitHub on push to main
-**Local Dev**: `cd docs/public && npx mintlify dev`
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index c5fe6e66..a7668650 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@
   },
   "scripts": {
     "build": "node scripts/build-hooks.js",
+    "build-and-sync": "npm run build && npm run sync-marketplace && sleep 1 && cd ~/.claude/plugins/marketplaces/thedotmack && npm run worker:restart",
     "test": "vitest",
     "test:parser": "npx tsx src/sdk/parser.test.ts",
     "test:context": "echo '{\"session_id\":\"test-'$(date +%s)'\",\"cwd\":\"'$(pwd)'\",\"source\":\"startup\"}' | node plugin/scripts/context-hook.js 2>/dev/null",
diff --git a/plugin/skills/mem-search/SKILL.md b/plugin/skills/mem-search/SKILL.md
index 5eebd3e1..7995e404 100644
--- a/plugin/skills/mem-search/SKILL.md
+++ b/plugin/skills/mem-search/SKILL.md
@@ -31,26 +31,22 @@ Use the `search` MCP tool:
 **Required parameters:**
 
 - `query` - Search term
-- `format: "index"` - ALWAYS start with index (lightweight)
-- `limit: 30` - You can request large indexes as necessary
+- `limit: 20` - You can request large indexes as necessary
 - `project` - Project name (required)
 
 **Example:**
 
 ```
-search(query="authentication", format="index", limit=30, project="my-project")
+search(query="authentication", limit=20, project="my-project")
 ```
 
 **Returns:**
 
 ```
-1. [feature] Added JWT authentication
-   Date: 11/17/2025, 3:48:45 PM
-   ID: 11131
-
-2. [bugfix] Fixed auth token expiration
-   Date: 11/16/2025, 2:15:22 PM
-   ID: 10942
+| ID | Time | T | Title | Read | Work |
+|----|------|---|-------|------|------|
+| #11131 | 3:48 PM | 🟣 | Added JWT authentication | ~75 | 🛠️ 450 |
+| #10942 | 2:15 PM | 🔴 | Fixed auth token expiration | ~50 | 🛠️ 200 |
 ```
 
 ### Step 2: Get Timeline Context
@@ -141,8 +137,7 @@ get_prompt(id=5421)
 **Basic:**
 
 - `query` - What to search for (required)
-- `format` - "index" (NEVER USE FULL)
-- `limit` - How many results (default 30)
+- `limit` - How many results (default 20)
 - `project` - Filter by project name (required)
 
 **Filters (optional):**
@@ -159,7 +154,7 @@ get_prompt(id=5421)
 Use the `search` MCP tool with filters:
 
 ```
-search(query="bug", type="observations", obs_type="bugfix", format="index", limit=30, project="my-project")
+search(query="bug", type="observations", obs_type="bugfix", limit=20, project="my-project")
 ```
 
 **Find what happened last week:**
@@ -167,7 +162,7 @@ search(query="bug", type="observations", obs_type="bugfix", format="index", limi
 Use date filters:
 
 ```
-search(type="observations", dateStart="2025-11-11", format="index", limit=30, project="my-project")
+search(type="observations", dateStart="2025-11-11", limit=20, project="my-project")
 ```
 
 **Search everything:**
@@ -175,37 +170,37 @@ search(type="observations", dateStart="2025-11-11", format="index", limit=30, pr
 Simple query search:
 
 ```
-search(query="database migration", format="index", limit=30, project="my-project")
+search(query="database migration", limit=20, project="my-project")
 ```
 
 **Get detailed instructions:**
 
-Use the `progressive_ix` tool to load full instructions on-demand:
+Use the `progressive_description` tool to load full instructions on-demand:
 
 ```
-progressive_ix(topic="workflow")  # Get 4-step workflow
-progressive_ix(topic="search_params")  # Get parameters reference
-progressive_ix(topic="examples")  # Get usage examples
-progressive_ix(topic="all")  # Get complete guide
+progressive_description(topic="workflow")  # Get 4-step workflow
+progressive_description(topic="search_params")  # Get parameters reference
+progressive_description(topic="examples")  # Get usage examples
+progressive_description(topic="all")  # Get complete guide
 ```
 
 ## Why This Workflow?
 
-**Massive performance gains:**
+**Token efficiency:**
 
-- **Index format:** ~50-100 tokens per result
-- **Full format:** ~500-1000 tokens per result
-- **10x token savings** - only fetch full when you know it's relevant
+- **Search results:** ~50-100 tokens per result (table index)
+- **Full observation:** ~500-1000 tokens each
+- **10x savings** - only fetch full when you know it's relevant
 
-**Batch fetching optimization:**
+**Batch fetching:**
 
-- **Fetching 10 observations individually:** 10 HTTP requests, ~5-10s latency
+- **Individual fetches:** 10 HTTP requests, ~5-10s latency
 - **Batch fetch:** 1 HTTP request, ~0.5-1s latency
 - **10-100x faster** for multi-observation queries
 
 **Clarity:**
 
-- See everything first (index)
+- See everything first (table index)
 - Get timeline context around interesting results
 - Pick what matters based on context
 - Fetch details only for what you need (batch when possible)
@@ -214,7 +209,6 @@ progressive_ix(topic="all")  # Get complete guide
 
 **Remember:**
 
-- ALWAYS search with `format="index"` first for token efficiency
 - ALWAYS get timeline context to understand what was happening
 - ALWAYS use `get_batch_observations` when fetching 2+ observations
-- The workflow is optimized: index → timeline → batch fetch = 10-100x faster
+- The workflow is optimized: search → timeline → batch fetch = 10-100x faster
diff --git a/src/servers/mcp-server.ts b/src/servers/mcp-server.ts
index 13b8c1cf..acd914d6 100644
--- a/src/servers/mcp-server.ts
+++ b/src/servers/mcp-server.ts
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ const TOOL_ENDPOINT_MAP: Record<string, string> = {
   'timeline': '/api/timeline',
   'get_recent_context': '/api/context/recent',
   'get_context_timeline': '/api/context/timeline',
-  'progressive_ix': '/api/instructions'
+  'progressive_description': '/api/instructions'
 };
 
 /**
@@ -182,15 +182,14 @@ async function verifyWorkerConnection(): Promise<boolean> {
 
 /**
  * Tool definitions with HTTP-based handlers
- * Descriptions removed - use progressive_ix tool for parameter documentation
+ * Descriptions removed - use progressive_description tool for parameter documentation
  */
 const tools = [
   {
     name: 'search',
-    description: 'Search observations, sessions, and prompts',
+    description: 'Search memory',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       query: z.string().optional(),
-      format: z.enum(['index', 'full']).default('index'),
       type: z.enum(['observations', 'sessions', 'prompts']).optional(),
       obs_type: z.string().optional(),
       concepts: z.string().optional(),
@@ -209,13 +208,12 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'timeline',
-    description: 'Get timeline around observation ID or query',
+    description: 'Timeline context',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       query: z.string().optional(),
       anchor: z.number().optional(),
       depth_before: z.number().min(0).max(100).default(10),
       depth_after: z.number().min(0).max(100).default(10),
-      format: z.enum(['index', 'full']).default('index'),
       type: z.string().optional(),
       concepts: z.string().optional(),
       files: z.string().optional(),
@@ -228,10 +226,9 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'get_recent_context',
-    description: 'Get recent timeline items',
+    description: 'Recent context',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       limit: z.number().min(1).max(100).default(30),
-      format: z.enum(['index', 'full']).default('index'),
       type: z.string().optional(),
       concepts: z.string().optional(),
       files: z.string().optional(),
@@ -246,12 +243,11 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'get_context_timeline',
-    description: 'Get timeline around specific observation',
+    description: 'Timeline around ID',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       anchor: z.number(),
       depth_before: z.number().min(0).max(100).default(10),
       depth_after: z.number().min(0).max(100).default(10),
-      format: z.enum(['index', 'full']).default('index'),
       type: z.string().optional(),
       concepts: z.string().optional(),
       files: z.string().optional(),
@@ -263,19 +259,19 @@ const tools = [
     }
   },
   {
-    name: 'progressive_ix',
-    description: 'Load parameter docs and usage instructions',
+    name: 'progressive_description',
+    description: 'Usage help',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       topic: z.enum(['workflow', 'search_params', 'examples', 'all']).default('all')
     }),
     handler: async (args: any) => {
-      const endpoint = TOOL_ENDPOINT_MAP['progressive_ix'];
+      const endpoint = TOOL_ENDPOINT_MAP['progressive_description'];
       return await callWorkerAPI(endpoint, args);
     }
   },
   {
     name: 'get_observation',
-    description: 'Get observation by ID',
+    description: 'Fetch by ID',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       id: z.number()
     }),
@@ -285,7 +281,7 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'get_batch_observations',
-    description: 'Get multiple observations by IDs',
+    description: 'Batch fetch',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       ids: z.array(z.number()),
       orderBy: z.enum(['date_desc', 'date_asc']).optional(),
@@ -298,7 +294,7 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'get_session',
-    description: 'Get session summary by ID',
+    description: 'Session by ID',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       id: z.number()
     }),
@@ -308,7 +304,7 @@ const tools = [
   },
   {
     name: 'get_prompt',
-    description: 'Get user prompt by ID',
+    description: 'Prompt by ID',
     inputSchema: z.object({
       id: z.number()
     }),
diff --git a/src/services/worker/http/routes/SearchRoutes.ts b/src/services/worker/http/routes/SearchRoutes.ts
index 9d693788..0e6b356d 100644
--- a/src/services/worker/http/routes/SearchRoutes.ts
+++ b/src/services/worker/http/routes/SearchRoutes.ts
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Unified search (observations + sessions + prompts)
-   * GET /api/search?query=...&type=observations&format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/search?query=...&type=observations&limit=20
    */
   private handleUnifiedSearch = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.search(req.query);
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Semantic shortcut for finding decision observations
-   * GET /api/decisions?format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/decisions?limit=20
    */
   private handleDecisions = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.decisions(req.query);
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Semantic shortcut for finding change-related observations
-   * GET /api/changes?format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/changes?limit=20
    */
   private handleChanges = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.changes(req.query);
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Semantic shortcut for finding "how it works" explanations
-   * GET /api/how-it-works?format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/how-it-works?limit=20
    */
   private handleHowItWorks = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.howItWorks(req.query);
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search observations (use /api/search?type=observations instead)
-   * GET /api/search/observations?query=...&format=index&limit=20&project=...
+   * GET /api/search/observations?query=...&limit=20&project=...
    */
   private handleSearchObservations = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.searchObservations(req.query);
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search session summaries
-   * GET /api/search/sessions?query=...&format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/search/sessions?query=...&limit=20
    */
   private handleSearchSessions = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.searchSessions(req.query);
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search user prompts
-   * GET /api/search/prompts?query=...&format=index&limit=20
+   * GET /api/search/prompts?query=...&limit=20
    */
   private handleSearchPrompts = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.searchUserPrompts(req.query);
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search observations by concept
-   * GET /api/search/by-concept?concept=discovery&format=index&limit=5
+   * GET /api/search/by-concept?concept=discovery&limit=5
    */
   private handleSearchByConcept = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.findByConcept(req.query);
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search by file path
-   * GET /api/search/by-file?filePath=...&format=index&limit=10
+   * GET /api/search/by-file?filePath=...&limit=10
    */
   private handleSearchByFile = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.findByFile(req.query);
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
 
   /**
    * Search observations by type
-   * GET /api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&format=index&limit=10
+   * GET /api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&limit=10
    */
   private handleSearchByType = this.wrapHandler(async (req: Request, res: Response): Promise<void> => {
     const result = await this.searchManager.findByType(req.query);
@@ -252,7 +252,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Search observations using full-text search',
           parameters: {
             query: 'Search query (required)',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results (default: 20)',
             project: 'Filter by project name (optional)'
           }
@@ -263,7 +262,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Search session summaries using full-text search',
           parameters: {
             query: 'Search query (required)',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results (default: 20)'
           }
         },
@@ -273,7 +271,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Search user prompts using full-text search',
           parameters: {
             query: 'Search query (required)',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results (default: 20)',
             project: 'Filter by project name (optional)'
           }
@@ -284,7 +281,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Find observations by concept tag',
           parameters: {
             concept: 'Concept tag (required): discovery, decision, bugfix, feature, refactor',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results (default: 10)',
             project: 'Filter by project name (optional)'
           }
@@ -295,7 +291,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Find observations and sessions by file path',
           parameters: {
             filePath: 'File path or partial path (required)',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results per type (default: 10)',
             project: 'Filter by project name (optional)'
           }
@@ -306,7 +301,6 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
           description: 'Find observations by type',
           parameters: {
             type: 'Observation type (required): discovery, decision, bugfix, feature, refactor',
-            format: 'Response format: "index" or "full" (default: "full")',
             limit: 'Number of results (default: 10)',
             project: 'Filter by project name (optional)'
           }
@@ -350,7 +344,7 @@ export class SearchRoutes extends BaseRouteHandler {
         }
       ],
       examples: [
-        'curl "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&format=index&limit=5"',
+        'curl "http://localhost:37777/api/search/observations?query=authentication&limit=5"',
         'curl "http://localhost:37777/api/search/by-type?type=bugfix&limit=10"',
         'curl "http://localhost:37777/api/context/recent?project=claude-mem&limit=3"',
         'curl "http://localhost:37777/api/context/timeline?anchor=123&depth_before=5&depth_after=5"'