Optimize should be an economic decision, not a cache demo. Mithrandir separates observed evidence from projections and withholds an Optimize recommendation until the evidence is decision-ready.
At least 20 calls, 6 hours of observation, and 3 reusable opportunities. Monthly projections remain withheld before this state.
Card checkout can open after a single verified repeated approved read; this is technical eligibility, not evidence that the subscription will pay for itself. The stronger ROI assessment needs at least 100 calls, 24 hours, 10 reusable opportunities, and 80% configured cost coverage.
net value = baseline external cost − actual external cost − Mithrandir cost
Upstream-reported cost evidence is preferred when provided through the cost contract; customer-configured estimates remain clearly labeled. Mithrandir does not infer token savings from reuse.