Principlev1
Use percentile distributions rather than averages to measure
Use percentile distributions rather than averages to measure agent performance under varying conditions — P50, P95, and P99 expose different failure modes.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Ultradian and Circadian Cognitive Rhythms (ultradian/circadian capacity cycles), Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (finite cognitive resources that deplete), and Emotion as Systematic Cognitive Modulator (emotional states distort performance). The principle follows from the axiom that cognitive capacity varies — percentiles capture performance across conditions rather than hiding variation in averages. Borrowed from SRE but grounded in cognitive variability axioms.