polish for open-source readiness

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+---
+name: Bug report
+about: Report a problem with the orchestrator or a skill
+title: "[Bug] "
+labels: bug
+assignees: ''
+---
+
+**Describe the bug**
+A clear description of what went wrong.
+
+**To reproduce**
+1. Command used (e.g., `/lao`, `/lao-dry-run`, `/lao-setup`)
+2. Phase where the issue occurred (e.g., Phase 7 — Implement)
+3. Relevant config (paste your `lao.config.yaml` if applicable)
+
+**Expected behavior**
+What should have happened.
+
+**Environment**
+- Platform: Claude Code / Cursor
+- Plugin version: (check with `/plugin list`)
+- OS:
+
+**Additional context**
+Paste relevant output, error messages, or screenshots.

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+---
+name: Feature request
+about: Suggest an enhancement or new capability
+title: "[Feature] "
+labels: enhancement
+assignees: ''
+---
+
+**What problem does this solve?**
+Describe the use case or pain point.
+
+**Proposed solution**
+How you'd like it to work.
+
+**Alternatives considered**
+Other approaches you've thought about.
+
+**Additional context**
+Any examples, references, or screenshots.

.github/pull_request_template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+## Summary
+
+Brief description of what this PR does and why.
+
+## Changes
+
+- 
+
+## Validation
+
+- [ ] `validate-plugin.sh` passes (91 checks)
+- [ ] `check-consistency.sh` passes (55 checks)
+- [ ] `bats tests/` passes (21 tests)
+- [ ] README and design spec updated (if applicable)
+- [ ] CHANGELOG updated
+
+## Related issues
+
+Closes #

.github/workflows/ci.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+name: CI
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [main]
+
+jobs:
+  validate:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Install bats
+        run: |
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y bats
+
+      - name: Plugin structural validation
+        run: bash plugins/lifecycle-agent-orchestrator/scripts/validate-plugin.sh
+
+      - name: Cross-reference consistency
+        run: bash plugins/lifecycle-agent-orchestrator/scripts/check-consistency.sh
+
+      - name: Bats test suite
+        run: bats plugins/lifecycle-agent-orchestrator/tests/

README.md

@@ -43,6 +43,41 @@ costs no extra tokens. Human approval checkpoints remain active during execution
 | **Verification** | Disconnected testing. "It works on my machine." | **Automated Validation.** Every AC is proven via recorded evidence. | **Ship with Confidence.** PRs include an automated Acceptance Report. |
 
 
+## Quickstart (5 minutes)
+
+**1. Install** (inside a Claude Code or Cursor session):
+
+```
+/plugin marketplace add sandeep-mewara/lifecycle-orchestrator
+/plugin install lifecycle-agent-orchestrator@lifecycle-agent-orchestrator
+```
+
+**2. Try the dry run** — simulates the full 9-phase pipeline on a sample requirement with no real changes:
+
+```
+/lao-dry-run
+```
+
+Watch the orchestrator walk through Product Management → Experience Design → Architecture → Intake → Tech Design → Plan → Implement → Validate → Ship — all simulated. This validates the plugin is installed and working.
+
+**3. Set up your project** — scan your repo and connect existing docs:
+
+```
+/lao-setup
+```
+
+The setup wizard detects your project's languages, finds architecture docs, coding standards, and domain knowledge, then helps you map them as overlays. You can choose config-based (`lao.config.yaml`) or convention-based (`skills/` directory) setup.
+
+**4. Run the pipeline** — give it a requirement or Jira ticket:
+
+```
+/lao
+```
+
+The orchestrator starts in **preview mode** (no real changes). You iterate on scope, design, and plan, then say "proceed" to execute. Human approval checkpoints remain active throughout.
+
+---
+
 ## Prerequisites
 
 Use this checklist so the orchestrator has everything it composes at runtime:
@@ -201,7 +236,7 @@ From a regular terminal, run the validation scripts:
 ./plugins/lifecycle-agent-orchestrator/scripts/validate-plugin.sh
 ```
 
-Runs 61 structural checks — manifest, skills, frontmatter, references, contracts,
+Runs 91 structural checks — manifest, skills, frontmatter, references, contracts,
 examples, and documentation.
 
 **Validate your project's overlays, domain files, and extra roles:**
@@ -688,7 +723,7 @@ lifecycle-orchestrator/                    # Marketplace root (this repo)
 │       │   └── sample-requirement.md      # Bundled sample for dry-run
 │       ├── scripts/
 │       │   ├── check-consistency.sh       # Cross-reference consistency checks
-│       │   ├── validate-plugin.sh         # Plugin structural validation (61 checks)
+│       │   ├── validate-plugin.sh         # Plugin structural validation (91 checks)
 │       │   └── validate-project-skills.sh # Project skills validation (convention/config/scan)
 │       └── tests/
 │           ├── validate-plugin.bats       # Plugin validation tests