diff --git a/CHECKPOINT-encryption.md b/CHECKPOINT-encryption.md
index 85c36b5..c655c83 100644
--- a/CHECKPOINT-encryption.md
+++ b/CHECKPOINT-encryption.md
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
-# Checkpoint — HomeScreen keyboard accessibility (2026-09-01)
+# Checkpoint — HomeScreen layout + re-critique (2026-09-01)
 
 ## Where things are
 - Project: `/home/avi/Projects/Keynctr`
-- Git repo: `master` @ `f1236e7` ("checkpoint: document clippy warning cleanup").
-- Working tree: **3 modified files uncommitted** (the harden changes below) plus
-  the usual untracked items (`.directory`, `.opencode/`, `.impeccable/`,
-  `COSMIC_THEME.md`, `KeynectrAppIconPossibility02.jpeg`).
+- Git repo: `master` @ `32fc764` ("fix(polish): restore success-soft background on identity card").
+- Working tree: clean except the usual untracked items (`.directory`, `.opencode/`,
+  `.impeccable/`, `COSMIC_THEME.md`, `KeynectrAppIconPossibility02.jpeg`).
 
 ## What was completed
 1. **Clippy is now warning-free.** Removed the two pre-existing warnings: the
@@ -39,19 +38,38 @@
    - Added descriptive `aria-label` including profile name and active state.
    - Added `.home-profile-row:not(.is-active):focus-visible` CSS rule for the
      standard 2px solid var(--focus) + 2px offset ring.
-   - Updated the test from `findByRole('list')` to `findByRole('listbox')`.
+    - Updated the test from `findByRole('list')` to `findByRole('listbox')`.
+7. **HomeScreen design-system alignment (this session).** Polish pass addressing
+   critique findings:
+   - Removed the identity card's `linear-gradient` background — now flat
+     `var(--surface)` with `border-color: var(--success)` (flat-by-default rule).
+   - Fixed `.home-profile-row` border-radius from `8px` to `var(--radius-sm)` (9px).
+   - Replaced the publication empty-state sentence with a centered layout: icon +
+     muted text + secondary button, matching the product's empty-state language.
+   - Normalized `.home-identity-name` font-size from `18px` to `16px` (consistent
+     with `.profile-name`).
+   - Removed redundant `grid-template-columns: 1fr` from `.home-grid`.
+8. **First-run guide redesign (this session).** Replaced plain `<ol>` with visual
+   step indicators: each step has a `primary-soft` icon circle (users, copy, edit)
+   alongside a title + description. Clear spatial hierarchy, consistent 14px text.
+9. **Identity card background restored.** After removing the gradient, the card
+   lost its green tint. Restored as flat `var(--success-soft)` background — keeps
+   the security-state signal without breaking flat-by-default.
+10. **Re-critique score: 27/40 → 30/40 (Good).** All P1s resolved, all P2s
+    resolved. Remaining items are P3 (keyboard shortcuts, search/filter, minor
+    copy inconsistencies).
 
 ## Commits added in this session (newest first)
+- `32fc764` fix(polish): restore success-soft background on identity card
+- `b05894e` fix(layout): redesign first-run guide with visual step indicators
+- `96dcbe4` fix(polish): align HomeScreen with design system
+- `e9022b3` fix(a11y): add keyboard accessibility to HomeScreen profile list
+- `a47ce8b` checkpoint: document keyboard accessibility hardening
 - `f1236e7` checkpoint: document clippy warning cleanup
 - `3083a44` chore: fix two clippy warnings
 - `0207636` feat: expose profile import over IPC
 - `2604cf9` checkpoint: document release packages
 
-**Uncommitted (this session):**
-- `frontend/src/screens/HomeScreen.tsx` — keyboard accessibility for profile list
-- `frontend/src/styles.css` — focus-visible styling for profile rows
-- `frontend/src/test/HomeScreen.test.tsx` — updated test role to listbox
-
 ## Verification commands run
 All green in this session, run after the changes:
 
@@ -95,7 +113,6 @@ All green in this session, run after the changes:
   not committed.
 - README is stale (title, dependency versions, test counts, Forgejo references) —
   worth a docs pass before 0.2.
-- **HomeScreen critique follow-up** (from `/impeccable critique`): 27/40 score.
-  Remaining P1: identity card gradient breaks flat-by-default rule. P2: flat
-  first-run guide, off-system 8px border-radius, publication empty state as
-  sentence. See `.impeccable/critique/2026-09-01T15-55-28Z__...` for full report.
+- **HomeScreen critique**: 30/40 (Good). Remaining P3 items: keyboard shortcuts,
+  profile search/filter, "Compose note" vs "Compose" label inconsistency,
+  identity card kicker text removed. See `.impeccable/critique/` for snapshots.