docs: strengthen sponsor optics with live metrics and tiers

docs/business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+# Metrics and Sponsorship Playbook
+
+This file is a practical script for sponsor calls and ecosystem partner reviews.
+
+## What to Track
+
+Use four categories in every update:
+
+1. **Distribution** — npm packages and GitHub App installs
+2. **Adoption** — stars, forks, contributors, release cadence
+3. **Product surface** — commands/skills/agents and cross-platform support
+4. **Reliability** — test pass counts and production bug turnaround
+
+## Pull Live Metrics
+
+### npm downloads
+
+```bash
+# Weekly downloads
+curl -s https://api.npmjs.org/downloads/point/last-week/ecc-universal
+curl -s https://api.npmjs.org/downloads/point/last-week/ecc-agentshield
+
+# Last 30 days
+curl -s https://api.npmjs.org/downloads/point/last-month/ecc-universal
+curl -s https://api.npmjs.org/downloads/point/last-month/ecc-agentshield
+```
+
+### GitHub repository adoption
+
+```bash
+gh api repos/affaan-m/everything-claude-code \
+  --jq '{stars:.stargazers_count,forks:.forks_count,contributors_url:.contributors_url,open_issues:.open_issues_count}'
+```
+
+### GitHub traffic (maintainer access required)
+
+```bash
+gh api repos/affaan-m/everything-claude-code/traffic/views
+gh api repos/affaan-m/everything-claude-code/traffic/clones
+```
+
+### GitHub App installs
+
+GitHub App install count is currently most reliable in the Marketplace/App dashboard.
+Use the latest value from:
+
+- [ECC Tools Marketplace](https://github.com/marketplace/ecc-tools)
+
+## What Cannot Be Measured Publicly (Yet)
+
+- Claude plugin install/download counts are not currently exposed via a public API.
+- For partner conversations, use npm metrics + GitHub App installs + repo traffic as the proxy bundle.
+
+## Suggested Sponsor Packaging
+
+Use these as starting points in negotiation:
+
+- **Pilot Partner:** `$200/month`
+  - Best for first partnership validation and simple monthly sponsor updates.
+- **Growth Partner:** `$500/month`
+  - Includes roadmap check-ins and implementation feedback loop.
+- **Strategic Partner:** `$1,000+/month`
+  - Multi-touch collaboration, launch support, and deeper operational alignment.
+
+## 60-Second Talking Track
+
+Use this on calls:
+
+> ECC is now positioned as an agent harness performance system, not a config repo.  
+> We track adoption through npm distribution, GitHub App installs, and repository growth.  
+> Claude plugin installs are structurally undercounted publicly, so we use a blended metrics model.  
+> The project supports Claude Code, Cursor, OpenCode, and Codex app/CLI with production-grade hook reliability and a large passing test suite.

docs/releases/1.8.0/release-notes.md

@@ -17,3 +17,4 @@ ECC v1.8.0 positions the project as an agent harness performance system, not jus
 2. Run `/harness-audit` to baseline your project.
 3. Use `/quality-gate` and updated eval workflows to enforce consistency.
 4. Review attribution and licensing notes for referenced ecosystems: [reference-attribution.md](./reference-attribution.md).
+5. For partner/sponsor optics, use live distribution metrics and talking points: [../business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md](../../business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md).