docs: strengthen sponsor optics with live metrics and tiers

README.md

@@ -5,6 +5,9 @@
 [![Stars](https://img.shields.io/github/stars/affaan-m/everything-claude-code?style=flat)](https://github.com/affaan-m/everything-claude-code/stargazers)
 [![Forks](https://img.shields.io/github/forks/affaan-m/everything-claude-code?style=flat)](https://github.com/affaan-m/everything-claude-code/network/members)
 [![Contributors](https://img.shields.io/github/contributors/affaan-m/everything-claude-code?style=flat)](https://github.com/affaan-m/everything-claude-code/graphs/contributors)
+[![npm ecc-universal](https://img.shields.io/npm/dw/ecc-universal?label=ecc-universal%20weekly%20downloads&logo=npm)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/ecc-universal)
+[![npm ecc-agentshield](https://img.shields.io/npm/dw/ecc-agentshield?label=ecc-agentshield%20weekly%20downloads&logo=npm)](https://www.npmjs.com/package/ecc-agentshield)
+[![GitHub App Install](https://img.shields.io/badge/GitHub%20App-150%20installs-2ea44f?logo=github)](https://github.com/marketplace/ecc-tools)
 [![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-MIT-blue.svg)](LICENSE)
 ![Shell](https://img.shields.io/badge/-Shell-4EAA25?logo=gnu-bash&logoColor=white)
 ![TypeScript](https://img.shields.io/badge/-TypeScript-3178C6?logo=typescript&logoColor=white)
@@ -35,6 +38,21 @@ Works across **Claude Code**, **Codex**, **Cowork**, and other AI agent harnesse
 
 ---
 
+## Traction & Distribution
+
+Use these live signals when presenting ECC to sponsors, platforms, or ecosystem partners:
+
+- **Main package installs:** [`ecc-universal` on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/ecc-universal)
+- **Security companion installs:** [`ecc-agentshield` on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/ecc-agentshield)
+- **GitHub App distribution:** [ECC Tools marketplace listing](https://github.com/marketplace/ecc-tools)
+- **Repo adoption signal:** stars/forks/contributors badges at the top of this README
+
+Download counts for Claude Code plugin installs are not currently exposed as a public API. For partner reporting, combine npm metrics with GitHub App installs and repository traffic/fork growth.
+
+For a sponsor-call metrics checklist and command snippets, see [`docs/business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md`](docs/business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md).
+
+---
+
 ## The Guides
 
 This repo is the raw code only. The guides explain everything.

SPONSORS.md

@@ -29,6 +29,17 @@ Your sponsorship helps:
 - **Better support** — Sponsors get priority responses
 - **Shape the roadmap** — Pro+ sponsors vote on features
 
+## Sponsor Readiness Signals
+
+Use these proof points in sponsor conversations:
+
+- Live npm install/download metrics for `ecc-universal` and `ecc-agentshield`
+- GitHub App distribution via Marketplace installs
+- Public adoption signals: stars, forks, contributors, release cadence
+- Cross-harness support: Claude Code, Cursor, OpenCode, Codex app/CLI
+
+See [`docs/business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md`](docs/business/metrics-and-sponsorship.md) for a copy/paste metrics pull workflow.
+
 ## Sponsor Tiers
 
 | Tier | Price | Benefits |
@@ -37,6 +48,7 @@ Your sponsorship helps:
 | Builder | $10/mo | Premium tools access |
 | Pro | $25/mo | Priority support, office hours |
 | Team | $100/mo | 5 seats, team configs |
+| Harness Partner | $200/mo | Monthly roadmap sync, prioritized maintainer feedback, release-note mention |
 | Business | $500/mo | 25 seats, consulting credit |
 | Enterprise | $2K/mo | Unlimited seats, custom tools |
 

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).