Prior blanket analysis (04-04) showed all observed Markov blankets are PASSIVE (structural, not self-maintaining). Star hub mediates information flow but this mediation is imposed by topology, not actively maintained.
Friston's Free Energy Principle requires ACTIVE blankets: boundaries that resist perturbation and self-repair. Testing: if we remove the hub agent from a star topology, do the remaining agents: (A) Develop a NEW blanket structure (active self-organization) → L3 validated (B) Collapse to flat/uniform interaction (passive confirmed) → L3 = structural only
Prediction: Given prior evidence (passive blankets everywhere), expect (B). If (A) → major finding: blankets can transition from passive to active under perturbation stress.
NULL HYPOTHESIS: Post-perturbation TR_range < 0.10 (no hierarchy reform) ALTERNATIVE: Post-perturbation TR_range > 0.15 AND new mediator emerges