Backlog retirement assistant

[flyingrobots]

Backlog retirement assistant

Backlog card: docs/method/backlog/cool-ideas/CORE_backlog-retirement-assistant.md

This issue mirrors the repo-native METHOD backlog card. Execution truth remains in the card until automated issue/backlog sync exists.

Backlog retirement assistant

Idea

Add a deterministic helper that retires a shipped backlog card during retro
closure.

Why

PR #66 showed that card retirement is easy to miss. A helper can make the correct
closure path obvious and repeatable without requiring the full Method close tool
to be perfect.

Possible Shape

pnpm method:retire-card CORE_graft-structural-history-echo-package-descriptor --outcome shipped

Desired Behavior

• Find the active backlog card by slug.
• Move it to docs/method/graveyard/.
• Add or update disposition text.
• Update active cards that still point at the shipped card through blocked_by.
• Regenerate the backlog DAG.
• Print unresolved refs and follow-up work.

Acceptance Criteria

• The helper can retire one card without touching unrelated backlog files.
• It fails safely when multiple cards match.
• It updates generated DAG artifacts.
• It can be tested with fixture backlog directories.

[coderabbitai]

🔗 Related PRs

#46 - Shape v0.8.0 Review Truth backlog lane [merged]

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