Decision: SMTM System + Superpowers (Not GSD or Other Frameworks)
Section titled “Decision: SMTM System + Superpowers (Not GSD or Other Frameworks)”Date: 2026-03-10 Context: Researched 7 spec-driven AI workflow frameworks in Feb 2026 to find the right system for task/project/knowledge management. Status: ✅ Decision made, system in active use
Frameworks Evaluated
Section titled “Frameworks Evaluated”| Framework | Stars | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| GSD (Get Shit Done) | 12.4K | 6-step spec cycle, parallel research agents, .planning/ dir |
| Superpowers (Obra) | 47.7K | 14 composable skills, brainstorm→plan→execute with TDD |
| Ralph Loop | official | Overnight headless autonomous runs from TASKS.md |
| TASKS.md pattern | n/a | Lightweight per-project spec file |
| Conductor | n/a | Multi-agent orchestration |
| BMad Method | n/a | Structured brainstorm methodology |
| Custom SMTM | — | Our own markdown-based system |
Decision
Section titled “Decision”Use SMTM (custom) + Superpowers + Ralph Loop. Do not adopt GSD.
Why SMTM (Custom System)
Section titled “Why SMTM (Custom System)”- Zero overhead for small tasks — no plugin, no setup
- Works with any AI tool (not CC-specific)
- Human-readable in Obsidian alongside all other KB content
- _Now.md dispatcher pattern fits the solopreneur workflow (one person, multiple projects)
- Full control over structure — can evolve incrementally
Why Superpowers (Not GSD)
Section titled “Why Superpowers (Not GSD)”GSD rejected because:
- Token cost amplification (4x increases; one bug fix spawned 100+ agents consuming 10K tokens in 60s)
- Fragile coupling to CC internals — breaks after CC updates
- The 6-step cycle is heavy overhead for most tasks
- True overnight automation requires running only the execute phase separately
- Smaller community (12.4K vs 47.7K stars for Superpowers)
Superpowers chosen because:
- Most mature and widely adopted CC skills framework
- Brainstorm→plan→execute matches natural workflow
- TDD enforcement (prevents premature “done”)
- Composable — use only the phases you need
Why Ralph Loop (Complementary)
Section titled “Why Ralph Loop (Complementary)”Good for batch/mechanical tasks once TASKS.md is defined and clear. Not for exploratory or judgment-heavy work.
Why Not Conductor / BMad / Others
Section titled “Why Not Conductor / BMad / Others”- Too heavy / enterprise overhead
- Not designed for solopreneur + AI assistant workflow
- SMTM custom handles what they handle, without the friction
Current Status (2026-03-10)
Section titled “Current Status (2026-03-10)”- SMTM v3.0 in active use (see
03_Processes/Simple Markdown Task Management/SMTM_System.md) - Superpowers installed for dev projects
- Ralph Loop available but not yet used in practice
- GSD remains the strongest alternative if Superpowers proves insufficient for complex multi-day projects