Variational Backbone and Regime Closures XIV: Unified Map and Reading Guide Navigation note: contracts, invariants, and reading paths

This guide provides a unified map of the VBRC series: one fixed variational backbone Ewith three readings (R1/R2/R3), and a separate Representation Layer where observationis specified by a declared instance Inst = (Π, µ, G, η) and tested by explicit rails (gates +diagnostics). The core contribution of the series is the separation of existence (the structuralbackbone and its equations) from observability (readouts, weights, updates, and events):probability arises as a pushforward law, entropy as retained-fiber size, and feedback/updateas conditionalization under the declared protocol. Admissible implementation procedures(including Schur/dual-Schur eliminations) preserve the principal operator and characteristiccone, so mismatches are attributable to the declared instance/rail slots rather than hiddentuning. This note summarizes the contract, the main invariants and falsifiers, and minimalreading paths across classical, GR, and QM regimes.