Finite-rank rigidity and Nash-curve discreteness for correlation potentials

For every nonconstant real polynomial P of degree k and every positive rational exponent a/b, minimizing the spherical energy with potential |P(t)|a/b admits a discrete solution with at most d+2ak-12ak+d+2ak-22ak-1 support points, where a/b is reduced. This finite-replacement consequence needs no denominator threshold. Under a multiplicity-sensitive denominator condition, we prove the stronger conclusion that every minimizer has an explicit uniform support bound; suitable negative positive-semidefinite perturbations preserve that bound. We present these consequences before the machinery. The main arguments simplify irrational-power finite-rank rigidity and give a Nash-curve ramification obstruction, stable under entire scalar additions, for powers, logarithms, and rational poles. The latter yields uniform finite supports on compact semialgebraic curves without assuming that the supports are semialgebraic. The known p-frame finite-replacement principle is distinguished from the extensions developed here. No unconditional discreteness theorem for general irrational p is claimed.