Strong take: MCP is the wrong default for agent runtimes.

It solves the wrong layer and adds operational drag: extra server lifecycle, protocol semantics, and tool-schema overhead in context.

CLI + skills is simpler and more robust for long-running agents: - composability (pipes, filters, redirection) - debuggability (human runs the exact same command) - clearer permission boundaries (allowlist by subcommand) - less moving parts (no always-on MCP daemon)

If MCP is used at all, it should be an edge adapter, not the core runtime contract.