Cheap models + control system + time: feedback loops beat marginal model intelligence

gregmushen · x · 2026-09-27

gregmushen argues that the real lever in agent engineering isn't marginal model intelligence but feedback: lower-tier models do make mistakes a higher-tier model wouldn't, but attached to a closed-loop control system they can be wrong locally yet self-correct globally.

His formula: cheap models + control system + time = fire. The takeaway for agent architecture — invest in feedback and correction mechanisms rather than paying for a higher model tier.

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