diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 182008e..2f51054 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
 
 - **Review mode (PR link only):** read `gh pr view/diff`; do not switch branches; do not change code.
 - **Landing mode:** temp branch from `main`; bring in PR (squash default; rebase/merge when needed); fix; update `CHANGELOG.md` (PR #/issue + thanks); run `make ci`; final commit; merge to `main`; delete temp; end on `main`.
-- If we squash, add `Co-authored-by:` for the PR author when appropriate; leave a PR comment with what landed + SHAs.
+- If landing contributor work, always add `Co-authored-by:` trailers for PR authors, even when we partially rewrite, group, or manually apply their changes; leave a PR comment with what landed + SHAs.
 - New contributor: thank in `CHANGELOG.md` (and update README contributors list if present).
 
 ## Security & Configuration Tips