Context

Use this when a repo has replaced one publish/install surface with another, but old package directories or workflow steps still linger.

Pattern

1. Prove the old surface is no longer the supported path.
2. Remove the legacy source artifacts/directories.
3. Remove any build script logic that still populates those artifacts.
4. Remove release workflow upload/publish steps for the retired surface.
5. Remove local validation/hooks that still expect the retired outputs.
6. Preserve and re-validate the replacement distribution path.
7. Search active operational files for stale references; leave historical archives/history alone.

Why

• Prevents “half-retired” packaging where deleted directories are still expected by CI or pre-commit hooks.
• Keeps the supported distribution path clear and reduces release noise.
• Avoids accidentally reviving a dead package line just because automation still mentions it.

Example

• Delete legacy packages/excel-*-skill directories.
• Remove the matching release.yml populate/upload/publish steps.
• Simplify Build-AgentSkills.ps1 and scripts/pre-commit.ps1 so they only validate the surviving ZIP artifact.
• Keep publish-plugins.yml and the sbroenne/mcp-server-excel-plugins marketplace flow intact.