diff --git a/frontend/src/components/Header.astro b/frontend/src/components/Header.astro
index 04b4d5f..d1d2d44 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/Header.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/components/Header.astro
@@ -17,7 +17,8 @@ const {
 const { locale, t, buildLocaleUrl } = getI18n(Astro);
 const aiEnabled = Boolean(Astro.props.siteSettings?.ai?.enabled);
 const musicEnabled = Astro.props.siteSettings?.musicEnabled ?? true;
-const musicPlaylist = (musicEnabled ? Astro.props.siteSettings?.musicPlaylist : []).filter(
+const configuredMusicPlaylist = Astro.props.siteSettings?.musicPlaylist ?? [];
+const musicPlaylist = (musicEnabled ? configuredMusicPlaylist : []).filter(
   (item) => item?.title?.trim() && item?.url?.trim()
 );
 const musicPlaylistPayload = JSON.stringify(musicPlaylist);
diff --git a/frontend/src/layouts/BaseLayout.astro b/frontend/src/layouts/BaseLayout.astro
index 10f874f..4aed7c1 100644
--- a/frontend/src/layouts/BaseLayout.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/layouts/BaseLayout.astro
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ const i18nPayload = JSON.stringify({ locale, messages });
     />
     <link rel="icon" href="/favicon.ico" />
     <title>{title}</title>
-    {jsonLd && <script type="application/ld+json" set:html={jsonLd}></script>}
+    {jsonLd && <script is:inline type="application/ld+json" set:html={jsonLd}></script>}
     <slot name="head" />
 
     <style is:inline>
@@ -467,8 +467,6 @@ const i18nPayload = JSON.stringify({ locale, messages });
     <link
       rel="stylesheet"
       href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.4.0/css/all.min.css"
-      media="print"
-      onload="this.media='all'"
     />
     <noscript>
       <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/6.4.0/css/all.min.css" />
@@ -478,8 +476,6 @@ const i18nPayload = JSON.stringify({ locale, messages });
     <link
       href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=JetBrains+Mono:wght@400;700&family=IBM+Plex+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap"
       rel="stylesheet"
-      media="print"
-      onload="this.media='all'"
     >
     <noscript>
       <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=JetBrains+Mono:wght@400;700&family=IBM+Plex+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
diff --git a/frontend/src/lib/seo.ts b/frontend/src/lib/seo.ts
index c1d65d4..34608b0 100644
--- a/frontend/src/lib/seo.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/lib/seo.ts
@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@ export interface DiscoveryFaqOptions {
   signals?: string[];
 }
 
+export type JsonLdObject = Record<string, unknown>;
+
 function normalizeWhitespace(value: string): string {
   return value.replace(/\s+/g, ' ').trim();
 }
@@ -280,6 +282,12 @@ export function buildFaqJsonLd(faqs: ArticleFaqItem[]) {
   };
 }
 
+export function compactJsonLd<T extends JsonLdObject>(
+  items: Array<T | null | undefined | false>,
+): T[] {
+  return items.filter((item): item is T => Boolean(item));
+}
+
 export function buildPostItemList(posts: Post[], siteUrl: string) {
   return posts.map((post, index) => ({
     '@type': 'ListItem',
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/about/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/about/index.astro
index f4b0cbf..821a468 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/about/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/about/index.astro
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import StatsList from '../../components/StatsList.astro';
 import TechStackList from '../../components/TechStackList.astro';
 import { api, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS } from '../../lib/api/client';
 import { getI18n } from '../../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs } from '../../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, compactJsonLd } from '../../lib/seo';
 
 export const prerender = false;
 
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ const aboutJsonLd = [
   title={`${t('about.pageTitle')} - ${siteSettings.siteShortName}`}
   description={siteSettings.siteDescription}
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
-  jsonLd={aboutJsonLd.filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd(aboutJsonLd)}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="about" entityId="about" />
   <div class="max-w-5xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 py-8">
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/articles/[slug].astro b/frontend/src/pages/articles/[slug].astro
index 35fa44d..63461a7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/articles/[slug].astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/articles/[slug].astro
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import {
   buildArticleHighlights,
   buildArticlePreviewParagraphs,
   buildArticleSynopsis,
+  compactJsonLd,
   resolvePostUpdatedAt,
 } from '../../lib/seo';
 import type { PopularPostHighlight } from '../../lib/types';
@@ -45,7 +46,6 @@ let post = null;
 let siteSettings = DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS;
 const analyticsEndpoint = `${resolvePublicApiBaseUrl(Astro.url)}/analytics/content`;
 let homeData: Awaited<ReturnType<typeof apiClient.getHomePageData>> | null = null;
-let postLookupFailed = false;
 
 const [postResult, siteSettingsResult, homeDataResult] = await Promise.allSettled([
   apiClient.getPostBySlug(slug ?? ''),
@@ -56,7 +56,6 @@ const [postResult, siteSettingsResult, homeDataResult] = await Promise.allSettle
 if (postResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
   post = postResult.value;
 } else {
-  postLookupFailed = true;
   console.error('API Error:', postResult.reason);
 }
 
@@ -77,8 +76,8 @@ if (homeDataResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
 
 if (!post) {
   return new Response(null, {
-    status: postLookupFailed ? 503 : 404,
-    headers: postLookupFailed ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
+    status: postResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? 503 : 404,
+    headers: postResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
   });
 }
 
@@ -371,7 +370,7 @@ const breadcrumbJsonLd = {
   ogImage={ogImage}
   ogType="article"
   twitterCard="summary_large_image"
-  jsonLd={[articleJsonLd, breadcrumbJsonLd, faqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([articleJsonLd, breadcrumbJsonLd, faqJsonLd])}
 >
   <Fragment slot="head">
     <meta property="article:published_time" content={publishedAt} />
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/articles/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/articles/index.astro
index 6e9f4d8..f063346 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/articles/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/articles/index.astro
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import FilterPill from '../../components/ui/FilterPill.astro';
 import PostCard from '../../components/PostCard.astro';
 import { api, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS } from '../../lib/api/client';
 import { getI18n } from '../../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, buildPostItemList } from '../../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, buildPostItemList, compactJsonLd } from '../../lib/seo';
 import type { Category, Post, Tag } from '../../lib/types';
 import { getAccentVars, getCategoryTheme, getPostTypeTheme, getTagTheme } from '../../lib/utils';
 
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ const buildArticlesUrl = ({
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
   canonical={canonicalUrl}
   noindex={hasActiveFilters}
-  jsonLd={[...jsonLd, articleIndexFaqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([...jsonLd, articleIndexFaqJsonLd])}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="articles" entityId={`articles-page-${currentPage}`} />
   <div class="max-w-5xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 py-8">
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/ask/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/ask/index.astro
index 2ce29e5..4c3b93e 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/ask/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/ask/index.astro
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import SharePanel from '../../components/seo/SharePanel.astro';
 import CommandPrompt from '../../components/ui/CommandPrompt.astro';
 import { api, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS, resolvePublicApiBaseUrl } from '../../lib/api/client';
 import { getI18n } from '../../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs } from '../../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, compactJsonLd } from '../../lib/seo';
 
 export const prerender = false;
 
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ const askFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(askFaqs);
   title={`${t('ask.pageTitle')} | ${siteSettings.siteShortName}`}
   description={t('ask.pageDescription', { siteName: siteSettings.siteName })}
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
-  jsonLd={[...askJsonLd, askFaqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([...askJsonLd, askFaqJsonLd])}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="ask" entityId="ask" />
   <section class="max-w-5xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 py-12">
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/categories/[slug].astro b/frontend/src/pages/categories/[slug].astro
index 95e5efd..8bf40d9 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/categories/[slug].astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/categories/[slug].astro
@@ -20,33 +20,27 @@ const isEnglish = locale.startsWith('en');
 let categories: Category[] = [];
 let posts: Post[] = [];
 let siteSettings = DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS;
-let categoriesFailed = false;
 
-try {
-  const [categoriesResult, postsResult, settingsResult] = await Promise.allSettled([
-    api.getCategories(),
-    api.getPosts(),
-    api.getSiteSettings(),
-  ]);
+const [categoriesResult, postsResult, settingsResult] = await Promise.allSettled([
+  api.getCategories(),
+  api.getPosts(),
+  api.getSiteSettings(),
+]);
 
-  if (categoriesResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    categories = categoriesResult.value;
-  } else {
-    categoriesFailed = true;
-    console.error('Failed to fetch categories:', categoriesResult.reason);
-  }
+if (categoriesResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  categories = categoriesResult.value;
+} else {
+  console.error('Failed to fetch categories:', categoriesResult.reason);
+}
 
-  if (postsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    posts = postsResult.value;
-  } else {
-    console.error('Failed to fetch category posts:', postsResult.reason);
-  }
+if (postsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  posts = postsResult.value;
+} else {
+  console.error('Failed to fetch category posts:', postsResult.reason);
+}
 
-  if (settingsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    siteSettings = settingsResult.value;
-  }
-} catch (error) {
-  console.error('Failed to fetch category detail data:', error);
+if (settingsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  siteSettings = settingsResult.value;
 }
 
 const requested = decodeURIComponent(slug || '').trim().toLowerCase();
@@ -59,8 +53,8 @@ const category =
 
 if (!category) {
   return new Response(null, {
-    status: categoriesFailed ? 503 : 404,
-    headers: categoriesFailed ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
+    status: categoriesResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? 503 : 404,
+    headers: categoriesResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
   });
 }
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/friends/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/friends/index.astro
index a2df8fe..0771214 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/friends/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/friends/index.astro
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import FriendLinkCard from '../../components/FriendLinkCard.astro';
 import FriendLinkApplication from '../../components/FriendLinkApplication.astro';
 import { api, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS } from '../../lib/api/client';
 import { getI18n } from '../../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs } from '../../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, compactJsonLd } from '../../lib/seo';
 import type { AppFriendLink } from '../../lib/api/client';
 
 export const prerender = false;
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ const friendsFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(friendsFaqs);
   title={`${t('friends.pageTitle')} - ${siteSettings.siteShortName}`}
   description={t('friends.pageDescription', { siteName: siteSettings.siteName })}
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
-  jsonLd={[...friendsJsonLd, friendsFaqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([...friendsJsonLd, friendsFaqJsonLd])}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="friends" entityId="friends-index" />
   <div class="max-w-5xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 py-8">
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/index.astro
index af169cc..a5aba59 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/index.astro
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import TechStackList from '../components/TechStackList.astro';
 import { terminalConfig } from '../lib/config/terminal';
 import { api, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS } from '../lib/api/client';
 import { formatReadTime, getI18n } from '../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, buildPostItemList } from '../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, buildPostItemList, compactJsonLd } from '../lib/seo';
 import type { AppFriendLink } from '../lib/api/client';
 import type { ContentOverview, ContentWindowHighlight, PopularPostHighlight, Post } from '../lib/types';
 import { getAccentVars, getCategoryTheme, getPostTypeTheme, getTagTheme } from '../lib/utils';
@@ -119,6 +119,11 @@ const systemStats = [
   { label: t('common.categories'), value: String(categories.length) },
   { label: t('common.friends'), value: String(friendLinks.length) },
 ];
+const heroGlanceStats = [
+  { label: t('common.posts'), value: String(allPosts.length), icon: 'fa-file-alt' },
+  { label: t('common.categories'), value: String(categories.length), icon: 'fa-folder-open' },
+  { label: t('common.tags'), value: String(tags.length), icon: 'fa-hashtag' },
+];
 
 const techStack = siteSettings.techStack.map(name => ({ name }));
 const tagFrequency = new Map<string, number>();
@@ -153,8 +158,9 @@ const activeContentRange =
 const popularRangeCards = contentRanges.flatMap((range) =>
   range.popularPosts
     .filter((item): item is PopularPostHighlight & { post: Post } => Boolean(item.post))
-    .map((item) => ({
+    .map((item, index) => ({
       rangeKey: range.key,
+      rank: index + 1,
       item,
       post: item.post,
     })),
@@ -221,7 +227,6 @@ const discoverPrompt = hasActiveFilters
 const postsPrompt = hasActiveFilters
   ? t('home.promptPostsFiltered', { count: previewCount, filters: activeFilterLabels.join(' · ') })
   : t('home.promptPostsDefault', { count: previewCount });
-const popularPrompt = t('home.promptPopularRange', { label: activeContentRange.label });
 const navLinks = [
   { icon: 'fa-file-code', text: t('nav.articles'), href: '/articles' },
   { icon: 'fa-folder', text: t('nav.categories'), href: '/categories' },
@@ -314,7 +319,7 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
   canonical="/"
   noindex={hasActiveFilters}
-  jsonLd={[...homeJsonLd, homeFaqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([...homeJsonLd, homeFaqJsonLd])}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="home" entityId="homepage" />
   <div class="mx-auto max-w-[1480px] px-4 py-6 sm:px-6 lg:px-8">
@@ -325,10 +330,28 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
 
       <div class="mb-6 px-4">
         <CommandPrompt command={t('home.promptWelcome')} />
-        <div class="ml-4 home-hero-shell">
-          <div class="min-w-0">
+        <div class="ml-4 home-hero-shell home-hero-shell--panel">
+          <div class="home-hero-copy">
+            <span class="terminal-kicker w-fit">
+              <i class="fas fa-terminal"></i>
+              home / overview
+            </span>
             <p class="mb-1 text-lg font-bold text-[var(--primary)]">{siteSettings.heroTitle}</p>
             <p class="text-sm leading-6 text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{siteSettings.heroSubtitle}</p>
+
+            <div class="home-hero-glance">
+              {heroGlanceStats.map((item) => (
+                <div class="home-hero-glance-item">
+                  <span class="home-hero-glance-icon">
+                    <i class={`fas ${item.icon} text-[11px]`}></i>
+                  </span>
+                  <div class="min-w-0">
+                    <div class="text-[11px] uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{item.label}</div>
+                    <div class="text-sm font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{item.value}</div>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+              ))}
+            </div>
           </div>
 
           <div class="home-hero-meta">
@@ -361,7 +384,7 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
         </div>
       )}
 
-      <div class="grid gap-6 px-4 xl:grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_320px]">
+      <div class="grid gap-6 px-4 xl:grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_320px] 2xl:grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)_340px]">
         <div class="min-w-0 space-y-6">
           <div id="discover">
             <CommandPrompt promptId="home-discover-prompt" command={discoverPrompt} />
@@ -586,22 +609,27 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <aside class="space-y-4 xl:sticky xl:top-24 xl:self-start">
-          <section class="terminal-panel space-y-4">
+        <aside class="home-sidebar-stack xl:sticky xl:top-24 xl:self-start">
+          <section class="terminal-panel home-sidebar-card space-y-4">
             <div class="space-y-1">
+              <span class="terminal-kicker w-fit">
+                <i class="fas fa-compass"></i>
+                side nav
+              </span>
               <h3 class="text-lg font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{homeSidebarCopy.quickLinks}</h3>
               <p class="text-sm leading-6 text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{homeSidebarCopy.quickLinksDesc}</p>
             </div>
-            <div class="grid gap-2 sm:grid-cols-2 xl:grid-cols-2">
+            <div class="home-sidebar-grid">
               {navLinks.map(link => (
                 <a
                   href={link.href}
-                  class="group flex min-w-0 items-center gap-2 rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/75 px-3 py-3 text-sm text-[var(--title-color)] transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)] hover:text-[var(--primary)]"
+                  class="home-sidebar-link group flex min-w-0 items-center gap-3 rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/75 px-3 py-2.5 text-sm text-[var(--title-color)] transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)] hover:text-[var(--primary)]"
                 >
-                  <span class="flex h-8 w-8 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-xl bg-[var(--primary)]/10 text-[var(--primary)]">
+                  <span class="home-sidebar-link__icon">
                     <i class={`fas ${link.icon} text-[11px]`}></i>
                   </span>
-                  <span class="min-w-0 truncate font-medium">{link.text}</span>
+                  <span class="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate font-medium">{link.text}</span>
+                  <i class="fas fa-arrow-right text-[10px] text-[var(--text-tertiary)] transition-transform duration-200 group-hover:translate-x-0.5 group-hover:text-[var(--primary)]"></i>
                 </a>
               ))}
             </div>
@@ -618,22 +646,26 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
             variant="compact"
           />
 
-          <section class="terminal-panel space-y-4">
+          <section class="terminal-panel home-sidebar-card space-y-4">
             <div class="flex items-start justify-between gap-3">
               <div>
+                <span class="terminal-kicker w-fit">
+                  <i class="fas fa-fire"></i>
+                  traffic
+                </span>
                 <h3 class="text-lg font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{homeSidebarCopy.popularTitle}</h3>
                 <p class="mt-1 text-sm leading-6 text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{homeSidebarCopy.popularDesc}</p>
               </div>
               <span id="home-popular-count" class="terminal-stat-pill">{initialPopularCount}</span>
             </div>
 
-            <div class="home-popular-sortbar">
+            <div class="home-popular-rangebar">
               {popularRangeOptions.map((option) => (
                 <button
                   type="button"
                   data-home-popular-range={option.key}
                   class:list={[
-                    'home-popular-sort',
+                    'home-popular-range',
                     option.key === activeContentRange.key && 'is-active'
                   ]}
                 >
@@ -644,7 +676,7 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
             </div>
 
             <div id="home-popular-list" class="space-y-3">
-              {popularRangeCards.map(({ rangeKey, item, post }) => (
+              {popularRangeCards.map(({ rangeKey, rank, item, post }) => (
                 <a
                   href={`/articles/${post.slug}`}
                   data-home-popular-card
@@ -655,16 +687,15 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
                   data-home-slug={post.slug}
                   data-home-popular-views={item.pageViews}
                   data-home-popular-completes={item.readCompletes}
-                  data-home-popular-depth={Math.round(item.avgProgressPercent)}
                   class:list={[
-                    'block rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/72 p-3 transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)]',
+                    'home-sidebar-popular block rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/72 p-3 transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)]',
                     !initialPopularVisibleKeys.has(`${rangeKey}:${post.slug}`) && 'hidden'
                   ]}
                   style={getAccentVars(getPostTypeTheme(post.type))}
                 >
                   <div class="flex items-start gap-3">
-                    <span class="mt-0.5 inline-flex h-7 w-7 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-[var(--primary)]/10 text-[11px] font-semibold text-[var(--primary)]">
-                      {item.pageViews}
+                    <span class="home-sidebar-popular__rank">
+                      <span data-home-popular-rank-label>{rank}</span>
                     </span>
                     <div class="min-w-0 flex-1">
                       <div class="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2">
@@ -676,7 +707,7 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
                         </span>
                       </div>
                       <h4 class="mt-2 line-clamp-2 text-sm font-semibold leading-6 text-[var(--title-color)]">{post.title}</h4>
-                      <div class="mt-2 flex flex-wrap gap-2 text-xs text-[var(--text-secondary)]">
+                      <div class="home-sidebar-popular__metrics">
                         <span>{t('home.views')}: {item.pageViews}</span>
                         <span>{t('home.completes')}: {item.readCompletes}</span>
                         <span>{t('home.avgProgress')}: {formatProgressPercent(item.avgProgressPercent)}</span>
@@ -692,9 +723,13 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
             </div>
           </section>
 
-          <section class="terminal-panel space-y-4">
+          <section class="terminal-panel home-sidebar-card space-y-4">
             <div class="flex items-start justify-between gap-3">
               <div>
+                <span class="terminal-kicker w-fit">
+                  <i class="fas fa-chart-simple"></i>
+                  stats
+                </span>
                 <h3 class="text-lg font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{homeSidebarCopy.statsTitle}</h3>
                 <p class="mt-1 text-sm leading-6 text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{homeSidebarCopy.statsDesc}</p>
               </div>
@@ -702,41 +737,45 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
             </div>
 
             <div class="grid gap-3 sm:grid-cols-2 xl:grid-cols-2">
-              <div class="rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
+              <div class="home-sidebar-stat home-sidebar-stat--metric rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
                 <p class="text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{t('home.views')}</p>
                 <p id="home-reading-views-value" class="mt-3 text-2xl font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{activeContentRange.overview.pageViews}</p>
                 <p class="mt-2 text-xs text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{t('home.totalViews')}: {contentOverview.totalPageViews}</p>
               </div>
-              <div class="rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
+              <div class="home-sidebar-stat home-sidebar-stat--metric rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
                 <p class="text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{t('home.completes')}</p>
                 <p id="home-reading-completes-value" class="mt-3 text-2xl font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{activeContentRange.overview.readCompletes}</p>
                 <p class="mt-2 text-xs text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{t('home.totalCompletes')}: {contentOverview.totalReadCompletes}</p>
               </div>
-              <div class="rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
+              <div class="home-sidebar-stat home-sidebar-stat--metric rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
                 <p class="text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{t('home.avgProgress')}</p>
                 <p id="home-reading-progress-value" class="mt-3 text-2xl font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{formatProgressPercent(activeContentRange.overview.avgReadProgress)}</p>
                 <p id="home-reading-window-meta" class="mt-2 text-xs text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{t('home.statsWindowLabel', { label: activeContentRange.label })}</p>
               </div>
-              <div class="rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
+              <div class="home-sidebar-stat home-sidebar-stat--metric rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--bg)]/70 p-4">
                 <p class="text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{t('home.avgDuration')}</p>
                 <p id="home-reading-duration-value" class="mt-3 text-2xl font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{formatDurationMs(activeContentRange.overview.avgReadDurationMs)}</p>
                 <p class="mt-2 text-xs text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{t('common.posts')}: {allPosts.length}</p>
               </div>
             </div>
 
-            <div class="grid gap-3 sm:grid-cols-2">
+            <div class="home-sidebar-meta-list">
               {systemStats.slice(0, 4).map((item) => (
-                <div class="rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)]/75 bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/78 px-4 py-3">
-                  <div class="text-[11px] uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{item.label}</div>
-                  <div class="mt-2 text-lg font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{item.value}</div>
+                <div class="home-sidebar-meta-item">
+                  <span class="text-[11px] uppercase tracking-[0.18em] text-[var(--text-tertiary)]">{item.label}</span>
+                  <span class="text-sm font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{item.value}</span>
                 </div>
               ))}
             </div>
           </section>
 
           {sidebarFriendLinks.length > 0 && (
-            <section class="terminal-panel space-y-4">
+            <section class="terminal-panel home-sidebar-card space-y-4">
               <div class="space-y-1">
+                <span class="terminal-kicker w-fit">
+                  <i class="fas fa-link"></i>
+                  network
+                </span>
                 <h3 class="text-lg font-semibold text-[var(--title-color)]">{homeSidebarCopy.friendsTitle}</h3>
                 <p class="text-sm leading-6 text-[var(--text-secondary)]">{homeSidebarCopy.friendsDesc}</p>
               </div>
@@ -747,7 +786,7 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
                     href={friend.url}
                     target="_blank"
                     rel="noopener noreferrer"
-                    class="group flex items-start gap-3 rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/75 p-3 transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)]"
+                    class="home-sidebar-friend group flex items-start gap-3 rounded-2xl border border-[var(--border-color)] bg-[var(--terminal-bg)]/75 p-3 transition hover:-translate-y-0.5 hover:border-[var(--primary)]"
                   >
                     {friend.avatar ? (
                       <img
@@ -874,7 +913,6 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
     const popularList = document.getElementById('home-popular-list');
     const popularCount = document.getElementById('home-popular-count');
     const popularRangeButtons = Array.from(document.querySelectorAll('[data-home-popular-range]'));
-    const popularSortButtons = Array.from(document.querySelectorAll('[data-home-popular-sort]'));
     const readingWindowPill = document.getElementById('home-stats-window-pill');
     const readingViewsValue = document.getElementById('home-reading-views-value');
     const readingCompletesValue = document.getElementById('home-reading-completes-value');
@@ -902,7 +940,6 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
       category: initialHomeState.category || '',
       tag: initialHomeState.tag || '',
       range: initialHomeState.range || '7d',
-      popularSort: 'views',
     };
 
     function getActiveRange() {
@@ -928,37 +965,20 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
       });
     }
 
-    function syncPopularSortButtons() {
-      popularSortButtons.forEach((button) => {
-        button.classList.toggle(
-          'is-active',
-          (button.getAttribute('data-home-popular-sort') || 'views') === state.popularSort
-        );
-      });
-    }
-
     function sortPopularCards(cards) {
-      const metricKey =
-        state.popularSort === 'completes'
-          ? 'data-home-popular-completes'
-          : state.popularSort === 'depth'
-            ? 'data-home-popular-depth'
-            : 'data-home-popular-views';
-
       return [...cards].sort((left, right) => {
-        const leftValue = Number(left.getAttribute(metricKey) || '0');
-        const rightValue = Number(right.getAttribute(metricKey) || '0');
-
-        if (rightValue !== leftValue) {
-          return rightValue - leftValue;
-        }
-
         const leftViews = Number(left.getAttribute('data-home-popular-views') || '0');
         const rightViews = Number(right.getAttribute('data-home-popular-views') || '0');
         if (rightViews !== leftViews) {
           return rightViews - leftViews;
         }
 
+        const leftCompletes = Number(left.getAttribute('data-home-popular-completes') || '0');
+        const rightCompletes = Number(right.getAttribute('data-home-popular-completes') || '0');
+        if (rightCompletes !== leftCompletes) {
+          return rightCompletes - leftCompletes;
+        }
+
         return String(left.getAttribute('data-home-slug') || '').localeCompare(
           String(right.getAttribute('data-home-slug') || '')
         );
@@ -975,18 +995,14 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
 
     function syncPromptText(total) {
       const tokens = getActiveTokens();
-      const activeRange = getActiveRange();
       const discoverCommand = tokens.length
         ? t('home.promptDiscoverFiltered', { filters: tokens.join(' · ') })
         : t('home.promptDiscoverDefault');
       const postsCommand = tokens.length
         ? t('home.promptPostsFiltered', { count: Math.min(total, previewLimit), filters: tokens.join(' · ') })
         : t('home.promptPostsDefault', { count: Math.min(total, previewLimit) });
-      const popularCommand = t('home.promptPopularRange', { label: activeRange.label || state.range });
-
       promptApi?.set?.('home-discover-prompt', discoverCommand, { typing: false });
       promptApi?.set?.('home-posts-prompt', postsCommand, { typing: false });
-      promptApi?.set?.('home-popular-prompt', popularCommand, { typing: false });
     }
 
     function syncRangeMetrics(filteredPopularCount) {
@@ -1144,8 +1160,12 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
       });
       const sortedPopular = sortPopularCards(filteredPopular);
       popularCards.forEach((card) => card.classList.add('hidden'));
-      sortedPopular.slice(0, popularPreviewLimit).forEach((card) => {
+      sortedPopular.slice(0, popularPreviewLimit).forEach((card, index) => {
         card.classList.remove('hidden');
+        const rankLabel = card.querySelector('[data-home-popular-rank-label]');
+        if (rankLabel) {
+          rankLabel.textContent = String(index + 1);
+        }
         popularList?.appendChild(card);
       });
 
@@ -1172,7 +1192,6 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
       syncActiveSummary();
       syncPostTagSelection();
       syncPopularRangeButtons();
-      syncPopularSortButtons();
       syncRangeMetrics(filteredPopular.length);
       syncPromptText(total);
 
@@ -1224,13 +1243,6 @@ const homeFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(homeFaqs);
       });
     });
 
-    popularSortButtons.forEach((button) => {
-      button.addEventListener('click', () => {
-        state.popularSort = button.getAttribute('data-home-popular-sort') || 'views';
-        applyHomeFilters(false);
-      });
-    });
-
     postsRoot?.addEventListener('click', (event) => {
       const target = event.target instanceof Element ? event.target.closest('a[href*="tag="]') : null;
       if (!target) return;
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/reviews/index.astro b/frontend/src/pages/reviews/index.astro
index c091131..32582bb 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/reviews/index.astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/reviews/index.astro
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ import FilterPill from '../../components/ui/FilterPill.astro';
 import ResponsiveImage from '../../components/ui/ResponsiveImage.astro';
 import { apiClient, DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS } from '../../lib/api/client';
 import { getI18n } from '../../lib/i18n';
-import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs } from '../../lib/seo';
+import { buildDiscoveryHighlights, buildFaqJsonLd, buildPageFaqs, compactJsonLd } from '../../lib/seo';
 import { parseReview, type ParsedReview, type ReviewStatus } from '../../lib/reviews';
 
 export const prerender = false;
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ const reviewFaqJsonLd = buildFaqJsonLd(reviewFaqs);
   siteSettings={siteSettings}
   canonical={hasActiveFilters ? '/reviews' : undefined}
   noindex={hasActiveFilters}
-  jsonLd={[...reviewsJsonLd, reviewFaqJsonLd].filter(Boolean)}
+  jsonLd={compactJsonLd([...reviewsJsonLd, reviewFaqJsonLd])}
 >
   <PageViewTracker pageType="reviews" entityId="reviews-index" />
   <div class="max-w-5xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 py-8">
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/tags/[slug].astro b/frontend/src/pages/tags/[slug].astro
index 0b793f0..42b2aa2 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/tags/[slug].astro
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/tags/[slug].astro
@@ -20,33 +20,27 @@ const isEnglish = locale.startsWith('en');
 let tags: Tag[] = [];
 let posts: Post[] = [];
 let siteSettings = DEFAULT_SITE_SETTINGS;
-let tagsFailed = false;
 
-try {
-  const [tagsResult, postsResult, settingsResult] = await Promise.allSettled([
-    apiClient.getTags(),
-    apiClient.getPosts(),
-    apiClient.getSiteSettings(),
-  ]);
+const [tagsResult, postsResult, settingsResult] = await Promise.allSettled([
+  apiClient.getTags(),
+  apiClient.getPosts(),
+  apiClient.getSiteSettings(),
+]);
 
-  if (tagsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    tags = tagsResult.value;
-  } else {
-    tagsFailed = true;
-    console.error('Failed to fetch tags:', tagsResult.reason);
-  }
+if (tagsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  tags = tagsResult.value;
+} else {
+  console.error('Failed to fetch tags:', tagsResult.reason);
+}
 
-  if (postsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    posts = postsResult.value;
-  } else {
-    console.error('Failed to fetch tag posts:', postsResult.reason);
-  }
+if (postsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  posts = postsResult.value;
+} else {
+  console.error('Failed to fetch tag posts:', postsResult.reason);
+}
 
-  if (settingsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
-    siteSettings = settingsResult.value;
-  }
-} catch (error) {
-  console.error('Failed to fetch tag detail data:', error);
+if (settingsResult.status === 'fulfilled') {
+  siteSettings = settingsResult.value;
 }
 
 const requested = decodeURIComponent(slug || '').trim().toLowerCase();
@@ -59,8 +53,8 @@ const tag =
 
 if (!tag) {
   return new Response(null, {
-    status: tagsFailed ? 503 : 404,
-    headers: tagsFailed ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
+    status: tagsResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? 503 : 404,
+    headers: tagsResult.status !== 'fulfilled' ? { 'Retry-After': '120' } : undefined,
   });
 }
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/styles/global.css b/frontend/src/styles/global.css
index 02d8369..e072454 100644
--- a/frontend/src/styles/global.css
+++ b/frontend/src/styles/global.css
@@ -621,8 +621,40 @@ html.dark {
     @apply flex flex-col gap-3 lg:flex-row lg:items-end lg:justify-between;
   }
 
+  .home-hero-shell--panel {
+    @apply rounded-[28px] border px-5 py-5 sm:px-6;
+    border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 10%, var(--border-color));
+    background:
+      radial-gradient(circle at top right, rgba(var(--primary-rgb), 0.1), transparent 28%),
+      linear-gradient(180deg, color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 98%, transparent), color-mix(in oklab, var(--header-bg) 92%, transparent));
+    box-shadow:
+      inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.34),
+      0 18px 42px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.04);
+  }
+
+  .home-hero-copy {
+    @apply min-w-0 space-y-3;
+  }
+
+  .home-hero-glance {
+    @apply grid gap-2 pt-1 sm:grid-cols-3;
+  }
+
+  .home-hero-glance-item {
+    @apply flex items-center gap-3 rounded-2xl border px-3 py-3;
+    border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 8%, var(--border-color));
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 88%, transparent);
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
+  }
+
+  .home-hero-glance-icon {
+    @apply flex h-9 w-9 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-xl;
+    color: var(--primary);
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 10%, var(--terminal-bg));
+  }
+
   .home-hero-meta {
-    @apply flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2;
+    @apply flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2 lg:max-w-[18rem] lg:justify-end;
   }
 
   .home-nav-strip {
@@ -777,25 +809,25 @@ html.dark {
     color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--accent-color, var(--primary)) 78%, var(--title-color));
   }
 
-  .home-popular-sortbar {
+  .home-popular-rangebar {
     @apply flex flex-wrap gap-2;
   }
 
-  .home-popular-sort {
+  .home-popular-range {
     @apply inline-flex items-center gap-2 rounded-full border px-3 py-1.5 text-xs font-mono transition-all duration-200;
     border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 12%, var(--border-color));
     background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 96%, transparent);
     color: var(--text-secondary);
   }
 
-  .home-popular-sort:hover {
+  .home-popular-range:hover {
     border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 22%, var(--border-color));
     background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 6%, var(--terminal-bg));
     color: var(--title-color);
     transform: translateY(-1px);
   }
 
-  .home-popular-sort.is-active {
+  .home-popular-range.is-active {
     border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 28%, var(--border-color));
     background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 10%, var(--terminal-bg));
     color: var(--title-color);
@@ -804,6 +836,92 @@ html.dark {
       0 10px 24px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.04);
   }
 
+  .home-sidebar-stack {
+    @apply space-y-4;
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-grid {
+    @apply grid gap-2 sm:grid-cols-2 xl:grid-cols-2;
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-card {
+    @apply rounded-[26px] border;
+    border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 9%, var(--border-color));
+    background:
+      radial-gradient(circle at top right, rgba(var(--primary-rgb), 0.08), transparent 30%),
+      linear-gradient(180deg, color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 98%, transparent), color-mix(in oklab, var(--header-bg) 92%, transparent));
+    box-shadow:
+      inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.34),
+      0 16px 36px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.04);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-link {
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-link__icon {
+    @apply flex h-8 w-8 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-xl;
+    color: var(--primary);
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 10%, var(--terminal-bg));
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-link:hover {
+    box-shadow:
+      inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.32),
+      0 14px 28px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.05);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-popular {
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-popular__rank {
+    @apply inline-flex h-8 w-8 shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full text-[11px] font-semibold;
+    color: var(--primary);
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 10%, var(--terminal-bg));
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-popular__metrics {
+    @apply mt-2 flex flex-wrap gap-x-3 gap-y-1 text-[11px];
+    color: var(--text-secondary);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-popular:hover {
+    box-shadow:
+      inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.32),
+      0 14px 30px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.05);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-stat {
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-stat--metric {
+    background:
+      linear-gradient(180deg, color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 92%, transparent), color-mix(in oklab, var(--header-bg) 92%, transparent)),
+      linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(var(--primary-rgb), 0.035), transparent 70%);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-meta-list {
+    @apply divide-y rounded-2xl border;
+    border-color: color-mix(in oklab, var(--primary) 9%, var(--border-color));
+    background: color-mix(in oklab, var(--terminal-bg) 78%, transparent);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-meta-item {
+    @apply flex items-center justify-between gap-3 px-4 py-3;
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-friend {
+    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.24);
+  }
+
+  .home-sidebar-friend:hover {
+    box-shadow:
+      inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3),
+      0 12px 28px rgba(var(--text-rgb), 0.05);
+  }
+
   @media (max-width: 640px) {
     .home-tag-cloud__item:hover {
       transform: translateY(-1px);