# swyx argues low-effort runs with critique loops beat maximum-effort settings

> Original title: join me all the way on the light side guys

- Source: swyx
- Published: 2026-10-31T21:24:52.000Z
- Bad Influence: https://badinfluence.news/items/f6jgrlilxj67dg4wdp0m2vyhr
- Original: https://x.com/swyx/status/2116642586387730593

## Summary

swyx says he prefers a low-effort setting paired with a critique loop over the highest effort level, especially when throughput is constrained. He points to his swyxio/skills/babysit-runs skill for the workflow. Theo, quoted for context, reports that moving Opus 5.5 from extra high to high effort, as Julius suggested, works better almost all of the time.

## Post

join me all the way on the light side guys

low effort + critique loop > superultramaxhighwhatever

(for the throughput-constrained; see swyxio/skills/babysit-runs)

## Quoted post @theo

> Julius convinced me to move from extra high to high on Opus 5.5 a week or two ago. He was right. This is better almost all of the time.

https://x.com/theo/status/2116420089411145913