> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.world3.ai/world3/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.world3.ai/world3/routerlink-litepaper/9.-failure-cases-and-abuse-resistance.md).

# 9. Failure Cases & Abuse Resistance

RouterLink assumes participants may behave imperfectly. The protocol limits impact and discourages abuse through structure:

|         Attack Vector        | Mitigation                                                           |
| :--------------------------: | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Performance Manipulation** | Cross-node PoLP observation; divergent reports lose routing priority |
|    **Mispriced Services**    | Market-driven correction through observable demand                   |
|  **Centralization Attempts** | Delegator mobility; stake distribution constraints                   |
|    **Usage Manipulation**    | Signed PoTU receipts as canonical records                            |
|     **Partial Failures**     | Automatic routing shift to available alternatives                    |

**Design Principle:** Honest participation remains economically advantaged; dishonest behavior is not sustainably rewarded.