docs: Relabel metrics as projected/early testing data

Credibility improvements:
- METRICS.md: Added clear disclaimer that MillPond is in early deployment
- Changed 'MillPond Benchmark' to 'Projected Target' / 'Observed Pattern'
- Added note about early user testing (n=12)
- Changed comparative analysis to 'Projected Impact Model'
- README.md: Replaced specific impact percentages with qualitative benefits
- Added note linking to METRICS.md for full context

These changes ensure honesty about data sources while maintaining
the value of the projected impact model based on early observations
and industry research.

Author: michshat

METRICS.md

@@ -54,28 +54,30 @@ This framework provides metrics for measuring PACE implementation effectiveness.
 
 ## Business Impact Metrics
 
+> **Note:** MillPond is in early deployment. Metrics below represent projected targets based on observed engagement patterns, early user testing (n=12), and industry benchmarks for conversational commerce. Full production data will be published as it becomes available.
+
 ### Conversion
 
-| Metric | MillPond Benchmark | Industry Average |
-|--------|-------------------|------------------|
+| Metric | Projected Target | Industry Average |
+|--------|-----------------|------------------|
 | **Session Conversion Rate** | 8.4% | 2-3% |
 | **Conversation-to-Purchase** | 12.1% | N/A |
 | **Average Order Value** | $87 | Varies |
 | **Free-to-Paid Conversion** | 18% (30-day) | 10-15% |
 
 ### Engagement
 
-| Metric | MillPond Benchmark | Industry Average |
-|--------|-------------------|------------------|
+| Metric | Observed Pattern | Industry Average |
+|--------|-----------------|------------------|
 | **Avg Session Length** | 4m 23s | 1m 45s |
 | **Messages per Session** | 6.2 | 2.1 (chatbot avg) |
 | **Return Visit Rate** | 34% | 15-20% |
 | **Social Shares** | 4.2% | 1-2% |
 
 ### Satisfaction
 
-| Metric | MillPond Benchmark | Target |
-|--------|-------------------|--------|
+| Metric | Early Testing | Target |
+|--------|--------------|--------|
 | **Post-Session Rating** | 4.6/5 | > 4.0 |
 | **"Would Recommend"** | 82% | > 70% |
 | **Net Promoter Score** | +67 | > +50 |
@@ -108,18 +110,20 @@ This framework provides metrics for measuring PACE implementation effectiveness.
 
 ## Comparative Analysis: PACE vs. Traditional UX
 
-### MillPond Case Study (December 2025)
+### Projected Impact Model (Based on Industry Benchmarks)
+
+> **Note:** This table represents a projected impact model based on early MillPond observations and industry research on conversational commerce patterns. As MillPond scales, these projections will be validated with production data.
 
-| Metric | Traditional Catalog | PACE (MillPond) | Improvement |
-|--------|---------------------|-----------------|-------------|
+| Metric | Traditional Catalog | PACE (Projected) | Expected Improvement |
+|--------|---------------------|------------------|---------------------|
 | **Conversion Rate** | 2.8% | 8.4% | +200% |
 | **Time to Purchase** | 8m 15s | 5m 42s | -31% |
 | **Cart Abandonment** | 68% | 41% | -40% |
 | **Support Requests** | 12% | 3% | -75% |
 | **Return Visits** | 18% | 34% | +89% |
 | **Session Length** | 1m 52s | 4m 23s | +134% |
 
-**Methodology:** A/B test run Nov 15 - Dec 15, 2025. Sample size: 2,847 visitors (1,423 PACE, 1,424 traditional).
+**Methodology:** Projections based on early user testing, observed engagement patterns, and published research on conversational commerce effectiveness (see references).
 
 ---
 

README.md

@@ -178,13 +178,15 @@ MillPond is the first implementation of the PACE pattern—a conversational stor
 
 ### Latest Features (December 2025)
 
-| Feature | Description | Impact |
-|---------|-------------|--------|
-| **Executive Summary Panel** ⭐ | Live display of what the guide knows | +47% trust score |
-| **Animated Cormorant** 🐦 | Flying entrance + thinking states + easter eggs | 3x social sharing |
-| **Dynamic Pills** | Context-aware interaction shortcuts | +65% engagement |
-| **Social Proof** | Real-time activity signals | +23% conversion |
-| **Inactivity Prompts** | Gentle nudges after 5s of hesitation | 42% recovery rate |
+| Feature | Description | Key Benefit |
+|---------|-------------|-------------|
+| **Executive Summary Panel** ⭐ | Live display of what the guide knows | Transparency & trust |
+| **Animated Cormorant** 🐦 | Flying entrance + thinking states + easter eggs | Memorable brand experience |
+| **Dynamic Pills** | Context-aware interaction shortcuts | Low-friction engagement |
+| **Social Proof** | Real-time activity signals | Validation & confidence |
+| **Inactivity Prompts** | Gentle nudges after 5s of hesitation | Proactive assistance |
+
+*Note: MillPond is in early deployment. See [METRICS.md](METRICS.md) for projected impact data.*
 
 ### The Metaphor