Remove AI code slop

# Remove AI code slop Check the diff against main, and remove all AI generated slop introduced in this branch. This includes: - Extra comments that a human wouldn't add or is inconsistent with the rest of the file - Extra defensive checks or try/catch blocks that are abnormal for that area of the codebase (especially if called by trusted / validated codepaths) - Casts to any to get around type issues - Any other style that is inconsistent with the file Report at the end with only a 1-3 sentence summary of what you changed