diff --git a/MIGRATION.md b/MIGRATION.md
index 2f4765d..e723821 100644
--- a/MIGRATION.md
+++ b/MIGRATION.md
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ class MyTool(Tool):
 ```
 
 Routing entry points now name every supported route argument explicitly.
-Custom per-route planning values must be placed under `tool_options`:
+Custom per-route Tool values must be placed under `tool_options`:
 
 ```python
 pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, tool_options={'process_corner': 'slow'})
@@ -450,15 +450,25 @@ Stable imports for custom tool authors live in `masque.builder`. The
 `masque.builder.planner` module is an internal planner implementation; do not
 import it from user code.
 
-`trace_into()` uses the same primitive-offer route selection and now searches
-bounded route topologies with up to four bend roles. This preserves the common
-straight, bend, S-like, U-like, and dogleg cases while allowing routes that
-need an additional bounded bend pair. Bend-family requests search one-bend
-routes before three-bend routes; other families search zero-to-two-bend routes
-before four-bend routes. The first band with a legal route wins. Within that
-band, candidates are ordered by total primitive-offer cost, adapter count, step
-count, and deterministic discovery order. The route `strategy` affects only
-that final discovery-order tie-break.
+`trace_into()` uses the same primitive-offer route selection and defaults to
+the minimal main-route bend count required by the endpoint relationship: zero
+for a straight, one for a quarter-turn, and two for S- and U-like connections.
+Ptype adapters do not consume this bend budget. Set
+`plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'}` to search bounded route topologies
+with up to four bend roles, including dogleg and loop-like fallbacks.
+Bend-family requests then search one-bend routes before three-bend routes;
+other families search zero-to-two-bend routes before four-bend routes. The
+first band with a legal route wins. Within that band, candidates are ordered
+by total primitive-offer cost, adapter count, step count, and deterministic
+discovery order. The default planner's `strategy` option affects only that
+final discovery-order tie-break and is also supplied through `plan_options`.
+
+`plan_options` is reserved for planner-specific per-route policy, while
+`tool_options` is forwarded only to `Tool.primitive_offers()`. For example:
+
+```python
+pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, plan_options={'strategy': 'turn_first'})
+```
 
 Explicit-length `jog()` routes may also be satisfied by composing a straight
 primitive before or after an omitted-length native S primitive. `uturn()` routes
diff --git a/masque/builder/error.py b/masque/builder/error.py
index 927c03c..eb2b205 100644
--- a/masque/builder/error.py
+++ b/masque/builder/error.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from dataclasses import dataclass
 from enum import Enum, auto
 from pprint import pformat
 from types import MappingProxyType
+import traceback
 
 from ..error import BuildError
 
@@ -68,10 +69,11 @@ class RouteFailureDetails:
 
 
 class RouteError(BuildError):
-    """A route-selection failure with structured request diagnostics."""
+    """A route-selection failure with structured request and saved call-stack diagnostics."""
 
     details: RouteFailureDetails
     policy: RouteFailurePolicy
+    _call_stack: tuple[traceback.FrameSummary, ...]
 
     def __init__(
             self,
@@ -103,4 +105,5 @@ class RouteError(BuildError):
             ]
         if details.minimum_cause is not None:
             lines.append(f'  minimum_failure: {details.minimum_cause}')
+        self._call_stack = tuple(traceback.extract_stack()[:-1])
         super().__init__('\n'.join(lines))
diff --git a/masque/builder/pather.py b/masque/builder/pather.py
index 2968868..c9bd1d4 100644
--- a/masque/builder/pather.py
+++ b/masque/builder/pather.py
@@ -8,9 +8,11 @@ planner package is intentionally internal: custom route generators should
 extend `Tool.primitive_offers()` and `Tool.render()` rather than depending on
 planner classes or search details.
 
-Public routing arguments are explicit. Custom per-route planning values belong
-in `tool_options`; Pather forwards those values only to offer discovery. A Tool
-must capture any selected render-time value in its offer's committed data.
+Public routing arguments are explicit. Planner-specific per-route settings
+belong in `plan_options`, while custom Tool offer values belong in
+`tool_options`. Pather keeps those namespaces separate and forwards Tool
+options only to offer discovery. A Tool must capture any selected render-time
+value in its offer's committed data.
 
 Routing is split into four ownership phases:
 - snapshot: `Pather` resolves the active Tool for each requested port and
@@ -77,11 +79,8 @@ from .planner.interface import (
     RoutePortContext,
     route_failure_policy,
     )
-from .error import RouteFailurePolicy, ToolContractError
-from .planner import (
-    RouteTieBreakStrategy,
-    RoutingPlanner,
-    )
+from .error import RouteError, RouteFailurePolicy, ToolContractError
+from .planner import RoutingPlanner
 from .planner.bounds import resolved_position_bound
 from .logging import PatherLogger
 from ._tolerances import angles_equal, array_close
@@ -128,6 +127,20 @@ def _validated_tool_options(tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None) -> dict[str,
     return options
 
 
+def _validated_plan_options(plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    """Copy generic per-route planner options without interpreting their keys."""
+    if plan_options is None:
+        return {}
+    try:
+        options = dict(plan_options)
+    except (TypeError, ValueError) as err:
+        raise BuildError('plan_options must be a mapping with string keys') from err
+    nonstring = [key for key in options if not isinstance(key, str)]
+    if nonstring:
+        raise BuildError(f'plan_options keys must be strings; got {nonstring!r}')
+    return options
+
+
 class Pather(PortList):
     """
       A `Pather` is a helper object used for snapping together multiple
@@ -626,7 +639,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -652,9 +665,8 @@ class Pather(PortList):
         For a single port with no length or bound, legal primitive-offer
         candidates are evaluated at their minimum legal length-like parameters,
         then cost selects among those minimum-length candidates. `out_ptype`,
-        when provided, constrains only the final route endpoint. `strategy`
-        controls straight-first vs turn-first ordering only after cost and
-        structural tie-breakers.
+        when provided, constrains only the final route endpoint. Planner-specific
+        per-route settings belong in `plan_options`.
 
         `spacing` and `set_rotation` are only valid when using a bundle bound.
         """
@@ -672,20 +684,23 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest,
             )
-        options = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
+        plan_opts = _validated_plan_options(plan_options)
+        tool_opts = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
         with self._logger.log_operation(
                 self, 'trace', portspec, ccw=ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing,
-                strategy=strategy, tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                plan_options=plan_opts, tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                 ):
             if isinstance(portspec, str):
                 portspec = [portspec]
             contexts = self._route_contexts(portspec)
             try:
                 result = self.planner.plan_trace_route(
-                    contexts, ccw, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
-                    tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                    contexts, ccw, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_opts,
+                    tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                     )
             except (BuildError, NotImplementedError) as err:
+                if isinstance(err, RouteError):
+                    err.__traceback__ = None
                 if not self._dead or route_failure_policy(err) is RouteFailurePolicy.FATAL:
                     raise
                 if length is not None and len(contexts) == 1:
@@ -726,7 +741,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             *,
             length: float | None = None,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -755,8 +770,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
 
         With no positional or bundle bound, single-port `trace_to()` uses the
         same omitted minimum-length primitive-offer behavior as `trace()`.
-        `strategy` controls straight-first vs turn-first ordering only after
-        cost and structural tie-breakers.
+        Planner-specific per-route settings belong in `plan_options`.
         """
         bounds = _present_route_args(
             length=length,
@@ -778,20 +792,23 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest,
             )
-        options = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
+        plan_opts = _validated_plan_options(plan_options)
+        tool_opts = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
         with self._logger.log_operation(
                 self, 'trace_to', portspec, ccw=ccw, spacing=spacing,
-                strategy=strategy, tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                plan_options=plan_opts, tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                 ):
             if isinstance(portspec, str):
                 portspec = [portspec]
             contexts = self._route_contexts(portspec)
             try:
                 result = self.planner.plan_trace_to_route(
-                    contexts, ccw, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
-                    tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                    contexts, ccw, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_opts,
+                    tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                     )
             except (BuildError, NotImplementedError) as err:
+                if isinstance(err, RouteError):
+                    err.__traceback__ = None
                 if (
                         not self._dead
                         or len(contexts) != 1
@@ -829,7 +846,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -850,7 +867,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.trace_to(
-            portspec, None, length=length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
+            portspec, None, length=length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options,
             out_ptype=out_ptype, each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation,
             p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax,
@@ -865,7 +882,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -886,7 +903,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.trace_to(
-            portspec, ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
+            portspec, ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options,
             out_ptype=out_ptype, each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation,
             p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax,
@@ -900,7 +917,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -921,7 +938,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.bend(
-            portspec, True, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            portspec, True, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -933,7 +950,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -954,7 +971,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.bend(
-            portspec, False, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            portspec, False, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -967,7 +984,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             p: float | None = None,
             pos: float | None = None,
@@ -989,25 +1006,27 @@ class Pather(PortList):
         Multi-port jogs require `spacing`; the innermost first-bend port uses
         the base `length` or omitted-length solve, and other ports derive exact
         route lengths and offsets from that base route. `out_ptype`, when
-        provided, constrains only each final route endpoint. `strategy`
-        controls straight-first vs S-first ordering only after cost and
-        structural tie-breakers.
+        provided, constrains only each final route endpoint. Planner-specific
+        per-route settings belong in `plan_options`.
         """
         bounds = _present_route_args(out_ptype=out_ptype, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y)
-        options = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
+        plan_opts = _validated_plan_options(plan_options)
+        tool_opts = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
         with self._logger.log_operation(
                 self, 'jog', portspec, offset=offset, length=length, spacing=spacing,
-                strategy=strategy, tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                plan_options=plan_opts, tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                 ):
             if isinstance(portspec, str):
                 portspec = [portspec]
             contexts = self._route_contexts(portspec)
             try:
                 result = self.planner.plan_jog_route(
-                    contexts, offset, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
-                    tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                    contexts, offset, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_opts,
+                    tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                     )
             except (BuildError, NotImplementedError) as err:
+                if isinstance(err, RouteError):
+                    err.__traceback__ = None
                 if (
                         not self._dead
                         or len(contexts) != 1
@@ -1051,7 +1070,7 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
@@ -1066,25 +1085,27 @@ class Pather(PortList):
         other ports derive exact lengths and offsets from it. Use `length=0` to
         request the old zero-public-length U-turn shape. Positional and
         bundle-bound keywords are not supported for this operation. `out_ptype`,
-        when provided, constrains only each final route endpoint. `strategy`
-        controls straight-first vs U-first ordering only after cost and
-        structural tie-breakers.
+        when provided, constrains only each final route endpoint. Planner-specific
+        per-route settings belong in `plan_options`.
         """
         bounds = _present_route_args(out_ptype=out_ptype)
-        options = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
+        plan_opts = _validated_plan_options(plan_options)
+        tool_opts = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
         with self._logger.log_operation(
                 self, 'uturn', portspec, offset=offset, length=length, spacing=spacing,
-                strategy=strategy, tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                plan_options=plan_opts, tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                 ):
             if isinstance(portspec, str):
                 portspec = [portspec]
             contexts = self._route_contexts(portspec)
             try:
                 result = self.planner.plan_uturn_route(
-                    contexts, offset, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
-                    tool_options=options, **bounds,
+                    contexts, offset, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_opts,
+                    tool_options=tool_opts, **bounds,
                     )
             except (BuildError, NotImplementedError) as err:
+                if isinstance(err, RouteError):
+                    err.__traceback__ = None
                 if (
                         not self._dead
                         or len(contexts) != 1
@@ -1115,21 +1136,26 @@ class Pather(PortList):
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             plug_destination: bool = True,
             thru: str | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         """
         Route one port into another using a bounded primitive-offer selection.
 
-        The current baseline searches bounded primitive-offer routes with up to
-        four bend roles, including straight, single-bend, S-like, U-like, and
-        dogleg topologies. Bend-family requests try one-bend routes before
-        three-bend routes; other families try zero-to-two-bend routes before
-        four-bend routes. The first band with a legal candidate wins. Within a
-        band, candidates are ordered by total cost, adapter count, step count,
-        the requested straight-vs-turn topology preference, and deterministic
-        discovery order. `strategy` therefore affects only otherwise tied
-        candidates.
+        By default, searches only the exact main-route bend count required by
+        the endpoint relationship: zero for a straight, one for a quarter-turn,
+        and two for S- and U-like connections. This rejects extra dogleg and
+        loop-like fallback routes without inspecting primitive geometry. Ptype
+        adapters do not consume this bend budget.
+
+        Set `plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'}` to search bounded
+        primitive-offer routes with up to four bend roles. Bend-family requests try one-bend routes
+        before three-bend routes; other families try zero-to-two-bend routes
+        before four-bend routes. The first band with a legal candidate wins.
+        Within a band, candidates are ordered by total cost, adapter count,
+        step count, the requested straight-vs-turn topology preference, and
+        deterministic discovery order. The default planner's `strategy` option
+        therefore affects only otherwise tied candidates.
         Custom planning options may be supplied through `tool_options`; they
         are forwarded only to primitive offer generation.
 
@@ -1140,7 +1166,8 @@ class Pather(PortList):
         mutated; failures during selected-route execution, including primitive
         commit, plug/thru application, or render, may leave partial output.
         """
-        options = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
+        plan_opts = _validated_plan_options(plan_options)
+        tool_opts = _validated_tool_options(tool_options)
         with self._logger.log_operation(
                 self,
                 'trace_into',
@@ -1148,19 +1175,23 @@ class Pather(PortList):
                 out_ptype=out_ptype,
                 plug_destination=plug_destination,
                 thru=thru,
-                strategy=strategy,
-                tool_options=options,
+                plan_options=plan_opts,
+                tool_options=tool_opts,
                 ):
-            result = self.planner.plan_trace_into(
-                self._route_context(portspec_src),
-                portspec_dst,
-                self.pattern[portspec_dst].copy(),
-                out_ptype = out_ptype,
-                plug_destination = plug_destination,
-                thru = thru,
-                strategy = strategy,
-                tool_options = options,
-                )
+            try:
+                result = self.planner.plan_trace_into(
+                    self._route_context(portspec_src),
+                    portspec_dst,
+                    self.pattern[portspec_dst].copy(),
+                    out_ptype = out_ptype,
+                    plug_destination = plug_destination,
+                    thru = thru,
+                    plan_options = plan_opts,
+                    tool_options = tool_opts,
+                    )
+            except RouteError as err:
+                err.__traceback__ = None
+                raise
             self._apply_route_result(result)
             return self
 
@@ -1376,7 +1407,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1394,7 +1425,7 @@ class PortPather:
         if spacing is None and self.default_spacing is not None and len(self.ports) > 1 and ccw is not None:
             spacing = self.default_spacing
         self.pather.trace(
-            self.ports, ccw, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            self.ports, ccw, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax,
             xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax, min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest,
             tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1407,7 +1438,7 @@ class PortPather:
             *,
             length: float | None = None,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1430,7 +1461,7 @@ class PortPather:
         if spacing is None and self.default_spacing is not None and len(self.ports) > 1 and ccw is not None:
             spacing = self.default_spacing
         self.pather.trace_to(
-            self.ports, ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            self.ports, ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1442,7 +1473,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1463,7 +1494,7 @@ class PortPather:
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.trace_to(
-            None, length=length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            None, length=length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1475,7 +1506,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1496,7 +1527,7 @@ class PortPather:
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.trace_to(
-            ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            ccw, length=length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1507,7 +1538,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1528,7 +1559,7 @@ class PortPather:
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.bend(
-            True, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            True, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1539,7 +1570,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             each: float | None = None,
             set_rotation: float | None = None,
@@ -1560,7 +1591,7 @@ class PortPather:
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         return self.bend(
-            False, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            False, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             each=each, set_rotation=set_rotation, p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y,
             emin=emin, emax=emax, pmin=pmin, pmax=pmax, xmin=xmin, xmax=xmax, ymin=ymin, ymax=ymax,
             min_past_furthest=min_past_furthest, tool_options=tool_options,
@@ -1572,7 +1603,7 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             p: float | None = None,
             pos: float | None = None,
@@ -1584,7 +1615,7 @@ class PortPather:
         if spacing is None and self.default_spacing is not None and len(self.ports) > 1 and not numpy.isclose(offset, 0):
             spacing = self.default_spacing
         self.pather.jog(
-            self.ports, offset, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy, out_ptype=out_ptype,
+            self.ports, offset, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options, out_ptype=out_ptype,
             p=p, pos=pos, position=position, x=x, y=y, tool_options=tool_options,
             )
         return self
@@ -1595,14 +1626,14 @@ class PortPather:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         if spacing is None and self.default_spacing is not None and len(self.ports) > 1:
             spacing = self.default_spacing
         self.pather.uturn(
-            self.ports, offset, length, spacing=spacing, strategy=strategy,
+            self.ports, offset, length, spacing=spacing, plan_options=plan_options,
             out_ptype=out_ptype, tool_options=tool_options,
             )
         return self
@@ -1614,13 +1645,13 @@ class PortPather:
             out_ptype: str | None = None,
             plug_destination: bool = True,
             thru: str | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> Self:
         port = self._single_port('trace_into')
         self.pather.trace_into(
             port, target_port, out_ptype=out_ptype, plug_destination=plug_destination,
-            thru=thru, strategy=strategy, tool_options=tool_options,
+            thru=thru, plan_options=plan_options, tool_options=tool_options,
             )
         return self
 
diff --git a/masque/builder/planner/__init__.py b/masque/builder/planner/__init__.py
index 41c53d6..752ac8a 100644
--- a/masque/builder/planner/__init__.py
+++ b/masque/builder/planner/__init__.py
@@ -13,4 +13,5 @@ from .interface import (
     route_failure_policy as route_failure_policy,
     )
 from .planner import RouteTieBreakStrategy as RouteTieBreakStrategy
+from .planner import TraceIntoBendPolicy as TraceIntoBendPolicy
 from .planner import RoutingPlanner as RoutingPlanner
diff --git a/masque/builder/planner/planner.py b/masque/builder/planner/planner.py
index 9fd5a87..60c6e93 100644
--- a/masque/builder/planner/planner.py
+++ b/masque/builder/planner/planner.py
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ from .interface import (
     )
 
 RouteTieBreakStrategy = Literal['straight_first', 'turn_first']
+TraceIntoBendPolicy = Literal['flexible', 'minimal']
 COST_RTOL = 1e-10
 COST_ATOL = 1e-8
 
@@ -87,6 +88,17 @@ def validate_strategy(strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str) -> RouteTieBreakStr
     raise BuildError(f'Invalid route strategy {strategy!r}; expected straight_first or turn_first')
 
 
+def validate_trace_into_bend_policy(
+        bend_policy: TraceIntoBendPolicy | str,
+        ) -> TraceIntoBendPolicy:
+    """Return a supported trace-into bend policy or raise a routing error."""
+    if bend_policy in ('flexible', 'minimal'):
+        return bend_policy
+    raise BuildError(
+        f'Invalid trace_into bend policy {bend_policy!r}; expected flexible or minimal'
+        )
+
+
 def is_close(a: float, b: float) -> bool:
     """Compare route-solver scalars with the planner tolerance."""
     return scalar_close(a, b)
@@ -1057,9 +1069,16 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
 
     TRACE_INTO_MAX_BENDS: int = 4
     DEFAULT_STRATEGY: RouteTieBreakStrategy = 'straight_first'
+    DEFAULT_TRACE_INTO_BEND_POLICY: TraceIntoBendPolicy = 'minimal'
 
-    def __init__(self, strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy = DEFAULT_STRATEGY) -> None:
+    def __init__(
+            self,
+            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy = DEFAULT_STRATEGY,
+            *,
+            bend_policy: TraceIntoBendPolicy = DEFAULT_TRACE_INTO_BEND_POLICY,
+            ) -> None:
         self.strategy = validate_strategy(strategy)
+        self.bend_policy = validate_trace_into_bend_policy(bend_policy)
 
     def resolve_strategy(self, strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None) -> RouteTieBreakStrategy:
         """Return the per-route strategy or the planner default."""
@@ -1067,9 +1086,56 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             return getattr(self, 'strategy', self.DEFAULT_STRATEGY)
         return validate_strategy(strategy)
 
-    def trace_into_bend_bands(self, family: PrimitiveKind) -> tuple[tuple[int, int], ...]:
-        """Return non-overlapping trace_into bend-budget bands for staged solving."""
+    def resolve_trace_into_bend_policy(
+            self,
+            bend_policy: TraceIntoBendPolicy | str | None,
+            ) -> TraceIntoBendPolicy:
+        """Return the per-route trace-into bend policy or the planner default."""
+        if bend_policy is None:
+            return getattr(self, 'bend_policy', self.DEFAULT_TRACE_INTO_BEND_POLICY)
+        return validate_trace_into_bend_policy(bend_policy)
+
+    def validate_plan_options(
+            self,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None,
+            *,
+            allow_bend_policy: bool = False,
+            ) -> dict[str, Any]:
+        """Copy and validate the default planner's per-route option mapping."""
+        if plan_options is None:
+            return {}
+        try:
+            options = dict(plan_options)
+        except (TypeError, ValueError) as err:
+            raise BuildError('plan_options must be a mapping with string keys') from err
+        nonstring = [key for key in options if not isinstance(key, str)]
+        if nonstring:
+            raise BuildError(f'plan_options keys must be strings; got {nonstring!r}')
+        supported = {'strategy'}
+        if allow_bend_policy:
+            supported.add('bend_policy')
+        unsupported = sorted(options.keys() - supported)
+        if unsupported:
+            raise BuildError(
+                f'RoutingPlanner plan_options contains unsupported keys: {", ".join(unsupported)}'
+                )
+        if options.get('strategy') is not None:
+            options['strategy'] = validate_strategy(options['strategy'])
+        if options.get('bend_policy') is not None:
+            options['bend_policy'] = validate_trace_into_bend_policy(options['bend_policy'])
+        return options
+
+    def trace_into_bend_bands(
+            self,
+            family: PrimitiveKind,
+            *,
+            bend_policy: TraceIntoBendPolicy | str | None = None,
+            ) -> tuple[tuple[int, int], ...]:
+        """Return trace_into bend-budget bands for the requested detour policy."""
         max_bends = self.TRACE_INTO_MAX_BENDS
+        if self.resolve_trace_into_bend_policy(bend_policy) == 'minimal':
+            required_bends = 0 if family == 'straight' else 1 if family == 'bend' else 2
+            return ((required_bends, required_bends),) if required_bends <= max_bends else ()
         if family == 'bend':
             return tuple(band for band in ((1, 1), (3, 3)) if band[1] <= max_bends)
         bands: list[tuple[int, int]] = []
@@ -1286,11 +1352,13 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             **bounds: Any,
             ) -> PreparedRouteResult:
         """Plan straight or single-bend traces, including `each` and bundle-bound modes."""
+        plan_opts = self.validate_plan_options(plan_options)
+        strategy = plan_opts.get('strategy')
         route_bounds = dict(bounds)
         request_details = {'ccw': ccw, **{
             key: value for key, value in route_bounds.items() if value is not None
@@ -1299,8 +1367,8 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             request_details['length'] = length
         if spacing is not None:
             request_details['spacing'] = spacing
-        if strategy is not None:
-            request_details['strategy'] = strategy
+        if plan_opts:
+            request_details['plan_options'] = dict(plan_opts)
         if tool_options:
             request_details['tool_options'] = dict(tool_options)
         operation: RouteOperation = 'trace'
@@ -1416,19 +1484,21 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             ccw: SupportsBool | None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             **bounds: Any,
             ) -> PreparedRouteResult:
         """Plan `trace_to()` by resolving positional targets or delegating to `trace()` modes."""
+        plan_opts = self.validate_plan_options(plan_options)
+        strategy = plan_opts.get('strategy')
         route_bounds = dict(bounds)
         request_details = {'ccw': ccw, **{
             key: value for key, value in route_bounds.items() if value is not None
             }}
         if spacing is not None:
             request_details['spacing'] = spacing
-        if strategy is not None:
-            request_details['strategy'] = strategy
+        if plan_opts:
+            request_details['plan_options'] = dict(plan_opts)
         if tool_options:
             request_details['tool_options'] = dict(tool_options)
         operation: RouteOperation = 'trace_to'
@@ -1504,11 +1574,13 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             **bounds: Any,
             ) -> PreparedRouteResult:
         """Plan S-bend routes for single ports or spaced bundles."""
+        plan_opts = self.validate_plan_options(plan_options)
+        strategy = plan_opts.get('strategy')
         offset = planner_bounds.finite_scalar(offset, 'offset')
         request_details = {'offset': offset, **{
             key: value for key, value in bounds.items() if value is not None
@@ -1517,8 +1589,8 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             request_details['length'] = length
         if spacing is not None:
             request_details['spacing'] = spacing
-        if strategy is not None:
-            request_details['strategy'] = strategy
+        if plan_opts:
+            request_details['plan_options'] = dict(plan_opts)
         if tool_options:
             request_details['tool_options'] = dict(tool_options)
         operation: RouteOperation = 'jog'
@@ -1580,11 +1652,13 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             length: float | None = None,
             *,
             spacing: float | ArrayLike | None = None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             **bounds: Any,
             ) -> PreparedRouteResult:
         """Plan U-turn routes for single ports or spaced bundles."""
+        plan_opts = self.validate_plan_options(plan_options)
+        strategy = plan_opts.get('strategy')
         offset = planner_bounds.finite_scalar(offset, 'offset')
         route_bounds = dict(bounds)
         request_details = {'offset': offset, **{
@@ -1594,8 +1668,8 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             request_details['length'] = length
         if spacing is not None:
             request_details['spacing'] = spacing
-        if strategy is not None:
-            request_details['strategy'] = strategy
+        if plan_opts:
+            request_details['plan_options'] = dict(plan_opts)
         if tool_options:
             request_details['tool_options'] = dict(tool_options)
         operation: RouteOperation = 'uturn'
@@ -1722,10 +1796,14 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             out_ptype: str | None,
             plug_destination: bool,
             thru: str | None,
-            strategy: RouteTieBreakStrategy | str | None = None,
+            plan_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             tool_options: Mapping[str, Any] | None = None,
             ) -> PreparedRouteResult:
         """Plan a bounded route from one source port into a destination port."""
+        plan_opts = self.validate_plan_options(plan_options, allow_bend_policy=True)
+        strategy = plan_opts.get('strategy')
+        bend_policy = plan_opts.get('bend_policy')
+        resolved_bend_policy = self.resolve_trace_into_bend_policy(bend_policy)
         if out_ptype is None:
             out_ptype = port_dst.ptype
         if context_src.port.rotation is None or port_dst.rotation is None:
@@ -1734,6 +1812,8 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
         desired.rotation = port_dst.rotation - pi
         desired.ptype = out_ptype
         family, length, jog, ccw = self.trace_into_spec(context_src.port, desired)
+        bend_bands = self.trace_into_bend_bands(family, bend_policy=resolved_bend_policy)
+        max_bends = max((band[1] for band in bend_bands), default=0)
         request = self.solver_request(
             family,
             context_src,
@@ -1741,7 +1821,7 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
             jog=jog,
             ccw=ccw,
             constrain_jog=family == 'bend',
-            max_bends=self.TRACE_INTO_MAX_BENDS,
+            max_bends=max_bends,
             strategy=strategy,
             tool_options=tool_options,
             out_ptype=out_ptype,
@@ -1749,7 +1829,7 @@ class RoutingPlanner:
         solver = self.solver_for_request(request)
         candidate = None
         last_error: Exception | None = None
-        for min_bends, max_bends in self.trace_into_bend_bands(family):
+        for min_bends, max_bends in bend_bands:
             try:
                 candidate = solver.solve(min_bends=min_bends, max_bends=max_bends)
                 break
diff --git a/masque/test/test_autotool_planning.py b/masque/test/test_autotool_planning.py
index 33cbee7..969674b 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_autotool_planning.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_autotool_planning.py
@@ -996,7 +996,13 @@ def test_autotool_strategy_orders_main_steps_across_adapters(jog: float) -> None
     for strategy in ('straight_first', 'turn_first'):
         pather = Pather(library, tools=tool, render='deferred')
         pather.ports['A'] = Port((0, 0), 0, ptype=primary)
-        pather.jog('A', jog, length=route_length, out_ptype=primary, strategy=strategy)
+        pather.jog(
+            'A',
+            jog,
+            length=route_length,
+            out_ptype=primary,
+            plan_options={'strategy': strategy},
+            )
         selected_kinds[strategy] = [step.kind for step in pather._paths['A']]
 
     assert selected_kinds['straight_first'] == ['straight', 'straight', 'straight', 's']
diff --git a/masque/test/test_build_library.py b/masque/test/test_build_library.py
index e020912..27393af 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_build_library.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_build_library.py
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 from collections.abc import Iterator
+from types import FunctionType
+import traceback
 
 import pytest
 
-from ..builder import Pather
+from ..builder import Pather, PathTool, RouteError
 from ..error import BuildError, LibraryError
 from ..library import (
     INameView,
@@ -28,6 +30,17 @@ def _owned_by(report: BuildReport, owner: str) -> set[str]:
     }
 
 
+def _external_failing_route_recipe(lib: ILibrary) -> Pattern:
+    pather = Pather(
+        lib,
+        ports={'A': Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')},
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=2, ptype='wire'),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    pather.ccw('A', 10, out_ptype='optical')
+    return pather.pattern
+
+
 class _MetadataSource(ILibraryView):
     def __init__(self, mapping: dict[str, Pattern], child_graph: dict[str, set[str]]) -> None:
         self.mapping = mapping
@@ -263,6 +276,34 @@ def test_build_library_validate_is_retryable_after_failure() -> None:
     assert report.dependency_graph["parent"] == frozenset({"child"})
 
 
+def test_build_library_error_preserves_route_call_site() -> None:
+    builder = LibraryBuilder()
+    external_recipe = FunctionType(
+        _external_failing_route_recipe.__code__.replace(co_filename='/project/user_recipe.py'),
+        globals(),
+        )
+    builder.cells.top = cell(external_recipe)(builder.library)
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError) as exc_info:
+        builder.validate()
+
+    message = str(exc_info.value)
+    assert 'Cause: Unable to plan trace_to route' in message
+    assert 'Stack trace:' not in message
+
+    route_error = exc_info.value.__cause__
+    assert isinstance(route_error, RouteError)
+    assert route_error.__traceback__ is not None
+    route_frames = traceback.extract_tb(route_error.__traceback__)
+    assert sum(frame.filename == '/project/user_recipe.py' for frame in route_frames) == 1
+    assert not any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in route_frames)
+    assert route_error.__cause__ is not None
+    assert any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in route_error._call_stack)
+
+    native = ''.join(traceback.format_exception(exc_info.value))
+    assert native.count('/project/user_recipe.py') == 1
+
+
 def test_build_library_depends_on_supports_hidden_dependencies_for_partial_validation() -> None:
     builder = LibraryBuilder()
     builder["child"] = Pattern()
diff --git a/masque/test/test_builder.py b/masque/test/test_builder.py
index 4bf5c53..55e1b21 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_builder.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_builder.py
@@ -60,6 +60,10 @@ def test_route_failure_details_enforces_minimum_status_invariants() -> None:
             )
 
 
+def test_plain_build_error_does_not_include_stacktrace() -> None:
+    assert str(BuildError('plain builder failure')) == 'plain builder failure'
+
+
 def test_builder_init() -> None:
     lib = Library()
     b = Pather(lib, name="mypat")
diff --git a/masque/test/test_pather_constraints.py b/masque/test/test_pather_constraints.py
index 30e3762..58ee5f6 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_pather_constraints.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_pather_constraints.py
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 from collections.abc import Sequence
 from typing import Any, Literal, Never
+from types import FunctionType
 import inspect
+import traceback
 
 import pytest
 import numpy
@@ -34,6 +36,18 @@ class PlanningOnlyTool(Tool):
         return tree
 
 
+def _external_failing_ccw(pather: Pather) -> None:
+    pather.ccw('A', 10, out_ptype='optical')
+
+
+def _external_failing_trace_to(pather: Pather) -> None:
+    pather.trace_to('A', True, length=10, out_ptype='optical')
+
+
+def _external_failing_portpather_ccw(pather: Pather) -> None:
+    pather.at('A').ccw(10, out_ptype='optical')
+
+
 class FirstPortOnlyTraceTool(PlanningOnlyTool):
     def __init__(self) -> None:
         self.render_calls = 0
@@ -270,6 +284,90 @@ def test_route_error_reports_no_route_at_any_length() -> None:
     assert 'no legal route exists at any length' in str(exc_info.value)
 
 
+def test_route_error_reports_external_pather_call_site() -> None:
+    p = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        ports={'A': Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')},
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=2, ptype='wire'),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    external_call = FunctionType(
+        _external_failing_ccw.__code__.replace(co_filename='/project/user_layout.py'),
+        globals(),
+        )
+
+    with pytest.raises(RouteError) as exc_info:
+        external_call(p)
+
+    message = str(exc_info.value)
+    assert 'Stack trace:' not in message
+
+    route_error = exc_info.value
+    native_frames = traceback.extract_tb(route_error.__traceback__)
+    assert native_frames
+    assert [frame.name for frame in native_frames if frame.filename.endswith('/builder/pather.py')] == [
+        'ccw',
+        'bend',
+        ]
+    assert not any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in native_frames)
+
+    native = ''.join(traceback.format_exception(route_error))
+    assert native.count('/project/user_layout.py') == 1
+    assert '\nStack trace:\n' not in native
+    assert route_error.__cause__ is not None
+
+    assert isinstance(route_error._call_stack, tuple)
+    assert sum(frame.filename == '/project/user_layout.py' for frame in route_error._call_stack) == 1
+    assert any(frame.filename.endswith('/builder/pather.py') for frame in route_error._call_stack)
+    assert any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in route_error._call_stack)
+
+
+def test_route_error_direct_trace_to_starts_native_traceback_at_caller() -> None:
+    p = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        ports={'A': Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')},
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=2, ptype='wire'),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    external_call = FunctionType(
+        _external_failing_trace_to.__code__.replace(co_filename='/project/direct_route.py'),
+        globals(),
+        )
+
+    with pytest.raises(RouteError) as exc_info:
+        external_call(p)
+
+    frames = traceback.extract_tb(exc_info.value.__traceback__)
+    assert sum(frame.filename == '/project/direct_route.py' for frame in frames) == 1
+    assert not any(frame.filename.endswith('/builder/pather.py') for frame in frames)
+    assert not any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in frames)
+
+
+def test_route_error_portpather_keeps_only_forwarding_frames() -> None:
+    p = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        ports={'A': Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')},
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=2, ptype='wire'),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    external_call = FunctionType(
+        _external_failing_portpather_ccw.__code__.replace(co_filename='/project/selected_route.py'),
+        globals(),
+        )
+
+    with pytest.raises(RouteError) as exc_info:
+        external_call(p)
+
+    frames = traceback.extract_tb(exc_info.value.__traceback__)
+    assert sum(frame.filename == '/project/selected_route.py' for frame in frames) == 1
+    assert [frame.name for frame in frames if frame.filename.endswith('/builder/pather.py')] == [
+        'ccw',
+        'bend',
+        'trace_to',
+        ]
+    assert not any('/builder/planner/' in frame.filename for frame in frames)
+
+
 def test_route_error_reports_failed_minimum_diagnosis(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
     planner = RoutingPlanner()
     context = RoutePortContext(
@@ -986,6 +1084,16 @@ def test_routing_entry_points_have_no_catch_all_kwargs(route_type: type, name: s
     assert all(parameter.kind is not inspect.Parameter.VAR_KEYWORD for parameter in parameters)
 
 
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('route_type', [Pather, PortPather])
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('name', ['trace', 'trace_to', 'straight', 'bend', 'ccw', 'cw', 'jog', 'uturn', 'trace_into'])
+def test_routing_entry_points_use_generic_plan_options(route_type: type, name: str) -> None:
+    parameters = inspect.signature(getattr(route_type, name)).parameters
+
+    assert 'plan_options' in parameters
+    assert 'strategy' not in parameters
+    assert 'bend_policy' not in parameters
+
+
 def test_routing_typo_fails_before_tool_lookup() -> None:
     tool = RequestCountingTool()
     p = Pather(Library(), tools=tool, render='deferred')
@@ -1007,6 +1115,41 @@ def test_tool_options_reject_invalid_or_reserved_keys(tool_options: dict[Any, An
     assert tool.offer_calls == 0
 
 
+@pytest.mark.parametrize('plan_options', [7, {1: 'bad'}])
+def test_plan_options_reject_invalid_mapping_shape(plan_options: Any) -> None:
+    tool = RequestCountingTool()
+    p = Pather(Library(), tools=tool, render='deferred')
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='plan_options'):
+        p.trace('A', None, plan_options=plan_options)
+
+    assert tool.offer_calls == 0
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    'plan_options',
+    [
+        {'bend_policy': 'flexible'},
+        {'unknown': True},
+    ],
+)
+def test_default_planner_rejects_unsupported_plan_options_before_tool_lookup(
+        plan_options: dict[str, Any],
+        ) -> None:
+    tool = RequestCountingTool()
+    p = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        ports={'A': Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')},
+        tools=tool,
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='unsupported keys'):
+        p.trace('A', None, length=1, plan_options=plan_options)
+
+    assert tool.offer_calls == 0
+
+
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     'operation',
     [
diff --git a/masque/test/test_pather_core.py b/masque/test/test_pather_core.py
index 93f874c..af068b8 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_pather_core.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_pather_core.py
@@ -93,6 +93,41 @@ def test_pather_accepts_and_reuses_planner_instance() -> None:
     assert planner.trace_to_calls == 2
 
 
+def test_pather_copies_and_forwards_plan_options_to_planner() -> None:
+    class RecordingPlanner(RoutingPlanner):
+        def __init__(self) -> None:
+            super().__init__()
+            self.received_plan_options: Any = None
+
+        def plan_trace_to_route(
+                self,
+                *args: Any,
+                plan_options: Any = None,
+                **kwargs: Any,
+                ) -> Any:
+            self.received_plan_options = plan_options
+            return super().plan_trace_to_route(
+                *args,
+                plan_options=plan_options,
+                **kwargs,
+                )
+
+    planner = RecordingPlanner()
+    p = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        tools=PathTool(layer=(1, 0), width=1),
+        render='deferred',
+        planner=planner,
+        )
+    p.ports['A'] = Port((0, 0), rotation=0)
+    supplied = {'strategy': 'turn_first'}
+
+    p.straight('A', 1, plan_options=supplied)
+
+    assert planner.received_plan_options == supplied
+    assert planner.received_plan_options is not supplied
+
+
 def test_port_tool_policy_and_portpather_selection_follow_names() -> None:
     default_tool = PathTool(layer=(1, 0), width=1, ptype='wire')
     named_tool = PathTool(layer=(2, 0), width=1, ptype='wire')
diff --git a/masque/test/test_pather_primitive_offers.py b/masque/test/test_pather_primitive_offers.py
index 626779c..0a6abe3 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_pather_primitive_offers.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_pather_primitive_offers.py
@@ -732,7 +732,7 @@ def test_pather_route_strategy_uses_planner_default() -> None:
 def test_pather_route_strategy_per_route_overrides_planner_default() -> None:
     pather, _tool = pather_with_strategy_tool(RoutingPlanner(strategy='turn_first'))
 
-    pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, strategy='straight_first')
+    pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, plan_options={'strategy': 'straight_first'})
 
     assert [step.data['kind'] for step in pather._paths['A']] == ['straight', 's']
 
@@ -740,15 +740,21 @@ def test_pather_route_strategy_per_route_overrides_planner_default() -> None:
 def test_pather_route_strategy_per_route_can_request_turn_first() -> None:
     pather, _tool = pather_with_strategy_tool()
 
-    pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, strategy='turn_first')
+    pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, plan_options={'strategy': 'turn_first'})
 
     assert [step.data['kind'] for step in pather._paths['A']] == ['s', 'straight']
 
 
-def test_pather_route_strategy_is_not_forwarded_to_tool() -> None:
+def test_pather_plan_options_are_not_forwarded_to_tool() -> None:
     pather, tool = pather_with_strategy_tool()
 
-    pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, strategy='turn_first', tool_options={'marker': 'sentinel'})
+    pather.jog(
+        'A',
+        4,
+        length=10,
+        plan_options={'strategy': 'turn_first'},
+        tool_options={'marker': 'sentinel'},
+        )
 
     assert tool.seen_kwargs
     assert all('strategy' not in kwargs for kwargs in tool.seen_kwargs)
@@ -762,7 +768,7 @@ def test_pather_route_strategy_rejects_invalid_values() -> None:
 
     pather, _tool = pather_with_strategy_tool()
     with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='Invalid route strategy'):
-        pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, strategy='sideways')
+        pather.jog('A', 4, length=10, plan_options={'strategy': 'sideways'})
 
 
 def test_solver_rejects_rotation_impossible_candidates_before_parameter_solving() -> None:
diff --git a/masque/test/test_pather_trace_into.py b/masque/test/test_pather_trace_into.py
index 48ab125..1e86ded 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_pather_trace_into.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_pather_trace_into.py
@@ -113,6 +113,78 @@ def test_pather_trace_into_shapes() -> None:
     assert numpy.isclose(p.pattern.ports['I'].rotation, pi / 2)
 
 
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    'dst',
+    [
+        Port((-10_000, 0), rotation=pi),
+        Port((-10_000, 2_000), rotation=pi),
+        Port((-5_000, 5_000), rotation=pi / 2),
+        Port((-10_000, 2_000), rotation=0),
+    ],
+)
+def test_pather_trace_into_minimal_policy_accepts_required_topologies(dst: Port) -> None:
+    pather = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=1_000),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    pather.ports['src'] = Port((0, 0), rotation=0)
+    pather.ports['dst'] = dst
+
+    pather.trace_into(
+        'src',
+        'dst',
+        plug_destination=False,
+        plan_options={'bend_policy': 'minimal'},
+        )
+
+    assert numpy.allclose(pather.ports['src'].offset, dst.offset)
+    assert pather.ports['src'].rotation is not None
+    assert numpy.isclose((pather.ports['src'].rotation - dst.rotation) % (2 * pi), pi)
+
+
+def test_pather_trace_into_bend_policy_changes_real_solver_fallback() -> None:
+    def make_pather() -> Pather:
+        pather = Pather(
+            Library(),
+            tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=2, ptype='wire'),
+            render='deferred',
+            )
+        pather.ports['src'] = Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')
+        pather.ports['dst'] = Port((2, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire')
+        return pather
+
+    flexible = make_pather()
+    flexible.at('src').trace_into(
+        'dst',
+        plug_destination=False,
+        plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'},
+        )
+
+    assert_equal(flexible.ports['src'].offset, (2, 0))
+    assert flexible.ports['src'].rotation is not None
+    assert numpy.isclose(flexible.ports['src'].rotation, 0)
+    bend_roles = sum(
+        1 if step.kind == 'bend' else 2 if step.kind in ('s', 'u') else 0
+        for step in flexible._paths['src']
+        )
+    assert bend_roles == 4
+
+    minimal = make_pather()
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError):
+        minimal.at('src').trace_into(
+            'dst',
+            plug_destination=False,
+            )
+
+    assert set(minimal.ports) == {'src', 'dst'}
+    assert_equal(minimal.ports['src'].offset, (0, 0))
+    assert numpy.isclose(minimal.ports['src'].rotation, 0)
+    assert_equal(minimal.ports['dst'].offset, (2, 0))
+    assert numpy.isclose(minimal.ports['dst'].rotation, pi)
+    assert not minimal._paths
+
+
 def test_pather_trace_into_large_composed_manhattan_route_plugs() -> None:
     p = Pather(
         Library(),
@@ -305,6 +377,7 @@ class TraceIntoBudgetSolver:
 
 class TraceIntoBudgetPlanner(RoutingPlanner):
     def __init__(self, successes: set[tuple[int, int]], fatal_at: set[tuple[int, int]] | None = None) -> None:
+        super().__init__()
         self.solver = TraceIntoBudgetSolver(successes, fatal_at=fatal_at)
         self.solver_requests = 0
 
@@ -340,7 +413,15 @@ def test_trace_into_reuses_solver_across_staged_bend_bands(
     planner = TraceIntoBudgetPlanner(successes)
     context = RoutePortContext('src', Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire'), PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'))
 
-    planner.plan_trace_into(context, 'dst', dst, out_ptype=None, plug_destination=True, thru=None)
+    planner.plan_trace_into(
+        context,
+        'dst',
+        dst,
+        out_ptype=None,
+        plug_destination=True,
+        thru=None,
+        plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'},
+        )
 
     assert planner.solver.attempts == attempts
     assert planner.solver_requests == 1
@@ -351,7 +432,15 @@ def test_trace_into_staged_bend_budget_stops_on_fatal_error() -> None:
     context = RoutePortContext('src', Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire'), PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'))
 
     with pytest.raises(RoutePlanningError, match='fatal'):
-        planner.plan_trace_into(context, 'dst', Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire'), out_ptype=None, plug_destination=True, thru=None)
+        planner.plan_trace_into(
+            context,
+            'dst',
+            Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire'),
+            out_ptype=None,
+            plug_destination=True,
+            thru=None,
+            plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'},
+            )
 
     assert planner.solver.attempts == [(0, 2)]
     assert planner.solver_requests == 1
@@ -361,8 +450,124 @@ def test_trace_into_bend_bands_respect_max_bends() -> None:
     class OneBendPlanner(RoutingPlanner):
         TRACE_INTO_MAX_BENDS = 1
 
-    planner = OneBendPlanner()
+    planner = OneBendPlanner(bend_policy='flexible')
 
     assert planner.trace_into_bend_bands('straight') == ((0, 0),)
     assert planner.trace_into_bend_bands('s') == ((0, 0),)
     assert planner.trace_into_bend_bands('bend') == ((1, 1),)
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    ('family', 'expected'),
+    [
+        ('straight', ((0, 0),)),
+        ('bend', ((1, 1),)),
+        ('s', ((2, 2),)),
+        ('u', ((2, 2),)),
+    ],
+)
+def test_trace_into_default_minimal_bend_bands(family: str, expected: tuple[tuple[int, int], ...]) -> None:
+    planner = RoutingPlanner()
+
+    assert planner.trace_into_bend_bands(family) == expected
+    assert planner.trace_into_bend_bands(family, bend_policy='flexible') == (
+        ((1, 1), (3, 3)) if family == 'bend' else ((0, 2), (4, 4))
+        )
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize(
+    ('dst', 'required_band'),
+    [
+        (Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire'), (0, 0)),
+        (Port((-10, -5), rotation=pi, ptype='wire'), (2, 2)),
+        (Port((-10, -10), rotation=3 * pi / 2, ptype='wire'), (1, 1)),
+        (Port((-10, -5), rotation=0, ptype='wire'), (2, 2)),
+    ],
+)
+def test_trace_into_minimal_policy_uses_orientation_required_band(
+        dst: Port,
+        required_band: tuple[int, int],
+        ) -> None:
+    planner = TraceIntoBudgetPlanner({required_band})
+    context = RoutePortContext(
+        'src',
+        Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire'),
+        PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'),
+        )
+
+    planner.plan_trace_into(
+        context,
+        'dst',
+        dst,
+        out_ptype=None,
+        plug_destination=True,
+        thru=None,
+        plan_options={'bend_policy': 'minimal'},
+        )
+
+    assert planner.solver.attempts == [required_band]
+
+
+def test_trace_into_minimal_policy_rejects_fallback_without_mutation() -> None:
+    planner = TraceIntoBudgetPlanner({(4, 4)})
+    pather = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'),
+        planner=planner,
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    pather.ports['src'] = Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')
+    pather.ports['dst'] = Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire')
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='try next budget'):
+        pather.trace_into('src', 'dst', plan_options={'bend_policy': 'minimal'})
+
+    assert planner.solver.attempts == [(0, 0)]
+    assert set(pather.ports) == {'src', 'dst'}
+    assert_equal(pather.ports['src'].offset, (0, 0))
+    assert_equal(pather.ports['dst'].offset, (-10, 0))
+    assert not pather._paths
+
+
+def test_trace_into_bend_policy_planner_default_and_route_override() -> None:
+    context = RoutePortContext(
+        'src',
+        Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire'),
+        PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'),
+        )
+    dst = Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire')
+    minimal_planner = TraceIntoBudgetPlanner({(4, 4)})
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='try next budget'):
+        minimal_planner.plan_trace_into(
+            context, 'dst', dst, out_ptype=None, plug_destination=True, thru=None,
+            )
+    assert minimal_planner.solver.attempts == [(0, 0)]
+
+    flexible_planner = TraceIntoBudgetPlanner({(4, 4)})
+    flexible_planner.plan_trace_into(
+        context,
+        'dst',
+        dst,
+        out_ptype=None,
+        plug_destination=True,
+        thru=None,
+        plan_options={'bend_policy': 'flexible'},
+        )
+    assert flexible_planner.solver.attempts == [(0, 2), (4, 4)]
+
+
+def test_trace_into_rejects_invalid_bend_policy() -> None:
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='Invalid trace_into bend policy'):
+        RoutingPlanner(bend_policy='sideways')  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+
+    pather = Pather(
+        Library(),
+        tools=PathTool(layer='M1', width=1, ptype='wire'),
+        render='deferred',
+        )
+    pather.ports['src'] = Port((0, 0), rotation=0, ptype='wire')
+    pather.ports['dst'] = Port((-10, 0), rotation=pi, ptype='wire')
+
+    with pytest.raises(BuildError, match='Invalid trace_into bend policy'):
+        pather.trace_into('src', 'dst', plan_options={'bend_policy': 'sideways'})