diff --git a/masque/builder/builder.py b/masque/builder/builder.py
index 40ea109..1b534b5 100644
--- a/masque/builder/builder.py
+++ b/masque/builder/builder.py
@@ -275,10 +275,6 @@ class Builder(PortList):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead' (see `set_dead()`), geometry generation is
-            skipped but ports are still updated.
-
         Raises:
             `PortError` if any ports specified in `map_in` or `map_out` do not
                 exist in `self.ports` or `other_names`.
@@ -288,7 +284,8 @@ class Builder(PortList):
                 do not line up)
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for plug() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping plug() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         if not isinstance(other, str | Abstract | Pattern):
             # We got a Tree; add it into self.library and grab an Abstract for it
@@ -308,7 +305,6 @@ class Builder(PortList):
             set_rotation = set_rotation,
             append = append,
             ok_connections = ok_connections,
-            skip_geometry = self._dead,
             )
         return self
 
@@ -354,10 +350,6 @@ class Builder(PortList):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead' (see `set_dead()`), geometry generation is
-            skipped but ports are still updated.
-
         Raises:
             `PortError` if any ports specified in `map_in` or `map_out` do not
                 exist in `self.ports` or `other.ports`.
@@ -365,7 +357,8 @@ class Builder(PortList):
                 are applied.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for place() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping place() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         if not isinstance(other, str | Abstract | Pattern):
             # We got a Tree; add it into self.library and grab an Abstract for it
@@ -385,7 +378,6 @@ class Builder(PortList):
             port_map = port_map,
             skip_port_check = skip_port_check,
             append = append,
-            skip_geometry = self._dead,
             )
         return self
 
@@ -433,18 +425,13 @@ class Builder(PortList):
 
     def set_dead(self) -> Self:
         """
-        Suppresses geometry generation for subsequent `plug()` and `place()`
-        operations. Unlike a complete skip, the port state is still tracked
-        and updated, using 'best-effort' fallbacks for impossible transforms.
-        This allows a layout script to execute through problematic sections
-        while maintaining valid port references for downstream code.
-
+        Disallows further changes through `plug()` or `place()`.
         This is meant for debugging:
         ```
             dev.plug(a, ...)
             dev.set_dead()      # added for debug purposes
-            dev.plug(b, ...)    # usually raises an error, but now uses fallback port update
-            dev.plug(c, ...)    # also updated via fallback
+            dev.plug(b, ...)    # usually raises an error, but now skipped
+            dev.plug(c, ...)    # also skipped
             dev.pattern.visualize()     # shows the device as of the set_dead() call
         ```
 
diff --git a/masque/builder/pather.py b/masque/builder/pather.py
index c23e240..9af473d 100644
--- a/masque/builder/pather.py
+++ b/masque/builder/pather.py
@@ -7,8 +7,6 @@ import copy
 import logging
 from pprint import pformat
 
-from numpy import pi
-
 from ..pattern import Pattern
 from ..library import ILibrary
 from ..error import BuildError
@@ -285,47 +283,19 @@ class Pather(Builder, PatherMixin):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead', this operation will still attempt to update
-            the target port's location. If the pathing tool fails (e.g. due to an
-            impossible length), a dummy linear extension is used to maintain port
-            consistency for downstream operations.
-
         Raises:
             BuildError if `distance` is too small to fit the bend (if a bend is present).
             LibraryError if no valid name could be picked for the pattern.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for path() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping path() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         tool_port_names = ('A', 'B')
 
         tool = self.tools.get(portspec, self.tools[None])
         in_ptype = self.pattern[portspec].ptype
-        try:
-            tree = tool.path(ccw, length, in_ptype=in_ptype, port_names=tool_port_names, **kwargs)
-        except (BuildError, NotImplementedError):
-            if not self._dead:
-                raise
-            logger.warning("Tool path failed for dead pather. Using dummy extension.")
-            # Fallback for dead pather: manually update the port instead of plugging
-            port = self.pattern[portspec]
-            port_rot = port.rotation
-            if ccw is None:
-                out_rot = pi
-            elif bool(ccw):
-                out_rot = -pi / 2
-            else:
-                out_rot = pi / 2
-            out_port = Port((length, 0), rotation=out_rot, ptype=in_ptype)
-            out_port.rotate_around((0, 0), pi + port_rot)
-            out_port.translate(port.offset)
-            self.pattern.ports[portspec] = out_port
-            self._log_port_update(portspec)
-            if plug_into is not None:
-                self.plugged({portspec: plug_into})
-            return self
-
+        tree = tool.path(ccw, length, in_ptype=in_ptype, port_names=tool_port_names, **kwargs)
         tname = self.library << tree
         if plug_into is not None:
             output = {plug_into: tool_port_names[1]}
@@ -365,18 +335,13 @@ class Pather(Builder, PatherMixin):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead', this operation will still attempt to update
-            the target port's location. If the pathing tool fails (e.g. due to an
-            impossible length), a dummy linear extension is used to maintain port
-            consistency for downstream operations.
-
         Raises:
             BuildError if `distance` is too small to fit the s-bend (for nonzero jog).
             LibraryError if no valid name could be picked for the pattern.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for pathS() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping pathS() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         tool_port_names = ('A', 'B')
 
@@ -388,39 +353,16 @@ class Pather(Builder, PatherMixin):
             # Fall back to drawing two L-bends
             ccw0 = jog > 0
             kwargs_no_out = kwargs | {'out_ptype': None}
-            try:
-                t_tree0 = tool.path(    ccw0, length / 2, port_names=tool_port_names, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs_no_out)
-                t_pat0 = t_tree0.top_pattern()
-                (_, jog0), _ = t_pat0[tool_port_names[0]].measure_travel(t_pat0[tool_port_names[1]])
-                t_tree1 = tool.path(not ccw0, abs(jog - jog0), port_names=tool_port_names, in_ptype=t_pat0[tool_port_names[1]].ptype, **kwargs)
-                t_pat1 = t_tree1.top_pattern()
-                (_, jog1), _ = t_pat1[tool_port_names[0]].measure_travel(t_pat1[tool_port_names[1]])
+            t_tree0 = tool.path(    ccw0, length / 2, port_names=tool_port_names, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs_no_out)
+            t_pat0 = t_tree0.top_pattern()
+            (_, jog0), _ = t_pat0[tool_port_names[0]].measure_travel(t_pat0[tool_port_names[1]])
+            t_tree1 = tool.path(not ccw0, abs(jog - jog0), port_names=tool_port_names, in_ptype=t_pat0[tool_port_names[1]].ptype, **kwargs)
+            t_pat1 = t_tree1.top_pattern()
+            (_, jog1), _ = t_pat1[tool_port_names[0]].measure_travel(t_pat1[tool_port_names[1]])
 
-                kwargs_plug = kwargs | {'plug_into': plug_into}
-                self.path(portspec,     ccw0, length - abs(jog1), **kwargs_no_out)
-                self.path(portspec, not ccw0,    abs(jog - jog0), **kwargs_plug)
-                return self
-            except (BuildError, NotImplementedError):
-                if not self._dead:
-                    raise
-                # Fall through to dummy extension below
-        except BuildError:
-            if not self._dead:
-                raise
-            # Fall through to dummy extension below
-
-        if self._dead:
-            logger.warning("Tool pathS failed for dead pather. Using dummy extension.")
-            # Fallback for dead pather: manually update the port instead of plugging
-            port = self.pattern[portspec]
-            port_rot = port.rotation
-            out_port = Port((length, jog), rotation=pi, ptype=in_ptype)
-            out_port.rotate_around((0, 0), pi + port_rot)
-            out_port.translate(port.offset)
-            self.pattern.ports[portspec] = out_port
-            self._log_port_update(portspec)
-            if plug_into is not None:
-                self.plugged({portspec: plug_into})
+            kwargs_plug = kwargs | {'plug_into': plug_into}
+            self.path(portspec,     ccw0, length - abs(jog1), **kwargs_no_out)
+            self.path(portspec, not ccw0,    abs(jog - jog0), **kwargs_plug)
             return self
 
         tname = self.library << tree
diff --git a/masque/builder/renderpather.py b/masque/builder/renderpather.py
index ca8cf8a..29a8173 100644
--- a/masque/builder/renderpather.py
+++ b/masque/builder/renderpather.py
@@ -253,7 +253,8 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
                 do not line up)
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for plug() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping plug() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         other_tgt: Pattern | Abstract
         if isinstance(other, str):
@@ -261,19 +262,18 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
         if append and isinstance(other, Abstract):
             other_tgt = self.library[other.name]
 
-        if not self._dead:
-            # get rid of plugged ports
-            for kk in map_in:
-                if kk in self.paths:
-                    self.paths[kk].append(RenderStep('P', None, self.ports[kk].copy(), self.ports[kk].copy(), None))
+        # get rid of plugged ports
+        for kk in map_in:
+            if kk in self.paths:
+                self.paths[kk].append(RenderStep('P', None, self.ports[kk].copy(), self.ports[kk].copy(), None))
 
-            plugged = map_in.values()
-            for name, port in other_tgt.ports.items():
-                if name in plugged:
-                    continue
-                new_name = map_out.get(name, name) if map_out is not None else name
-                if new_name is not None and new_name in self.paths:
-                    self.paths[new_name].append(RenderStep('P', None, port.copy(), port.copy(), None))
+        plugged = map_in.values()
+        for name, port in other_tgt.ports.items():
+            if name in plugged:
+                continue
+            new_name = map_out.get(name, name) if map_out is not None else name
+            if new_name is not None and new_name in self.paths:
+                self.paths[new_name].append(RenderStep('P', None, port.copy(), port.copy(), None))
 
         self.pattern.plug(
             other = other_tgt,
@@ -284,7 +284,6 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
             set_rotation = set_rotation,
             append = append,
             ok_connections = ok_connections,
-            skip_geometry = self._dead,
             )
 
         return self
@@ -335,7 +334,8 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
                 are applied.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for place() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping place() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         other_tgt: Pattern | Abstract
         if isinstance(other, str):
@@ -343,11 +343,10 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
         if append and isinstance(other, Abstract):
             other_tgt = self.library[other.name]
 
-        if not self._dead:
-            for name, port in other_tgt.ports.items():
-                new_name = port_map.get(name, name) if port_map is not None else name
-                if new_name is not None and new_name in self.paths:
-                    self.paths[new_name].append(RenderStep('P', None, port.copy(), port.copy(), None))
+        for name, port in other_tgt.ports.items():
+            new_name = port_map.get(name, name) if port_map is not None else name
+            if new_name is not None and new_name in self.paths:
+                self.paths[new_name].append(RenderStep('P', None, port.copy(), port.copy(), None))
 
         self.pattern.place(
             other = other_tgt,
@@ -358,7 +357,6 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
             port_map = port_map,
             skip_port_check = skip_port_check,
             append = append,
-            skip_geometry = self._dead,
             )
 
         return self
@@ -367,12 +365,11 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
             self,
             connections: dict[str, str],
             ) -> Self:
-        if not self._dead:
-            for aa, bb in connections.items():
-                porta = self.ports[aa]
-                portb = self.ports[bb]
-                self.paths[aa].append(RenderStep('P', None, porta.copy(), porta.copy(), None))
-                self.paths[bb].append(RenderStep('P', None, portb.copy(), portb.copy(), None))
+        for aa, bb in connections.items():
+            porta = self.ports[aa]
+            portb = self.ports[bb]
+            self.paths[aa].append(RenderStep('P', None, porta.copy(), porta.copy(), None))
+            self.paths[bb].append(RenderStep('P', None, portb.copy(), portb.copy(), None))
         PortList.plugged(self, connections)
         return self
 
@@ -408,18 +405,13 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead', this operation will still attempt to update
-            the target port's location. If the pathing tool fails (e.g. due to an
-            impossible length), a dummy linear extension is used to maintain port
-            consistency for downstream operations.
-
         Raises:
             BuildError if `distance` is too small to fit the bend (if a bend is present).
             LibraryError if no valid name could be picked for the pattern.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for path() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping path() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         port = self.pattern[portspec]
         in_ptype = port.ptype
@@ -428,31 +420,16 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
 
         tool = self.tools.get(portspec, self.tools[None])
         # ask the tool for bend size (fill missing dx or dy), check feasibility, and get out_ptype
-        try:
-            out_port, data = tool.planL(ccw, length, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs)
-        except (BuildError, NotImplementedError):
-            if not self._dead:
-                raise
-            logger.warning("Tool planning failed for dead pather. Using dummy extension.")
-            if ccw is None:
-                out_rot = pi
-            elif bool(ccw):
-                out_rot = -pi / 2
-            else:
-                out_rot = pi / 2
-            out_port = Port((length, 0), rotation=out_rot, ptype=in_ptype)
-            data = None
+        out_port, data = tool.planL(ccw, length, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs)
 
         # Update port
         out_port.rotate_around((0, 0), pi + port_rot)
         out_port.translate(port.offset)
 
-        if not self._dead:
-            step = RenderStep('L', tool, port.copy(), out_port.copy(), data)
-            self.paths[portspec].append(step)
+        step = RenderStep('L', tool, port.copy(), out_port.copy(), data)
+        self.paths[portspec].append(step)
 
         self.pattern.ports[portspec] = out_port.copy()
-        self._log_port_update(portspec)
 
         if plug_into is not None:
             self.plugged({portspec: plug_into})
@@ -492,18 +469,13 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
         Returns:
             self
 
-        Note:
-            If the builder is 'dead', this operation will still attempt to update
-            the target port's location. If the pathing tool fails (e.g. due to an
-            impossible length), a dummy linear extension is used to maintain port
-            consistency for downstream operations.
-
         Raises:
             BuildError if `distance` is too small to fit the s-bend (for nonzero jog).
             LibraryError if no valid name could be picked for the pattern.
         """
         if self._dead:
-            logger.warning('Skipping geometry for pathS() since device is dead')
+            logger.error('Skipping pathS() since device is dead')
+            return self
 
         port = self.pattern[portspec]
         in_ptype = port.ptype
@@ -519,38 +491,21 @@ class RenderPather(PatherMixin):
             # Fall back to drawing two L-bends
             ccw0 = jog > 0
             kwargs_no_out = (kwargs | {'out_ptype': None})
-            try:
-                t_port0, _ = tool.planL(    ccw0, length / 2, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs_no_out)       # TODO length/2 may fail with asymmetric ptypes
-                jog0 = Port((0, 0), 0).measure_travel(t_port0)[0][1]
-                t_port1, _ = tool.planL(not ccw0, abs(jog - jog0), in_ptype=t_port0.ptype, **kwargs)
-                jog1 = Port((0, 0), 0).measure_travel(t_port1)[0][1]
+            t_port0, _ = tool.planL(    ccw0, length / 2, in_ptype=in_ptype, **kwargs_no_out)       # TODO length/2 may fail with asymmetric ptypes
+            jog0 = Port((0, 0), 0).measure_travel(t_port0)[0][1]
+            t_port1, _ = tool.planL(not ccw0, abs(jog - jog0), in_ptype=t_port0.ptype, **kwargs)
+            jog1 = Port((0, 0), 0).measure_travel(t_port1)[0][1]
 
-                kwargs_plug = kwargs | {'plug_into': plug_into}
-                self.path(portspec,     ccw0, length - abs(jog1), **kwargs_no_out)
-                self.path(portspec, not ccw0,    abs(jog - jog0), **kwargs_plug)
-                return self
-            except (BuildError, NotImplementedError):
-                if not self._dead:
-                    raise
-                # Fall through to dummy extension below
-        except BuildError:
-            if not self._dead:
-                raise
-            # Fall through to dummy extension below
+            kwargs_plug = kwargs | {'plug_into': plug_into}
+            self.path(portspec,     ccw0, length - abs(jog1), **kwargs_no_out)
+            self.path(portspec, not ccw0,    abs(jog - jog0), **kwargs_plug)
+            return self
 
-        if self._dead:
-            logger.warning("Tool planning failed for dead pather. Using dummy extension.")
-            out_port = Port((length, jog), rotation=pi, ptype=in_ptype)
-            data = None
-
-        if out_port is not None:
-            out_port.rotate_around((0, 0), pi + port_rot)
-            out_port.translate(port.offset)
-            if not self._dead:
-                step = RenderStep('S', tool, port.copy(), out_port.copy(), data)
-                self.paths[portspec].append(step)
-            self.pattern.ports[portspec] = out_port.copy()
-            self._log_port_update(portspec)
+        out_port.rotate_around((0, 0), pi + port_rot)
+        out_port.translate(port.offset)
+        step = RenderStep('S', tool, port.copy(), out_port.copy(), data)
+        self.paths[portspec].append(step)
+        self.pattern.ports[portspec] = out_port.copy()
 
         if plug_into is not None:
             self.plugged({portspec: plug_into})
diff --git a/masque/pattern.py b/masque/pattern.py
index d7bbc01..94555cc 100644
--- a/masque/pattern.py
+++ b/masque/pattern.py
@@ -638,7 +638,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
         """
         for entry in chain(chain_elements(self.shapes, self.labels, self.refs), self.ports.values()):
             cast('Positionable', entry).translate(offset)
-        self._log_bulk_update(f"translate({offset})")
         return self
 
     def scale_elements(self, c: float) -> Self:
@@ -706,7 +705,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
         self.rotate_elements(rotation)
         self.rotate_element_centers(rotation)
         self.translate_elements(+pivot)
-        self._log_bulk_update(f"rotate_around({pivot}, {rotation})")
         return self
 
     def rotate_element_centers(self, rotation: float) -> Self:
@@ -763,7 +761,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
         """
         for entry in chain(chain_elements(self.shapes, self.refs, self.labels), self.ports.values()):
             cast('Flippable', entry).flip_across(axis=axis)
-        self._log_bulk_update(f"mirror({axis})")
         return self
 
     def copy(self) -> Self:
@@ -1101,7 +1098,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             port_map: dict[str, str | None] | None = None,
             skip_port_check: bool = False,
             append: bool = False,
-            skip_geometry: bool = False,
             ) -> Self:
         """
         Instantiate or append the pattern `other` into the current pattern, adding its
@@ -1133,10 +1129,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             append: If `True`, `other` is appended instead of being referenced.
                 Note that this does not flatten  `other`, so its refs will still
                 be refs (now inside `self`).
-            skip_geometry: If `True`, the operation only updates the port list and
-                skips adding any geometry (shapes, labels, or references). This
-                allows the pattern assembly to proceed for port-tracking purposes
-                even when layout generation is suppressed.
 
         Returns:
             self
@@ -1168,10 +1160,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             pp.rotate_around(pivot, rotation)
             pp.translate(offset)
             self.ports[name] = pp
-            self._log_port_update(name)
-
-        if skip_geometry:
-            return self
 
         if append:
             if isinstance(other, Abstract):
@@ -1230,7 +1218,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             set_rotation: bool | None = None,
             append: bool = False,
             ok_connections: Iterable[tuple[str, str]] = (),
-            skip_geometry: bool = False,
             ) -> Self:
         """
         Instantiate or append a pattern into the current pattern, connecting
@@ -1285,11 +1272,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
                 any other ptypte. Non-allowed ptype connections will emit a
                 warning. Order is ignored, i.e. `(a, b)` is equivalent to
                 `(b, a)`.
-            skip_geometry: If `True`, only ports are updated and geometry is
-                skipped. If a valid transform cannot be found (e.g. due to
-                misaligned ports), a 'best-effort' dummy transform is used
-                to ensure new ports are still added at approximate locations,
-                allowing downstream routing to continue.
 
         Returns:
             self
@@ -1322,41 +1304,21 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             map_out = {out_port_name: next(iter(map_in.keys()))}
 
         self.check_ports(other.ports.keys(), map_in, map_out)
-        try:
-            translation, rotation, pivot = self.find_transform(
-                other,
-                map_in,
-                mirrored = mirrored,
-                set_rotation = set_rotation,
-                ok_connections = ok_connections,
-                )
-        except PortError:
-            if not skip_geometry:
-                raise
-            logger.warning("Port transform failed for dead device. Using dummy transform.")
-            if map_in:
-                ki, vi = next(iter(map_in.items()))
-                s_port = self.ports[ki]
-                o_port = other.ports[vi].deepcopy()
-                if mirrored:
-                    o_port.mirror()
-                    o_port.offset[1] *= -1
-                translation = s_port.offset - o_port.offset
-                rotation = (s_port.rotation - o_port.rotation - pi) if (s_port.rotation is not None and o_port.rotation is not None) else 0
-                pivot = o_port.offset
-            else:
-                translation = numpy.zeros(2)
-                rotation = 0.0
-                pivot = numpy.zeros(2)
+        translation, rotation, pivot = self.find_transform(
+            other,
+            map_in,
+            mirrored = mirrored,
+            set_rotation = set_rotation,
+            ok_connections = ok_connections,
+            )
 
         # get rid of plugged ports
         for ki, vi in map_in.items():
             del self.ports[ki]
-            self._log_port_removal(ki)
             map_out[vi] = None
 
         if isinstance(other, Pattern):
-            assert append or skip_geometry, 'Got a name (not an abstract) but was asked to reference (not append)'
+            assert append, 'Got a name (not an abstract) but was asked to reference (not append)'
 
         self.place(
             other,
@@ -1367,7 +1329,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             port_map = map_out,
             skip_port_check = True,
             append = append,
-            skip_geometry = skip_geometry,
             )
         return self
 
diff --git a/masque/ports.py b/masque/ports.py
index 5260b19..45aedb5 100644
--- a/masque/ports.py
+++ b/masque/ports.py
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ from .error import PortError, format_stacktrace
 
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-port_logger = logging.getLogger('masque.ports')
 
 
 @functools.total_ordering
@@ -208,19 +207,6 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
     def ports(self, value: dict[str, Port]) -> None:
         pass
 
-    def _log_port_update(self, name: str) -> None:
-        """ Log the current state of the named port """
-        port_logger.info("Port %s: %s", name, self.ports[name])
-
-    def _log_port_removal(self, name: str) -> None:
-        """ Log that the named port has been removed """
-        port_logger.info("Port %s: removed", name)
-
-    def _log_bulk_update(self, label: str) -> None:
-        """ Log all current ports at DEBUG level """
-        for name, port in self.ports.items():
-            port_logger.debug("%s: Port %s: %s", label, name, port)
-
     @overload
     def __getitem__(self, key: str) -> Port:
         pass
@@ -274,7 +260,6 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
             raise PortError(f'Port {name} already exists.')
         assert name not in self.ports
         self.ports[name] = value
-        self._log_port_update(name)
         return self
 
     def rename_ports(
@@ -301,22 +286,11 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
             if duplicates:
                 raise PortError(f'Unrenamed ports would be overwritten: {duplicates}')
 
-        for kk, vv in mapping.items():
-            if vv is None:
-                self._log_port_removal(kk)
-            elif vv != kk:
-                self._log_port_removal(kk)
-
         renamed = {vv: self.ports.pop(kk) for kk, vv in mapping.items()}
         if None in renamed:
             del renamed[None]
 
         self.ports.update(renamed)      # type: ignore
-
-        for vv in mapping.values():
-            if vv is not None:
-                self._log_port_update(vv)
-
         return self
 
     def add_port_pair(
@@ -345,8 +319,6 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
             }
         self.check_ports(names)
         self.ports.update(new_ports)
-        self._log_port_update(names[0])
-        self._log_port_update(names[1])
         return self
 
     def plugged(
@@ -416,7 +388,6 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
 
         for pp in chain(a_names, b_names):
             del self.ports[pp]
-            self._log_port_removal(pp)
         return self
 
     def check_ports(
diff --git a/masque/test/test_builder.py b/masque/test/test_builder.py
index bfbd1df..1b67c65 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_builder.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_builder.py
@@ -73,57 +73,3 @@ def test_builder_set_dead() -> None:
 
     b.place("sub")
     assert not b.pattern.has_refs()
-
-
-def test_builder_dead_ports() -> None:
-    lib = Library()
-    pat = Pattern()
-    pat.ports['A'] = Port((0, 0), 0)
-    b = Builder(lib, pattern=pat)
-    b.set_dead()
-
-    # Attempt to plug a device where ports don't line up
-    # A has rotation 0, C has rotation 0. plug() expects opposing rotations (pi difference).
-    other = Pattern(ports={'C': Port((10, 10), 0), 'D': Port((20, 20), 0)})
-
-    # This should NOT raise PortError because b is dead
-    b.plug(other, map_in={'A': 'C'}, map_out={'D': 'B'})
-
-    # Port A should be removed, and Port B (renamed from D) should be added
-    assert 'A' not in b.ports
-    assert 'B' in b.ports
-
-    # Verify geometry was not added
-    assert not b.pattern.has_refs()
-    assert not b.pattern.has_shapes()
-
-
-def test_dead_plug_best_effort() -> None:
-    lib = Library()
-    pat = Pattern()
-    pat.ports['A'] = Port((0, 0), 0)
-    b = Builder(lib, pattern=pat)
-    b.set_dead()
-
-    # Device with multiple ports, none of which line up correctly
-    other = Pattern(ports={
-        'P1': Port((10, 10), 0),  # Wrong rotation (0 instead of pi)
-        'P2': Port((20, 20), pi)  # Correct rotation but wrong offset
-    })
-
-    # Try to plug. find_transform will fail.
-    # It should fall back to aligning the first pair ('A' and 'P1').
-    b.plug(other, map_in={'A': 'P1'}, map_out={'P2': 'B'})
-
-    assert 'A' not in b.ports
-    assert 'B' in b.ports
-
-    # Dummy transform aligns A (0,0) with P1 (10,10)
-    # A rotation 0, P1 rotation 0 -> rotation = (0 - 0 - pi) = -pi
-    # P2 (20,20) rotation pi:
-    # 1. Translate P2 so P1 is at origin: (20,20) - (10,10) = (10,10)
-    # 2. Rotate (10,10) by -pi: (-10,-10)
-    # 3. Translate by s_port.offset (0,0): (-10,-10)
-    assert_allclose(b.ports['B'].offset, [-10, -10], atol=1e-10)
-    # P2 rot pi + transform rot -pi = 0
-    assert_allclose(b.ports['B'].rotation, 0, atol=1e-10)
diff --git a/masque/test/test_pather.py b/masque/test/test_pather.py
index 336458f..e1d28d8 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_pather.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_pather.py
@@ -81,25 +81,3 @@ def test_pather_at_chaining(pather_setup: tuple[Pather, PathTool, Library]) -> N
     # pi/2 (North) + CCW (90 deg) -> 0 (East)?
     # Actual behavior results in pi (West).
     assert_allclose(p.ports["start"].rotation, pi, atol=1e-10)
-
-
-def test_pather_dead_ports() -> None:
-    lib = Library()
-    tool = PathTool(layer=(1, 0), width=1)
-    p = Pather(lib, ports={"in": Port((0, 0), 0)}, tools=tool)
-    p.set_dead()
-
-    # Path with negative length (impossible for PathTool, would normally raise BuildError)
-    p.path("in", None, -10)
-
-    # Port 'in' should be updated by dummy extension despite tool failure
-    # port_rot=0, forward is -x. path(-10) means moving -10 in -x direction -> +10 in x.
-    assert_allclose(p.ports["in"].offset, [10, 0], atol=1e-10)
-
-    # Downstream path should work correctly using the dummy port location
-    p.path("in", None, 20)
-    # 10 + (-20) = -10
-    assert_allclose(p.ports["in"].offset, [-10, 0], atol=1e-10)
-
-    # Verify no geometry
-    assert not p.pattern.has_shapes()
diff --git a/masque/test/test_renderpather.py b/masque/test/test_renderpather.py
index 3948214..b843066 100644
--- a/masque/test/test_renderpather.py
+++ b/masque/test/test_renderpather.py
@@ -73,23 +73,3 @@ def test_renderpather_retool(rpather_setup: tuple[RenderPather, PathTool, Librar
     # Different tools should cause different batches/shapes
     assert len(rp.pattern.shapes[(1, 0)]) == 1
     assert len(rp.pattern.shapes[(2, 0)]) == 1
-
-
-def test_renderpather_dead_ports() -> None:
-    lib = Library()
-    tool = PathTool(layer=(1, 0), width=1)
-    rp = RenderPather(lib, ports={"in": Port((0, 0), 0)}, tools=tool)
-    rp.set_dead()
-
-    # Impossible path
-    rp.path("in", None, -10)
-
-    # port_rot=0, forward is -x. path(-10) means moving -10 in -x direction -> +10 in x.
-    assert_allclose(rp.ports["in"].offset, [10, 0], atol=1e-10)
-
-    # Verify no render steps were added
-    assert len(rp.paths["in"]) == 0
-
-    # Verify no geometry
-    rp.render()
-    assert not rp.pattern.has_shapes()