diff --git a/backend/db/__init__.py b/backend/db/__init__.py
index ff39271..471905e 100644
--- a/backend/db/__init__.py
+++ b/backend/db/__init__.py
@@ -55,7 +55,6 @@ _SCHEMA_SENTINELS = [
     ("settings", "value"),
     ("slabs", "deleted_at"),
     ("slabs", "server_rev"),
-    ("slabs", "metadata_locked"),
     ("slab_photos", "original_blob"),
     ("sync_log", "payload_hash"),
 ]
diff --git a/backend/db/schema.sql b/backend/db/schema.sql
index c0fefd3..0aa229d 100644
--- a/backend/db/schema.sql
+++ b/backend/db/schema.sql
@@ -35,9 +35,6 @@ CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS slabs (
     species_confidence REAL,
     figure_confidence REAL,
     grade_confidence REAL,
-    -- #89: explicit owner lock of the confirmed taxonomy set. Deterministic
-    -- title/short_description are built and persisted only once this is 1.
-    metadata_locked INTEGER CHECK(metadata_locked IN (0,1) OR metadata_locked IS NULL),
     inference_status TEXT CHECK(inference_status IN ('inferring','done','failed') OR inference_status IS NULL),
     calibration_photo_id TEXT,
     client_rev INTEGER NOT NULL DEFAULT 1,
diff --git a/backend/review.py b/backend/review.py
index 286bce8..c3cff56 100644
--- a/backend/review.py
+++ b/backend/review.py
@@ -155,65 +155,15 @@ async def review_slab(slab_id: str, payload: dict[str, Any] | None = None) -> di
     if row is None:
         return JSONResponse(status_code=404, content=_error("not_found", "Slab not found"))
     slab = _slab_dict(row)
-    locked = bool(slab.get("metadata_locked"))
 
-    # --- Explicit lock (#89): owner confirms the taxonomy set; server then
-    # builds AND PERSISTS the deterministic title + short_description. Until
-    # this action runs, the prose fields stay unset (no "ready" copy from an
-    # unlocked AI draft). Owner prose (title/short_description) always wins.
-    if payload.get("action") == "lock":
-        if not slab.get("species_id"):
-            return JSONResponse(status_code=422, content=_error(
-                "not_ready", "Select a species before locking the metadata"))
-        primary_id = payload.get("primary_wood_category_id")
-        wood_cats = slab.get("wood_category_ids") or []
-        if not primary_id:
-            primary_id = wood_cats[0] if wood_cats else None
-        if not primary_id:
-            return JSONResponse(status_code=422, content=_error(
-                "not_ready", "Select a wood category before locking the metadata"))
-        cats, terms = _taxonomy_lookup(conn)
-        primary_leaf = cats.get(primary_id, {})
-        if not primary_leaf:
-            return JSONResponse(status_code=422, content=_error(
-                "not_ready", "Wood category is no longer in the current taxonomy"))
-        species_name = cats.get(slab.get("species_id"), {}).get("name", "")
-        figure_term_ids = slab.get("figure_term_ids") or []
-        figure = terms.get(figure_term_ids[0], {}).get("name") if figure_term_ids else None
-
-        owner_title = (payload.get("title") or slab.get("title") or "").strip()
-        owner_short = (payload.get("short_description") or slab.get("short_description") or "").strip()
-        title = owner_title or build_title(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf)
-        short_desc = owner_short or build_short_description(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf)
-
-        now = _now()
-        cur = conn.execute(
-            "UPDATE slabs SET title=?, short_description=?, metadata_locked=1, server_rev=server_rev+1, updated_at=? WHERE id=?",
-            (title, short_desc, now, slab_id),
-        )
-        conn.commit()
-        if cur.rowcount == 0:
-            return JSONResponse(status_code=409, content=_error("not_found", "Slab not found"))
-        slab["title"] = title
-        slab["short_description"] = short_desc
-        slab["metadata_locked"] = 1
-
-        price = _resolve_price(conn, slab, payload)
-        ready, missing = compute_ready({**slab, "price": price})
-        return {
-            "ready": ready, "missing": missing, "title": title,
-            "short_description": short_desc, "price": price,
-            "price_suggestion": price_suggestion(conn, slab),
-            "primary_wood_category_id": primary_id, "locked": True,
-        }
-
-    # --- Regular review (no lock): report ready/missing + suggested prose.
-    # #80: persist owner overrides (price/sku/title/short_description) from the
-    # payload so the review endpoint is self-contained — the client doesn't
-    # need a separate PUT for each override. #89: deterministic
-    # title/short_description are NOT set until an explicit lock; report the
-    # stored values (which stay empty until locked) so the UI shows them as
-    # pending, and never as "ready" from an unlocked AI draft.
+    # --- Deterministic review: report ready/missing + the deterministic
+    # title/short_description built from the current locked metadata. The client's
+    # "Create title" / "Create short desc" buttons call this endpoint and write the
+    # returned strings into the fields (item 1: no lock action, no metadata_locked).
+    # #80: persist owner overrides (price/sku) from the payload so the review
+    # endpoint is self-contained. title/short_description are NOT overridden here —
+    # they are produced by the deterministic build below, not persisted from the
+    # payload (so the review POST can't clobber the owner's Create workflow).
     cats, terms = _taxonomy_lookup(conn)
     primary_id = payload.get("primary_wood_category_id")
     wood_cats = slab.get("wood_category_ids") or []
@@ -224,9 +174,9 @@ async def review_slab(slab_id: str, payload: dict[str, Any] | None = None) -> di
     figure_term_ids = slab.get("figure_term_ids") or []
     figure = terms.get(figure_term_ids[0], {}).get("name") if figure_term_ids else None
 
-    # #80: persist owner overrides from the payload.
+    # #80: persist owner overrides from the payload (price/sku only).
     overrides: dict[str, Any] = {}
-    for k in ("price", "sku", "title", "short_description"):
+    for k in ("price", "sku"):
         if k in payload and payload[k] is not None:
             overrides[k] = payload[k]
     if overrides:
@@ -238,20 +188,17 @@ async def review_slab(slab_id: str, payload: dict[str, Any] | None = None) -> di
         conn.commit()
         slab.update(overrides)
 
-    if not locked:
-        title = slab.get("title") or None
-        short_desc = slab.get("short_description") or None
-    else:
-        # Locked: re-derive only if the owner has not overridden the prose.
-        title = slab.get("title") or build_title(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf)
-        short_desc = slab.get("short_description") or build_short_description(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf)
+    # Deterministic title / short_description, re-derived from the current
+    # metadata on every review (the Create button's source of truth).
+    title = build_title(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf) if (primary_leaf and species_name) else slab.get("title") or None
+    short_desc = build_short_description(slab, figure, species_name, primary_leaf) if (primary_leaf and species_name) else slab.get("short_description") or None
 
     price = _resolve_price(conn, slab, payload)
     ready, missing = compute_ready({**slab, "price": price, "title": title, "short_description": short_desc})
     return {
         "ready": ready, "missing": missing, "title": title, "short_description": short_desc,
         "price": price, "price_suggestion": price_suggestion(conn, slab),
-        "primary_wood_category_id": primary_id, "locked": locked,
+        "primary_wood_category_id": primary_id,
     }
 
 
diff --git a/backend/slabs.py b/backend/slabs.py
index 81d3cac..7ea73ed 100644
--- a/backend/slabs.py
+++ b/backend/slabs.py
@@ -65,9 +65,10 @@ def _encode(payload: Dict[str, Any]) -> Dict[str, Any]:
     return out
 
 
-# #89: server-managed — only the explicit review lock action may set it. A plain
-# PUT must not flip the lock (the deterministic copy is built inside that action).
-CLIENT_FORBIDDEN_FIELDS = {"metadata_locked"}
+# #89: server-managed fields that a plain client PUT must not set directly.
+# (metadata_locked was dropped — the deterministic title/short-desc are built by
+# the review endpoint and written back by the client's Create buttons.)
+CLIENT_FORBIDDEN_FIELDS = set()
 
 
 def _row_to_slab(row) -> Dict[str, Any]:
@@ -78,8 +79,6 @@ def _row_to_slab(row) -> Dict[str, Any]:
                 d[f] = json.loads(d[f])
             except (ValueError, TypeError):
                 pass
-    # #89: expose the lock flag to the client (0/None → False, 1 → True).
-    d["metadata_locked"] = bool(d.get("metadata_locked"))
     return d
 
 
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_review.py b/backend/tests/test_review.py
index 74fb9f3..ba38aeb 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_review.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_review.py
@@ -55,19 +55,14 @@ def test_title_live_edge_no_dims(env):
     conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
                  ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([2]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
     conn.commit()
-    # #89: title/short_description are built AND persisted only after an explicit lock.
-    r = env[0].post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={"action": "lock"})
+    # #89: the review always returns the deterministic title/short_description
+    # built from the current metadata (the Create button's source of truth).
+    r = env[0].post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={})
     assert r.status_code == 200, r.text
     body = r.json()
-    assert body["locked"] is True
     assert body["title"] == "Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab"
     assert body["short_description"].startswith("Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab, 9ft 6in x 24.3in x 1.75in")
     assert "18.4 bdft" in body["short_description"]
-    # GET shows the stored (persisted) copy — it matches the deterministic pattern.
-    got = env[0].get("/api/v1/slabs/s1").json()
-    assert got["title"] == "Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab"
-    assert got["short_description"].startswith("Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab,")
-    assert got["metadata_locked"] is True
 
 
 def test_ready_requires_full_set(env):
@@ -141,103 +136,54 @@ def test_knife_blank_carries_dims(env):
     conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
                  ("s1","SLAB-01",12.0,1.5,6.0,0.7,6.0,6.5,6.5,1,json.dumps([3]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
     conn.commit()
-    # #89: build happens on lock.
-    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={"action": "lock"})
+    # #89: the deterministic build runs on every review.
+    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={})
     assert r.json()["title"] == "Figured Black Walnut Knife Blank (12 x 6.5 x 1.5 in)"
 
 
-# --- #89: explicit lock gate for deterministic title/short_description ---
-
-def test_review_before_lock_reports_no_title(env):
-    """#89 AC: until lock, title/short_description are not set (no 'ready' copy
-    from an unlocked AI draft). A plain review reports the stored (empty) values."""
+def test_review_always_reports_deterministic_title(env):
+    """#89: the review always returns the deterministic title/short_description
+    built from the current metadata. The client's Create button writes these into
+    the fields; the server does not persist them from the review payload."""
     client, conn = env
     conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
                  ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([2]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
     conn.commit()
     r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={})
     body = r.json()
-    assert body["locked"] is False
-    assert body["title"] is None
-    assert body["short_description"] is None
-    # title/short_description are in the missing set (not ready until locked).
-    assert "title" in body["missing"] and "short_description" in body["missing"]
-    # Nothing was persisted: GET still shows empty copy.
-    assert client.get("/api/v1/slabs/s1").json()["title"] is None
-
-
-def test_lock_persists_title_and_get_matches(env):
-    """#89 AC: after lock with species + primary wood category, title/short_desc
-    are populated deterministically, stored, and GET reflects them."""
-    client, conn = env
-    conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
-                 ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([2]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
-    conn.commit()
-    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={"action": "lock"})
-    assert r.status_code == 200
-    body = r.json()
-    assert body["locked"] is True
     assert body["title"] == "Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab"
+    assert body["short_description"].startswith("Figured Black Walnut Live Edge Slab,")
+    # The review does NOT persist title/short_description from the payload.
     got = client.get("/api/v1/slabs/s1").json()
-    assert got["title"] == body["title"]
-    assert got["short_description"] == body["short_description"]
-    assert got["metadata_locked"] is True
+    assert got["title"] is None
+    assert got["short_description"] is None
 
 
-def test_lock_requires_species(env):
+def test_review_no_species_reports_stored_title(env):
+    """With no species, there is no deterministic pattern; the review reports the
+    stored title (None here) and lists title as missing."""
     client, conn = env
-    # No species_id -> lock is rejected with a plain message.
     conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,price,title,short_description,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
                  ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,None,json.dumps([2]),None,None,None,"calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
     conn.commit()
-    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={"action": "lock"})
-    assert r.status_code == 422
-    assert r.json()["error"]["code"] == "not_ready"
-
-
-def test_lock_requires_wood_category(env):
-    client, conn = env
-    # species present but no wood category -> rejected.
-    conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,price,title,short_description,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
-                 ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([]),None,None,None,"calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
-    conn.commit()
-    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={"action": "lock"})
-    assert r.status_code == 422
-    assert r.json()["error"]["code"] == "not_ready"
-
-
-def test_lock_owner_prose_wins(env):
-    # METADATA-50: typed owner title/short_description win over the pattern.
-    client, conn = env
-    conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
-                 ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([2]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
-    conn.commit()
-    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={
-        "action": "lock",
-        "title": "My Handcrafted Walnut Slab",
-        "short_description": "Owner-authored short description.",
-    })
+    r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={})
     body = r.json()
-    assert body["title"] == "My Handcrafted Walnut Slab"
-    assert body["short_description"] == "Owner-authored short description."
-    got = client.get("/api/v1/slabs/s1").json()
-    assert got["title"] == "My Handcrafted Walnut Slab"
+    assert body["title"] is None
+    assert "title" in body["missing"]
 
 
 def test_review_persists_owner_overrides(env):
-    """#80: regular review (no lock) persists price/sku/title/short_description
-    overrides from the payload to the DB, so the client doesn't need a separate
-    PUT for each override."""
+    """#80: regular review persists price/sku overrides from the payload to the DB,
+    so the client doesn't need a separate PUT for each. (title/short_description
+    are NOT persisted here — they come from the deterministic build, not the payload.)"""
     client, conn = env
     conn.execute("INSERT INTO slabs(id,sku,length_in,thickness_in,sqft,bdft,width_min_in,width_max_in,width_avg_in,species_id,wood_category_ids,figure_term_ids,price,price_source,title,short_description,description,content_source,status,server_rev,client_rev,created_at,updated_at) VALUES (?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?)",
                  ("s1","SLAB-01",114.0,1.75,30.0,18.4,18.0,24.3,24.3,1,json.dumps([2]),json.dumps([1]),None,None,None,None,"A slab","manual","calibrated",1,1,"t","t"))
     conn.commit()
-    # Review with owner overrides for price + sku + title + short_description.
+    # Review with owner overrides for price + sku.
     r = client.post("/api/v1/slabs/s1/review", json={
         "price": 250.0,
         "sku": "SLAB-99",
-        "title": "Owner Title",
-        "short_description": "Owner Short Desc",
     })
     assert r.status_code == 200
     body = r.json()
@@ -246,7 +192,5 @@ def test_review_persists_owner_overrides(env):
     got = client.get("/api/v1/slabs/s1").json()
     assert got["price"] == 250.0
     assert got["sku"] == "SLAB-99"
-    assert got["title"] == "Owner Title"
-    assert got["short_description"] == "Owner Short Desc"
     # server_rev was incremented (the UPDATE fired).
     assert got["server_rev"] == 2
diff --git a/deploy/INVENTORY.md b/deploy/INVENTORY.md
index 722a341..47d8974 100644
--- a/deploy/INVENTORY.md
+++ b/deploy/INVENTORY.md
@@ -51,3 +51,28 @@ Do not put a host name in the product spec.
 - Live verification: served HTML and bundle contain zero occurrences of "Thickness band" or "set from the measurement".
 - Sample data unchanged (still 25 slabs post-recreate).
 - All gates (unit, build, requirements, coverage, m3-create e2e) pass.
+
+### 2026-09-21 11:52 PDT — merge `issue-89-metadata-lock` → main (Create-string model)
+
+- Source: branch `work/merge-89-90` (base `origin/issue-89-metadata-lock` + Create-string re-applied).
+  `matches HEAD`: **no** — staged from the uncommitted working tree (local sync; Gitea push not
+  attempted this round). 9 files changed: Review.svelte, slabs.ts, review.py, slabs.py, schema.sql,
+  db/__init__.py, test_review.py, m3-create.spec.ts, review-photo-strip.spec.ts.
+- Model change: `metadata_locked` DB column + "Save and lock" UI **dropped end-to-end**. The
+  deterministic title/short_description are now built by the review endpoint on every call; the
+  owner's **Create title / Create short desc** buttons fire the build and write the result
+  (overwrite contract). `commitReview` auto-fills only empty fields (no owner-clobber); `createTitle`
+  is the explicit force-overwrite. Photo strip, wood primary/secondary, and server-side thickness
+  band (item: not shown in UI, passed to Woo on publish) all taken from the branch.
+- LAN binds: `deploy/override-m3.yml` was absent from disk; the live stack's 10881/10882 LAN binds
+  were re-created by editing `deploy/docker-compose.yml` ports in-place (loopback 18082/18083 from
+  `.env` + `0.0.0.0:10881`/`0.0.0.0:10882`), then `down --remove-orphans` + `up -d` (no `-v`).
+- Bundle: `assets/index-YPAqx609.js` (new; contains `create-title`). API `/api/health`
+  `woo_reachable:true`.
+- Sample data preserved: **yes** — 34 slabs before/after.
+- Live verification (LAN URL, real DB): `slabs` table has **no** `metadata_locked` column;
+  `slab_photos.role` present. `POST /review` on slab `ec4088da…` → `title:'Curl Black Walnut Slab'`,
+  `ready:True`. `PUT` title persisted (rev 1→2) then restored (original sample value intact, rev 3).
+- Not exercised live: the full browser Create-button click (verified via in-repo Playwright 6/6
+  m3-create + review-photo-strip; the endpoint + PUT path are proven live above). Woo publish path
+  not exercised this round.
diff --git a/deploy/docker-compose.yml b/deploy/docker-compose.yml
index 7e710e9..e4f4867 100644
--- a/deploy/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/deploy/docker-compose.yml
@@ -16,7 +16,9 @@ services:
     build:
       context: ..
       dockerfile: frontend/Dockerfile
-    ports: ["127.0.0.1:${FRONTEND_PORT:-18080}:80"]
+    ports:
+      - "127.0.0.1:${FRONTEND_PORT:-18080}:80"
+      - "0.0.0.0:10881:80"
     depends_on: [fastapi]
     restart: unless-stopped
 
@@ -34,7 +36,9 @@ services:
     volumes:
       - slab_db:/data
       - slab_images:/images
-    ports: ["127.0.0.1:${FASTAPI_PORT:-18081}:8000"]
+    ports:
+      - "127.0.0.1:${FASTAPI_PORT:-18081}:8000"
+      - "0.0.0.0:10882:8000"
     mem_limit: 2g
     restart: unless-stopped
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/api/slabs.ts b/frontend/src/api/slabs.ts
index 0e5a7ed..4b5bc4d 100644
--- a/frontend/src/api/slabs.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/api/slabs.ts
@@ -39,8 +39,6 @@ export interface Slab {
   short_description: string | null;
   description: string | null;
   content_source: string | null;
-  // #89: set true once the owner has locked the taxonomy (deterministic copy built).
-  metadata_locked: boolean;
   species_confidence: number | null;
   figure_confidence: number | null;
   grade_confidence: number | null;
@@ -271,8 +269,6 @@ export interface ReviewResult {
   price: number | null;
   price_suggestion: number | null;
   primary_wood_category_id: number | null;
-  // #89: whether the metadata is locked (deterministic copy built/persisted).
-  locked: boolean;
 }
 
 export interface ReviewInput {
@@ -284,8 +280,6 @@ export interface ReviewInput {
   description?: string;
   price_source?: string;
   content_source?: string;
-  // #89: 'lock' triggers the explicit metadata-lock + deterministic copy build.
-  action?: 'lock';
 }
 
 export function reviewSlab(slabId: string, payload: ReviewInput = {}): Promise<ReviewResult> {
@@ -296,13 +290,6 @@ export function reviewSlab(slabId: string, payload: ReviewInput = {}): Promise<R
   }).then((r) => parse<ReviewResult>(r));
 }
 
-// #89: explicit lock of the confirmed taxonomy. The server builds and persists
-// the deterministic title/short_description from the locked set (owner prose
-// already on the slab wins). Distinct from reviewSlab() which only reports.
-export function lockSlab(slabId: string, payload: ReviewInput = {}): Promise<ReviewResult> {
-  return reviewSlab(slabId, { ...payload, action: 'lock' });
-}
-
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Publish (PUBLISH-*)
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/frontend/src/create/review/Review.svelte b/frontend/src/create/review/Review.svelte
index a6274cc..2fa1d4d 100644
--- a/frontend/src/create/review/Review.svelte
+++ b/frontend/src/create/review/Review.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 <script lang="ts">
   import { onMount, onDestroy } from 'svelte';
   import {
-    getSlab, updateSlab, reviewSlab, lockSlab, getTaxonomy, getSettings, inferTaxon, inferContent,
+    getSlab, updateSlab, reviewSlab, getTaxonomy, getSettings, inferTaxon, inferContent,
     listPhotos, persistLineup, photoUrl, ApiError,
     type Slab, type Taxonomy, type TaxCategory, type TaxTag, type SettingsView, type PhotoRow,
   } from '../../api/slabs';
@@ -109,14 +109,20 @@
     ready: boolean; missing: string[]; title: string | null;
     short_description: string | null; price: number | null;
     price_suggestion: number | null; primary_wood_category_id: number | null;
-    locked: boolean;
   }
   let review: ReviewOut | null = null;
   let reviewBusy = false;
   let reviewError = '';
-  // #89: explicit lock of the confirmed taxonomy set.
-  let lockBusy = false;
-  let lockError = '';
+  // #89: explicit "Create" actions. `createBusy` covers the deterministic
+  // title/short-desc generation; `canCreateTitle` is its gate (species + ≥1 wood
+  // category). `canCreateDesc` gates the AI long-description on title+short-desc
+  // being populated AND the content LLM being enabled.
+  let createBusy = false;
+  let createError = '';
+  $: canCreateTitle =
+    speciesId !== '' && woodCatIds.length > 0;
+  $: canCreateDesc =
+    canGenerateContent && title.trim() !== '' && shortDescription.trim() !== '';
   // Monotonic token: each commit captures the current value and ignores its
   // result if a newer commit has since started. Without this, two concurrent
   // commits (e.g. a select change racing the SKU blur) resolve out of order and
@@ -351,12 +357,29 @@
   // owner sees here is the measured value in the summary above.
   const aiIn = (ids: number[]) => (id: number) => ids.includes(id);
   // Persist taxonomy/price/sku edits to the slab (PUT), then recompute ready.
+  // #89: the deterministic title/short_description are written here — the server's
+  // review returns the build from the current metadata, and if the field is empty
+  // we fold the deterministic value into THIS same PUT (no extra request, no rev
+  // race). Owner-edited text is never clobbered (only an empty field is filled).
   async function commitReview(): Promise<void> {
     if (!slab) return;
     const myToken = ++commitToken;
     reviewBusy = true;
     reviewError = '';
     try {
+      // Run the deterministic review FIRST (reads the current metadata) to get the
+      // title/short_description build before we persist.
+      const probe = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
+        primary_wood_category_id: primaryCatId === '' ? undefined : Number(primaryCatId),
+        price: price === '' ? undefined : Number(price),
+        sku: sku || undefined,
+      });
+      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      // If the owner hasn't typed a title/short-desc, adopt the deterministic build
+      // so this PUT persists it (the Create buttons do the same, on demand).
+      if (probe.title && title === '') title = probe.title;
+      if (probe.short_description && shortDescription === '') shortDescription = probe.short_description;
+
       const patch = {
         species_id: speciesId === '' ? null : Number(speciesId),
         wood_category_ids: woodCatIds,
@@ -368,7 +391,6 @@
         feat_tag_ids: featTagIds,
         title: title || null,
         short_description: shortDescription || null,
-        description: description || null,
         content_source: contentSource || null,
         price: price === '' ? null : Number(price),
         price_source: priceSource,
@@ -378,21 +400,14 @@
       const fresh = await updateSlab(slabId, patch);
       if (myToken !== commitToken) return; // superseded; don't clobber the latest
       slab = fresh;
-      if (primaryCatId !== '') {
-        const res = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
-          primary_wood_category_id: Number(primaryCatId),
-          title: title || undefined,
-          short_description: shortDescription || undefined,
-          price: price === '' ? undefined : Number(price),
-          sku: sku || undefined,
-        });
-        if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
-        review = res;
-        if (res.primary_wood_category_id != null) primaryCatId = res.primary_wood_category_id;
-      } else {
-        review = await reviewSlab(slabId);
-        if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
-      }
+      // Re-run the review against the just-persisted row (authoritative ready/missing).
+      review = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
+        primary_wood_category_id: primaryCatId === '' ? undefined : Number(primaryCatId),
+        price: price === '' ? undefined : Number(price),
+        sku: sku || undefined,
+      });
+      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      if (review.primary_wood_category_id != null) primaryCatId = review.primary_wood_category_id;
     } catch (e) {
       if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
       reviewError = e instanceof ApiError ? e.message : 'Could not review. Try again.';
@@ -402,46 +417,70 @@
     }
   }
 
-  // #89: explicit lock — persist the current (already-committed) taxonomy, then
-  // have the server build + store the deterministic title/short_description from
-  // that locked set. Owner prose in the title/short-desc fields wins (METADATA-50).
-  // A commitReview() first ensures the reviewed Call 1 results are on the slab
-  // before the lock reads them.
-  async function lockMetadata(): Promise<void> {
-    if (!slab || lockBusy) return;
-    lockBusy = true;
-    lockError = '';
-    // Persist the current taxonomy first (inner commit captures commitToken=N),
-    // THEN bump our token to N+1 so a later concurrent commit is ignored,
-    // while the inner commit's PUT is NOT invalidated (it saw token==N).
-    await commitReview();
-    const myToken = ++commitToken;
+  // #89: explicit "Create title" / "Create short desc" — fire the deterministic
+  // build from the current metadata and write the result into the fields,
+  // overwriting whatever was there (empty, owner-typed, or previously generated).
+  // That is the whole contract: the button fires the build. commitReview()
+  // auto-fills only empty fields; this is the explicit "force overwrite" action.
+  async function createTitle(): Promise<void> {
+    if (!slab || createBusy) return;
+    createBusy = true;
+    createError = '';
     try {
-      const res = await lockSlab(slabId, {
+      // 1. Run the deterministic review to get title / short_description.
+      const res = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
         primary_wood_category_id: primaryCatId === '' ? undefined : Number(primaryCatId),
-        title: title || undefined,
-        short_description: shortDescription || undefined,
       });
-      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
-      review = res;
       if (res.primary_wood_category_id != null) primaryCatId = res.primary_wood_category_id;
+      // 2. Write the deterministic values into the bound fields — always overwrite.
       if (res.title) title = res.title;
       if (res.short_description) shortDescription = res.short_description;
-      slab = await getSlab(slabId);
-      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      // 3. Persist the generated prose (single PUT, fresh client_rev).
+      if ((title || shortDescription) && (title !== (slab as Slab).title || shortDescription !== (slab as Slab).short_description)) {
+        const prosePatch = {
+          title: title || null,
+          short_description: shortDescription || null,
+          client_rev: (slab as Slab).server_rev,
+        };
+        const fresh = await updateSlab(slabId, prosePatch);
+        slab = fresh;
+        review = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
+          primary_wood_category_id: primaryCatId === '' ? undefined : Number(primaryCatId),
+        });
+      }
     } catch (e) {
-      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
-      lockError = e instanceof ApiError ? e.message : 'Could not lock the metadata. Try again.';
+      createError = e instanceof ApiError ? e.message : 'Could not build the title. Try again.';
     } finally {
-      if (myToken === commitToken) lockBusy = false;
+      createBusy = false;
     }
   }
 
-  // #89: the lock is available once the pattern inputs exist (species + a wood
-  // category). Prefer the live editor model so the button enables before the
-  // next commit finishes writing the slab row.
-  let canLock = false;
-  $: canLock = speciesId !== '' && woodCatIds.length > 0 && primaryCatId !== '';
+  // #89: the description textarea commits on blur. commitReview() no longer sends
+  // description (see #89), so this persists the owner-typed description explicitly.
+  async function commitDescription(): Promise<void> {
+    if (!slab) return;
+    const myToken = ++commitToken;
+    reviewBusy = true;
+    reviewError = '';
+    try {
+      const fresh = await updateSlab(slabId, {
+        description: description || null,
+        content_source: contentSource || null,
+        client_rev: slab.server_rev,
+      });
+      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      slab = fresh;
+      review = await reviewSlab(slabId, {
+        primary_wood_category_id: primaryCatId === '' ? undefined : Number(primaryCatId),
+      });
+    } catch (e) {
+      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      reviewError = e instanceof ApiError ? e.message : 'Could not review. Try again.';
+      review = null;
+    } finally {
+      if (myToken === commitToken) reviewBusy = false;
+    }
+  }
 
   async function runInference() {
     if (!slab) return;
@@ -475,14 +514,22 @@
   }
 
   async function generateContent() {
-    if (!slab) return;
+    if (!slab || !canCreateDesc) return;
     genBusy = true;
     genError = '';
     try {
       const r = await inferContent(slabId);
       description = r.description;
       contentSource = 'llm';
-      await commitReview();
+      // commitReview() no longer sends description (see #89), so persist it explicitly.
+      const myToken = ++commitToken;
+      const fresh = await updateSlab(slabId, {
+        description: description || null,
+        content_source: contentSource || null,
+        client_rev: slab.server_rev,
+      });
+      if (myToken !== commitToken) return;
+      slab = fresh;
     } catch (e) {
       genError = e instanceof ApiError ? e.message : 'Could not generate text.';
     } finally {
@@ -736,53 +783,39 @@
       </select>
     </div>
 
-    <!-- #89: explicit lock — the unmistakable "Call 1 → review → LOCK → copy" step.
-         Until this runs, title/short_description stay empty (no "ready" copy from
-         an unlocked AI draft). Owner prose already typed into the fields below wins. -->
-    <div class="lockbox" data-testid="lock-section">
-      {#if review?.locked}
-        <p class="locked-note" data-testid="locked-note">
-          Metadata locked — title &amp; short description built and saved.
-        </p>
-      {:else}
-        <p class="lock-hint">
-          {canLock
-            ? 'Review the fields above, then lock the metadata to build the title &amp; short description.'
-            : 'Select a species and a wood category, then lock to build the title &amp; short description.'}
-        </p>
-        <button
-          type="button"
-          class="lock-btn"
-          data-testid="lock-metadata"
-          disabled={!canLock || lockBusy}
-          on:click={lockMetadata}
-        >
-          {lockBusy ? 'Locking…' : 'Lock metadata & build title'}
-        </button>
-        {#if lockError}<p class="nudge" role="alert">{lockError}</p>{/if}
-      {/if}
-    </div>
-
-    <!-- Title / Description -->
+    <!-- Title / Short description + explicit "Create" build buttons (#89) -->
     <div class="field">
       <label class="lbl" for="title">Title</label>
-      <input id="title" class="inp" data-testid="title" bind:value={title} />
+      <div class="create-row">
+        <input id="title" class="inp" data-testid="title" bind:value={title} />
+        <button type="button" class="create-btn" data-testid="create-title"
+          disabled={!canCreateTitle || createBusy} on:click={createTitle}>
+          {createBusy ? 'Building…' : 'Create title'}
+        </button>
+      </div>
     </div>
     <div class="field">
       <label class="lbl" for="short-desc">Short description</label>
-      <input id="short-desc" class="inp" data-testid="short-desc" bind:value={shortDescription} />
+      <div class="create-row">
+        <input id="short-desc" class="inp" data-testid="short-desc" bind:value={shortDescription} />
+        <button type="button" class="create-btn" data-testid="create-short-desc"
+          disabled={!canCreateTitle || createBusy} on:click={createTitle}>
+          {createBusy ? 'Building…' : 'Create short desc'}
+        </button>
+      </div>
     </div>
     <div class="field">
       <label class="lbl" for="desc">Description</label>
-      <textarea id="desc" class="inp ta" data-testid="desc" rows="3" bind:value={description} on:blur={commitReview}></textarea>
-      {#if canGenerateContent}
+      <textarea id="desc" class="inp ta" data-testid="desc" rows="3" bind:value={description} on:blur={commitDescription}></textarea>
+      {#if canCreateDesc}
         <div class="gen">
-          <button type="button" class="gen-btn" data-testid="generate-text" on:click={generateContent} disabled={genBusy}>
-            {genBusy ? 'Writing…' : 'Generate text'}
+          <button type="button" class="gen-btn" data-testid="create-desc" on:click={generateContent} disabled={genBusy}>
+            {genBusy ? 'Writing…' : 'Create desc'}
           </button>
         </div>
       {/if}
       {#if genError}<p class="nudge" role="alert">{genError}</p>{/if}
+      {#if createError}<p class="nudge" role="alert">{createError}</p>{/if}
     </div>
 
     <!-- Price / SKU (SKU last) -->
@@ -856,11 +889,13 @@
   .sug { color: #aaa; font-size: .74rem; font-weight: 400; margin-left: 6px; }
   .gen { margin-top: 8px; } .gen-btn { padding: 8px 12px; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; background: #00e5ff; color: #002; font-weight: 600; font-size: .82rem; }
   /* Lock chrome matches agreed #90 wireframe: muted dark green, not jarring neon. */
-  .lockbox { margin: 14px 0; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid #2a3a2a; border-radius: 3px; background: #141a14; }
-  .lockbox .lock-hint { color: #9fb89f; font-size: .78rem; margin: 0 0 8px; }
-  .lock-btn { box-sizing: border-box; width: 100%; padding: 11px; border: 1px solid #2a3a2a; border-radius: 3px; background: #1e3a28; color: #9fd3a8; font-weight: 700; font-size: .9rem; }
-  .lock-btn:disabled { background: #2a2a2a; color: #777; border-color: #2a2a2a; }
-  .locked-note { color: #7fd37f; font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; }
+  /* #89: explicit "Create" build buttons beside the title / short-desc fields. */
+  .create-row { display: flex; gap: 8px; align-items: stretch; }
+  .create-row .inp { flex: 1; }
+  .create-btn { box-sizing: border-box; padding: 8px 12px; border: 1px solid #333; border-radius: 3px;
+    background: #1d1d1d; color: #eee; font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer; white-space: nowrap; }
+  .create-btn:hover { background: #242424; }
+  .create-btn:disabled { background: #222; color: #666; border-color: #333; cursor: not-allowed; }
 
   /* Primary wood category — inline under wood MultiSelect (REVIEW-15 / #90 wireframe). */
   .primary-set { margin-top: 8px; padding: 10px 12px; border: 1px solid #333; border-radius: 3px; background: #141414; }
diff --git a/frontend/tests/e2e/m3-create.spec.ts b/frontend/tests/e2e/m3-create.spec.ts
index a2fac29..d0557a1 100644
--- a/frontend/tests/e2e/m3-create.spec.ts
+++ b/frontend/tests/e2e/m3-create.spec.ts
@@ -126,7 +126,6 @@ function baseSlab(): Record<string, unknown> {
     short_description: null,
     description: null,
     content_source: 'manual',
-    metadata_locked: false,
     species_confidence: null,
     figure_confidence: null,
     grade_confidence: null,
@@ -169,56 +168,41 @@ async function mockApi(page: Page, hooks: ApiHooks = {}) {
       'sku', 'species_id', 'wood_category_ids', 'edge_type_term_id', 'figure_term_ids',
       'grade_term_id', 'thickness_term_id', 'moisture_term_id', 'fig_tag_ids', 'feat_tag_ids',
       'title', 'short_description', 'description', 'content_source', 'price', 'price_source',
-      'metadata_locked',
     ]) {
       if (k in payload) (slab as Record<string, unknown>)[k] = payload[k];
     }
     if (typeof payload.client_rev === 'number') slab.server_rev = payload.client_rev + 1;
   };
 
-  // #89: deterministic copy is built only on an explicit lock. Before lock the
-  // review endpoint reports the stored (empty) title/short_description.
-  const buildCopy = () => {
-    const speciesName = TAXONOMY.categories.find((c) => c.id === slab.species_id)?.name ?? 'Slab';
-    const fig = Array.isArray(slab.figure_term_ids) && slab.figure_term_ids.length
-      ? 'Figured'
-      : '';
-    return `${fig} ${speciesName} Live Edge Slab`;
-  };
-
-  const reviewResult = (payload: Record<string, unknown>) => {
+    const reviewResult = (payload: Record<string, unknown>) => {
     if (typeof payload.primary_wood_category_id === 'number') primary = payload.primary_wood_category_id;
     if (typeof payload.price === 'number') slab.price = payload.price;
     if (typeof payload.sku === 'string' && payload.sku) slab.sku = payload.sku;
 
-    // Explicit lock (#89): persist the deterministic copy + lock flag.
-    if (payload.action === 'lock') {
-      const title = (typeof payload.title === 'string' && payload.title)
-        ? (payload.title as string)
-        : buildCopy();
-      (slab as Record<string, unknown>).title = title;
-      (slab as Record<string, unknown>).short_description = `${title}, 4ft 0in x 11in x 2in, 12.5 bdft`;
-      (slab as Record<string, unknown>).metadata_locked = true;
-    }
+    // #89: the review ALWAYS returns the deterministic title/short_description built
+    // from the current metadata (the Create button's source of truth). The server
+    // does NOT persist title/short_description from the review payload.
+    const hasSpecies = !!slab.species_id;
+    const hasWoodCat = Array.isArray(slab.wood_category_ids) && slab.wood_category_ids.length > 0;
+    const deterministicTitle =
+      hasSpecies && hasWoodCat ? 'Cedar Live Edge Slab' : null;
+    const deterministicShort =
+      hasSpecies && hasWoodCat ? 'Cedar Live Edge Slab, 4ft 0in x 11in x 2in, 12.5 bdft' : null;
 
-    const locked = (slab.metadata_locked as boolean) === true;
     const missing: string[] = [];
     if (!slab.sku) missing.push('sku');
     if (!slab.species_id) missing.push('species');
     if (!Array.isArray(slab.wood_category_ids) || slab.wood_category_ids.length === 0) missing.push('wood categories');
     if (!slab.edge_type_term_id) missing.push('edge type');
-    if (!slab.title) missing.push('title');
-    if (!slab.short_description) missing.push('short description');
     if (slab.price == null) missing.push('price');
     return {
       ready: missing.length === 0,
       missing,
-      title: (slab.title as string) ?? null,
-      short_description: (slab.short_description as string) ?? null,
+      title: deterministicTitle,
+      short_description: deterministicShort,
       price: (slab.price as number) ?? null,
       price_suggestion: 120,
       primary_wood_category_id: primary,
-      locked,
     };
   };
 
@@ -332,12 +316,11 @@ async function completeForReady(page: Page) {
   await page.getByTestId('wood-cat-done').click();
   await page.getByTestId('edge-type').selectOption('31');
   await page.getByTestId('price').fill('120');
-  // #89: lock the confirmed metadata so the server builds + persists the
-  // deterministic title/short_description. Do this BEFORE the SKU blur so a
-  // subsequent plain review can't clobber the locked-note banner.
-  await expect(page.getByTestId('lock-metadata')).toBeEnabled();
-  await page.getByTestId('lock-metadata').click();
-  // Wait for the lock to complete (title field populated = lock persisted copy).
+  // #89: fire the deterministic build so the title/short_description populate.
+  // Do this BEFORE the SKU blur so a subsequent plain review doesn't race.
+  await expect(page.getByTestId('create-title')).toBeEnabled();
+  await page.getByTestId('create-title').click();
+  // Wait for the build to complete (title field populated = deterministic copy).
   await expect(page.getByTestId('title')).not.toHaveValue('');
   await page.getByTestId('sku').fill('SLAB-0001');
   // SKU commits on blur — press Tab to move focus off it (deterministic, single
@@ -347,15 +330,14 @@ async function completeForReady(page: Page) {
   }
 
 test.describe('M3 Review→Publish flow (#77)', () => {
-  test('golden path: capture→review→lock→ready→publish→done (#77, #89)', async ({ page }) => {
+  test('golden path: capture→review→create→ready→publish→done (#77, #89)', async ({ page }) => {
     const { slab } = await mockApi(page);
     await reachReview(page);
-    // Not ready until fields are set; copy is empty until an explicit lock.
+    // Not ready until fields are set; copy is empty until the Create build fires.
     await expect(page.getByTestId('ready-status')).toContainText(/Not ready|Ready/);
     await expect(page.getByTestId('title')).toHaveValue('');
     await completeForReady(page);
-    // #89: the lock persisted the deterministic copy on the slab row.
-    expect(slab.metadata_locked).toBe(true);
+    // #89: the Create build populated the deterministic copy on the slab row.
     expect(slab.title).toBeTruthy();
     expect(slab.short_description).toBeTruthy();
     // Continue to Publish is enabled and hands off.
@@ -396,17 +378,17 @@ test.describe('M3 Review→Publish flow (#77)', () => {
     await expect.poll(() => reviewPrimaries.at(-1)).toBe(BOWL_ID);
   });
 
-  test('thickness band is read-only and shows the derived band (#90, METADATA-15)', async ({ page }) => {
+  test('thickness band is server-derived and NOT shown on Review (#90, METADATA-15)', async ({ page }) => {
     await mockApi(page);
     await reachReview(page);
 
-    // The band is derived server-side, so Review displays it as data.
-    const band = page.getByTestId('thickness-band');
-    await expect(band).toBeVisible();
-    await expect(band).toContainText('2" - 3"'); // 2 in rounds into the live band
-    // There is no owner control for it anywhere on Review — not a select, not an input.
+    // METADATA-15 / QUALITY-95: the band is derived server-side from the measured
+    // thickness against the live synced Woo bands. It is deliberately ABSENT from
+    // this screen — no owner control, no read-only echo. The only thickness the
+    // owner sees is the measured value in the summary. (Commit 204bc5e dropped the
+    // read-only echo; this test asserts the omission.)
+    await expect(page.getByTestId('thickness-band')).toHaveCount(0);
     await expect(page.locator('#thickness, select[data-testid="thickness-band"]')).toHaveCount(0);
-    expect(await band.evaluate((el) => el.tagName)).toBe('P');
   });
 
   /**
@@ -476,7 +458,7 @@ test.describe('M3 Review→Publish flow (#77)', () => {
           band: box('[data-testid="thickness-band"]'),
           primarySet: box('[data-testid="primary-wood-set"]'),
           primaryRowHeight: primaryRowBox ? Math.round(primaryRowBox.height) : null,
-          lockBtn: box('[data-testid="lock-metadata"]'),
+          createBtn: box('[data-testid="create-title"]'),
           continueBtn: box('[data-testid="continue-publish"]'),
         };
       });
@@ -495,7 +477,8 @@ test.describe('M3 Review→Publish flow (#77)', () => {
       expect(metrics.summary?.text).toMatch(/Bowl blanks/i);
       expect(metrics.count?.text).toContain('2 selected');
       expect(metrics.summary?.w ?? 0).toBeLessThanOrEqual(vp.w);
-      expect(metrics.band?.text).toContain('2" - 3"');
+      // Band is deliberately absent from Review (METADATA-15) — no element to measure.
+      expect(metrics.band).toBeNull();
       expect(metrics.primaryRowHeight ?? 0).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(32);
     }
     console.log('RENDER REPORT\n' + report.join('\n'));
diff --git a/frontend/tests/e2e/review-photo-strip.spec.ts b/frontend/tests/e2e/review-photo-strip.spec.ts
index 62d2236..85c508d 100644
--- a/frontend/tests/e2e/review-photo-strip.spec.ts
+++ b/frontend/tests/e2e/review-photo-strip.spec.ts
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ function baseSlab(): Record<string, unknown> {
     species_id: null, wood_category_ids: [], edge_type_term_id: null, figure_term_ids: [], grade_term_id: null,
     thickness_term_id: null, moisture_term_id: null, fig_tag_ids: [], feat_tag_ids: [],
     title: null, short_description: null, description: null, content_source: 'manual',
-    metadata_locked: false, species_confidence: null, figure_confidence: null, grade_confidence: null,
+    species_confidence: null, figure_confidence: null, grade_confidence: null,
     inference_status: null, calibration_photo_id: null, woo_product_id: null, server_rev: 0,
     created_at: '2026-01-01T00:00:00Z', updated_at: '2026-01-01T00:00:00Z',
   };
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ async function mockApi(page: Page) {
 
   const merge = (payload: Record<string, unknown>) => {
     if (typeof payload.client_rev === 'number' && payload.client_rev !== slab.server_rev) return false;
-    for (const k of ['sku', 'species_id', 'wood_category_ids', 'title', 'short_description', 'price', 'metadata_locked', 'edge_type_term_id']) {
+    for (const k of ['sku', 'species_id', 'wood_category_ids', 'title', 'short_description', 'price', 'edge_type_term_id']) {
       if (k in payload) (slab as Record<string, unknown>)[k] = payload[k];
     }
     if (typeof payload.client_rev === 'number') slab.server_rev = payload.client_rev + 1;
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ async function mockApi(page: Page) {
       title: (slab.title as string) ?? null,
       short_description: (slab.short_description as string) ?? null,
       price: (slab.price as number) ?? null, price_suggestion: 120,
-      primary_wood_category_id: null, locked: slab.metadata_locked === true,
+      primary_wood_category_id: null,
     };
   };
 
@@ -181,8 +181,8 @@ async function completeForReady(page: Page) {
   await page.getByTestId('wood-cat-done').click();
   await page.getByTestId('edge-type').selectOption('31');
   await page.getByTestId('price').fill('120');
-  await expect(page.getByTestId('lock-metadata')).toBeEnabled();
-  await page.getByTestId('lock-metadata').click();
+  await expect(page.getByTestId('create-title')).toBeEnabled();
+  await page.getByTestId('create-title').click();
   await expect(page.getByTestId('title')).not.toHaveValue('');
   await page.getByTestId('sku').fill('SLAB-0001');
   await page.getByTestId('sku').press('Tab');