diff --git a/.agents/skills/reticulum-design-gates/SKILL.md b/.agents/skills/reticulum-design-gates/SKILL.md
index d3538e0d..3d64bef2 100644
--- a/.agents/skills/reticulum-design-gates/SKILL.md
+++ b/.agents/skills/reticulum-design-gates/SKILL.md
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ Allowed:
 
 - Prefer event/handler and store-and-forward over blocking request/response UIs.
 - Missing path: request path, allow propagate, surface recoverable error. Do not spin forever.
+- Path and first-hop link waits use `path_utils.path_response_window` and `link.establishment_timeout`. Do not pin 15s (or any flat timer) for Nomad pages, RNCP, FileSync, LXST, or map fetches.
 - Keep list APIs and announces slim. Do not ship multi-MB blobs in conversation lists.
 - Large files use RNCP / attachments / explicit transfer tools, not chat text fields.
 
diff --git a/.agents/skills/reticulum-stack/SKILL.md b/.agents/skills/reticulum-stack/SKILL.md
index 05f2c7ed..12969882 100644
--- a/.agents/skills/reticulum-stack/SKILL.md
+++ b/.agents/skills/reticulum-stack/SKILL.md
@@ -59,6 +59,11 @@ Announce ingest caps and store toggles live in `announce_manager.py` (`announce_
 
 Missing path: request a path, allow LXMF propagate where that is the protocol, show a recoverable outbound state. Do not spin the UI until an ACK arrives on a LoRa-class link.
 
+Do not pin a 15 second (or any fixed) timer for cold path requests or first-hop link setup. Reticulum already knows the interface bitrate.
+
+- Path wait: `meshchatx/src/backend/path_utils.py` `path_response_window`. Uses `RNS.Reticulum.get_instance().get_first_hop_timeout()` (not `RNS.Transport.first_hop_timeout()`, which is wrong on a shared rnsd client) plus an airtime floor from the slowest online interface bitrate, clamped to `RNS.Reticulum.MINIMUM_BITRATE` (5 bps).
+- Link wait: `link.establishment_timeout` plus `LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S` via `link_establishment_window`. Pass `None` so callers do not override RNS.
+
 Links are live sessions on top of paths. LXST calls and RRC hubs use links. LXMF mail is store-and-forward and must survive a missing path.
 
 ## Key files
diff --git a/meshchatx.rsm b/meshchatx.rsm
index a5657a24..decee439 100644
Binary files a/meshchatx.rsm and b/meshchatx.rsm differ
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/bug_report_manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/bug_report_manager.py
index 746d13eb..6ad04ace 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/bug_report_manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/bug_report_manager.py
@@ -14,6 +14,10 @@ import RNS
 
 from meshchatx.src.backend.announce_handler import AnnounceHandler
 from meshchatx.src.backend.log_redaction import redact_diagnostic_text
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import (
+    link_establishment_window,
+    path_response_window,
+)
 
 BUG_ASPECT = "mcx-bugs-v1"
 REPORT_PATH = "/report"
@@ -440,7 +444,10 @@ class BugReportManager:
         )
         if not RNS.Transport.has_path(dest_hash):
             RNS.Transport.request_path(dest_hash)
-            deadline = time.time() + float(args.get("path_timeout") or 15)
+            path_wait = float(args.get("path_timeout") or 0) or path_response_window(
+                dest_hash,
+            )
+            deadline = time.time() + path_wait
             while time.time() < deadline:
                 if RNS.Transport.has_path(dest_hash):
                     break
@@ -468,7 +475,11 @@ class BugReportManager:
             response_event.set()
 
         link.set_link_established_callback(on_established)
-        if not established.wait(timeout=float(args.get("link_timeout") or 20)):
+        link_wait = float(args.get("link_timeout") or 0) or link_establishment_window(
+            link,
+            dest_hash,
+        )
+        if not established.wait(timeout=link_wait):
             try:
                 link.teardown()
             except Exception:
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/path_probe.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/path_probe.py
index eed4bbc6..181257e0 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/path_probe.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/path_probe.py
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
-
 from meshchatx.src.backend.http.meshchat_names import (  # noqa: F401
     GeoValidationError,
     OutboundHttpBlockedError,
@@ -131,6 +130,8 @@ from meshchatx.src.backend.http.meshchat_names import (  # noqa: F401
     zipfile,
 )
 
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
+
 # Same ceiling as RNProbeHandler.MAX_TIMEOUT_S
 PATH_PROBE_MIN_TIMEOUT_S = 1
 PATH_PROBE_MAX_TIMEOUT_S = 600
@@ -139,9 +140,11 @@ PATH_WAIT_REQUIRES_POST_MESSAGE = (
 )
 
 
-def parse_path_probe_timeout(raw, *, default=15):
+def parse_path_probe_timeout(raw, *, default=None):
     if raw is None or raw == "":
         raw = default
+    if raw is None or raw == "":
+        return None, None
     try:
         timeout_seconds = int(raw)
     except (TypeError, ValueError):
@@ -157,7 +160,7 @@ def parse_path_probe_timeout(raw, *, default=15):
     return timeout_seconds, None
 
 
-async def read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request, default=15):
+async def read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request, default=None):
     query = getattr(request, "query", None) or {}
     if "timeout" in query:
         return query.get("timeout")
@@ -303,10 +306,16 @@ def register_path_probe_routes(routes, app):
             )
         destination_hash_hex = destination_hash_bytes.hex()
 
-        timeout_raw = await read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request, default=15)
+        timeout_raw = await read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request)
         timeout_seconds, timeout_error = parse_path_probe_timeout(timeout_raw)
         if timeout_error:
             return web.json_response({"message": timeout_error}, status=400)
+        if timeout_seconds is None:
+            reticulum = app.reticulum if hasattr(app, "reticulum") else None
+            timeout_seconds = path_response_window(
+                destination_hash_bytes,
+                reticulum,
+            )
 
         if destination_hash_hex in local_destination_hashes(app):
             return local_path_response(destination_hash_hex)
@@ -483,13 +492,18 @@ def register_path_probe_routes(routes, app):
                 status=400,
             )
 
-        timeout_raw = await read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request, default=15)
+        timeout_raw = await read_path_probe_timeout_raw(request)
         timeout_seconds, timeout_error = parse_path_probe_timeout(timeout_raw)
         if timeout_error:
             return web.json_response(
                 {"message": f"Ping failed. {timeout_error}"},
                 status=400,
             )
+        if timeout_seconds is None:
+            reticulum = app.reticulum if hasattr(app, "reticulum") else None
+            timeout_seconds = int(
+                round(path_response_window(destination_hash, reticulum)),
+            )
 
         # Split the budget so path discovery cannot consume the whole timeout.
         path_budget_seconds = max(1, timeout_seconds // 2)
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/rn_tools.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/rn_tools.py
index d1cca213..5a988f4c 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/rn_tools.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/http/routes/rn_tools.py
@@ -436,7 +436,11 @@ def register_rn_tools_routes(routes, app):
         data = await request.json()
         destination_hash_str = data.get("destination_hash", "")
         file_path = data.get("file_path", "")
-        timeout = float(data.get("timeout", RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT))
+        timeout_raw = data.get("timeout")
+        try:
+            timeout = float(timeout_raw) if timeout_raw not in (None, "") else None
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            timeout = None
         no_compress = bool(data.get("no_compress", False))
 
         try:
@@ -496,7 +500,11 @@ def register_rn_tools_routes(routes, app):
         data = await request.json()
         destination_hash_str = data.get("destination_hash", "")
         file_path = data.get("file_path", "")
-        timeout = float(data.get("timeout", RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT))
+        timeout_raw = data.get("timeout")
+        try:
+            timeout = float(timeout_raw) if timeout_raw not in (None, "") else None
+        except (TypeError, ValueError):
+            timeout = None
         save_path = data.get("save_path")
         allow_overwrite = bool(data.get("allow_overwrite", False))
 
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_data_manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_data_manager.py
index c9e61544..eef6cc58 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_data_manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_data_manager.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ from meshchatx.src.backend.map_geo_validator import (
     validate_geo_bytes,
 )
 from meshchatx.src.backend.map_overlay_manager import atomic_write_bytes
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
 from meshchatx.src.path_utils import is_path_within_dir
 
 _log = logging.getLogger("meshchatx.map_data")
@@ -545,6 +546,13 @@ class MapDataManager:
         if link_manager is None:
             raise MapDataError("link_unavailable")
         path_timeout = int(self.config.map_overlay_path_timeout_seconds.get() or 30)
+        try:
+            path_timeout = max(
+                float(path_timeout),
+                path_response_window(destination_hash, self.reticulum),
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            path_timeout = float(path_timeout)
         transfer_timeout = int(
             self.config.map_overlay_transfer_timeout_seconds.get() or 120
         )
@@ -553,7 +561,6 @@ class MapDataManager:
             destination_hash,
             MAP_ASPECT,
             path_lookup_timeout=float(path_timeout),
-            link_establishment_timeout=float(path_timeout),
         )
         if link is None:
             code = (
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_geo_sanitizer.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_geo_sanitizer.py
index 3f3c26fe..4630d996 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_geo_sanitizer.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_geo_sanitizer.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
+import re
 import zipfile
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from io import BytesIO
@@ -114,6 +115,14 @@ def _set_href_on_element(el: ET.Element, value: str | None) -> None:
                 el.attrib[key] = value
 
 
+_HTML_TAG_RE = re.compile(r"<[^>]+>")
+_WS_RE = re.compile(r"\s+")
+
+
+def _flatten_html_text(text: str) -> str:
+    return _WS_RE.sub(" ", _HTML_TAG_RE.sub(" ", text)).strip()
+
+
 def _strip_description_html(el: ET.Element) -> bool:
     tag = _strip_ns(el.tag).lower()
     if tag != "description":
@@ -129,8 +138,13 @@ def _strip_description_html(el: ET.Element) -> bool:
         if child.tail and child.tail.strip():
             texts.append(child.tail.strip())
         el.remove(child)
-    el.text = " ".join(texts) if texts else None
-    return had_children
+    combined = " ".join(texts)
+    changed = had_children
+    if "<" in combined and ">" in combined:
+        combined = _flatten_html_text(combined)
+        changed = True
+    el.text = combined or None
+    return changed
 
 
 def _walk_strip_kml(
@@ -277,7 +291,10 @@ def sanitize_kmz_bytes(data: bytes) -> SanitizeResult:
                 raise GeoValidationError("path_traversal")
             ext = _zip_entry_ext(name)
             if ext not in ALLOWED_KMZ_EXTS:
-                raise GeoValidationError("unsafe_kmz_entry")
+                # ArcGIS KMZ exports include unused .xsl balloon stylesheets.
+                # Drop sidecars instead of rejecting the archive.
+                stripped.append("skipped_kmz_entry")
+                continue
             payload = zf.read(info.filename)
             kept[name] = payload
             lower = name.lower()
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_overlay_manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_overlay_manager.py
index d0933c49..840d358d 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/map_overlay_manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/map_overlay_manager.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ from meshchatx.src.backend.map_overlay_sources import (
     parse_create_payload,
 )
 from meshchatx.src.backend.nomadnet_downloader import NomadnetFileDownloader
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
 from meshchatx.src.backend.rngit_sparse_fetcher import (
     RngitFetchError,
     RngitSparseFetcher,
@@ -623,6 +624,14 @@ class MapOverlayManager:
         generation: int,
     ) -> None:
         path_timeout = self._cfg_int("map_overlay_path_timeout_seconds")
+        try:
+            dest = bytes.fromhex(spec.destination_hash)
+            path_timeout = max(
+                float(path_timeout),
+                path_response_window(dest, self.reticulum),
+            )
+        except Exception:
+            path_timeout = float(path_timeout)
         transfer_timeout = self._cfg_int("map_overlay_transfer_timeout_seconds")
         job_timeout = self._cfg_int("map_overlay_job_timeout_seconds")
 
@@ -662,7 +671,6 @@ class MapOverlayManager:
             await asyncio.wait_for(
                 downloader.download(
                     path_lookup_timeout=path_timeout,
-                    link_establishment_timeout=path_timeout,
                 ),
                 timeout=job_timeout,
             )
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/nomadnet_downloader.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/nomadnet_downloader.py
index 5ded9a2e..2c7e076b 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/nomadnet_downloader.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/nomadnet_downloader.py
@@ -10,7 +10,10 @@ from collections.abc import Callable
 import RNS
 
 from meshchatx.src.backend import reticulum_pathfinding
-from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import (
+    link_establishment_window,
+    path_response_window,
+)
 from meshchatx.src.backend.reticulum_pathfinding import ReticulumLike
 
 # Global cache for Nomad Network links (reuse instead of reconnecting per request).
@@ -293,14 +296,11 @@ class NomadnetDownloader:
         self.link = link
 
         if link_establishment_timeout is None:
-            rns_timeout = getattr(link, "establishment_timeout", None)
-            if isinstance(rns_timeout, (int, float)) and rns_timeout > 0:
-                link_establishment_timeout = rns_timeout + 5
-            else:
-                link_establishment_timeout = path_response_window(
-                    self.destination_hash,
-                    self._reticulum,
-                )
+            link_establishment_timeout = link_establishment_window(
+                link,
+                self.destination_hash,
+                self._reticulum,
+            )
         timeout_after_seconds = time.time() + link_establishment_timeout
 
         while (
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/path_utils.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/path_utils.py
index 449c2714..55dcd962 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/path_utils.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/path_utils.py
@@ -2,8 +2,24 @@
 
 import RNS
 
-MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE = 50
+# One path-request packet is about 234 bytes plus IFAC. 240 covers that.
 PATH_EXCHANGE_BYTES = 240
+LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S = 5.0
+_FALLBACK_PATH_TIMEOUT_S = 15.0
+
+
+def min_window_bitrate() -> float:
+    try:
+        value = float(RNS.Reticulum.MINIMUM_BITRATE)
+        if value > 0:
+            return value
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    return 5.0
+
+
+# Kept as a name for tests and callers. Equals RNS.Reticulum.MINIMUM_BITRATE (5).
+MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE = min_window_bitrate()
 
 
 def slowest_online_bitrate(reticulum=None):
@@ -23,14 +39,49 @@ def slowest_online_bitrate(reticulum=None):
     return None
 
 
+def _rns_path_request_timeout() -> float:
+    try:
+        return float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
+    except Exception:
+        return _FALLBACK_PATH_TIMEOUT_S
+
+
 def path_response_window(destination_hash, reticulum=None) -> float:
-    if reticulum is None:
-        reticulum = RNS.Reticulum.get_instance()
-    window = float(reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout(destination_hash))
+    """Seconds to wait for a cold path response on the slowest online interface.
+
+    Uses Reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout so a shared rnsd client sees the
+    instance interface timeouts, not the local socket timeout.
+    """
+    window = 0.0
+    try:
+        if reticulum is None:
+            reticulum = RNS.Reticulum.get_instance()
+        window = float(reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout(destination_hash))
+    except Exception:
+        window = 0.0
     bitrate = slowest_online_bitrate(reticulum)
     if bitrate:
+        floor_bps = min_window_bitrate()
         window = max(
             window,
-            2 * (PATH_EXCHANGE_BYTES * 8 / max(bitrate, MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE)) + 10,
+            2 * (PATH_EXCHANGE_BYTES * 8 / max(float(bitrate), floor_bps)) + 10,
         )
-    return max(window, float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT))
+    return max(window, _rns_path_request_timeout())
+
+
+def link_establishment_window(
+    link,
+    destination_hash=None,
+    reticulum=None,
+) -> float:
+    """Seconds to wait for a new RNS Link, from link.establishment_timeout.
+
+    Adds LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S. Falls back to path_response_window
+    when RNS did not report an establishment timeout.
+    """
+    rns_timeout = getattr(link, "establishment_timeout", None)
+    if isinstance(rns_timeout, (int, float)) and rns_timeout > 0:
+        return float(rns_timeout) + LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S
+    if destination_hash is not None:
+        return path_response_window(destination_hash, reticulum)
+    return _rns_path_request_timeout()
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/remote_management_client.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/remote_management_client.py
index 7e6aebe3..c52cfa17 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/remote_management_client.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/remote_management_client.py
@@ -16,6 +16,10 @@ from typing import Any
 import RNS
 
 from meshchatx.src.backend.management_identities import resolve_identity_path
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import (
+    link_establishment_window,
+    path_response_window,
+)
 
 
 def _truncated_hash_len() -> int:
@@ -140,9 +144,16 @@ class _RemoteRequest:
         self._link = RNS.Link(destination)
         self._link.set_link_established_callback(on_established)
         self._link.set_link_closed_callback(on_closed)
+        request_wait = max(
+            float(self.timeout),
+            link_establishment_window(
+                self._link,
+                self.destination_hash,
+            ),
+        )
 
         try:
-            if not self._event.wait(timeout=max(1.0, float(self.timeout))):
+            if not self._event.wait(timeout=max(1.0, request_wait)):
                 raise TimeoutError("Remote management request timed out")
             if self._error is not None:
                 raise self._error
@@ -173,9 +184,7 @@ def remote_request(
     if identity is None:
         raise ValueError(f"Could not load management identity from {resolved}")
     wait = (
-        float(timeout)
-        if timeout not in (None, "")
-        else float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
+        float(timeout) if timeout not in (None, "") else path_response_window(dest_hash)
     )
     return _RemoteRequest(dest_hash, identity, path, data, wait).run()
 
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/reticulum_pathfinding.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/reticulum_pathfinding.py
index c033f4a6..96faad86 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/reticulum_pathfinding.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/reticulum_pathfinding.py
@@ -8,6 +8,8 @@ from typing import Any, Optional, Protocol
 
 import RNS
 
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
+
 
 @dataclass(frozen=True)
 class OutboundPathOutcome:
@@ -233,7 +235,12 @@ def nudge_path_request(destination_hash: bytes) -> None:
     RNS.Transport.request_path(destination_hash)
 
 
-def lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds() -> float:
+def lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds(
+    destination_hash: bytes | None = None,
+    reticulum: Optional["ReticulumLike"] = None,
+) -> float:
+    if destination_hash is not None:
+        return path_response_window(destination_hash, reticulum)
     try:
         base = float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
     except Exception:
@@ -245,8 +252,12 @@ async def await_transport_path_for_outbound_lxmf(
     reticulum: Optional["ReticulumLike"],
     destination_hash_bytes: bytes,
 ) -> OutboundPathOutcome:
-    long_w = lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds()
-    short_w = max(15.0, long_w * 0.5)
+    long_w = lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds(destination_hash_bytes, reticulum)
+    try:
+        short_floor = float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
+    except Exception:
+        short_floor = 15.0
+    short_w = max(long_w * 0.5, short_floor)
 
     measure = prepare_fresh_path_request(reticulum, destination_hash_bytes)
     deadline = time.time() + long_w
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/rncp_handler.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/rncp_handler.py
index b4ec7d23..68fd5523 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/rncp_handler.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/rncp_handler.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from collections.abc import Callable
 
 import RNS
 
-from .path_utils import path_response_window
+from .path_utils import link_establishment_window, path_response_window
 
 
 class RNCPHandler:
@@ -38,6 +38,16 @@ class RNCPHandler:
             except Exception:
                 pass
 
+    def _path_wait_seconds(
+        self,
+        destination_hash: bytes,
+        timeout: float | None,
+    ) -> float:
+        window = path_response_window(destination_hash, self.reticulum)
+        if timeout is None:
+            return window
+        return max(float(timeout), window)
+
     def _default_fetch_save_dir(self) -> str:
         path = os.path.join(self.storage_dir, "rncp", "downloads")
         os.makedirs(path, exist_ok=True)
@@ -398,9 +408,8 @@ class RNCPHandler:
         if not RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash):
             RNS.Transport.request_path(destination_hash)
 
-        if timeout is None:
-            timeout = path_response_window(destination_hash, self.reticulum)
-        timeout_after = time.time() + timeout
+        path_wait = self._path_wait_seconds(destination_hash, timeout)
+        timeout_after = time.time() + path_wait
         while (
             not RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash) and time.time() < timeout_after
         ):
@@ -420,7 +429,11 @@ class RNCPHandler:
         )
 
         link = RNS.Link(receiver_destination)
-        timeout_after = time.time() + timeout
+        timeout_after = time.time() + link_establishment_window(
+            link,
+            destination_hash,
+            self.reticulum,
+        )
         while link.status != RNS.Link.ACTIVE and time.time() < timeout_after:
             await asyncio.sleep(0.1)
 
@@ -501,9 +514,8 @@ class RNCPHandler:
         if not RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash):
             RNS.Transport.request_path(destination_hash)
 
-        if timeout is None:
-            timeout = path_response_window(destination_hash, self.reticulum)
-        timeout_after = time.time() + timeout
+        path_wait = self._path_wait_seconds(destination_hash, timeout)
+        timeout_after = time.time() + path_wait
         while (
             not RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash) and time.time() < timeout_after
         ):
@@ -523,7 +535,11 @@ class RNCPHandler:
         )
 
         link = RNS.Link(listener_destination)
-        timeout_after = time.time() + timeout
+        timeout_after = time.time() + link_establishment_window(
+            link,
+            destination_hash,
+            self.reticulum,
+        )
         while link.status != RNS.Link.ACTIVE and time.time() < timeout_after:
             await asyncio.sleep(0.1)
 
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/rnprobe_handler.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/rnprobe_handler.py
index 0b219b02..de324e8b 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/rnprobe_handler.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/rnprobe_handler.py
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ class RNProbeHandler:
 
         timeout_after = time.time() + (
             timeout
-            or self.DEFAULT_TIMEOUT
-            + self.reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout(destination_hash)
+            if timeout is not None
+            else path_response_window(destination_hash, self.reticulum)
         )
         while (
             not RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash) and time.time() < timeout_after
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/rns_link_manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/rns_link_manager.py
index 528d4036..c8f80754 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/rns_link_manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/rns_link_manager.py
@@ -10,7 +10,10 @@ from typing import Optional
 import RNS
 
 from meshchatx.src.backend import reticulum_pathfinding
-from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import (
+    link_establishment_window,
+    path_response_window,
+)
 from meshchatx.src.backend.reticulum_pathfinding import ReticulumLike
 
 # Cache of established RNS Links keyed by (aspect_str, destination_hash_bytes).
@@ -38,10 +41,8 @@ LINK_IDLE_TTL_S = 30 * 60
 # Wait granularity while polling for path / link (seconds).
 _POLL_INTERVAL_S = 0.02
 
-# Slow path and link margins
+# Slow path UI phase margin before finding_path_slow
 PATH_MARGIN_S = 5.0
-LINK_MARGIN_S = 5.0
-_FALLBACK_LINK_TIMEOUT_S = 15.0
 
 
 def cached_link_count() -> int:
@@ -368,13 +369,14 @@ class RnsLinkManager:
         )
 
         # Get the link establishment_timeout from RNS if not explicitly pinned
-        rns_timeout = getattr(link, "establishment_timeout", None)
         if link_establishment_timeout is not None:
             deadline = time.time() + link_establishment_timeout
-        elif isinstance(rns_timeout, (int, float)) and rns_timeout > 0:
-            deadline = time.time() + rns_timeout + LINK_MARGIN_S
         else:
-            deadline = time.time() + _FALLBACK_LINK_TIMEOUT_S
+            deadline = time.time() + link_establishment_window(
+                link,
+                destination_hash,
+                self._get_reticulum(),
+            )
         try:
             while (
                 link.status not in (RNS.Link.ACTIVE, RNS.Link.CLOSED)
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/rrc/manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/rrc/manager.py
index bcbb7627..f8dd8a91 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/rrc/manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/rrc/manager.py
@@ -315,6 +315,7 @@ class RRCHub:
             if gate is not None:
                 gate.acquire()
             try:
+                path_wait = timeout_s
                 if not RNS.Transport.has_path(self.hub_hash):
                     RNS.Transport.request_path(self.hub_hash)
                     try:
@@ -328,7 +329,7 @@ class RRCHub:
                         time.sleep(0.1)
 
                 hub_identity = None
-                deadline = time.monotonic() + timeout_s
+                deadline = time.monotonic() + path_wait
                 while time.monotonic() < deadline:
                     hub_identity = RNS.Identity.recall(self.hub_hash)
                     if hub_identity is not None:
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/backend/telephone_manager.py b/meshchatx/src/backend/telephone_manager.py
index 3277fe6d..9e7a81d3 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/backend/telephone_manager.py
+++ b/meshchatx/src/backend/telephone_manager.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ from meshchatx.src.backend.meshchat_utils import (
     hex_identifier_to_bytes,
     normalize_hex_identifier,
 )
+from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
 
 
 class Tee:
@@ -638,9 +639,17 @@ class TelephoneManager:
 
             if not RNS.Transport.has_path(call_destination_hash):
                 self._update_initiation_status("Requesting path...")
+                path_wait = float(timeout_seconds)
+                try:
+                    path_wait = max(
+                        path_wait,
+                        path_response_window(call_destination_hash),
+                    )
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
                 has_path = await self._await_path(
                     call_destination_hash,
-                    timeout_seconds=min(timeout_seconds, 10),
+                    timeout_seconds=path_wait,
                 )
                 if self._is_initiation_cancelled():
                     return None
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/App.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/App.vue
index 4d4a282e..740a2d48 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/App.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/App.vue
@@ -226,8 +226,11 @@
                         >
                             <!-- toggle button for desktop (h-10 aligns with Messages/Nomad collapse rows) -->
                             <div
-                                class="h-10 shrink-0 items-center justify-end gap-1 border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
-                                :class="isSidebarNavEditing && !isSidebarCollapsed ? 'flex' : 'hidden sm:flex'"
+                                class="h-10 shrink-0 items-center gap-1 border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
+                                :class="[
+                                    isSidebarNavEditing && !isSidebarCollapsed ? 'flex' : 'hidden sm:flex',
+                                    isSidebarCollapsed ? 'justify-center' : 'justify-end',
+                                ]"
                             >
                                 <button
                                     v-if="isSidebarNavEditing && !isSidebarCollapsed"
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/SidebarLink.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/SidebarLink.vue
index 8eeea275..c3c3072d 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/SidebarLink.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/SidebarLink.vue
@@ -10,9 +10,9 @@
                 isActive
                     ? 'bg-blue-100 text-blue-800 group:text-blue-800 dark:bg-zinc-800 dark:text-blue-300'
                     : 'hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-zinc-700',
-                isCollapsed ? 'overflow-visible' : 'overflow-hidden',
+                isCollapsed ? 'overflow-visible justify-center rounded-lg' : 'overflow-hidden rounded-r-full mr-2',
             ]"
-            class="w-full text-gray-800 dark:text-zinc-200 group flex gap-x-3 rounded-r-full p-2 mr-2 text-sm leading-6 font-semibold focus-visible:outline-solid focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-blue-600 dark:focus-visible:outline-zinc-500"
+            class="w-full text-gray-800 dark:text-zinc-200 group flex gap-x-3 p-2 text-sm leading-6 font-semibold focus-visible:outline-solid focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-blue-600 dark:focus-visible:outline-zinc-500"
             @click="handleNavigate($event, navigate)"
         >
             <span class="my-auto shrink-0">
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarAccountFooter.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarAccountFooter.vue
index 2795909c..54d07bf6 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarAccountFooter.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarAccountFooter.vue
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
             data-testid="sidebar-account-chip"
             @click="onAccountChipClick"
         >
-            <div class="flex items-center gap-2 p-3 pb-1">
+            <div class="flex items-center gap-2" :class="isCollapsed ? 'justify-center p-2' : 'p-3 pb-1'">
                 <RouterLink :to="{ name: 'profile.icon' }" class="shrink-0" @click.stop>
                     <LxmfUserIcon
                         :icon-name="config.lxmf_user_icon_name"
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicFooter.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicFooter.vue
index 3c291d65..2c8c5058 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicFooter.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicFooter.vue
@@ -4,10 +4,11 @@
     <div v-if="config">
         <div class="bg-white border-t border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 dark:bg-zinc-950">
             <div
-                class="flex text-gray-700 p-3 cursor-pointer"
+                class="flex text-gray-700 cursor-pointer"
+                :class="isCollapsed ? 'justify-center p-2' : 'p-3'"
                 @click="isShowingMyIdentitySection = !isShowingMyIdentitySection"
             >
-                <div class="my-auto mr-2 shrink-0">
+                <div :class="isCollapsed ? 'shrink-0' : 'my-auto mr-2 shrink-0'">
                     <RouterLink :to="{ name: 'profile.icon' }" @click.stop>
                         <LxmfUserIcon
                             :icon-name="config.lxmf_user_icon_name"
@@ -72,13 +73,15 @@
 
         <div class="bg-white border-t border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 dark:bg-zinc-950">
             <div
-                class="flex text-gray-700 p-3 cursor-pointer dark:text-white"
+                class="flex text-gray-700 cursor-pointer dark:text-white"
+                :class="isCollapsed ? 'justify-center p-2' : 'p-3'"
                 data-testid="sidebar-announce-header"
                 @click="isShowingAnnounceSection = !isShowingAnnounceSection"
             >
                 <button
                     type="button"
-                    class="my-auto mr-2 flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-md border-0 bg-transparent p-0 text-inherit cursor-pointer"
+                    class="flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-md border-0 bg-transparent p-0 text-inherit cursor-pointer"
+                    :class="isCollapsed ? '' : 'my-auto mr-2'"
                     :title="$t('app.announce_now')"
                     data-testid="sidebar-announce-radio"
                     @click.stop="$emit('send-announce')"
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicNav.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicNav.vue
index 2594e45e..67b1a82e 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicNav.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarClassicNav.vue
@@ -2,12 +2,13 @@
 
 <template>
     <div class="flex-1 overflow-y-auto" :class="isEditing ? 'select-none' : ''" data-testid="sidebar-classic-nav">
-        <ul class="py-3 pr-2 space-y-1">
+        <ul class="py-3 space-y-1" :class="isCollapsed ? 'px-0' : 'pr-2'">
             <li
                 v-for="item in navItems"
                 :key="item.id"
                 class="flex items-center"
                 :class="[
+                    isCollapsed ? 'justify-center' : '',
                     isEditing && draggingId === item.id && draggingKind === 'item' ? 'opacity-50' : '',
                     isEditing && dragOverKey === `item:${item.id}`
                         ? 'ring-1 ring-blue-400 dark:ring-blue-500 rounded-r-full'
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarNav.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarNav.vue
index 1b1aba08..853f6e11 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarNav.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/layout/AppSidebarNav.vue
@@ -48,7 +48,8 @@
                 </template>
             </div>
             <ul
-                class="py-1 pr-2 space-y-1"
+                class="py-1 space-y-1"
+                :class="isCollapsed ? 'px-0' : 'pr-2'"
                 @dragover.prevent="setNavDragOver(`group-end:${group.id}`, $event)"
                 @drop.prevent="onGroupListDrop(group.id)"
             >
@@ -57,6 +58,7 @@
                     :key="item.id"
                     class="flex items-center"
                     :class="[
+                        isCollapsed ? 'justify-center' : '',
                         isEditing && draggingId === item.id && draggingKind === 'item' ? 'opacity-50' : '',
                         isEditing && dragOverKey === `item:${item.id}`
                             ? 'ring-1 ring-blue-400 dark:ring-blue-500 rounded-r-full'
@@ -145,8 +147,8 @@
         >
             <button
                 type="button"
-                class="flex w-full items-center gap-3 px-4 py-2.5 text-sm font-semibold text-gray-700 hover:bg-gray-100 dark:text-zinc-200 dark:hover:bg-zinc-800 transition-colors"
-                :class="isCollapsed ? 'justify-center' : ''"
+                class="flex w-full items-center gap-3 py-2.5 text-sm font-semibold text-gray-700 hover:bg-gray-100 dark:text-zinc-200 dark:hover:bg-zinc-800 transition-colors"
+                :class="isCollapsed ? 'justify-center px-0' : 'px-4'"
                 data-testid="sidebar-more-toggle"
                 @pointerdown="onNavHoldPointerDown"
                 @pointermove="onNavHoldPointerMove"
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/messages/MessagesSidebar.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/messages/MessagesSidebar.vue
index ad2a43fb..baf19139 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/messages/MessagesSidebar.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/messages/MessagesSidebar.vue
@@ -10,8 +10,7 @@
             ]"
         >
             <div
-                class="hidden sm:flex h-10 shrink-0 items-center border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
-                :class="collapsedHeaderJustifyClass"
+                class="hidden sm:flex h-10 shrink-0 items-center justify-center border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
             >
                 <button
                     type="button"
@@ -1001,9 +1000,6 @@ export default {
         selectionEdgeBorderClass() {
             return this.isRightSidebar ? "border-r-2" : "border-l-2";
         },
-        collapsedHeaderJustifyClass() {
-            return this.isRightSidebar ? "justify-start" : "justify-end";
-        },
         collapsedStripChevronIcon() {
             return this.isRightSidebar ? "chevron-left" : "chevron-right";
         },
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/nomadnetwork/NomadNetworkSidebar.vue b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/nomadnetwork/NomadNetworkSidebar.vue
index 6063927c..41e463a6 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/nomadnetwork/NomadNetworkSidebar.vue
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/components/nomadnetwork/NomadNetworkSidebar.vue
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
             class="flex flex-col h-full min-h-0 bg-white dark:bg-zinc-950 border-r border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800"
         >
             <div
-                class="hidden sm:flex h-10 shrink-0 items-center justify-end border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
+                class="hidden sm:flex h-10 shrink-0 items-center justify-center border-b border-gray-200 dark:border-zinc-800 px-2"
             >
                 <button
                     type="button"
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmlSanitize.js b/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmlSanitize.js
index 9f8e48e9..26bbd7a6 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmlSanitize.js
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmlSanitize.js
@@ -97,18 +97,36 @@ function rewriteHrefAttrs(text, { zipLocalOk }) {
     return { text: out, stripped };
 }
 
+function unwrapDescriptionInner(inner) {
+    const trimmed = String(inner).trim();
+    const cdata = trimmed.match(/^<!\[CDATA\[([\s\S]*?)\]\]>$/);
+    if (cdata) {
+        return cdata[1];
+    }
+    return String(inner);
+}
+
+function escapeXmlText(value) {
+    return String(value).replace(/&/g, "&amp;").replace(/</g, "&lt;").replace(/>/g, "&gt;");
+}
+
+function looksLikeHtml(value) {
+    return /<[a-z][\s\S]*>/i.test(value);
+}
+
 function stripDescriptionHtml(text) {
     const stripped = [];
     const out = String(text).replace(/<description\b[^>]*>([\s\S]*?)<\/description>/gi, (full, inner) => {
-        if (/<[a-z][\s\S]*>/i.test(inner)) {
-            stripped.push("html_description");
-            const plain = String(inner)
-                .replace(/<[^>]+>/g, " ")
-                .replace(/\s+/g, " ")
-                .trim();
-            return `<description>${plain}</description>`;
+        const content = unwrapDescriptionInner(inner);
+        if (!looksLikeHtml(content) && !looksLikeHtml(inner)) {
+            return full;
         }
-        return full;
+        stripped.push("html_description");
+        const plain = content
+            .replace(/<[^>]+>/g, " ")
+            .replace(/\s+/g, " ")
+            .trim();
+        return `<description>${escapeXmlText(plain)}</description>`;
     });
     return { text: out, stripped };
 }
diff --git a/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmzCodec.js b/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmzCodec.js
index 81afb3f7..35c13676 100644
--- a/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmzCodec.js
+++ b/meshchatx/src/frontend/js/mapExchange/kmzCodec.js
@@ -200,7 +200,8 @@ export async function readKmzToFeatures(arrayBuffer, featureProjection) {
             throw new KmlSanitizeError("path_traversal");
         }
         if (!kmzEntryAllowed(name)) {
-            throw new KmlSanitizeError("unsafe_kmz_entry");
+            // ArcGIS KMZ exports include unused .xsl balloon stylesheets.
+            continue;
         }
     }
     const kmlName = findKmlEntryName(zip);
diff --git a/tests/backend/test_map_geo_sanitizer.py b/tests/backend/test_map_geo_sanitizer.py
index 65fb00a8..24889868 100644
--- a/tests/backend/test_map_geo_sanitizer.py
+++ b/tests/backend/test_map_geo_sanitizer.py
@@ -101,15 +101,67 @@ def test_sanitize_kml_keeps_data_png_icon():
     assert b"data:image/png" in result.data
 
 
-def test_sanitize_kmz_rejects_svg_entry():
+def test_sanitize_kml_flattens_cdata_html_description():
+    kml = b"""<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+    <kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
+      <Placemark><name>Leaking Tanks</name>
+        <description><![CDATA[<h2>Hostile</h2><script>alert(1)</script>]]></description>
+        <Point><coordinates>-117.99,33.78,0</coordinates></Point>
+      </Placemark>
+    </Document></kml>"""
+    result = sanitize_geo_bytes(kml)
+    assert result.feature_count == 1
+    assert "html_description" in result.stripped
+    lower = result.data.lower()
+    assert b"<script" not in lower
+    assert b"<h2" not in lower
+    assert b"hostile" in lower
+
+
+def test_sanitize_kmz_skips_unreferenced_svg_keeps_placemark():
     kml = b"""<?xml version="1.0"?>
     <kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
       <Placemark><Point><coordinates>1,2,0</coordinates></Point></Placemark>
     </Document></kml>"""
     data = _kmz({"doc.kml": kml, "icon.svg": b"<svg></svg>"})
-    with pytest.raises(GeoValidationError) as exc:
-        sanitize_geo_bytes(data)
-    assert exc.value.code == "unsafe_kmz_entry"
+    result = sanitize_geo_bytes(data)
+    assert result.format == "kmz"
+    assert result.feature_count == 1
+    assert "skipped_kmz_entry" in result.stripped
+    with zipfile.ZipFile(io.BytesIO(result.data)) as zf:
+        names = [n.replace("\\", "/").lower() for n in zf.namelist() if not n.endswith("/")]
+        assert "doc.kml" in names
+        assert "icon.svg" not in names
+
+
+def test_sanitize_kmz_skips_arcgis_xsl_sidecar():
+    kml = b"""<?xml version="1.0"?>
+    <kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
+      <Style><IconStyle><Icon><href>Layer0_Symbol.png</href></Icon></IconStyle></Style>
+      <Placemark><name>ArcGIS Point</name>
+        <styleUrl>#s</styleUrl>
+        <Point><coordinates>1,2,0</coordinates></Point>
+      </Placemark>
+    </Document></kml>"""
+    data = _kmz(
+        {
+            "doc.kml": kml,
+            "F2E8A9CB2E0A446C9BCA87742DD683E5.xsl": (
+                b"<?xml version='1.0'?>"
+                b"<xsl:stylesheet xmlns:xsl='http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform' version='1.0'/>"
+            ),
+            "Layer0_Symbol.png": TINY_PNG,
+        }
+    )
+    result = sanitize_geo_bytes(data)
+    assert result.format == "kmz"
+    assert result.feature_count == 1
+    assert "skipped_kmz_entry" in result.stripped
+    with zipfile.ZipFile(io.BytesIO(result.data)) as zf:
+        names = [n.replace("\\", "/") for n in zf.namelist() if not n.endswith("/")]
+        assert "doc.kml" in names
+        assert "Layer0_Symbol.png" in names
+        assert not any(n.lower().endswith(".xsl") for n in names)
 
 
 def test_sanitize_kmz_keeps_zip_local_png():
diff --git a/tests/backend/test_path_utils.py b/tests/backend/test_path_utils.py
index e7ea3aec..5975e245 100644
--- a/tests/backend/test_path_utils.py
+++ b/tests/backend/test_path_utils.py
@@ -6,8 +6,11 @@ import pytest
 import RNS
 
 from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import (
+    LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S,
     MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE,
     PATH_EXCHANGE_BYTES,
+    link_establishment_window,
+    min_window_bitrate,
     path_response_window,
     slowest_online_bitrate,
 )
@@ -19,6 +22,12 @@ def _bitrate_floor_s(bitrate: float) -> float:
     return 2 * (PATH_EXCHANGE_BYTES * 8 / max(bitrate, MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE)) + 10
 
 
+def test_min_window_bitrate_matches_rns_minimum():
+    assert min_window_bitrate() == float(RNS.Reticulum.MINIMUM_BITRATE)
+    assert MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE == float(RNS.Reticulum.MINIMUM_BITRATE)
+    assert MIN_WINDOW_BITRATE == 5.0
+
+
 def test_slowest_online_bitrate_picks_min_up_interface():
     reticulum = MagicMock()
     reticulum.get_interface_stats.return_value = {
@@ -60,6 +69,18 @@ def test_path_response_window_uses_slow_bitrate_airtime_floor():
     assert expected == pytest.approx(48.4)
 
 
+def test_path_response_window_uses_five_bps_not_a_fifty_bps_clamp():
+    reticulum = MagicMock()
+    reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout.return_value = 2.0
+    reticulum.get_interface_stats.return_value = {
+        "interfaces": [{"status": True, "bitrate": 5}],
+    }
+    window = path_response_window(DEST, reticulum)
+    expected = _bitrate_floor_s(5)
+    assert expected == pytest.approx(778.0)
+    assert window == pytest.approx(expected)
+
+
 def test_path_response_window_never_below_rns_path_request_timeout():
     reticulum = MagicMock()
     reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout.return_value = 0.1
@@ -69,3 +90,29 @@ def test_path_response_window_never_below_rns_path_request_timeout():
     window = path_response_window(DEST, reticulum)
     assert window >= RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT
     assert window == float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
+
+
+def test_path_response_window_survives_missing_reticulum_instance():
+    reticulum = MagicMock()
+    reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout.side_effect = RuntimeError("no instance")
+    reticulum.get_interface_stats.side_effect = RuntimeError("no instance")
+    window = path_response_window(DEST, reticulum)
+    assert window == float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
+
+
+def test_link_establishment_window_uses_rns_timeout_plus_margin():
+    link = MagicMock()
+    link.establishment_timeout = 12.0
+    assert link_establishment_window(link) == 12.0 + LINK_ESTABLISHMENT_MARGIN_S
+
+
+def test_link_establishment_window_falls_back_to_path_window():
+    link = MagicMock()
+    link.establishment_timeout = None
+    reticulum = MagicMock()
+    reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout.return_value = 2.0
+    reticulum.get_interface_stats.return_value = {
+        "interfaces": [{"status": True, "bitrate": 1_000_000}],
+    }
+    window = link_establishment_window(link, DEST, reticulum)
+    assert window == float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT)
diff --git a/tests/backend/test_reticulum_pathfinding.py b/tests/backend/test_reticulum_pathfinding.py
index d7582bcd..feaf1105 100644
--- a/tests/backend/test_reticulum_pathfinding.py
+++ b/tests/backend/test_reticulum_pathfinding.py
@@ -220,11 +220,21 @@ def test_prepare_fresh_uses_expire_path_without_reticulum():
         req.assert_called_once_with(DEST)
 
 
-def test_lxmf_path_wait_cap_uses_rns_default():
+def test_lxmf_path_wait_cap_uses_rns_default_without_destination():
     v = rp.lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds()
     assert 30.0 <= v <= 120.0
 
 
+def test_lxmf_path_wait_cap_uses_path_response_window_for_destination():
+    reticulum = MagicMock()
+    with patch(
+        "meshchatx.src.backend.reticulum_pathfinding.path_response_window",
+        return_value=86.8,
+    ) as mocked:
+        assert rp.lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds(DEST, reticulum) == 86.8
+        mocked.assert_called_once_with(DEST, reticulum)
+
+
 def test_lxmf_path_wait_cap_falls_back_when_float_fails():
     with patch.object(RNS.Transport, "PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT", "x"):
         assert rp.lxmf_path_wait_cap_seconds() == 30.0
diff --git a/tests/backend/test_telephone_initiation.py b/tests/backend/test_telephone_initiation.py
index 8bf9fbfa..62a8d83f 100644
--- a/tests/backend/test_telephone_initiation.py
+++ b/tests/backend/test_telephone_initiation.py
@@ -160,6 +160,43 @@ async def test_cancel_between_identity_resolved_and_path_request(telephone_manag
     assert not telephone_manager.telephone.call.called
 
 
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_initiate_path_wait_uses_adaptive_window_not_ten_second_cap(
+    telephone_manager,
+):
+    destination_hash = bytes.fromhex("ab" * 16)
+    captured = {}
+
+    async def fake_await_path(_dest, timeout_seconds=15):
+        captured["timeout"] = timeout_seconds
+        return True
+
+    telephone_manager.telephone.call.side_effect = lambda *_a, **_k: setattr(
+        telephone_manager.telephone,
+        "call_status",
+        0,
+    )
+
+    with (
+        patch(
+            "meshchatx.src.backend.telephone_manager.RNS.Identity.recall",
+            return_value=MagicMock(),
+        ),
+        patch(
+            "meshchatx.src.backend.telephone_manager.RNS.Transport.has_path",
+            return_value=False,
+        ),
+        patch(
+            "meshchatx.src.backend.telephone_manager.path_response_window",
+            return_value=86.8,
+        ),
+        patch.object(telephone_manager, "_await_path", side_effect=fake_await_path),
+    ):
+        await telephone_manager.initiate(destination_hash, timeout_seconds=15)
+
+    assert captured["timeout"] == 86.8
+
+
 @pytest.mark.asyncio
 async def test_cancel_after_path_found_before_dialling_stabilizes(telephone_manager):
     destination_hash = bytes.fromhex("ee" * 16)
diff --git a/tests/frontend/AppSidebarNav.test.js b/tests/frontend/AppSidebarNav.test.js
index b9176cb8..6678c0cd 100644
--- a/tests/frontend/AppSidebarNav.test.js
+++ b/tests/frontend/AppSidebarNav.test.js
@@ -85,6 +85,19 @@ describe("AppSidebarNav edit hold", () => {
         wrapper.unmount();
     });
 
+    it("centers collapsed nav items and the More toggle", () => {
+        const wrapper = mountGrouped({ isCollapsed: true });
+        const more = wrapper.get('[data-testid="sidebar-more-toggle"]');
+        expect(more.classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        expect(more.classes()).not.toContain("px-4");
+        const item = wrapper.get('[data-nav-item-id="messages"]');
+        expect(item.classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        const link = item.find("a.w-full");
+        expect(link.classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        expect(link.classes()).not.toContain("mr-2");
+        wrapper.unmount();
+    });
+
     it("does not emit edit-start when the sidebar is collapsed", async () => {
         vi.useFakeTimers();
         const wrapper = mountGrouped({ isCollapsed: true });
@@ -131,6 +144,27 @@ describe("AppSidebarNav edit hold", () => {
         wrapper.unmount();
     });
 
+    it("classic nav centers collapsed items", () => {
+        const wrapper = mount(AppSidebarClassicNav, {
+            props: {
+                navItems: groups[0].items,
+                isCollapsed: true,
+                isEditing: false,
+            },
+            global: {
+                plugins: [i18n],
+                stubs: {
+                    RouterLink: RouterLinkStub,
+                    MaterialDesignIcon: { template: '<span class="md-stub" />' },
+                },
+            },
+        });
+        const item = wrapper.get('[data-nav-item-id="messages"]');
+        expect(item.classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        expect(item.find("a.w-full").classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        wrapper.unmount();
+    });
+
     it("classic nav also holds to edit when expanded", async () => {
         vi.useFakeTimers();
         const wrapper = mount(AppSidebarClassicNav, {
diff --git a/tests/frontend/SidebarLink.test.js b/tests/frontend/SidebarLink.test.js
index d794c57e..43788b57 100644
--- a/tests/frontend/SidebarLink.test.js
+++ b/tests/frontend/SidebarLink.test.js
@@ -57,6 +57,17 @@ describe("SidebarLink UI", () => {
         expect(wrapper.vm.isCollapsed).toBe(true);
     });
 
+    it("centers the icon and hides text when collapsed", () => {
+        const wrapper = mountSidebarLink({ isCollapsed: true });
+        const innerLink = wrapper.find("a.justify-center");
+        expect(innerLink.exists()).toBe(true);
+        expect(innerLink.classes()).toContain("justify-center");
+        expect(innerLink.classes()).not.toContain("mr-2");
+        expect(innerLink.classes()).toContain("rounded-lg");
+        expect(wrapper.text()).not.toContain("Messages");
+        expect(wrapper.find(".icon-slot").exists()).toBe(true);
+    });
+
     it("does not navigate when editMode is on", async () => {
         const wrapper = mountSidebarLink({ editMode: true });
         const innerLink = wrapper.find("a.rounded-r-full");
diff --git a/tests/frontend/__snapshots__/uiSnapshots.test.js.snap b/tests/frontend/__snapshots__/uiSnapshots.test.js.snap
index 97efc734..71124da1 100644
--- a/tests/frontend/__snapshots__/uiSnapshots.test.js.snap
+++ b/tests/frontend/__snapshots__/uiSnapshots.test.js.snap
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ exports[`UI snapshot regression > FormSubLabel.vue > default sub-label 1`] = `"<
 
 exports[`UI snapshot regression > IconButton.vue > icon button 1`] = `"<button type="button" class="text-gray-500 hover:text-gray-700 dark:text-zinc-400 dark:hover:text-zinc-100 hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-zinc-800 p-2 rounded-full w-9 h-9 flex items-center justify-center shrink-0 transition-all duration-200"><span class="icon">+</span></button>"`;
 
-exports[`UI snapshot regression > SidebarLink.vue > sidebar link 1`] = `"<a class="router-link-stub" href="#" custom=""><a href="#" type="button" draggable="false" class="hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-zinc-700 overflow-hidden w-full text-gray-800 dark:text-zinc-200 group flex gap-x-3 rounded-r-full p-2 mr-2 text-sm leading-6 font-semibold focus-visible:outline-solid focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-blue-600 dark:focus-visible:outline-zinc-500"><span class="my-auto shrink-0"><span class="icon-slot">M</span></span><span class="my-auto flex w-full truncate transition-all duration-300">Messages</span></a></a>"`;
+exports[`UI snapshot regression > SidebarLink.vue > sidebar link 1`] = `"<a class="router-link-stub" href="#" custom=""><a href="#" type="button" draggable="false" class="hover:bg-gray-100 dark:hover:bg-zinc-700 overflow-hidden rounded-r-full mr-2 w-full text-gray-800 dark:text-zinc-200 group flex gap-x-3 p-2 text-sm leading-6 font-semibold focus-visible:outline-solid focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:outline-blue-600 dark:focus-visible:outline-zinc-500"><span class="my-auto shrink-0"><span class="icon-slot">M</span></span><span class="my-auto flex w-full truncate transition-all duration-300">Messages</span></a></a>"`;
 
 exports[`UI snapshot regression > Toast.vue > empty state 1`] = `"<div="" class="fixed max-sm:bottom-[calc(5.5rem+env(safe-area-inset-bottom,0px))] bottom-4 left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 sm:left-auto sm:right-4 sm:translate-x-0 z-100 flex flex-col gap-2 pointer-events-none w-[calc(100%-2rem)] max-w-sm sm:w-auto sm:max-w-md"><div="" class="snapshot-transition-group" name="toast"></div></div>"`;
 
diff --git a/tests/frontend/mapExchange.sanitize.test.js b/tests/frontend/mapExchange.sanitize.test.js
index 0afab05e..0a58522a 100644
--- a/tests/frontend/mapExchange.sanitize.test.js
+++ b/tests/frontend/mapExchange.sanitize.test.js
@@ -116,15 +116,60 @@ describe("kmlSanitize oracle", () => {
         expect(out.stripped).toContain("remote_href");
     });
 
-    it("rejects kmz with svg entry", async () => {
+    it("flattens CDATA HTML descriptions without leaving a CDATA closer", () => {
+        const kml = `<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
+<Placemark><name>Leaking Tanks</name>
+<description><![CDATA[<h2>Hostile</h2></br><script>alert(1)</script>]]></description>
+<Point><coordinates>-117.99,33.78,0</coordinates></Point>
+</Placemark></Document></kml>`;
+        const out = sanitizeKmlText(kml);
+        expect(out.stripped).toContain("html_description");
+        expect(out.text).not.toMatch(/\]\]>/);
+        expect(out.text.toLowerCase()).not.toContain("<script");
+        expect(out.text.toLowerCase()).not.toContain("<h2");
+        const parsed = new DOMParser().parseFromString(out.text, "application/xml");
+        expect(parsed.getElementsByTagName("parsererror").length).toBe(0);
+        const features = readKmlToFeatures(kml, "EPSG:3857");
+        expect(features.length).toBe(1);
+        expect(String(features[0].get("name") || "")).toContain("Leaking");
+    });
+
+    it("skips unreferenced svg kmz entry and keeps placemarks", async () => {
         const kml = `<?xml version="1.0"?>
 <kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
-<Placemark><Point><coordinates>1,2,0</coordinates></Point></Placemark>
+<Placemark><name>Keep</name><Point><coordinates>1,2,0</coordinates></Point></Placemark>
 </Document></kml>`;
         const zip = new JSZip();
         zip.file("doc.kml", kml);
         zip.file("icon.svg", "<svg></svg>");
         const buf = await zip.generateAsync({ type: "arraybuffer" });
-        await expect(readKmzToFeatures(buf, "EPSG:3857")).rejects.toMatchObject({ code: "unsafe_kmz_entry" });
+        const features = await readKmzToFeatures(buf, "EPSG:3857");
+        expect(features.length).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(1);
+    });
+
+    it("imports ArcGIS-style kmz with unused xsl sidecar", async () => {
+        const kml = `<?xml version="1.0"?>
+<kml xmlns="http://www.opengis.net/kml/2.2"><Document>
+<Style id="s"><IconStyle><Icon><href>Layer0_Symbol.png</href></Icon></IconStyle></Style>
+<Placemark><name>ArcGIS Point</name>
+<styleUrl>#s</styleUrl>
+<Point><coordinates>1,2,0</coordinates></Point>
+</Placemark></Document></kml>`;
+        const zip = new JSZip();
+        zip.file("doc.kml", kml);
+        zip.file(
+            "F2E8A9CB2E0A446C9BCA87742DD683E5.xsl",
+            "<?xml version='1.0'?><xsl:stylesheet xmlns:xsl='http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform' version='1.0'/>"
+        );
+        const png = Uint8Array.from(
+            atob("iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII="),
+            (c) => c.charCodeAt(0)
+        );
+        zip.file("Layer0_Symbol.png", png);
+        const buf = await zip.generateAsync({ type: "arraybuffer" });
+        const features = await readKmzToFeatures(buf, "EPSG:3857");
+        expect(features.length).toBeGreaterThanOrEqual(1);
+        expect(String(features[0].get("name") || "")).toContain("ArcGIS");
     });
 });
diff --git a/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/peers.py b/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/peers.py
index 7b76cfad..2587b942 100644
--- a/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/peers.py
+++ b/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/peers.py
@@ -75,16 +75,37 @@ def is_local_destination(destination_hash: bytes) -> bool:
     return False
 
 
+def adaptive_path_timeout(
+    destination_hash: bytes,
+    timeout: float | None = None,
+) -> float:
+    if timeout is not None:
+        return float(timeout)
+    try:
+        from meshchatx.src.backend.path_utils import path_response_window
+
+        return path_response_window(destination_hash)
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    try:
+        reticulum = RNS.Reticulum.get_instance()
+        window = float(reticulum.get_first_hop_timeout(destination_hash))
+        return max(window, float(RNS.Transport.PATH_REQUEST_TIMEOUT))
+    except Exception:
+        return PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT
+
+
 def wait_for_path(
     destination_hash: bytes,
-    timeout: float = PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
+    timeout: float | None = None,
 ) -> bool:
+    wait_s = adaptive_path_timeout(destination_hash, timeout)
     if RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash) or is_local_destination(
         destination_hash,
     ):
         return True
     RNS.Transport.request_path(destination_hash)
-    deadline = time.time() + timeout
+    deadline = time.time() + wait_s
     while time.time() < deadline:
         if RNS.Transport.has_path(destination_hash) or is_local_destination(
             destination_hash,
@@ -111,13 +132,19 @@ def establish_link(
     *,
     established_callback: Callable | None = None,
     closed_callback: Callable | None = None,
-    timeout: float = LINK_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
+    timeout: float | None = None,
 ):
     link = RNS.Link(
         destination,
         established_callback=established_callback,
         closed_callback=closed_callback,
     )
+    if timeout is None:
+        rns_timeout = getattr(link, "establishment_timeout", None)
+        if isinstance(rns_timeout, (int, float)) and rns_timeout > 0:
+            timeout = float(rns_timeout) + 5.0
+        else:
+            timeout = LINK_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT
     deadline = time.time() + timeout
     while link.status not in (RNS.Link.ACTIVE, RNS.Link.CLOSED):
         if time.time() > deadline:
diff --git a/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/service.py b/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/service.py
index 7f34b535..989610d9 100644
--- a/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/service.py
+++ b/vendor/rns_filesync/rns_filesync/service.py
@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ from rns_filesync.constants import (
     APP_NAME,
     ASPECT,
     BLOCK_SIZE,
-    LINK_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
     PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
     RECONNECT_BASE_INTERVAL,
     RECONNECT_MAX_INTERVAL,
@@ -33,6 +32,7 @@ from rns_filesync.inventory import (
 )
 from rns_filesync.paths import PathJailError, normalize_relpath, resolve_under_root
 from rns_filesync.peers import (
+    adaptive_path_timeout,
     create_outbound_destination,
     establish_link,
     hex_hash,
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ class FileSyncService:
     def connect_peer(
         self,
         identity_hash: str | bytes,
-        timeout: float = PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
+        timeout: float | None = None,
     ) -> dict[str, Any]:
         """Connect using identity hash (destination hash accepted as fallback)."""
         peer_hash = parse_hash(identity_hash)
@@ -291,8 +291,7 @@ class FileSyncService:
 
         identity, how = resolve_peer_identity(peer_hash)
         if identity is None:
-            # Path request may populate known destinations for destination hashes.
-            wait_for_path(peer_hash, timeout=min(timeout, 5.0))
+            wait_for_path(peer_hash, timeout=timeout)
             identity, how = resolve_peer_identity(peer_hash)
         if identity is None:
             msg = f"could not recall identity for {peer_hex}"
@@ -309,7 +308,6 @@ class FileSyncService:
             destination,
             established_callback=self._on_link_established,
             closed_callback=self._on_link_closed,
-            timeout=LINK_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT,
         )
         if link is None:
             msg = f"link failed for {peer_hex}"
@@ -1053,7 +1051,11 @@ class FileSyncService:
 
             def job(target=peer_id):
                 try:
-                    result = self.connect_peer(target, timeout=PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT)
+                    try:
+                        wait_s = adaptive_path_timeout(parse_hash(target))
+                    except Exception:
+                        wait_s = PATH_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT
+                    result = self.connect_peer(target, timeout=wait_s)
                     with self._lock:
                         if result.get("ok"):
                             self._reconnect_backoff.pop(target, None)