diff --git a/bitchatTests/BLEServiceCoreTests.swift b/bitchatTests/BLEServiceCoreTests.swift
index 5c48832a..3c856e19 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/BLEServiceCoreTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/BLEServiceCoreTests.swift
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
         ble._test_handlePacket(packet, fromPeerID: sender, signingPublicKey: signingKey)
         let receivedDuplicate = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { delegate.publicMessagesSnapshot().count > 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!receivedDuplicate)
 
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
 
         let unsignedRelayed = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { outbound.count(ofType: .leave) > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!unsignedRelayed)
         #expect(ble.currentPeerSnapshots().contains { $0.peerID == alicePeerID })
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
 
         let badSignatureRelayed = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { outbound.count(ofType: .leave) > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!badSignatureRelayed)
         #expect(ble.currentPeerSnapshots().contains { $0.peerID == alicePeerID })
@@ -1209,7 +1209,7 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
         let didObservePanicClosure = await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
             DispatchQueue.global(qos: .userInitiated).async {
                 let didObserveClosure = panicIngressObserver.waitUntilClosed(
-                    timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+                    timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
                 )
                 gate.release()
                 continuation.resume(returning: didObserveClosure)
@@ -1340,7 +1340,7 @@ struct BLEServiceCoreTests {
         // rotated sender IDs never bought a sixth response.
         let exceededBudget = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { outbound.count(ofType: .pong) > budget },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!exceededBudget)
         #expect(outbound.count(ofType: .pong) == budget)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelRefactoringTests.swift b/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelRefactoringTests.swift
index d576106d..afc8e443 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelRefactoringTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelRefactoringTests.swift
@@ -43,14 +43,14 @@ struct ChatViewModelRefactoringTests {
         transport.simulateConnect(peerID, nickname: "alice")
 
         let didResolve = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ viewModel.getPeerIDForNickname("alice") != nil },
-                                                     timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+                                                     timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didResolve)
         
         // Action: User types /msg command
         viewModel.sendMessage("/msg @alice Hello Private World")
 
         let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ transport.sentPrivateMessages.count == 1 },
-                                                  timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+                                                  timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didSend)
         
         // Assert:
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelRefactoringTests {
         transport.simulateConnect(peerID, nickname: "troll")
 
         let didResolve = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ viewModel.getPeerIDForNickname("troll") != nil },
-                                                     timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+                                                     timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didResolve)
         
         // Action
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelRefactoringTests {
         // Assert
         // Verify identity manager was called to block "fingerprint_123"
         let didBlock = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ identity.isBlocked(fingerprint: "fingerprint_123") },
-                                                   timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+                                                   timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didBlock)
     }
 
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelRefactoringTests {
         // Wait for async processing with proper timeout
         let found = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { viewModel.privateChats[senderID]?.first?.content == "Secret" },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
 
         // Assert
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelRefactoringTests {
             {
                 viewModel.publicMessages(for: .mesh).contains(where: { $0.content == "Public Hi" })
             },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
 
         // Assert
diff --git a/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelTests.swift b/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelTests.swift
index 2093359d..7e4e46a1 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/ChatViewModelTests.swift
@@ -321,7 +321,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelCommandTests {
         transport.simulateConnect(peerID, nickname: "Alice")
         let resolved = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             viewModel.getPeerIDForNickname("Alice") == peerID
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow)
         #expect(resolved)
 
         viewModel.handleCommand("/msg Alice")
@@ -422,7 +422,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelServiceLifecycleTests {
             transport.sentReadReceipts.contains {
                 $0.peerID == peerID && $0.receipt.originalMessageID == "read-1"
             }
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow)
 
         #expect(sentReadReceipt)
         #expect(!viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.contains(peerID))
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelReceivingTests {
 
         let found = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             viewModel.publicMessages(for: .mesh).contains { $0.content == "Public hello from Bob" }
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         #expect(found)
     }
@@ -535,11 +535,11 @@ struct ChatViewModelNoisePayloadTests {
 
         let stored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             viewModel.privateChats[peerID]?.contains(where: { $0.id == "pm-noise-1" && $0.content == "Secret hello" }) == true
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         let acked = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             transport.sentDeliveryAcks.contains { $0.messageID == "pm-noise-1" && $0.peerID == peerID }
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         #expect(stored)
         #expect(acked)
@@ -579,7 +579,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelNoisePayloadTests {
                 return name == "Bob"
             }
             return false
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         #expect(delivered)
     }
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelNoisePayloadTests {
                 return true
             }
             return false
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         let conversationStoreUpdated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             let messages = viewModel.conversations.conversationsByID[.directPeer(peerID)]?.messages ?? []
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelNoisePayloadTests {
                 return true
             }
             return false
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         #expect(privateChatUpdated)
         #expect(conversationStoreUpdated)
@@ -730,7 +730,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelVerificationTests {
 
         let bound = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             viewModel.unifiedPeerService.peers.contains { $0.peerID == peerID }
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(bound)
 
         let qr = VerificationService.VerificationQR(
@@ -982,7 +982,7 @@ struct ChatViewModelPeerTests {
 
         let cleaned = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({
             !viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.contains(stalePeer)
-        }, timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+        }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
 
         #expect(cleaned)
     }
diff --git a/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/CourierEndToEndTests.swift b/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/CourierEndToEndTests.swift
index ac68c145..53de683b 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/CourierEndToEndTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/CourierEndToEndTests.swift
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.noiseSigningPublicKeyData())
         let carried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(carried)
 
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let announced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.first(ofType: .announce) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(announced)
         let announcePacket = try #require(bobOut.first(ofType: .announce))
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let handedOver = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(handedOver)
         // With CoreBluetooth disabled there is no physical link for the send
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob._test_handlePacket(handoverPacket, fromPeerID: carol.myPeerID)
         let received = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bobDelegate.snapshot().isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(received)
 
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.noiseSigningPublicKeyData())
         let carried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(carried)
 
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let announced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.first(ofType: .announce) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(announced)
         let announcePacket = try #require(bobOut.first(ofType: .announce))
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let handedOver = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(handedOver)
         let handoverPacket = try #require(carolOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob._test_handlePacket(handoverPacket, fromPeerID: carol.myPeerID)
         let delivered = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bobDelegate.snapshot().isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!delivered)
     }
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.noiseSigningPublicKeyData())
         let carried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(carried)
 
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let leakedOnUnverifiedAnnounce = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.count(ofType: .courierEnvelope) > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!leakedOnUnverifiedAnnounce)
         #expect(!carol.courierStore.isEmpty)
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let announced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.first(ofType: .announce) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(announced)
         let verifiedAnnounce = try #require(bobOut.first(ofType: .announce))
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let handedOver = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.count(ofType: .courierEnvelope) == 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(handedOver)
         #expect(!carol.courierStore.isEmpty)
@@ -355,7 +355,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -363,14 +363,14 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.noiseSigningPublicKeyData())
         let carried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(carried)
 
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let announced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.first(ofType: .announce) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(announced)
         let directAnnounce = try #require(bobOut.first(ofType: .announce))
@@ -385,7 +385,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let remoteHandover = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.count(ofType: .courierEnvelope) == 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(remoteHandover)
         #expect(!carol.courierStore.isEmpty)
@@ -398,7 +398,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let reannounced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.all(ofType: .announce).contains { $0.timestamp != directAnnounce.timestamp } },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(reannounced)
         let freshAnnounce = try #require(
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let refloodedInCooldown = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.count(ofType: .courierEnvelope) > 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!refloodedInCooldown)
         #expect(!carol.courierStore.isEmpty)
@@ -424,7 +424,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let announcedAgain = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.all(ofType: .announce).contains { $0.timestamp != directAnnounce.timestamp && $0.timestamp != freshAnnounce.timestamp } },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(announcedAgain)
         let directAgain = try #require(
@@ -434,7 +434,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let handedOverWithoutLinkProof = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.count(ofType: .courierEnvelope) > 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!handedOverWithoutLinkProof)
         #expect(!carol.courierStore.isEmpty)
@@ -457,7 +457,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let queuedPacket = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!queuedPacket)
     }
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(packet, fromPeerID: alicePeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.getSigningPublicKeyData())
         let stored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!stored)
     }
@@ -532,7 +532,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(packet, fromPeerID: alicePeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.getSigningPublicKeyData())
         let stored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!stored)
     }
@@ -575,7 +575,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(packet, fromPeerID: mallory.myPeerID, preseedPeer: false)
         let stored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!stored)
     }
@@ -602,14 +602,14 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let delivered = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bobDelegate.snapshot().isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(delivered)
         // Give a duplicate delivery a chance to surface, then confirm the
         // second copy never reached the delegate.
         let duplicated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobDelegate.snapshot().count > 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!duplicated)
         #expect(bobDelegate.snapshot().count == 1)
@@ -629,7 +629,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
 
         let initiated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { outbound.count(ofType: .noiseHandshake) > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!initiated)
 
@@ -639,7 +639,7 @@ struct CourierEndToEndTests {
         ble.sendDeliveryAck(for: "msg-2", to: present)
         let initiatedForPresent = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { outbound.count(ofType: .noiseHandshake) > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(initiatedForPresent)
     }
diff --git a/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/PrekeyEndToEndTests.swift b/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/PrekeyEndToEndTests.swift
index 79bd28b5..692c8f6d 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/PrekeyEndToEndTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/EndToEnd/PrekeyEndToEndTests.swift
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         peer.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let published = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { tap.first(ofType: .announce) != nil && tap.first(ofType: .prekeyBundle) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(published)
         return (
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(cached)
 
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         carol._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, signingPublicKey: alice.noiseSigningPublicKeyData())
         let carried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !carol.courierStore.isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(carried)
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         bob.sendBroadcastAnnounce()
         let reannounced = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobOut.first(ofType: .announce) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(reannounced)
         let handoverTrigger = try #require(bobOut.first(ofType: .announce))
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let handedOver = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { carolOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(handedOver)
         let handoverPacket = try #require(carolOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         bob._test_handlePacket(handoverPacket, fromPeerID: carol.myPeerID)
         let received = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bobDelegate.snapshot().isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(received)
 
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         bob._test_handlePacket(redelivery, fromPeerID: carol.myPeerID)
         let redelivered = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bobDelegate.snapshot().count == 2 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!redelivered)
         #expect(bobDelegate.snapshot().count == 1)
@@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         ))
         let deposited = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope) != nil },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(deposited)
         let depositPacket = try #require(aliceOut.first(ofType: .courierEnvelope))
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
         bob._test_handlePacket(depositPacket, fromPeerID: alice.myPeerID, preseedPeer: false)
         let received = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bobDelegate.snapshot().isEmpty },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(received)
         let delivered = try #require(bobDelegate.snapshot().first)
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!cached)
     }
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!cached)
     }
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.defaultTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(cached)
         // The verified bundle now participates in Alice's sync rounds.
@@ -364,7 +364,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!cached)
         #expect(!alice._test_hasGossipPrekeyBundle(for: bob.myPeerID))
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ struct PrekeyEndToEndTests {
 
         let cached = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { alice.prekeyBundleStore.hasUsableBundle(for: bob.noiseStaticPublicKeyData()) },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!cached)
         #expect(!alice._test_hasGossipPrekeyBundle(for: bob.myPeerID))
diff --git a/bitchatTests/GossipSyncManagerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/GossipSyncManagerTests.swift
index ff2c406d..e0f3580c 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/GossipSyncManagerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/GossipSyncManagerTests.swift
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
             }
 
             manager.scheduleInitialSyncToPeer(PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), delaySeconds: 0.0)
-            try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.lastPacket != nil }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+            try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.lastPacket != nil }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         }
 
         let lastPacket = try #require(delegate.lastPacket, "Expected sync packet to be sent")
@@ -394,7 +394,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         )
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: peer, request: request)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 2 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 2 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         // Barrier: flush the sync queue so a late third packet would be visible.
         manager._performMaintenanceSynchronously(now: Date())
         let sentPackets = delegate.packets
@@ -477,7 +477,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: peer, request: request)
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: peer, request: request)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count >= 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count >= 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         // Barrier: both requests have been processed once this returns.
         manager._performMaintenanceSynchronously(now: Date())
         #expect(delegate.packets.count == 1)
@@ -498,7 +498,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
 
         manager.scheduleInitialSyncToPeer(PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), delaySeconds: 0.0)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         let packet = try #require(delegate.packets.first)
         let request = try #require(RequestSyncPacket.decode(from: packet.payload))
         let types = try #require(request.types)
@@ -553,7 +553,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         let request = RequestSyncPacket(p: 4, m: 1, data: Data(), types: .fragment)
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: peer, request: request)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         let sentPackets = delegate.packets
         #expect(sentPackets.count == 1)
         #expect(sentPackets[0].type == MessageType.fragment.rawValue)
@@ -615,7 +615,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         )
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), request: request)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         // Barrier: flush the sync queue so a late second packet would be visible.
         manager._performMaintenanceSynchronously(now: Date())
         let sentPackets = delegate.packets
@@ -641,7 +641,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         let stalledID = try #require(Data(hexString: "0102030405060708"))
         manager.requestMissingFragments(fragmentIDs: [stalledID])
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         let sent = try #require(delegate.packets.first)
         #expect(sent.type == MessageType.requestSync.rawValue)
         #expect(sent.ttl == 0)
@@ -697,7 +697,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         // And a .prekeyBundle sync request is answered with the stored packet.
         let request = RequestSyncPacket(p: 7, m: 1, data: Data(), types: .prekeyBundle)
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), request: request)
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         let served = try #require(delegate.packets.first)
         #expect(served.type == MessageType.prekeyBundle.rawValue)
         #expect(served.isRSR)
@@ -774,7 +774,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
         )
         let restored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { second._messageCount(for: PeerID(hexData: senderID)) == 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(restored)
     }
@@ -844,7 +844,7 @@ struct GossipSyncManagerTests {
                 !FileManager.default.fileExists(atPath: fileURL.path)
                     && manager._messageCount(for: PeerID(hexData: senderID)) == 0
             },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(erased)
     }
diff --git a/bitchatTests/NearbyNotesCounterTests.swift b/bitchatTests/NearbyNotesCounterTests.swift
index b548a8ae..5e328197 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/NearbyNotesCounterTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/NearbyNotesCounterTests.swift
@@ -392,7 +392,7 @@ final class NearbyNotesCounterTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseCoverageTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseCoverageTests.swift
index 7f3eb01a..d083bd47 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseCoverageTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Noise/NoiseCoverageTests.swift
@@ -723,9 +723,9 @@ struct NoiseCoverageTests {
             // A failed startup requirement must not strand a late thread in
             // the blocking test double after the test has returned.
             oldSession.resumeDecrypt()
-            _ = decryptResult.wait(timeout: 5)
+            _ = decryptResult.wait(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
             if let promotionResultForCleanup {
-                _ = promotionResultForCleanup.wait(timeout: 5)
+                _ = promotionResultForCleanup.wait(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
             }
         }
 
@@ -751,15 +751,19 @@ struct NoiseCoverageTests {
         promotionThread.name = "NoiseCoverageTests.staleDecrypt.promote"
         promotionThread.qualityOfService = .userInitiated
         promotionThread.start()
-        try #require(promotionStarted.wait(timeout: .now() + 5) == .success)
+        try #require(promotionStarted.wait(timeout: .now() + TestConstants.settleTimeout) == .success)
         #expect(
+            // test-timing-ok: a NEGATIVE wait — it asserts the promotion has
+            // NOT completed yet, so a long deadline would only make the suite
+            // slow while still passing. A starved runner can only make this
+            // more likely to hold, never less.
             promotionResult.wait(timeout: 0.05) == nil,
             "Promotion must wait for the exact decrypting-session lease"
         )
 
         oldSession.resumeDecrypt()
-        let decrypted = try #require(decryptResult.wait(timeout: 5)).get()
-        _ = try #require(promotionResult.wait(timeout: 5)).get()
+        let decrypted = try #require(decryptResult.wait(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)).get()
+        _ = try #require(promotionResult.wait(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)).get()
 
         #expect(decrypted.plaintext == Data("old session".utf8))
         #expect(decrypted.sessionGeneration == oldGeneration)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Nostr/GeoRelayDirectoryTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Nostr/GeoRelayDirectoryTests.swift
index 3a9c92ff..1a4ce385 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Nostr/GeoRelayDirectoryTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Nostr/GeoRelayDirectoryTests.swift
@@ -580,8 +580,16 @@ final class GeoRelayDirectoryTests: XCTestCase {
     /// constrained CI runners (2-core, serialized testing) can starve the
     /// detached utility-priority fetch task for seconds before it runs, and
     /// a successful wait returns as soon as the condition becomes true.
+    /// Default deliberately far larger than the work being awaited.
+    ///
+    /// The directory performs its fetch in a `Task.detached(priority: .utility)`,
+    /// and utility priority competes with every other suite on a CI runner. At
+    /// ten seconds the retry-scheduling test timed out at exactly 10.06s with
+    /// the retry never scheduled — which reads like a missing retry rather than
+    /// a starved background task. Returning as soon as the condition holds means
+    /// a longer deadline only extends the genuine-failure case.
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 10.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () async -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/PTTBurstPlayerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/PTTBurstPlayerTests.swift
index 00881f75..77d60a69 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/PTTBurstPlayerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/PTTBurstPlayerTests.swift
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ struct PTTBurstPlayerTests {
         _ condition: () -> Bool,
         sourceLocation: SourceLocation = #_sourceLocation
     ) async {
-        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(5))
+        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(TestConstants.settleTimeout))
         while !condition(), ContinuousClock.now < deadline {
             await Task.yield()
             try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: 1_000_000)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/FavoritesPersistenceServiceTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/FavoritesPersistenceServiceTests.swift
index aea80020..29eff020 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/FavoritesPersistenceServiceTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/FavoritesPersistenceServiceTests.swift
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ final class FavoritesPersistenceServiceTests: XCTestCase {
 
         service.addFavorite(peerNoisePublicKey: peerKey, peerNostrPublicKey: "npub1alice", peerNickname: "Alice")
 
-        wait(for: [expectation], timeout: 1.0)
+        wait(for: [expectation], timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         XCTAssertTrue(service.isFavorite(peerKey))
         XCTAssertEqual(service.getFavoriteStatus(for: peerKey)?.peerNickname, "Alice")
         XCTAssertNotNil(keychain.load(key: storageKey, service: serviceKey))
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/GeohashPresenceServiceTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/GeohashPresenceServiceTests.swift
index f463c4a1..127c0052 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/GeohashPresenceServiceTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/GeohashPresenceServiceTests.swift
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ final class GeohashPresenceServiceTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/LocationStateManagerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/LocationStateManagerTests.swift
index 69515f76..46114d26 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/LocationStateManagerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/LocationStateManagerTests.swift
@@ -355,7 +355,7 @@ final class LocationStateManagerTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkActivationServiceTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkActivationServiceTests.swift
index 06d3cf33..7faa4681 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkActivationServiceTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkActivationServiceTests.swift
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ final class NetworkActivationServiceTests: XCTestCase {
         context.service.start()
         context.service.setUserTorEnabled(false)
 
-        wait(for: [notified], timeout: 1.0)
+        wait(for: [notified], timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow)
         context.notificationCenter.removeObserver(token)
 
         XCTAssertFalse(context.service.userTorEnabled)
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ final class NetworkActivationServiceTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkReachabilityGateTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkReachabilityGateTests.swift
index e3c916af..525f417a 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkReachabilityGateTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/NetworkReachabilityGateTests.swift
@@ -69,25 +69,45 @@ final class NetworkReachabilityGateTests: XCTestCase {
         XCTAssertNil(d.pendingRemaining(at: t0.addingTimeInterval(2.5)))
     }
 
-    func test_monitor_duplicateUpdatesDoNotPostponeOfflineCommit() async {
-        let monitor = NWPathReachabilityMonitor(debounceInterval: 1.0)
+    /// Wiring only: a duplicate mid-window still yields exactly one committed
+    /// `false`, published through the monitor's debounce.
+    ///
+    /// This deliberately makes no assertion about *when* the flush fires. It
+    /// used to bound elapsed wall-clock time at 1.4 s to prove the deadline was
+    /// not restarted, which flaked on loaded CI runners — one observed run took
+    /// 3.75 s, because `Task.sleep` and the `asyncAfter` flush are both real
+    /// time and neither is bounded above on a busy machine. No wall-clock bound
+    /// can distinguish "deadline preserved" from "runner is slow", so the timing
+    /// property is asserted where it is computable instead:
+    /// `test_debounce_duplicateObservationsPreservePendingDeadline` drives
+    /// `ReachabilityDebounce` with injected timestamps and checks
+    /// `pendingRemaining` directly.
+    ///
+    /// The clock is injected here so the debounce arithmetic is deterministic
+    /// even though the flush itself is scheduled in real time.
+    func test_monitor_duplicateUpdatesCommitOnceThroughTheDebounce() async {
+        let clock = MutableDate(now: Date(timeIntervalSince1970: 1_784_000_000))
+        let monitor = NWPathReachabilityMonitor(
+            debounceInterval: 0.2,
+            now: { clock.now }
+        )
         var received: [Bool] = []
         let cancellable = monitor.reachabilityPublisher.sink { received.append($0) }
         defer { cancellable.cancel() }
 
-        let start = Date()
         monitor.ingest(reachable: false)
-        try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: 500_000_000)
-        // Duplicate unsatisfied update mid-window (e.g. interface detail change
-        // while still offline) must not restart the debounce window.
+        // Duplicate unsatisfied update mid-window (e.g. an interface detail
+        // change while still offline).
+        clock.now = clock.now.addingTimeInterval(0.1)
         monitor.ingest(reachable: false)
+        // Past the original deadline, so the scheduled flush commits.
+        clock.now = clock.now.addingTimeInterval(0.2)
 
-        let committed = await waitUntil(timeout: 2.0) { !received.isEmpty }
+        // Generous: this is a liveness check, not a latency bound. A real
+        // regression — never committing — still fails, just later.
+        let committed = await waitUntil(timeout: 10.0) { !received.isEmpty }
         XCTAssertTrue(committed)
         XCTAssertEqual(received, [false])
-        // The flush must fire at the original ~1.0s deadline, not ~1.5s
-        // (a full interval after the duplicate).
-        XCTAssertLessThan(Date().timeIntervalSince(start), 1.4)
     }
 
     // MARK: - Service gating
@@ -179,7 +199,7 @@ final class NetworkReachabilityGateTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
@@ -239,3 +259,13 @@ private final class GateMockProxyController: NetworkActivationProxyControlling {
     private(set) var proxyModes: [Bool] = []
     func setProxyMode(useTor: Bool) { proxyModes.append(useTor) }
 }
+
+/// Controllable clock, so debounce arithmetic is deterministic even where the
+/// flush itself is scheduled in real time.
+private final class MutableDate: @unchecked Sendable {
+    var now: Date
+
+    init(now: Date) {
+        self.now = now
+    }
+}
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/NoiseEncryptionServiceTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/NoiseEncryptionServiceTests.swift
index 7409cbba..a2031983 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/NoiseEncryptionServiceTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/NoiseEncryptionServiceTests.swift
@@ -105,11 +105,11 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
 
         try establishSessions(alice: alice, bob: bob)
 
-        let authenticated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ recorder.count >= 2 }, timeout: 5.0)
+        let authenticated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ recorder.count >= 2 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(authenticated)
         let generationAuthenticated = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recorder.generationCount >= 1 },
-            timeout: 5.0
+            timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout
         )
         #expect(generationAuthenticated)
         #expect(alice.hasEstablishedSession(with: bobPeerID))
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         #expect(!receiver.hasSession(with: claimedAlicePeerID))
         let emittedAuthentication = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recorder.count > 0 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!emittedAuthentication)
     }
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         #expect(try receiver.decrypt(after, from: alicePeerID) == Data("after".utf8))
         let emittedReplacementAuthentication = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recorder.count > 1 },
-            timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout
+            timeout: TestConstants.negativeWaitWindow
         )
         #expect(!emittedReplacementAuthentication)
     }
@@ -652,12 +652,12 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         )
         let retried = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recorder.messages.count == 1 },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(retried)
         let retryExpired = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !service.hasSession(with: peerID) },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(retryExpired)
         #expect(recorder.timeoutCount == 1)
@@ -710,7 +710,12 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         let alice = NoiseEncryptionService(keychain: MockKeychain())
         let bob = NoiseEncryptionService(
             keychain: MockKeychain(),
-            ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: 0.06,
+            // Generous for the same reason as the quarantine-restore test
+            // (#1483): this timeout also arms during the `establishSessions`
+            // setup handshake below, where bob is the responder. At 0.06 a
+            // preempted runner could fire it mid-setup, tear down the half-open
+            // responder, and make message 3 be answered as a fresh initiation.
+            ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: 1.0,
             ordinaryReconnectRollbackCooldown: 0.3
         )
         let mallory = NoiseEncryptionService(keychain: MockKeychain())
@@ -741,12 +746,12 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
 
         let restored = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { bob.hasEstablishedSession(with: alicePeerID) },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(restored)
         let callbackArrived = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recovery.timeoutCount == 1 },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(callbackArrived)
 
@@ -780,7 +785,13 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         let bob = NoiseEncryptionService(
             keychain: MockKeychain(),
             ordinaryHandshakeTimeout: 0.04,
-            ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: 0.04
+            // Also arms during the `establishSessions` setup handshake below,
+            // where bob is the responder. Observed failing on a loaded CI
+            // runner with exactly the signature #1483 documented: the setup's
+            // `#expect(finalMessage == nil)` saw a 96-byte message 2, because
+            // the half-open responder had already been torn down and message 3
+            // was answered as a fresh initiation.
+            ordinaryResponderHandshakeTimeout: 1.0
         )
         let alicePeerID = PeerID(publicKey: alice.getStaticPublicKeyData())
         let bobPeerID = PeerID(publicKey: bob.getStaticPublicKeyData())
@@ -814,12 +825,12 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
         // initiates one bounded convergence retry; drop that message 1 too.
         let retryPrepared = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recovery.messages.count == 1 },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(retryPrepared)
         let retryExpired = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { !bob.hasSession(with: alicePeerID) },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(retryExpired)
         #expect(recovery.timeoutCount == 1)
@@ -1026,7 +1037,7 @@ struct NoiseEncryptionServiceTests {
 
         let requested = await TestHelpers.waitUntil(
             { recovery.messages.count == 1 },
-            timeout: 1
+            timeout: TestConstants.longTimeout
         )
         #expect(requested)
         let retryMessage1 = try #require(recovery.messages.first)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/NostrRelayManagerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/NostrRelayManagerTests.swift
index 8e3849f0..e6c79201 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/NostrRelayManagerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/NostrRelayManagerTests.swift
@@ -960,7 +960,7 @@ final class NostrRelayManagerTests: XCTestCase {
             try context.sessionFactory.latestConnection(for: relayURL)?.emitEventMessage(subscriptionID: "ordered", event: event)
         }
 
-        let allDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: 5.0) {
+        let allDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout) {
             receivedIDs.count == events.count
         }
         XCTAssertTrue(allDelivered)
@@ -1006,7 +1006,7 @@ final class NostrRelayManagerTests: XCTestCase {
         }
         try context.sessionFactory.latestConnection(for: quietRelayURL)?.emitEventMessage(subscriptionID: "quiet", event: quietEvent)
 
-        let quietDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: 5.0) { quietDeliveredAfterBusyCount >= 0 }
+        let quietDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout) { quietDeliveredAfterBusyCount >= 0 }
         XCTAssertTrue(quietDelivered, "relay B's event was never delivered")
 
         // The signal: B did not have to wait for A's entire backlog. If the two
@@ -1019,7 +1019,7 @@ final class NostrRelayManagerTests: XCTestCase {
         )
 
         // Both relays still drain fully and in order.
-        let allDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: 5.0) {
+        let allDelivered = await waitUntil(timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout) {
             busyDeliveredCount == busyEvents.count
         }
         XCTAssertTrue(allDelivered)
@@ -1907,7 +1907,7 @@ final class NostrRelayManagerTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping @MainActor () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/NostrTransportTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/NostrTransportTests.swift
index e8fd19b5..5f657000 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/NostrTransportTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/NostrTransportTests.swift
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ struct NostrTransportTests {
 
         transport.sendPrivateMessage("hello over nostr", to: shortPeerID, recipientNickname: "Carol", messageID: "pm-1")
 
-        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: 5.0)
+        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didSend)
         let result = try decodeEmbeddedPayload(from: probe.sentEvents[0], recipient: recipient)
         let privateMessage = try decodePrivateMessage(from: result.payload)
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ struct NostrTransportTests {
 
         transport.sendFavoriteNotification(to: fullPeerID, isFavorite: true)
 
-        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: 5.0)
+        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didSend)
         let result = try decodeEmbeddedPayload(from: probe.sentEvents[0], recipient: recipient)
         let privateMessage = try decodePrivateMessage(from: result.payload)
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ struct NostrTransportTests {
 
         transport.sendDeliveryAck(for: "ack-1", to: fullPeerID)
 
-        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: 5.0)
+        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didSend)
         let result = try decodeEmbeddedPayload(from: probe.sentEvents[0], recipient: recipient)
 
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ struct NostrTransportTests {
             messageID: "geo-1"
         )
 
-        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: 5.0)
+        let didSend = await TestHelpers.waitUntil({ probe.sentEvents.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(didSend)
         let event = probe.sentEvents[0]
         let result = try decodeEmbeddedPayload(from: event, recipient: recipient)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerTests.swift
index c56049bb..aae65dab 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerTests.swift
@@ -562,7 +562,7 @@ final class SecureIdentityStateManagerTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerVouchTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerVouchTests.swift
index 6ab46490..ae71c91a 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerVouchTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Services/SecureIdentityStateManagerVouchTests.swift
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ struct SecureIdentityStateManagerVouchTests {
     // MARK: - Helpers
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Sync/GossipSyncBoardTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Sync/GossipSyncBoardTests.swift
index 7fe8bdcf..6e5b5357 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Sync/GossipSyncBoardTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Sync/GossipSyncBoardTests.swift
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ struct GossipSyncBoardTests {
         let request = RequestSyncPacket(p: 4, m: 1, data: Data(), types: .board)
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), request: request)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         let sent = try #require(delegate.packets.first)
         #expect(sent.type == MessageType.boardPost.rawValue)
         #expect(sent.isRSR)
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ struct GossipSyncBoardTests {
         let boardRequest = RequestSyncPacket(p: 4, m: 1, data: Data(), types: .board)
         manager.handleRequestSync(from: PeerID(str: "FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF"), request: boardRequest)
 
-        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout)
+        try await TestHelpers.waitFor({ delegate.packets.count == 1 }, timeout: TestConstants.settleTimeout)
         #expect(delegate.packets.count == 1)
         #expect(delegate.packets.first?.type == MessageType.boardPost.rawValue)
     }
diff --git a/bitchatTests/Sync/RequestSyncManagerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/Sync/RequestSyncManagerTests.swift
index aada4bfc..497271e6 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/Sync/RequestSyncManagerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/Sync/RequestSyncManagerTests.swift
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ final class RequestSyncManagerTests: XCTestCase {
     }
 
     private func waitUntil(
-        timeout: TimeInterval = 1.0,
+        timeout: TimeInterval = TestConstants.settleTimeout,
         condition: @escaping () -> Bool
     ) async -> Bool {
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(timeout)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestConstants.swift b/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestConstants.swift
index 83f5b46b..fb0cb65c 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestConstants.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestConstants.swift
@@ -11,14 +11,54 @@ import Foundation
 
 struct TestConstants {
     static let defaultTimeout: TimeInterval = 5.0
-    static let shortTimeout: TimeInterval = 1.0
     /// For positive waits on work that hops through `Task.detached` or
     /// background queues: those contend with every parallel test worker for
     /// the global executor, so a loaded CI runner can exceed
     /// `defaultTimeout`. `waitUntil` returns as soon as the condition holds,
     /// so passing runs never pay the longer timeout.
     static let longTimeout: TimeInterval = 10.0
-    
+
+    /// **Default deadline for any "wait until this async thing settles" helper.**
+    ///
+    /// Four separate tests flaked on CI during July 2026 with the same root
+    /// cause, and it is worth stating the rule rather than re-learning it a
+    /// fifth time: *a wait deadline is not a latency budget.* It exists so a
+    /// genuine hang eventually fails the suite. Size it for the worst-case
+    /// scheduler, never for how long the operation "should" take.
+    ///
+    /// A CI runner executes many suites at once. Work behind `@MainActor`,
+    /// `Task.detached(priority: .utility)`, or a `DispatchQueue.asyncAfter` can
+    /// be starved for seconds — one observed run took 3.75 s for a 1 s
+    /// operation. Deadlines sized to the operation (the old 1 s defaults) turn
+    /// that starvation into a red build that reads like a product bug.
+    ///
+    /// This costs nothing when tests pass, because every helper returns as soon
+    /// as its condition holds. It only extends the genuine-failure case.
+    ///
+    /// `TestTimingHygieneTests` enforces that wait helpers default to at least
+    /// `minimumSettleTimeout`.
+    static let settleTimeout: TimeInterval = 30.0
+
+    /// Floor enforced by `TestTimingHygieneTests`. Anything below this is a
+    /// latency assumption in disguise.
+    static let minimumSettleTimeout: TimeInterval = 10.0
+
+    /// For waits whose **expected outcome is `false`** — "prove this does not
+    /// happen".
+    ///
+    /// The floor above is wrong for these, and inverted: a negative wait always
+    /// runs its deadline out, so `settleTimeout` would spend 30 s per case
+    /// proving nothing extra. Starvation cannot cause a false failure here
+    /// either — a starved runner only makes the thing *less* likely to happen,
+    /// so the assertion still holds. Short is correct, and naming it says the
+    /// polarity out loud instead of leaving a bare literal that reads like the
+    /// mistake this file exists to prevent.
+    ///
+    /// `TestTimingHygieneTests` accepts this by name. Using it for a wait you
+    /// expect to succeed reintroduces exactly the flake class it sits next to.
+    static let negativeWaitWindow: TimeInterval = 1.0
+
+
     static let testNickname1 = "Alice"
     static let testNickname2 = "Bob"
     static let testNickname3 = "Charlie"
diff --git a/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestTimingHygieneTests.swift b/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestTimingHygieneTests.swift
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c6a15147
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bitchatTests/TestUtilities/TestTimingHygieneTests.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,177 @@
+import Foundation
+import Testing
+
+/// Guards the test suite against the flake class that produced four separate
+/// red builds in July 2026: **treating a wait deadline as a latency budget.**
+///
+/// A CI runner executes many suites at once, so work behind `@MainActor`,
+/// `Task.detached(priority: .utility)`, or `DispatchQueue.asyncAfter` can be
+/// starved for seconds. One observed run took 3.75 s for a 1 s operation.
+/// Deadlines sized to how long the operation "should" take turn that starvation
+/// into a red build that reads like a product bug, and the debugging cost lands
+/// on whoever opened an unrelated PR.
+///
+/// Two rules, both enforced below:
+///
+/// 1. A wait helper's default deadline must be at least
+///    `TestConstants.minimumSettleTimeout`. Waits return as soon as their
+///    condition holds, so a generous deadline is free in the passing case.
+/// 2. No test asserts an *upper bound* on elapsed wall-clock time. Such an
+///    assertion cannot distinguish the behaviour under test from a slow
+///    machine, so it can only be flaky. Assert the property somewhere it is
+///    computable — with an injected clock, on the pure logic — instead.
+///
+/// Both rules can be waived per line with `\(Self.waiver)` plus a reason, for
+/// the rare case where the timing itself is genuinely the thing under test.
+struct TestTimingHygieneTests {
+    /// Opt-out marker. Reviewers should expect a reason next to it.
+    static let waiver = "test-timing-ok:"
+
+    private static let testsRoot = URL(fileURLWithPath: #filePath)
+        .deletingLastPathComponent()  // TestUtilities
+        .deletingLastPathComponent()  // bitchatTests
+
+    private struct Line {
+        let file: String
+        let number: Int
+        let text: String
+        /// True when the waiver appears on this line or in the comment block
+        /// immediately above it, so a reason can be written at readable length
+        /// rather than crammed onto the end of the code line.
+        let waived: Bool
+    }
+
+    private static func swiftLines() throws -> [Line] {
+        let enumerator = FileManager.default.enumerator(
+            at: testsRoot,
+            includingPropertiesForKeys: nil
+        )
+        var out: [Line] = []
+        while let url = enumerator?.nextObject() as? URL {
+            guard url.pathExtension == "swift" else { continue }
+            // This file necessarily contains the patterns it bans.
+            guard url.lastPathComponent != "TestTimingHygieneTests.swift" else { continue }
+            let name = url.lastPathComponent
+            let texts = try String(contentsOf: url, encoding: .utf8)
+                .components(separatedBy: .newlines)
+            for (index, text) in texts.enumerated() {
+                // Scan back over an unbroken run of comment lines.
+                var waived = text.contains(waiver)
+                var back = index - 1
+                while !waived, back >= 0 {
+                    let above = texts[back].trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespaces)
+                    guard above.hasPrefix("//") else { break }
+                    waived = above.contains(waiver)
+                    back -= 1
+                }
+                out.append(Line(file: name, number: index + 1, text: text, waived: waived))
+            }
+        }
+        return out
+    }
+
+    private static func isWaived(_ line: Line) -> Bool {
+        line.waived
+    }
+
+    /// Rule 1: no wait helper may default to a deadline below the floor.
+    @Test func waitHelpersDoNotDefaultToShortDeadlines() throws {
+        let lines = try Self.swiftLines()
+        #expect(!lines.isEmpty, "hygiene scan found no test sources — check the path")
+
+        // Two shapes, both of which have flaked here:
+        //   a declaration default — `timeout: TimeInterval = 2.5`
+        //   a wait call site      — `wait(for:…, timeout: 1.0)`, `waitUntil(timeout: 5.0)`
+        //
+        // Deliberately NOT matched: a bare `timeout:` label on something that is
+        // not a wait, such as the injected production handshake timeouts in the
+        // Noise tests. Those are the behaviour under test, and a short value is
+        // correct there.
+        let patterns = [
+            #"(?:timeout|deadline)\s*:\s*TimeInterval\s*=\s*([0-9]+(?:\.[0-9]+)?)"#,
+            #"(?:wait|waitUntil|waitFor|fulfillment)\s*\([^)]*\btimeout:\s*([0-9]+(?:\.[0-9]+)?)"#
+        ].map { try? NSRegularExpression(pattern: $0) }.compactMap { $0 }
+        #expect(patterns.count == 2, "hygiene regexes failed to compile")
+
+        // Named constants hide the same mistake behind a symbol, and did: the
+        // fifth flake of the session was `timeout: TestConstants.shortTimeout`
+        // (1 s) on a positive wait, which a literals-only scan cannot see.
+        // `shortTimeout` itself is deleted (Periphery flagged it dead once its
+        // last wait site converted); the ban stays so it cannot come back.
+        // `negativeWaitWindow` is deliberately absent — short is correct there.
+        let bannedConstants = ["shortTimeout", "defaultTimeout"]
+
+        var offenders: [String] = []
+        for line in lines where !Self.isWaived(line) {
+            let range = NSRange(line.text.startIndex..., in: line.text)
+            var flagged = false
+            for pattern in patterns {
+                guard let match = pattern.firstMatch(in: line.text, range: range),
+                      let valueRange = Range(match.range(at: 1), in: line.text),
+                      let value = TimeInterval(line.text[valueRange]),
+                      value < TestConstants.minimumSettleTimeout else { continue }
+                offenders.append("\(line.file):\(line.number) — \(value)s: \(line.text.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespaces))")
+                flagged = true
+                break
+            }
+            guard !flagged else { continue }
+            for name in bannedConstants
+            where line.text.contains("timeout: TestConstants.\(name)") {
+                offenders.append("\(line.file):\(line.number) — TestConstants.\(name): \(line.text.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespaces))")
+                break
+            }
+        }
+
+        #expect(
+            offenders.isEmpty,
+            """
+            Wait deadlines below \(TestConstants.minimumSettleTimeout)s are latency \
+            assumptions and will flake on a loaded runner. Use \
+            TestConstants.settleTimeout, or add "\(Self.waiver) <reason>" if the \
+            timing really is what the test asserts.
+
+            \(offenders.joined(separator: "\n"))
+            """
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// Rule 2: no test bounds elapsed wall-clock time from above.
+    ///
+    /// This is the assertion that started it all — `XCTAssertLessThan(
+    /// Date().timeIntervalSince(start), 1.4)` proving a debounce deadline was
+    /// not restarted. It cannot separate "behaved correctly" from "runner was
+    /// busy", so it only ever fails for the wrong reason.
+    @Test func testsDoNotAssertUpperBoundsOnElapsedTime() throws {
+        let lines = try Self.swiftLines()
+
+        let elapsedAssertion = try NSRegularExpression(
+            pattern: #"(?:XCTAssertLessThan|XCTAssertLessThanOrEqual)\s*\(\s*(?:Date\(\)\.timeIntervalSince|[A-Za-z_][A-Za-z0-9_]*\.timeIntervalSince|ContinuousClock)"#
+        )
+
+        var offenders: [String] = []
+        for line in lines where !Self.isWaived(line) {
+            let range = NSRange(line.text.startIndex..., in: line.text)
+            guard elapsedAssertion.firstMatch(in: line.text, range: range) != nil else { continue }
+            offenders.append("\(line.file):\(line.number) — \(line.text.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespaces))")
+        }
+
+        #expect(
+            offenders.isEmpty,
+            """
+            An upper bound on elapsed wall-clock time cannot distinguish the \
+            behaviour under test from a slow machine. Assert the property where \
+            it is computable — inject a clock, or test the pure logic — or add \
+            "\(Self.waiver) <reason>".
+
+            \(offenders.joined(separator: "\n"))
+            """
+        )
+    }
+
+    /// The floor must stay meaningfully above the operations being waited on,
+    /// and the default must satisfy the rule this file enforces.
+    @Test func settleTimeoutsAreSelfConsistent() {
+        #expect(TestConstants.settleTimeout >= TestConstants.minimumSettleTimeout)
+        #expect(TestConstants.minimumSettleTimeout > TestConstants.defaultTimeout)
+    }
+}
diff --git a/bitchatTests/VoiceCaptureSessionTests.swift b/bitchatTests/VoiceCaptureSessionTests.swift
index 344697a6..bfa0ac96 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/VoiceCaptureSessionTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/VoiceCaptureSessionTests.swift
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ struct VoiceCaptureSessionTests {
         _ condition: () -> Bool,
         sourceLocation: SourceLocation = #_sourceLocation
     ) async {
-        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(5))
+        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(TestConstants.settleTimeout))
         while !condition(), ContinuousClock.now < deadline {
             await Task.yield()
             try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: 1_000_000)
diff --git a/bitchatTests/VoiceNotePlaybackControllerTests.swift b/bitchatTests/VoiceNotePlaybackControllerTests.swift
index f7853f1d..29991d0e 100644
--- a/bitchatTests/VoiceNotePlaybackControllerTests.swift
+++ b/bitchatTests/VoiceNotePlaybackControllerTests.swift
@@ -59,11 +59,24 @@ struct VoiceNotePlaybackControllerTests {
         return url
     }
 
+    /// Waits for an async settle, then asserts.
+    ///
+    /// The deadline is deliberately far larger than the work it waits on. Every
+    /// condition here depends on a `@MainActor` Task that playback schedules
+    /// (the session acquire and its failure path), and on a CI runner executing
+    /// many suites in parallel that Task can simply not be scheduled for
+    /// seconds. At five seconds this timed out on CI and reported *two*
+    /// failures — the wait itself, and the `!isPlaying` that the un-run failure
+    /// path had not yet reset — which reads like a playback bug rather than a
+    /// starved scheduler.
+    ///
+    /// A generous deadline costs nothing when the condition holds, since this
+    /// returns as soon as it does; it only extends the genuine-failure case.
     private func waitUntil(
         _ condition: () -> Bool,
         sourceLocation: SourceLocation = #_sourceLocation
     ) async {
-        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(5))
+        let deadline = ContinuousClock.now.advanced(by: .seconds(TestConstants.settleTimeout))
         while !condition(), ContinuousClock.now < deadline {
             await Task.yield()
             try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: 1_000_000)
diff --git a/localPackages/BitFoundation/Tests/BitFoundationTests/TestConstants.swift b/localPackages/BitFoundation/Tests/BitFoundationTests/TestConstants.swift
index 2bb3a0e8..cd0ef876 100644
--- a/localPackages/BitFoundation/Tests/BitFoundationTests/TestConstants.swift
+++ b/localPackages/BitFoundation/Tests/BitFoundationTests/TestConstants.swift
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ import Foundation
 // Kept local until the test-helper module is split out.
 struct TestConstants {
     static let defaultTimeout: TimeInterval = 5.0
-    static let shortTimeout: TimeInterval = 1.0
     static let longTimeout: TimeInterval = 10.0
     
     static let testNickname1 = "Alice"