/* =========================================================================
   QuidCompare — stylesheet
   1. Tokens & reset            6. Cards & pills
   2. Base typography           7. Hero
   3. Layout helpers            8. Sections (trust, spotlight, cta)
   4. Buttons                   9. Article / prose / callout
   5. Header & nav             10. Pages, footer, responsive
   ========================================================================= */

/* 1. Tokens & reset ------------------------------------------------------ */
:root {
  --navy: #0a2540;
  --navy-700: #0e3257;
  --blue: #0b5cd6;
  --blue-600: #0a51bf;
  --blue-700: #0846a3;
  --blue-50: #eaf2ff;
  --blue-100: #d6e6ff;
  --gold: #ffce4f;
  --gold-600: #f3b822;
  --green: #16a34a;

  --ink: #16202e;
  --ink-2: #4a5567;
  --ink-3: #6b7686;
  --line: #e6eaf1;
  --line-2: #eef2f7;
  --bg: #ffffff;
  --tint: #f4f7fc;
  --tint-2: #eef3fb;

  --radius-sm: 10px;
  --radius: 16px;
  --radius-lg: 24px;
  --radius-pill: 999px;

  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 2px rgba(16,24,40,.06), 0 1px 3px rgba(16,24,40,.05);
  --shadow: 0 12px 32px -14px rgba(10,37,64,.22);
  --shadow-lg: 0 28px 60px -24px rgba(10,37,64,.32);

  --maxw: 1160px;
  --gap: clamp(1rem, 3vw, 2rem);
  --font-head: "Plus Jakarta Sans", system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, sans-serif;
  --font-body: "Inter", system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, sans-serif;
}

*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }
* { margin: 0; }

html { -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; scroll-behavior: smooth; }

body {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  color: var(--ink);
  background: var(--bg);
  line-height: 1.6;
  font-size: 1rem;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}

img, svg { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
a { color: var(--blue); text-decoration: none; }
a:hover { color: var(--blue-700); }
ul { list-style: none; padding: 0; }
button { font: inherit; cursor: pointer; }

:focus-visible {
  outline: 3px solid var(--blue);
  outline-offset: 2px;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

.skip-link {
  position: absolute; left: 50%; transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(-150%);
  top: 8px; z-index: 200; background: var(--navy); color: #fff;
  padding: .6rem 1rem; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); transition: transform .2s;
}
.skip-link:focus { transform: translateX(-50%) translateY(0); color: #fff; }

.visually-hidden, .field label.visually-hidden {
  position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; padding: 0; margin: -1px;
  overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); white-space: nowrap; border: 0;
}

/* 2. Base typography ----------------------------------------------------- */
h1, h2, h3, h4 { font-family: var(--font-head); color: var(--navy); line-height: 1.2; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.01em; }
h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 4.5vw, 3.1rem); }
h2 { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.1rem); }
h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; }
p { color: var(--ink-2); }
strong { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 600; }

/* 3. Layout helpers ------------------------------------------------------ */
.container { width: 100%; max-width: var(--maxw); margin-inline: auto; padding-inline: clamp(1rem, 4vw, 2rem); }
.narrow { max-width: 760px; }

.section { padding-block: clamp(3rem, 7vw, 5.5rem); }
.section--tint { background: var(--tint); }

.section__head { margin-bottom: 2.25rem; }
.section__head--row { display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.section__title { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.1rem); }
.section__sub { color: var(--ink-3); margin-top: .4rem; }

.link-arrow { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .35rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--blue); white-space: nowrap; }
.link-arrow svg { transition: transform .2s; }
.link-arrow:hover svg { transform: translateX(3px); }

.dot { color: var(--ink-3); }

/* 4. Buttons ------------------------------------------------------------- */
.btn {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: .5rem;
  font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .98rem;
  padding: .8rem 1.4rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); border: 2px solid transparent;
  cursor: pointer; transition: transform .15s ease, box-shadow .2s ease, background .2s ease, color .2s; line-height: 1;
}
.btn:active { transform: translateY(1px); }
.btn--primary { background: var(--blue); color: #fff; box-shadow: 0 8px 20px -8px rgba(11,92,214,.6); }
.btn--primary:hover { background: var(--blue-700); color: #fff; box-shadow: 0 12px 26px -8px rgba(11,92,214,.7); }
.btn--gold { background: var(--gold); color: var(--navy); }
.btn--gold:hover { background: var(--gold-600); color: var(--navy); }
.btn--dark { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.btn--dark:hover { background: var(--navy-700); color: #fff; }
.btn--outline { background: transparent; color: var(--blue); border-color: var(--line); }
.btn--outline:hover { border-color: var(--blue); background: var(--blue-50); color: var(--blue-700); }
.btn--block { display: flex; width: 100%; }

/* 5. Header & nav -------------------------------------------------------- */
.site-header {
  position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 100; background: rgba(255,255,255,.9);
  backdrop-filter: saturate(180%) blur(12px); border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;
  transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s;
}
.site-header.is-scrolled { border-bottom-color: var(--line); box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.site-header__inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; height: 72px; gap: 1rem; }

.brand { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .6rem; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.32rem; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.brand__svg { display: block; flex-shrink: 0; filter: drop-shadow(0 4px 10px rgba(10,37,64,.18)); }
.brand__quid { color: var(--navy); }
.brand__compare { color: var(--blue); }
.brand:hover { color: inherit; }

.site-nav { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1.75rem; }
.site-nav__list { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1.5rem; }
.site-nav__list a { color: var(--ink); font-weight: 500; font-family: var(--font-head); position: relative; padding-block: .25rem; }
.site-nav__list a:hover { color: var(--blue); }
.site-nav__list a[aria-current="page"] { color: var(--blue); }
.site-nav__list a[aria-current="page"]::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: -2px; height: 2px;
  background: var(--blue); border-radius: 2px;
}
.site-nav__close, .site-header__toggle { display: none; background: none; border: 0; color: var(--navy); padding: .25rem; }

/* 6. Cards & pills ------------------------------------------------------- */
.pill {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .3rem; font-family: var(--font-head);
  font-weight: 600; font-size: .76rem; letter-spacing: .02em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--blue-700); background: var(--blue-50); padding: .3rem .65rem;
  border-radius: var(--radius-pill);
}
.pill--solid { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }

.card-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(290px, 1fr)); gap: 1.5rem; }

.card {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; background: var(--bg); border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: var(--radius); overflow: hidden; transition: transform .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease, border-color .2s;
}
.card:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); box-shadow: var(--shadow); border-color: transparent; }
.card__media {
  position: relative; aspect-ratio: 16 / 8; display: grid; place-items: center;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent, var(--blue)), color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent, var(--blue)) 62%, #000));
}
.card__media::after {
  content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(120px 80px at 80% 20%, rgba(255,255,255,.25), transparent 70%);
}
.card__media-icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 58px; height: 58px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(255,255,255,.18); color: #fff; backdrop-filter: blur(2px); }
.card__body { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: .7rem; padding: 1.25rem 1.35rem 1.45rem; flex: 1; }
.card__title { font-size: 1.12rem; line-height: 1.3; }
.card__title a { color: var(--navy); }
.card__title a:hover { color: var(--blue); }
.card__excerpt { font-size: .94rem; color: var(--ink-2); flex: 1; }
.card__meta { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-top: .2rem; }
.card--featured .card__media { aspect-ratio: 16 / 7; }

/* 7. Hero ---------------------------------------------------------------- */
.hero { position: relative; overflow: hidden; background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--blue-50), #fff 78%); }
.hero::before, .hero::after { content: ""; position: absolute; border-radius: 50%; filter: blur(10px); opacity: .5; pointer-events: none; }
.hero::before { width: 420px; height: 420px; top: -160px; right: -120px; background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(11,92,214,.18), transparent 70%); }
.hero::after { width: 360px; height: 360px; bottom: -180px; left: -120px; background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(255,206,79,.22), transparent 70%); }
.hero__inner { position: relative; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.1fr .9fr; gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem); align-items: center; padding-block: clamp(3rem, 7vw, 5.5rem); }

.hero__eyebrow { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .45rem; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .85rem; color: var(--blue-700); background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--blue-100); padding: .4rem .8rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.hero__title { margin-top: 1.1rem; font-size: clamp(2.3rem, 5.2vw, 3.6rem); line-height: 1.06; }
.hero__title-accent { color: var(--blue); }
.hero__lede { margin-top: 1.1rem; font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 1.6vw, 1.2rem); color: var(--ink-2); max-width: 34ch; }

.hero__search { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; margin-top: 1.8rem; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius-pill); padding: .4rem .4rem .4rem 1rem; box-shadow: var(--shadow); max-width: 520px; }
.hero__search-icon { color: var(--ink-3); display: grid; place-items: center; }
.hero__search input { flex: 1; border: 0; outline: 0; font-size: 1rem; background: transparent; color: var(--ink); min-width: 0; padding: .55rem .25rem; }
.hero__search .btn { white-space: nowrap; }

.hero__chips { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: .55rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; font-size: .9rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
.hero__chips a { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); padding: .35rem .8rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); color: var(--ink); font-weight: 500; }
.hero__chips a:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); }

.hero__panel { position: relative; display: grid; gap: 1rem; justify-items: stretch; }
.hero__card { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .9rem; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1rem 1.15rem; box-shadow: var(--shadow); }
.hero__card strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); color: var(--navy); }
.hero__card span { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
.hero__card-icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 46px; height: 46px; border-radius: 12px; color: #fff; background: var(--accent, var(--blue)); flex-shrink: 0; }
.hero__card-tag { margin-left: auto; font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; font-family: var(--font-head); color: var(--green); background: #e7f7ee; padding: .3rem .6rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); }
.hero__card--1 { transform: translateX(-6%); }
.hero__card--2 { transform: translateX(6%); z-index: 2; }
.hero__card--3 { transform: translateX(-2%); }

/* Category tiles */
.tile-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(170px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; }
.tile {
  position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: .55rem; padding: 1.4rem;
  background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius);
  color: var(--ink); transition: transform .2s, box-shadow .2s, border-color .2s;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.tile:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); box-shadow: var(--shadow); border-color: transparent; color: var(--ink); }
.tile__icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 50px; height: 50px; border-radius: 14px; color: var(--accent); background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 12%, #fff); }
.tile__name { font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); font-size: 1.05rem; }
.tile__count { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); }
.tile__arrow { position: absolute; top: 1.2rem; right: 1.1rem; color: var(--accent); opacity: 0; transform: translateX(-6px); transition: .2s; }
.tile:hover .tile__arrow { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }

/* 8. Sections: trust, spotlight, cta ------------------------------------ */
.trust { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; }
.trust__inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 1.5rem; padding-block: 2.25rem; }
.trust__item { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .85rem; }
.trust__icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 12px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.1); color: var(--gold); flex-shrink: 0; }
.trust__item strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); color: #fff; }
.trust__item span { font-size: .85rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); }

.spotlight__inner { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem); align-items: center; }
.spotlight__copy .section__title { margin: .9rem 0 1rem; }
.spotlight__copy p { margin-bottom: 1.6rem; max-width: 46ch; }
.spotlight__list { display: grid; gap: .85rem; }
.spotlight__list li a {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .9rem; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.1rem 1.25rem; color: var(--ink); transition: .2s;
}
.spotlight__list li a:hover { border-color: var(--blue); box-shadow: var(--shadow); transform: translateX(4px); }
.spotlight__list-icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--blue-50); color: var(--blue); flex-shrink: 0; }
.spotlight__list strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); color: var(--navy); line-height: 1.3; }
.spotlight__list em { font-style: normal; font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); }

.cta-band { background: linear-gradient(120deg, var(--navy), var(--blue-700)); color: #fff; }
.cta-band__inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 2rem; padding-block: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem); flex-wrap: wrap; }
.cta-band h2 { color: #fff; }
.cta-band p { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); margin-top: .4rem; }

/* 9. Pages: head, crumbs, filter --------------------------------------- */
.page-head { background: var(--tint); padding-block: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.page-head h1 { margin-bottom: .6rem; }
.page-head p { max-width: 60ch; font-size: 1.05rem; }
.page-head--accent { background: linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 14%, #fff), #fff); border-bottom-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 25%, var(--line)); }
.page-head__icon { display: inline-grid; place-items: center; width: 60px; height: 60px; border-radius: 16px; color: var(--accent); background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 14%, #fff); margin-bottom: 1rem; }

.crumbs { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-bottom: 1.1rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.crumbs a { color: var(--ink-2); }
.crumbs a:hover { color: var(--blue); }
.crumbs--light { color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); }
.crumbs--light a { color: rgba(255,255,255,.85); }
.crumbs--light a:hover { color: #fff; }

.filter-bar { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .6rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.filter-chip { padding: .5rem 1rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); color: var(--ink-2); font-weight: 500; font-size: .9rem; }
.filter-chip:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); }
.filter-chip.is-active { background: var(--navy); border-color: var(--navy); color: #fff; }

/* 9b. Article ----------------------------------------------------------- */
.article-hero { background: linear-gradient(135deg, color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 16%, #fff), #fff 85%); padding-block: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.75rem); border-bottom: 1px solid color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent) 22%, var(--line)); }
.article-hero .container { max-width: 860px; }
.article-hero .pill { margin-bottom: 1.1rem; }
.article-hero__title { margin: .4rem 0 1rem; max-width: 20ch; }
.article-hero__excerpt { font-size: 1.15rem; color: var(--ink-2); max-width: 60ch; }

.article-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) 300px; gap: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3.5rem); padding-block: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem); }
.article-main { min-width: 0; max-width: 720px; }

.takeaways { background: var(--blue-50); border: 1px solid var(--blue-100); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.4rem 1.5rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; }
.takeaways h2 { font-size: 1.05rem; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; margin-bottom: .8rem; color: var(--blue-700); }
.takeaways h2 svg { color: var(--blue); }
.takeaways ul { display: grid; gap: .55rem; }
.takeaways li { position: relative; padding-left: 1.5rem; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: .96rem; }
.takeaways li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: 0; top: .55em; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--blue); }

/* Prose */
.prose { color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1.06rem; line-height: 1.78; }
.prose > * + * { margin-top: 1.15rem; }
.prose h2 { font-size: 1.5rem; margin-top: 2.4rem; color: var(--navy); }
.prose h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-top: 1.8rem; color: var(--navy); }
.prose p { color: var(--ink-2); }
.prose a { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 500; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--blue) 35%, transparent); text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.prose a:hover { color: var(--blue-700); text-decoration-color: var(--blue-700); }
.prose ul { display: grid; gap: .55rem; padding-left: 0; }
.prose ul li { position: relative; padding-left: 1.6rem; }
.prose ul li::before { content: ""; position: absolute; left: .2rem; top: .65em; width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--gold-600); }
.prose strong { color: var(--ink); }
.prose em { font-style: italic; }

/* Callout (provider recommendation / backlink block) */
.callout {
  margin: 2rem 0; padding: 1.5rem 1.6rem; border-radius: var(--radius);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff, var(--blue-50));
  border: 1px solid var(--blue-100); border-left: 4px solid var(--blue);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.callout__tag { display: inline-flex; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; font-size: .72rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .04em; color: var(--blue-700); background: var(--blue-100); padding: .3rem .65rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); margin-bottom: .75rem; }
.callout h3 { color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.callout p { margin: 0 0 1.1rem; color: var(--ink-2); font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.6; }
.callout p a { color: var(--blue-700); font-weight: 600; }
.callout__cta { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .45rem; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; color: #fff; background: var(--blue); padding: .7rem 1.2rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); }
.callout__cta:hover { background: var(--blue-700); color: #fff; }

.article-foot { margin-top: 2.5rem; padding-top: 1.5rem; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1rem; }
.article-foot__note { font-size: .88rem; color: var(--ink-3); font-style: italic; }

.article-aside { min-width: 0; }
.aside-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.4rem; }
.aside-card--sticky { position: sticky; top: 92px; }
.aside-card h3 { margin-bottom: 1rem; font-size: 1.05rem; }
.aside-list { display: grid; gap: .9rem; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.aside-list a { display: block; color: var(--ink); }
.aside-list strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .95rem; line-height: 1.35; color: var(--navy); }
.aside-list a:hover strong { color: var(--blue); }
.aside-list span { font-size: .8rem; color: var(--ink-3); }

/* 9c. About / contact / empty ------------------------------------------ */
.cta-inline { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 1.5rem; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-top: 2.5rem; padding: 1.6rem 1.8rem; background: var(--tint); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); }
.cta-inline h3 { color: var(--navy); }
.cta-inline p { margin-top: .2rem; }

.contact-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: .8fr 1.2fr; gap: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3.5rem); align-items: start; }
.contact-info { display: grid; gap: 1.5rem; }
.contact-item { display: flex; gap: 1rem; }
.contact-item__icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 46px; height: 46px; border-radius: 12px; background: var(--blue-50); color: var(--blue); flex-shrink: 0; }
.contact-item h3 { font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: .2rem; }
.contact-item p { font-size: .95rem; }

.contact-form { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.2rem); box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.contact-form h2 { font-size: 1.4rem; margin-bottom: 1.3rem; }
.field { margin-bottom: 1.1rem; }
.field label { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .9rem; color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: .4rem; }
.field input, .field textarea, .newsletter input {
  width: 100%; font: inherit; color: var(--ink); padding: .8rem 1rem; border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm); background: #fff; transition: border-color .2s, box-shadow .2s;
}
.field input:focus, .field textarea:focus, .newsletter input:focus { outline: 0; border-color: var(--blue); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--blue-50); }
.field textarea { resize: vertical; }
.contact-form__note { margin-top: 1rem; font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-3); }

.empty-state { text-align: center; max-width: 480px; margin-inline: auto; padding: 3rem 1rem; }
.empty-state--tall { padding-block: 4.5rem; }
.empty-state__icon { display: inline-grid; place-items: center; width: 70px; height: 70px; border-radius: 20px; background: var(--blue-50); color: var(--blue); margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.empty-state h1, .empty-state h2 { margin-bottom: .6rem; }
.empty-state p { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.empty-state__actions { display: flex; gap: .8rem; justify-content: center; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.error-code { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; font-size: clamp(4rem, 12vw, 7rem); line-height: 1; color: var(--blue); opacity: .25; margin-bottom: .5rem; }

/* 10. Footer ------------------------------------------------------------ */
.site-footer { background: var(--navy); color: rgba(255,255,255,.72); padding-block: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem); margin-top: auto; }
.site-footer__grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.6fr 1fr 1fr 1.4fr; gap: 2rem; padding-bottom: 2.25rem; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); }
.brand--footer { margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.brand--footer .brand__quid { color: #fff; }
.brand--footer .brand__compare { color: var(--gold); }
.site-footer__blurb { font-size: .92rem; max-width: 40ch; }
.site-footer__col h4 { color: #fff; font-size: .85rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .05em; margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.site-footer__col ul { display: grid; gap: .6rem; }
.site-footer__col a { color: rgba(255,255,255,.72); font-size: .92rem; }
.site-footer__col a:hover { color: #fff; }
.site-footer__col--wide p { font-size: .92rem; margin-bottom: 1rem; }

.newsletter { display: flex; gap: .5rem; }
.newsletter input { background: rgba(255,255,255,.08); border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.16); color: #fff; }
.newsletter input::placeholder { color: rgba(255,255,255,.5); }
.newsletter .btn { white-space: nowrap; }

.site-footer__legal { padding-top: 1.75rem; display: grid; gap: 1rem; }
.site-footer__legal p { font-size: .82rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.55); line-height: 1.6; }
.site-footer__legal strong { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); }
.site-footer__copy { font-size: .85rem; }

/* 11. Responsive -------------------------------------------------------- */
@media (max-width: 980px) {
  .hero__inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .hero__panel { max-width: 460px; margin-top: 1rem; }
  .spotlight__inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 2rem; }
  .article-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .article-aside { display: none; }
  .contact-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .trust__inner { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 1.25rem; }
  .site-footer__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .site-footer__brand, .site-footer__col--wide { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
}

@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .site-header__toggle { display: inline-flex; }
  .site-nav {
    position: fixed; inset: 0 0 0 auto; width: min(320px, 86vw); background: #fff;
    flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; justify-content: flex-start;
    padding: 5rem 1.5rem 2rem; gap: 1rem; transform: translateX(100%);
    transition: transform .28s ease; box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); z-index: 110;
  }
  .nav-open .site-nav { transform: translateX(0); }
  .nav-open { overflow: hidden; }
  .site-nav__list { flex-direction: column; align-items: stretch; gap: .25rem; }
  .site-nav__list a { padding: .75rem .5rem; border-radius: var(--radius-sm); font-size: 1.05rem; }
  .site-nav__list a:hover { background: var(--tint); }
  .site-nav__list a[aria-current="page"]::after { display: none; }
  .site-nav__cta { margin-top: .5rem; }
  .site-nav__close { display: inline-flex; position: absolute; top: 1.25rem; right: 1.25rem; }
  body::after { content: ""; position: fixed; inset: 0; background: rgba(10,37,64,.45); opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; transition: .28s; z-index: 105; }
  .nav-open::after { opacity: 1; visibility: visible; }

  .hero__card--1, .hero__card--2, .hero__card--3 { transform: none; }
  .cta-band__inner { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
  .trust__inner { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .card-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  * { scroll-behavior: auto !important; transition: none !important; animation: none !important; }
}

/* =========================================================================
   12. Enhancements — trust signals, bylines, tables, badges
   ========================================================================= */

/* Badges */
.badge { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: .3rem; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; font-size: .72rem; letter-spacing: .02em; padding: .28rem .6rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); }
.badge--pick { background: var(--gold); color: var(--navy); }
.badge--checked { background: #e7f7ee; color: #137a3c; }
.badge svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }

/* Editor's pick ribbon on featured cards */
.card { position: relative; }
.card__badge { position: absolute; top: .85rem; left: .85rem; z-index: 2; box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }

/* "Trusted sources" strip (authoritative outbound links) */
.sources { background: #fff; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); }
.sources__inner { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 1.25rem 1.75rem; flex-wrap: wrap; padding-block: 1.5rem; }
.sources__label { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); font-size: .92rem; }
.sources__label svg { color: var(--blue); }
.sources__list { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: .55rem; }
.source-chip { font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-2); background: var(--tint); border: 1px solid var(--line); padding: .4rem .8rem; border-radius: var(--radius-pill); transition: .2s; }
.source-chip:hover { border-color: var(--blue); color: var(--blue); background: var(--blue-50); }

/* "Why trust us" grid */
.trust-cards { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(230px, 1fr)); gap: 1.25rem; }
.trust-card { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.6rem; }
.trust-card__icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 48px; height: 48px; border-radius: 12px; background: var(--blue-50); color: var(--blue); margin-bottom: 1rem; }
.trust-card h3 { font-size: 1.08rem; margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.trust-card p { font-size: .94rem; }

/* Article byline */
.byline { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .75rem; margin-top: 1.4rem; }
.byline__avatar { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--navy), var(--blue)); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; font-size: .9rem; flex-shrink: 0; }
.byline__text { display: flex; flex-direction: column; line-height: 1.35; }
.byline__name { font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); font-size: .95rem; }
.byline__meta { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: .5rem; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.byline__meta svg { vertical-align: -2px; }

/* Author card (end of article) */
.author-card { display: flex; gap: 1.1rem; align-items: flex-start; margin-top: 2rem; padding: 1.5rem; background: var(--tint); border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); }
.author-card__avatar { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 54px; height: 54px; border-radius: 50%; background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--navy), var(--blue)); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; }
.author-card h3 { font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: .3rem; }
.author-card p { font-size: .9rem; margin: 0; }

/* Comparison table */
.compare-wrap { position: relative; overflow-x: auto; margin: 1.8rem 0; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; }
.compare { width: 100%; min-width: 560px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: .95rem; background: #fff; }
.compare caption { caption-side: bottom; text-align: left; font-size: .82rem; color: var(--ink-3); padding: .75rem 1rem; font-style: italic; }
.compare th, .compare td { padding: .85rem 1rem; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line-2); }
.compare thead th { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; font-size: .88rem; white-space: nowrap; position: sticky; top: 0; }
.compare thead th:first-child { border-top-left-radius: 0; }
.compare tbody th { font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 700; color: var(--navy); background: var(--tint); white-space: nowrap; }
.compare tbody tr:last-child th, .compare tbody tr:last-child td { border-bottom: 0; }
.compare tbody tr:hover td, .compare tbody tr:hover th { background: var(--blue-50); }
.compare .yes { color: #137a3c; font-weight: 600; }
.compare .no { color: #b42318; font-weight: 600; }
.compare a { color: var(--blue); font-weight: 600; }
.prose .compare ul { margin: 0; }
.prose .compare ul li { padding-left: 1.1rem; }

/* Disclosure / "how we make money" box */
.disclosure { display: flex; gap: 1rem; align-items: flex-start; padding: 1.4rem 1.5rem; background: var(--blue-50); border: 1px solid var(--blue-100); border-radius: var(--radius); margin: 1.5rem 0; }
.disclosure__icon { display: grid; place-items: center; width: 42px; height: 42px; border-radius: 12px; background: #fff; color: var(--blue); flex-shrink: 0; }
.disclosure h3 { font-size: 1.02rem; margin-bottom: .35rem; }
.disclosure p { font-size: .92rem; margin: 0; }

/* Steps (editorial standards) */
.steps { display: grid; gap: 1rem; counter-reset: step; margin: 1.5rem 0; padding: 0; }
.steps li { position: relative; display: flex; gap: 1rem; align-items: flex-start; background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 1.25rem 1.4rem; }
.steps li::before { counter-increment: step; content: counter(step); display: grid; place-items: center; width: 34px; height: 34px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--navy); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; font-size: .95rem; flex-shrink: 0; }
.steps li strong { display: block; font-family: var(--font-head); color: var(--navy); margin-bottom: .2rem; }
.steps li span { font-size: .94rem; color: var(--ink-2); }

@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .sources__inner { gap: .9rem; }
  .author-card { flex-direction: column; gap: .9rem; }
}

/* =========================================================================
   13. Images, formatting polish & calculator
   ========================================================================= */

/* Card & banner images (served by the self-caching proxy) */
.card__media { overflow: hidden; }
.card__media::after { content: none; }
.card__img { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; transition: transform .4s ease; background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent, var(--blue)), color-mix(in srgb, var(--accent, var(--blue)) 60%, #000)); }
.card:hover .card__img { transform: scale(1.04); }

.article-banner { display: block; width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 1200 / 480; object-fit: cover; border-radius: var(--radius-lg); margin-top: clamp(1.25rem, 3vw, 2rem); box-shadow: var(--shadow); background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--navy), var(--blue)); }

/* Formatting polish */
.prose > *:first-child { margin-top: 0; }
.prose :is(h2, h3) { scroll-margin-top: 90px; }
.prose :is(h2, h3) + * { margin-top: .55rem; }
.prose small { font-size: .85em; color: var(--ink-3); }
.prose figure { margin: 1.8rem 0; }
.prose figure img { width: 100%; border-radius: var(--radius); display: block; }
.prose figcaption { font-size: .85rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-top: .5rem; text-align: center; }
img { height: auto; }

/* Calculator tool */
.calc { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.5rem); align-items: start; margin: 2rem 0; }
.calc__form { background: #fff; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(1.4rem, 3vw, 1.9rem); box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm); }
.calc__field { margin-bottom: 1.3rem; }
.calc__field:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }
.calc__field label { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 600; color: var(--navy); font-size: .92rem; margin-bottom: .5rem; }
.calc__field .calc__val { font-weight: 700; color: var(--blue); }
.calc__field input[type="number"], .calc__field select {
  width: 100%; font: inherit; color: var(--ink); padding: .7rem .85rem; border: 1px solid var(--line);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm); background: #fff;
}
.calc__field input[type="number"]:focus, .calc__field select:focus { outline: 0; border-color: var(--blue); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--blue-50); }
.calc__field input[type="range"] { width: 100%; accent-color: var(--blue); margin-top: .2rem; }
.calc__results { background: var(--navy); color: #fff; border-radius: var(--radius); padding: clamp(1.4rem, 3vw, 1.9rem); position: sticky; top: 92px; }
.calc__headline { text-align: center; padding-bottom: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14); }
.calc__headline span { display: block; font-size: .82rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .05em; }
.calc__big { font-family: var(--font-head); font-weight: 800; font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 2.6rem); color: #fff; line-height: 1.1; margin-top: .35rem; }
.calc__big small { font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,.7); }
.calc__row { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: baseline; padding: .6rem 0; font-size: .95rem; }
.calc__row + .calc__row { border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1); }
.calc__row span { color: rgba(255,255,255,.72); }
.calc__row strong { font-family: var(--font-head); color: #fff; font-size: 1.05rem; }
.calc__note { font-size: .8rem; color: var(--ink-3); margin-top: 1rem; font-style: italic; }

@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .calc { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .calc__results { position: static; }
  .article-banner { border-radius: var(--radius); }
}