Open any chat tool and paste: 'In 4 bullets: why a simple prompt chain might beat turning on full agent mode for invoice data entry (control, audit, cost).' You're done with 4 bullets that favor simplicity and control.
How-to · SEL · SEL.2
Prefer a simple AI chat chain before you turn on 'agent' mode
For routine work, a short prompt chain with a human check often beats flipping on full agent/autonomy settings — add tools only when the simple path fails.
Worked example
That Anthropic-style advice to 'start simple' is a rule for using tools, not a brief for building a product. Most workplace tasks just need chat, a clear done-when, and a human send — not every slider labeled 'agent.' Add multi-step tools only when a simple chain genuinely can't finish the job, and you still own send, deploy, and spend.