Remove AI code slop

Check the diff against main, and remove all AI generated slop introduced in this branch.

This includes:

• Extra comments that a human wouldn't add or is inconsistent with the rest of the file
• Extra defensive checks or try/catch blocks that are abnormal for that area of the codebase (especially if called by trusted / validated codepaths)
• Casts to any to get around type issues
• Any other style that is inconsistent with the file

Report at the end with only a 1-3 sentence summary of what you changed