Usage limits hit significantly faster since v2.1.53–v2.1.59 (Feb 25–26) — auto-memory & system prompt bloat

Since the Claude Code updates released Feb 25–26 (v2.1.53–v2.1.59), the Max x5 plan is hitting usage limits much faster with no change in usage patterns.

Observed:

• 8% of session consumed in ~18 minutes of light conversation
• Hitting limit ~1hr before 5-hour reset
• Issue started Feb 25th — was not happening before

Suspected cause:

• v2.1.59 introduced auto-memory, which injects memory context into every message
• 12 skills now listed in system prompt on every message
• Combined system prompt bloat significantly increases token cost per message

Plan: Max x5
CLI version: 2.1.61
Platform: macOS