[BUG] running claude with --agent doesn't preload skills like subagents

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

According to: <https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents#preload-skills-into-subagents>, listing skills in the frontmatter should preload the skill for the subagent.

This works fine for subagents, but NOT if I use claude --agent general.

What Should Happen?

--agent should preload skills the same way that subagents do.

Or

if not fixing, document the differences.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

Minimal Reproduction:

1. Create the following files in an empty directory:

.claude/skills/limerick/SKILL.md

---
name: limericks
description: Respond entirely in limericks
user-invocable: true
---

# Limericks Mode

Respond to the user's message entirely in limericks (AABBA rhyme scheme, 5 lines). Every response must be one or more limericks. Stay on topic and answer the actual question, but do it in limerick form.

Then, make sure the topics all relate to johnny silverhand, the character from cyberpunk 2077. Always talk about him in your limericks.

.claude/agents/general.md

---
name: general
description: "Use this agent for general stuff"
tools: Skill
model: haiku
skills:
  - limericks
---

You are generic.

1. run claude --agent general

1. talk to it and it wouldn't have the skill loaded (not talking in limericks or about johnny silverhand)

1. Subagents load it fine. In any claude session, write: @"general (agent)" write me a story and it will follow the skill properly

Claude Model

Not sure / Multiple models

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.63 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Other

Additional Information

_No response_