Telemetry opt-out should not disable Channels feature flag

Bug / Feature Request

CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_NONESSENTIAL_TRAFFIC=1 disables GrowthBook feature flag evaluation, which silently breaks Channels (--channels ignored (Channels are not currently available)).

Problem

Disabling telemetry is coupled with feature flag evaluation. Users who opt out of telemetry for privacy lose access to Channels and all other gated features — with no clear error message explaining why.

The workaround (completely removing the env var) forces users to choose between privacy preferences and product features.

Expected Behavior

Telemetry opt-out and feature flag evaluation should be independent controls. A user should be able to:

1. Opt out of telemetry/analytics
2. Still have feature flags evaluated so gated features (Channels, etc.) work

Reproduction

1. Set CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_NONESSENTIAL_TRAFFIC=1
2. Run claude --channels plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official
3. See: --channels ignored (plugin:telegram@claude-plugins-official) Channels are not currently available
4. Remove the env var entirely → channels work

Environment

• Claude Code v2.1.81
• macOS
• Max plan (personal)

Related Issues

• #36460 (Channels not available on personal Max plan)
• #36503 (Channels not currently available)