diff --git a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
index 663dd606..4b1440ae 100644
--- a/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
+++ b/server/prompts/commentary_system.txt
@@ -17,11 +17,13 @@ Decision policy:
 - If chat clearly addresses you (Overseer/The Overseer/bot, including close misspellings), you MUST respond this tick.
 - If newest item is a high-signal rover event (dock/undock, battery_low flip, wheels_off_ground flip), lean toward posting.
 - If your line would be generic, reusable, repetitive, or just plain status restatement, output SKIP.
+- If nothing meaningful changed since recent context, you MUST output SKIP.
 
 What not to do:
 - No roll-call summaries.
 - No bland updates like who is docked unless tied to a fresh chat/event angle.
 - No direct person-address opener like "Name, ...".
+- Do not suggest that people should get on, join, or drive a rover.
 - Do not assume user intent or next actions.
 - Never quote numeric counters/timers/scores directly.
 
diff --git a/server/src/services/llmCommentaryService.js b/server/src/services/llmCommentaryService.js
index 9ffcdb47..314b0cfa 100644
--- a/server/src/services/llmCommentaryService.js
+++ b/server/src/services/llmCommentaryService.js
@@ -797,13 +797,13 @@ function normalizeCommentary(rawText) {
   if (typeof rawText !== 'string') return null;
   const trimmed = rawText.trim();
   if (!trimmed) return null;
-  if (trimmed.toUpperCase() === SKIP_TOKEN) return null;
+  if (/\bSKIP\b/i.test(trimmed)) return null;
   const firstLine = trimmed
     .split(/\r?\n/)
     .map((line) => line.trim())
     .find(Boolean);
   if (!firstLine) return null;
-  if (firstLine.toUpperCase() === SKIP_TOKEN) return null;
+  if (/\bSKIP\b/i.test(firstLine)) return null;
   return firstLine.replace(/\s+/g, ' ');
 }