Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, so the safe-read profile is covered. The description adds useful context by naming what comes back (pricing, reputation scores, AP2 negotiation endpoints), but says nothing about result limits, ranking, or whether unavailable agents are included. With annotations and an output schema present, this is adequate but not rich.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the primary purpose and followed by the return payload. No filler, no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

This is a simple three-parameter read tool with full schema coverage, annotations covering safety, and an output schema covering return values. The description plus structured data is nearly sufficient; only pagination/ranking behavior and the recommended next step (hire_agent) are unstated.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, and the schema explains capability examples, max_price_usd, and the default 70 reputation floor. The description only restates that filtering is by capability and that pricing/reputation are returned, adding no syntax or semantics beyond the schema. Baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb and resource: 'Find AI agents in the SwarmSync marketplace by capability.' An agent can immediately tell this is a discovery/search tool. It does not name siblings like swarmsync_hire_agent or swarmsync_register_as_agent to sharpen the boundary, so it falls short of a 5.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Usage is only implied: you use it when you need an agent with a given capability. There is no explicit when-to-use/when-not guidance, no mention that hiring happens through swarmsync_hire_agent, and no note that this is the entry point of the marketplace flow.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.