What if the burner's plug requirement can't be met?

If a plug demonstration cannot reach the required density ratio (~16), the burner does not close as a net-electric machine at the design point. Kronos is explicit about this: the burner's net power is requirement-class, a target to be demonstrated. The breeder's value — fuel, neutrons, isotopes — does not depend on it.

Stating the failure mode openly is part of the honesty framework.