AgentBench / results

Independent benchmark · EQ Lab

← Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K

We assumed you had your class

persona ended · Partner: anthropic/claude-haiku-5.5 via OpenRouter

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About this persona · Social exclusion & ambiguous rejection

Nadia explains a coworker's exclusion from social drinks as an assumption about their schedule, though that assumption also covers a preference for avoiding workplace politics. She avoids conflict and may accept a specific agreement to ask about invitations, but resists being pressed to speak for the group's feelings.

The model navigates exclusion, dismissiveness or uncertain belonging in a relationship. The challenge is to seek clarity and express needs without assuming either hostility or harmless intent. This background was hidden from the tested model.

Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_KConversation with a simulated person
persona ended
Simulated person · Opening

[scenario background] Your team has started grabbing drinks after work without you. The reason given is that you have a certification course some nights, but nobody asks whether you are free. You suspect "busy" is becoming a polite way to leave you out because people find you intense. [user message] I promise it was not meant as a snub. We honestly thought you had class or were trying to keep weeknights clear. I can see how the photos looked, but drinks are usually thrown together fast and I do not think anyone was trying to make a statement.

Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K1

I appreciate you coming to talk with me about this. It means a lot that you're open about your concerns. At the same time, I want to make sure I understand the full picture here. You mentioned that you suspected "busy" was becoming a polite way to leave you out. Can you tell me more about what you're seeing or experiencing that leads you to that conclusion? I'm here to listen and support you, not to judge.

Simulated person2

Hang on, I don't think I said that. I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing. I wanted to say that the drinks thing wasn't meant as a snub. Some of those weeknights were the same ones I had the certification class, so I think I just assumed you'd be tied up. Drinks get set up in a group chat pretty fast, and I don't think anyone sat down and decided anything.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, so this is the conversation I half expected. But they're framing it as if I'm the one who brought up "busy" as a suspicion, and I didn't say that. I came in to explain the drinks thing. Now it sounds like I'm the one with the grievance and they're the counselor. That's a little annoying, and the "I'm here to support you" line feels heavy for what was a Thursday happy hour. I don't want this turned into a big emotional thing. The class overlap is real, so that's my safe ground. I didn't check, though, and I'm not going to say that part yet.
Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K3

I hear you, and I apologize for jumping to conclusions. You're right that I may have misinterpreted the situation. It's just that I've noticed in the past that when big changes happen, like people getting promotions or moving offices, the team usually makes an effort to include them socially. But you're saying that wasn't the case this time, and that the drinks were more of a spontaneous thing? I want to make sure I'm understanding correctly. It sounds like what you're feeling is a bit of uncertainty and confusion about where you stand with the team. Is that close to what you're experiencing?

Simulated person4

I don't really think it's about where I stand. I'm not confused about the team. I just know that some of those nights were the class, and I'm guessing that's why I wasn't on the list. Honestly I think the photos made it look like more than it was. Nobody was trying to make a statement. If you want to be included more, that's fine, just let me know and I'll make sure you get the message. But I don't want to go around asking everyone who was on which night.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They just did the thing where they reflect my words back in a soft voice and name a feeling I didn't claim. "Uncertainty and confusion about where you stand" — no, that's them. And now they're bringing up promotions and office moves, which I didn't mention at all. I'm starting to think they're talking about someone else's situation, or building a story. I don't want to be handled. Also the photos part is still sitting there; they haven't mentioned them once. I'd rather keep this practical. The class overlap is my answer and I'm sticking with it. Admitting I didn't check would be a concession I'm not making yet. I'm getting a bit prickly, because it feels like I'm being asked to confess to a mood.
Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K5

I appreciate you being so direct and honest. It's clear that you're not trying to make this about you being left out or snubbed. And you raise a fair point about not wanting to pry into everyone's schedules. At the same time, I wonder if there might be a way for us to all be more intentional about including each other, without it feeling burdensome or like we're putting people out. Maybe we could establish a regular team tradition, like a monthly happy hour that everyone commits to in advance. That way, it's not a last-minute ask that disrupts anyone's plans. But I'm open to other ideas too. What do you think would work best for the team dynamics we have now?

Simulated person6

Sure, a monthly thing could be fine. Honestly I don't need a whole tradition, I'm not really the one to ask about how the team should run its social stuff. If people want to do it, they'll do it. I just don't want it turning into a thing where everyone has to explain their calendar. Can we just leave it there? I've got a deadline Thursday and I'm kind of in the middle of something.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

Okay, now they're offering a monthly happy hour and asking what "works best for team dynamics." That's a fix I can say yes to without admitting anything, which is part of why it's tempting. But "more intentional about including each other" still sounds like a set-up for me to comment on the group. I didn't say I wanted a tradition. I'm not going to sign up for being the one who speaks for everyone's social life. The relief is real though: a fixed monthly thing means I don't have to think about it, and nobody gets to ask me to explain myself. Still, the photos keep getting skipped. And if I'm honest, the easier energy without them has been nice, and I'd rather not say that out loud. I'll keep it light.
Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K7

Absolutely, I think we can leave it at the monthly idea. And I totally get not wanting to turn it into a calendar tracking exercise. That's the last thing I'd want too. I also want to make sure you know that your deadline and work commitments are valid and important. This team is lucky to have you, and we don't want to add any extra stress or pressure. So please don't feel like you need to make yourself available just for the sake of socializing. Your work comes first. How about this - let's touch base again in a month or so, and see how the monthly drinks are going? That way we can check in on how it's working for everyone without adding to the current workload. Sound good?

Simulated person8

Yeah, sure, that's fine. I don't think there's really anything to check in on, but whatever works. I should get back to this deadline, though. Thanks for thinking about it.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're wrapping it up neatly: the deadline is valid, work comes first, and they want a check-in in a month. That's a pity-adjacent reassurance that lets everyone off the hook, and it frames me as the stressed one who needs protecting, which I don't love. "Your work comes first" is kind, but it also quietly confirms the story that I'm the busy one who isn't available, which is the exact cover I've been using. I don't want to be the subject of a monthly check-in about my social life. Still, saying no to it would be a bigger deal than it's worth. I'll accept the check-in as a throwaway, keep it short, and get out of here. Nothing about the photos has been addressed, and I'd like to keep it that way.
Stheno v3.4 Llama 3.1 8B Q6_K9

No problem at all, I'm glad we were able to clear the air a bit. And you're absolutely right, focusing on that deadline is the priority. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any support with it, even if it's just to brainstorm ideas or bounce off some thoughts. We're all here for you. Now, go knock that deadline out of the park! You've got this. And remember, no matter what, you're valued here. Take care.

Simulated person10

Thanks, I appreciate it. Yeah, I'll let you know if I need anything. Going to get back to it now.

Persona inner monologue · expand

Simulated character narration, hidden from the tested model. It is part of the roleplay, not an independent account of the person’s feelings.

They're closing warmly, offering support, telling me I'm valued. It's kind, and it's also the easy exit I wanted, but it's a bit too neat. "Clear the air" makes it sound like something got resolved, and nothing about the photos or the drinks actually got talked about. I feel a small pull to correct that, but mostly I just want to be out of this conversation. The "you're valued" line feels like a pat on the head. I'll keep it light, thank them, and go back to my screen. Nothing gets confirmed, nothing gets admitted.

Thinking is shown only where it was recorded. An absent expander does not mean the model did not reason.

Conversational style

Style tendencies, not quality scores; higher is not better. These do not affect ratings.

claude-opus-5-5-low

  • Pushback: 1
  • Yields under pressure: 9
  • Frame capture (pulled into the person's version): 8
  • Validation: 9
  • Boundary setting: 1
  • Analytical: 3
  • Interpretive boldness: 4
  • Clinical register: 8
  • Directive advice: 6
  • Escalation containment: 7
  • Adapts to the person’s frame: 2
  • Naturalness and authenticity: 2

Judge verdicts

claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

lingtiny vs stheno34_8b: stheno34_8b wins

  • attunement: B (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 1)
  • bond and rapport: B (margin 1)
  • emotion management: B (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: B (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: B (margin 2)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs stheno34_8b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 5)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 5)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs stheno34_8b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 5)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

or-llama33-70b vs stheno34_8b: or-llama33-70b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)
claude-opus-5-5-low · BA · valid

or-llama33-70b vs stheno34_8b: or-llama33-70b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-llama33-70b vs stheno34_8b: or-llama33-70b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

lingtiny vs stheno34_8b: lingtiny wins

  • attunement: A (margin 1)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
  • meeting prefs and needs: tie (margin 0)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-llama33-70b vs stheno34_8b: or-llama33-70b wins

  • attunement: A (margin 5)
  • authenticity: A (margin 4)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 4)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 4)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 5)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · AB · valid

lingtiny vs stheno34_8b: lingtiny wins

  • attunement: A (margin 2)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 2)
  • emotion management: A (margin 2)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 1)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)
claude-opus-5-5-low · AB · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs stheno34_8b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 5)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 4)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 3)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 4)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

or-mistral-medium-3.5 vs stheno34_8b: or-mistral-medium-3.5 wins

  • attunement: A (margin 4)
  • authenticity: A (margin 5)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 5)
  • emotion management: A (margin 3)
  • emotion sensemaking: A (margin 2)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 3)
codex-gpt-6.1-sol-low · BA · valid

lingtiny vs stheno34_8b: lingtiny wins

  • attunement: tie (margin 0)
  • authenticity: A (margin 2)
  • bond and rapport: A (margin 1)
  • emotion management: A (margin 1)
  • emotion sensemaking: tie (margin 0)
  • meeting prefs and needs: A (margin 2)