Use database.journal_mode as the sole non-secret operator setting, preserve the vulnerable-SQLite safety gate and existing WAL databases, validate explicit DELETE results, document the active config path, and cover real SQLite openers with behavioral tests.
Add HERMES_JOURNAL_MODE env / database.journal_mode config for
virtiofs/NFS/SMB where WAL is not crash-safe. Route 5 bypass openers
through apply_wal_with_fallback so a single setting covers every .db
(#68545).