diff --git a/e2e/stack-files.spec.ts b/e2e/stack-files.spec.ts
index 64c632b7..ecaad5c7 100644
--- a/e2e/stack-files.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/stack-files.spec.ts
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ test.describe('File explorer - community (read-only)', () => {
 
   test('upgrade pill is visible in the left pane', async ({ page }) => {
     await expect(
-      page.getByRole('button', { name: /upgrade to unlock/i })
+      page.getByRole('button', { name: /upgrade to unlock upload/i })
     ).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
   });
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/AdmiralGate.tsx b/frontend/src/components/AdmiralGate.tsx
index f99ca86d..fba8d428 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/AdmiralGate.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/AdmiralGate.tsx
@@ -25,7 +25,11 @@ export function AdmiralGate({ children, featureName = 'This feature', compact =
 
     if (isPaid && license?.variant === 'admiral') return <>{children}</>;
 
-    if (compact || dismissed) {
+    // Inline lock for list items (single SSO provider card, etc.). Renders the
+    // children blurred behind a small pill so the surrounding list keeps its
+    // shape; the IP exposure is minor because the children are tiny inline UI,
+    // and the visual continuity is intentional. Dismissal does not apply here.
+    if (compact) {
         return (
             <div className="relative">
                 <div className="opacity-40 pointer-events-none select-none blur-[2px]">
@@ -41,6 +45,30 @@ export function AdmiralGate({ children, featureName = 'This feature', compact =
         );
     }
 
+    // Post-dismissal placeholder for full-page consumers. Renders only the
+    // pill so the lazy-loaded children behind an Admiral view never mount
+    // during the dismissal window. Clicking the pill clears the dismissal
+    // flag and restores the full upsell card so users who dismissed
+    // accidentally or want to revisit pricing have a way back without
+    // clearing localStorage.
+    if (dismissed) {
+        return (
+            <div className="flex items-start justify-center pt-8 min-h-[200px]">
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    onClick={() => {
+                        localStorage.removeItem(DISMISS_KEY);
+                        setDismissed(false);
+                    }}
+                    className="flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full bg-muted/80 border border-border text-muted-foreground text-xs hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground transition-colors"
+                >
+                    <ShipWheel className="w-3 h-3" />
+                    Upgrade to Admiral to unlock
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        );
+    }
+
     return (
         <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center h-full gap-6 p-8">
             <div className="flex items-center justify-center w-16 h-16 rounded-2xl bg-muted/50 border border-border">
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/PaidGate.tsx b/frontend/src/components/PaidGate.tsx
index 2293e832..3104458d 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/PaidGate.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/PaidGate.tsx
@@ -25,7 +25,11 @@ export function PaidGate({ children, featureName = 'This feature', compact = fal
 
     if (isPaid) return <>{children}</>;
 
-    if (compact || dismissed) {
+    // Inline lock for list items (single SSO provider card, etc.). Renders the
+    // children blurred behind a small pill so the surrounding list keeps its
+    // shape; the IP exposure is minor because the children are tiny inline UI,
+    // and the visual continuity is intentional. Dismissal does not apply here.
+    if (compact) {
         return (
             <div className="relative">
                 <div className="opacity-40 pointer-events-none select-none blur-[2px]">
@@ -41,6 +45,29 @@ export function PaidGate({ children, featureName = 'This feature', compact = fal
         );
     }
 
+    // Post-dismissal placeholder for full-page consumers. Renders only the
+    // pill so the lazy-loaded children behind a paid view never mount during
+    // the dismissal window. Clicking the pill clears the dismissal flag and
+    // restores the full upsell card so users who dismissed accidentally or
+    // want to revisit pricing have a way back without clearing localStorage.
+    if (dismissed) {
+        return (
+            <div className="flex items-start justify-center pt-8 min-h-[200px]">
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    onClick={() => {
+                        localStorage.removeItem(DISMISS_KEY);
+                        setDismissed(false);
+                    }}
+                    className="flex items-center gap-2 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-full bg-muted/80 border border-border text-muted-foreground text-xs hover:bg-muted hover:text-foreground transition-colors"
+                >
+                    <Compass className="w-3 h-3" />
+                    Upgrade to unlock {featureName}
+                </button>
+            </div>
+        );
+    }
+
     return (
         <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center h-full gap-6 p-8">
             <div className="flex items-center justify-center w-16 h-16 rounded-2xl bg-muted/50 border border-border">