You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]



632 F.Supp. 100 (1985)
Sonia RAMIREZ-ISALQUEZ, Plaintiff,
v.
Margaret HECKLER, in her capacity as Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Defendant.
No. 83 Civ. 5828(CES).
United States District Court, S.D. New York.
June 27, 1985.
Bronx Legal Services, (Susan Barrie, New York City, of counsel), for plaintiff.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, U.S. Atty., New York City (Paul Milmed, Asst. U.S. Atty., of counsel), for defendant.

MEMORANDUM DECISION
STEWART, District Judge:
Plaintiff's counsel seeks attorneys fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2412(d), in connection with her successful appeal of a termination of disability benefits under the Social Security Act. For the following reasons, we grant the motion.
The procedural background of the case is uncontested. Plaintiff served her complaint on September 16, 1983. In order to prepare the administrative record, the Secretary received one 30-day extension of time to answer. The answer, which was filed on December 15, 1983, denied virtually all of the legally or factually relevant allegations of the complaint. According to the Assistant United States Attorney (the "AUSA") representing the Secretary, upon further review of the record, he decided that this "was an appropriate case for a voluntary remand on various grounds, including certain significant ones not raised by the complaint." He then asked his client to consider "a voluntary remand for the purpose of reversing the earlier decision and awarding full benefits." A pretrial conference was held before us on February 3, 1984. At that time, the AUSA informed his adversary that a voluntary *101 remand was being considered. The agreement to remand and award full benefits was reached in May of 1984; on May 31, 1984, we entered an order discontinuing the case and remanding it to the Secretary.
Under the Equal Access to Justice Act (the "EAJA"),
a court shall award to a prevailing party other than the United States fees and other expenses ... incurred by that party in any civil action ... brought by or against the United States ... unless the court finds that the position of the United States was substantially justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust.
28 U.S.C. § 2412(d)(1)(A). The government does not contest that the plaintiff was the prevailing party in securing a remand and full award of benefits. However, the parties differ greatly in their assessment of whether the government's position was substantially justified.
Our Circuit has clearly held that we are to assess "the government's position in litigation rather than its actions during the underlying administrative proceedings." Dubose v. Pierce, 761 F.2d 913 (2d Cir. 1985) (citing Boudin v. Thomas, 732 F.2d 1107 (2d Cir.1984). Therefore, our focus is not on the propriety of the agency's termination of benefits, but on the litigating posture of the government in defense of that termination. Further,
[t]he government bears the burden of proving that its action as a litigant was substantially justified. Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. v. Watt, 722 F.2d 1081, 1087 (2d Cir.1983); Spencer, 712 F.2d [539] at 557 [(D.C.Cir.1983)]; Ellis v. United States, 711 F.2d 1571, 1575 (Fed.Cir.1983); Dougherty v. Lehman, 711 F.2d 555, 561-62 (3d Cir.1983); H.R. Rep. No. 1418, 96th Cong., 2nd Sess. 10, reprinted in 1980 U.S.Code Cong. & Ad. News 4984, 4989. "The test of whether or not a Government action is substantially justified is essentially one of reasonableness. Where the Government can show that its case had a reasonable basis both in law and fact, no award will be made." H.R. Rep. No. 1418 at 10, 1980 U.S.Code Cong. & Ad.News at 4989.
Dubose, supra, 761 F.2d at 917-18. The litigation position of the government in this case was initially a total denial of the substantive allegations of the complaint, with a subsequent total retreat from that position. Plaintiff's ultimate relief was all a social security claimant could hope for, an award of benefits.
The government argues that "for all practical purposes plaintiff's position was unopposed," and that the fact that an answer was filed in no way delayed the resolution of the suit or caused the plaintiff to expend any significant additional time. We do find the actual breakdown of the fee request a bit disturbing. Plaintiff requests a total fee award of $2,793.00 for 33.25 hours of work at the rate of $84 an hour. Between the two attorneys who worked on the case, 11.25 hours were spent on the preparation and filing of the complaint, 4.5 hours were spent after the answer was served, and 16.5 hours were spent on the fee request. There is thus merit to defendant's argument that what little opposition there was to the case did not result in the expenditure of significant additional time.
Nonetheless, the government's filing of an answer was not a meaningless formality. The government took the position that the Secretary's decision terminating benefits should be affirmed. This is as clear a reading of a party's litigation position as is possible. In Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. v. Watt, 722 F.2d 1081, 1087-90 (2d Cir.1982), the Second Circuit went so far as to assess the reasonableness of the government's stance in settlement negotiations, finding seven months of discussion to arrive at a stipulation covering a few discrete issues unreasonable. Judge Newman dissented in that case, but what disturbed him was the lack of any opposition to the plaintiff's claim on the record, such as an answer to the complaint. Id. at 1087-90.
The government does not attempt to justify its answer, but concentrates on how that answer affected the course of the litigation. This is only one of the factors to be considered in assessing the government's position. The three factors recently *102 outlined by the Second Circuit to guide us are 1) the clarity of the governing law; 2) the foreseeable length and complexity of litigation; and 3) the consistency of the government's position. Dubose, supra, 761 F.2d at 918. We consider each in turn.
The legal standards governing social security appeals have been reiterated time and time again in the recent years' explosion of litigation. See, e.g., DeLeon v. Secretary of Health & Human Resources, 734 F.2d 930 (2d Cir.1984); Bluvband v. Heckler, 730 F.2d 886 (2d Cir.1984); Eiden v. Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare, 616 F.2d 63, 65 (2d Cir.1980). We doubt that the government would seriously argue that the law was unsettled with respect to the various errors alleged in the plaintiff's complaint. This factor weighs heavily in plaintiff's favor.
As to the foreseeable length and complexity of the litigation, the government has a slight edge. That the plaintiff was not seriously prejudiced by the filing of the answer is reflected in the amount of time spent on that portion of the case, almost all of which was in connection with settlement and a conference before us. The government simply did not adhere to the position taken in its answer, and the plaintiff points to no facts indicating that the answer made settlement more difficult or protracted the proceedings in any way.
The last factor is whether the government took a consistent position, or whether the plaintiff was subjected to "atypically harsh treatment." Dubose, supra, 761 F.2d at 919-20. This element is a bit of an anomaly in this case because the government's ultimate voluntary remand and award of benefits exemplifies much better treatment than most social security claimants receive. Nonetheless, we cannot believe that the EAJA would condone or that the government should benefit from a consistently unjustifiable legal position. Other courts have observed that the pleadings in social security cases have approached a violation of Rule 11's standards for good faith. See, e.g., Zimmerman v. Schweiker, 575 F.Supp. 1436, 1441 (E.D.N.Y.1983); Ceglia v. Schweiker, 566 F.Supp. 118, 125 n. 7 (E.D.N.Y.1983). Even if the filing of this answer reflected some general policy, it is still not excusable:
[T]he government's lawyer might have been bound by bureaucratic constraints. For example, his office might have exclusive authority to represent the United States in a particular kind of suit, and departmental policy might require defense, on appeal, of all favorable decisions rendered in adversary adjudication. Such constraints, though they may excuse the conduct of individual attorneys are precisely what the EAJA was designed to change. Awards of attorneys' fees in such circumstances would have a salutary effect: agencies that at present adhere to such policies likely would alter their rules in ways designed to promote more careful evaluation of the merits of individual cases.
Spencer v. NLRB, 712 F.2d 539, 558 (D.C. Cir.1983), cert. denied, 466 U.S. 936, 104 S.Ct. 1908, 80 L.Ed.2d 457 (1984) (footnotes omitted). An answer denying all of the plaintiff's substantive allegations, totally abandoned later, cannot be seen as a litigation position entered into after serious evaluation of the merits.
We therefore find that the government's litigation position in this case was not substantially justified. The fact that the government ultimately settled, and skipped the usual procedure of cross-motions for judgment on the pleadings, lowers its liability in terms of the amount of fees, but does not absolve it from taking the position it initially did. The Second Circuit has expressed agreement with the D.C. Circuit's view of this type of situation:
It seems clear that, if the government does not immediately accede to the plaintiff's demand, but instead initially opposes his claims and then at some later stage (e.g., in a pre-trial settlement) surrenders, the United States will be liable for attorneys' fees regardless of which theory [litigation position or underlying action] is applied. Under such circumstances, not only will [sic] government have acted unreasonably, but it will have adopted (at least briefly) a litigation position lacking substantial justification.
*103 Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. v. Watt, 722 F.2d 1081 (1983) (quoting Spencer v. NLRB, supra, 712 F.2d at 555 n. 58). The government did not capitulate immediately, but filed an answer, and then took another five months to actually agree to remand the case. In light of the clarity of the law and the clarity of the errors in this case, the filing of an answer in this case cannot be ignored, but must be taken at its face valuea statement of the defendant's legal position. That position was far from reasonable, and lacked substantial justification, both legally and factually.
Defendant does not oppose the fees requested in terms of hours or hourly rates. We find that the plaintiff has shown an adequate justification for a fee based on an hourly rate in excess of the statute's $75 rate. The plaintiff's motion for attorneys' fees is granted in the amount of $2,793.00.
SO ORDERED.