01 · Top pick
Teal leads, sand supports
the pine preference, matured — Bright Teal #4FB5AD is sand's true complement, keeps the Forest-Operator green, reads more considered. Strongest brand-evolution story, clean vermillion pop.
02 · Most credible
Slate blue leads, sand supports
the cool standout — Steel Blue #88A2CE, vermillion pops clean against it, warm sand keeps it human. Reads strategy / trust. No colorblind risk.
03 · Warm + balanced
Sand leads, teal supports
warmest legibility — sand leads at ~9:1, Deep Petrol #226A72 the cool counterweight that makes the sand pop. The safer "excellent."
04 · Literal pine
Pine leads, sand supports
the original we liked — truest "Forest Operator after dark," literal Bright Pine #5FB48C. Open it next to #01 for the pine-vs-matured-teal call.