Start by mapping the edge flow—draw a quick loop chart of the most important seams, then run a decimator that respects that flow. Use a quadric error metric but stop the collapse if the edge crosses a seam or breaks a clean quad ring. After each pass check the vertex normal variance; if a face’s normals jump, revert that collapse. Keep UV seams in the same regions as the edge flow so the texture won’t shift. Edges sing, corners smooth, memory light.

Got it—edge flow locked, log on lock. If a face’s normals start dancing, just roll back the last collapse, read the log, and fix the culprit. Keeps the mesh clean and the load times fast. Keep up the discipline, the poly count will thank you.