> One way to deal with this in DevOps/Lean/TPS is the Andon cord.

Many years ago, I started working for chip companies. It was like a breath of fresh air. Successful chip companies know the costs (both direct money and opportuity) of a failed tapeout, so the metaphorical equivalent of this cord was there.

Find a bug the morning of tapeout? It will be carefully considered and triaged, and maybe delay tapeout. And, as you point out, the cultural aspect is incredibly important, which means that the messenger won't be shot.