Functional Reinterpretation of Thin Film Stability: Time-scale Competition as a Basis for Morphological Equilibrium

This preprint proposes a structure-first reinterpretation of thin film stability.Rather than treating spherical morphology as a static equilibrium state, stability is defined functionally as a relation between competing time-scales: irreversible collapse processes (e.g., drainage, evaporation) and restoration responses (e.g., Marangoni elasticity). The concept of Exo-Centered Equilibrium (ECE) is introduced as a non-thermodynamic, functional notion of equilibrium.“Operator L” is defined solely as a descriptive label for the coordinated action of existing interfacial mechanisms and does not represent a new physical force or operator. This document serves as a minimal axiomatic fixation of the framework and is intended as a preprint for timestamping and reference.