Problem

On macOS, hermes gateway start can create a second local gateway process when the launchd plist needs refreshing.

Root cause

refresh_launchd_plist_if_needed() unloads and reloads the launchd plist. Because the plist also has RunAtLoad, the reload already starts the gateway again. launchd_start() then unconditionally calls launchctl start, which can race a second local gateway process into existence.

Impact

That duplicate local process can grab Telegram/Discord/WhatsApp scoped locks and produce self-conflicts like:

• Telegram polling conflicts / token lock
• Discord token already in use
• WhatsApp session already in use

Suggested fix

If the plist was refreshed via unload+load, return early from launchd_start() instead of issuing a second explicit launchctl start.