Excessive Type Assertions (`as any`) in Test Files

**Files:** Multiple test files
**Bug Type:** Testing & Correctness Gaps
**Severity:** Low (for tests)

There are 75+ occurrences of `as any` or `as unknown` type assertions in test files. While this is common in test code, it could mask real type errors and make tests less reliable.

Start by searching the repository's test files for the 75+ occurrences of `as any` and `as unknown`; the issue does not identify specific files or tests. Review each assertion for whether it masks a real type error, then run the affected tests and type checks. A concrete cleanup scope and completion criteria are not specified.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.