e1RM is a signal
A good e1RM can show direction. It can tell you whether a lift is moving up, down, or holding steady.
It still depends on the set you chose, the formula, RPE accuracy, technique, fatigue, and the lift itself.
That is why repeated evidence matters. Estimates can vary by lift, rep range, technique, and athlete, so one set should not rewrite the whole block by itself.
Training max is a control
The training max should make the block easier to execute, deliberately lower so the plan has room for normal bad days.
Example: a 150 kg e1RM might become a 135 kg training max at 90%. The lower number is not pessimism; it is a buffer that keeps the block from being built around a perfect day.
Choose the buffer from evidence
Use a larger buffer when the estimate came from a high-rep set, a generous RPE call, a lift variation, or a day where everything lined up unusually well.
Use a smaller buffer only when repeated sessions support it and the program is still moving at the intended effort.
Update from repeated evidence
Raise the training max when repeated sets support it, not because one estimate spiked.
If the same percentages keep missing the intended effort, lower the anchor and keep training.
The e1RM does not need to win the argument. The next block needs to stay runnable.