configapply wiped my config How do I recover and avoid this

config.apply replaces the entire config. If you send a partial object, everything else is removed.
Recover:
Restore from backup (git or a copied ~/.openclaw/openclaw.json).
If you have no backup, re-run openclaw doctor and reconfigure channels/models.
If this was unexpected, file a bug and include your last known config or any backup.
A local coding agent can often reconstruct a working config from logs or history.
Avoid it:
Use openclaw config set for small changes.
Use openclaw configure for interactive edits.
Docs: Config, Configure, Doctor.