How do rules 351.3 and 352.7 interact when 351.3 prevents later steps but 352.7 (a later step) is needed for spells/abilities to get on the chain in step 1?

Ruling: The spell/ability starts as "pending" on the chain when the process begins at step 1, then becomes a "Finalized Chain Item" after the full process completes in step 356.3.a.

Sequence:

• Spell/ability enters the chain as "pending" starting with step 351
• Rule 351.3 blocks progression to later steps until current effects fully resolve
• After the process completes through all steps, the item finalizes in step 356.3.a

Nuances:

• Cards like Baited Hook demonstrate 351.3: the effect fully resolves including recycling before the playing of the unit resolves
• Cards like Promising Future show 351.3 in action: players play their cards during Promising Future's resolution, but are blocked at 351.3 until Promising Future fully resolves