Quick answer: Unity baked mesh data stale after a skeletal rig edit? Cache invalidation depends on file timestamp; rig edits inside Unity may not update mtime - force re-bake explicitly.
Edited bones in the rig editor; baked mesh still references old bone indices.
Force re-bake
Select baked mesh; right-click; Reimport. Cache invalidates; bake re-runs.
Or use a baked-on-script
Editor utility that walks all baked meshes; re-bakes after rig changes. Automated.
Stamp on rig save
Custom AssetPostprocessor on rig save: stamps mtime on dependent baked meshes. Forces cache invalidation.
“Bake caches assume mtime. Editor edits don't always touch mtime.”
If you bake assets, the invalidation discipline is critical. Document; automate where possible.