Appreciate the feedback! The theme was chosen this year based on the theme of the convention, as folks thought it would be fun to match. It's the first time we're running this, so we didn't want to put in too many restrictions. As this is a jam that's focused on the art and fun of building games, we didn't want folks to feel the need to take the theme too seriously. We'll try to make sure it's clearer next time that you're able to bend and interpret the theme at your will. It shouldn't feel like a restriction - more like a challenge.
As to the AI ban, it's also because we don't allow AI usage at the convention itself - all of the art you'll see there is made by human artists. It's something the staff made a decision on as a group, and the jam follow's the convention's rules. We understand that some people disagree with that, but it's the direction folks want to go in.
Also: appreciate the intentional pun. You gotta have them. It's important.