Improve middleware performance

**Problem**
When working with utils, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

Start by locating the middleware and utils error-handling entry points; the issue names no files or tests. Clarify which performance and error-message changes are expected, then verify that the agreed middleware behavior and descriptive errors are covered before considering the work done.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.