Add configuration options for filtering

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

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

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

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points; first clarify which model errors and filtering configuration are in scope. Then locate the relevant error-handling and configuration paths, define the expected messages and filtering behavior, and add tests showing the requested outcomes.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.