Add configuration options for filtering

**Problem**
When working with helpers, 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. Start by locating the helper error-handling code and configuration parsing, then clarify which filtering options and error details are required; done should include documented behavior and tests for the agreed cases.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.