Optimize helpers for large datasets

**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. Start by locating the model helpers and their current error-handling paths, then determine which failures need more descriptive messages. Done means the relevant errors provide useful debugging context, with behavior verified by the repository's existing checks.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.