The fact we have different interpretations is the reason why it should be clarified.

Some people reject AI on a matter of principle. They may have a problem with the energy cost, the idea that AI companies are stealing the world knowledge for their own profit, that any use of LLMs will make you stupid, or that it does more harm than good overall. The code of conduct links to a short story by Isaac Asimov, you typically don't do that when your motives are purely technical.

They can't clarify it.

If you say the quiet part out loud, the lemmings will take that as approval.

"Only thoughtful application of AI allowed" -> "Of course my usage of AI was thoughtful! My custom pi harness with 1M context project brain is very thoughtful!"

Not sure why you think this wouldn't be something they did on principle either though. Most open source projects are built on someone's personal principles: that's what motivates them to keep working.

(hence the recommendation someone's free to fork it and do the work themselves)