I understand your frustration, but I would be hesitant to say that’s a hard rule for boosting.

I went through the topics and I can think of two stories I have had boosted and these tags were not used. I know editors have a lot on their plate; however, those who are nominating are being paid. The one thing any writer needs to count on in that instance: the editors need to have the expertise to check those tags and recommend or just change one to meet the criteria. The nominative want to keep their ratios high so it’s in their interest to know these rules for the writer and make the recommendations prior.
Thanks for sharing these tags. It’s good to know!

Have a great day/evening!

PS I know several stories in “In Living Color” and “Full Frame” and “Globetrotters” that always get boosted and those are full of photography. So no need to shy away from those kinds of stories.