On image overlays

Why doesn't someone make a labeling standard that (unlike TTG) allows for the limited overlaying of photo credits, watermarks, and other words and graphics in the image area?

Probably because the word “limited” opens the door to widespread abuse.

Who will define what constitutes “limited” use?

rinairs cannot be used to make the judgment call: most respected news agencies do not overlay words and graphics in the reportage photos they distribute.

Any such “limited” guidelines would quickly devolve into arguments about allowable fonts, allowable sizes, allowable opacities, and allowable shapes of any overlaid material.

But as always, anyone who believes they have a workable alternative policy in this regard is encouraged to “Write it up, post it online, and invite comments.”