I think what we're seeing is the checks and balances in action. The courts can only "interpret" so forcefully before they're essentially usurping the authority

I think what we're seeing is the checks and balances in action. The courts can only "interpret" so forcefully before they're essentially usurping the authority of the legislature, so courts will sometimes make a "bad" ruling as if to say "we're just applying your crappy law; if you don't like it, amend it" (particularly sassy judges might be more direct about this).