To imply they weren't aware of Tolkien's intent is ignorance, as they clearly were, but one is free to disagree with
the way in which they chose to depict it. It's been made clear, however, that the 3 writers--Peter, Fran, and Phillipa--were deeply familiar with Tolkien's writings, and his intent behind them. They have quoted and referenced the letters of Tolkien themselves, among many other more obscure writings that show how deeply they delved into his written world of Middle-earth. Now how they chose to depict what they interpreted, that is definitely open for debate, and has been very debated for years. Just because they knew his intent doesn't always mean their creative decisions in how to depict them were aligned with how certain segments of fans would choose to do so.