I think this raises an interesting point. For sure there are some members on here who think it's OK to completely generate an image using generative AI and that's pretty obviously not acceptable.
However when an artist is using mixed media, generated initially from an original work (be that photograph, drawing, painting, etc) and then using AI elements to bring their creative vision to life - that's more of a tricky situation for a website such as PP and we all need to have an open discussion about it - because this isn't going away.
Do we, as a collective, say that we don't accept any artificially created elements of a submitted image on PP? Where would we draw the line on this? Is using an AI based application to bring something into focus artificial? Is replacing a background artificial? Is extending an existing back? Is creating an almost wholly artificial artwork which is based on an original photograph?
I do understand that the website has a big headache to deal with here. It's the same situation that many photographic salons and societies are also having to wrestle with too.
If we are to accept that certain AI generated elements are allowed in images on PP, then we need a clearly defined set of parameters that everyone can work with, plus (as you allude to) there does need to be a process of adjudication from the site, particularly when it comes to granting an image an award.
I think when you offer to send the original process to the website, in the form of an original photograph, plus the PSD showing the workings, that is certainly something to which they should be willing to entertain in order to allow your award (assuming that we agree that AI elements are permitted).