I've done both, kept and released a snagged fish.

I think the intent of the law was for situations like Quilacene and Hoodsport, not jigging in 100' of water where the fish strikes at your lure and gets it in the nose or gill plate.

I interpret regs for a living, (not fishing regulations) and oftentimes the people who interpret them after they are on the books change the original intent of the mandate.