How would yopu define a sunbeam?

Hi All,
Dramatic light Window light formal portrait challenge

I submitted a photo portrait taken with natural window light there was shadow to the brow and right hand side of the subjects face.

the portrait was rejected for the following:-"Nice portrait, but the distinct shadow on her brow indicates direct sunlight and breaks the "no sunbeams" rule. From an aesthetic perspective, this shot would be greatly improved if you had some light reflected from her eyes (catch lights)"

Subsequently 60 percent of the entries appear to me to have similar shadowed area to the subjects faces.

It probably was not the the winning photo but since when did strong light = sun beam?

I thought the shadow was a dramatic element to the natural lighting of the subject as the title suggested.

Oh, well it shows how subjective this type of system is.

I look forward to light not travelling directly

Lew