When playing it, I was under the impression that the word was set from the beginning and that it was like hangman, maybe I just personally wasn't able to understand that from the introductory text. I do think that strategic games like this would benefit from some tutorial but of course that's easier said than done with the time limit.
Just because I didn't properly understand the game doesn't mean I didn't enjoy playing it, I had fun and I don't think it's a bad game at all. Also remember I may be the host but I am judging the games just like everyone else - my rating has no more effect than yours. I'm just trying to give constructive criticism, doesn't mean you need to take it or listen to it.
And yes, I also liked the hats.