Oh right, sorry I didn't realise it was you ^^
I totally understand why you put the hints, especially in a game jam context, you'd want as many people as possible to try it out. I kind of regret not having some in our game, I think many will give up without seeing much. But maybe you can find a way to "teach" the mechanics without writing the solution on the wall through gameplay, or ask the players before they start wether they'd like help or not. Or deliver the hints only after a certain time has passed. As you say, having lots of playtests would help find the best solution!
Sure, I'll copy it in your comment section then :)