I've had those discussions, as I am married to a Catholic. I've heard lots of justifications for it. But not making any graven images of anything in heaven does not seem to allow for such interpretive leeway.
In Islam you do not see any depictions of Mohammed. Indeed their religious art is all stylized geometry. On the other hand, you may have a graven image of someone you love, a close relative. You keep it in the open and gaze affectionately upon it. It brings to your mind their life and presence and fosters love in your heart. Is it the same as the person you love? No.
As for the issue of "interpretive leeway" it is you who are attempted to make an interpretive leeway by saying such images are forbidden. That you would think you know better than the Holy Spirit who guides the Church, or the countless successful saints throughout Her history, speaks of sinful pride.