Adaptaion vs Inspiration

What is adaptation in media? What specific parameters, if any, should adapted works adhere to? And should we let preconceived notions around those parameters dictate how we experience adapted works? I had a troubling realization in relation to the criticism towards adapted works, which was that adapted works don't seem to be allowed artistic freedom, as expectation is not adaptation, but instead, recreation. This is a mindset I was guilty of as well, so I wanted to get a discussion going regarding what adaptation should be and how we perceive adapted works and how our own expectation has the potential to lead to our disappointment.
I look forward to your thoughts and appreciate your time!
Additional HUGE thank you's to:
LilYoda66 for helping me review my script. Please go check out her commentary free / ASMR gameplay channel too.
ZacharieArt for the wonderful character art. Incredibly talented and a pleasure to work with, please consider if in need of art commissions.
zachcommission...