Combat Issues with Bedrock

I haven't played since the Caves and Cliffs update first dropped, but I don't remember getting nearly as annoyed with PvE combat. When it comes to range from the player (i.e. bows and crossbows) it is fantastic and the same as it's always been. However range coming at the player (skeletons), when putting up your shield, it isn't nearly as snappy as it used to be. There's a slight delay after your shield is already up before it actually blocks, leading to some very aggravating skeleton fights. It used to be close to instant reaction when you crouch and much more satisfying, whereas blocking arrows was based more on skill timing rather than preemptive timing resulting in much slower fights as you crouch to the skeleton. While that can be slightly inconvenient, it can also be easily overlooked. But the biggest issue I have had with PvE before I had strong enough armor to negate it, was the glaring fact that melee enemies have the same range as the player it feels like. And as a CPU, they always seem to get the first hit no matter what. My two big examples in my most recent playthrough were 1.) When trying to cure a zombie villager in a boat, I had to get in a boat to negate knockback to even get close enough to feed them a golden apple, 2.) Wither skeletons in the Nether Fortress were incredibly infuriating as I had no chance to neutralize them before they would affect me with the Wither effect. All of these issues were experienced on a Realm. With all due respect, thank you.