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I don't think it is a glitch but by design. The tiles held by vines do not add to the word count because they do not leave the board. This would explain all your examples not working correctly.
In Reens - the second E is held by a vine so the word counts for 4
In Rise - the S is held by a vine so it is only 3 letters
Ear with the crown would be 4 but the E is held by a vine so it does not count.
I agree it is annoying, some of the levels are hard enough already but I think it is how it is supposed to work.