So I heard we were talking about range.... How about that Storm's Path guys? ^^

Loling aside, I think the OPs issue is nothing more than misunderstood aninimation lag. Even FFXI had this one, the monster's AI (which is most likely server sided) is going to detect you and start approaching long before you see it start moving. There is then a lag before you react and start moving (amplified by server lag) and then the monster is actually a whole lot closer to you than it looks. (Works with attacking an enemy walking away from you too). This gives the illusion it is hitting you out of its range when in reality, its already on you. Model size effects attack range too, you and Ifrit will be able to trade hits from a visibly longer distance than you in a marmot so you dont have to be all up in Ifrit's sack getting different kind of animation lag.