It's not an "automatically better". Some units have 1-2 range, like Wallace or Bartre, but that doesn't mean they're automatically better than someone like Guy or unpromoted Raven. However, you can't deny that it's a straight up advantage. I don't see how you can think, in any regard, that being able to counter any unit on enemy phase, and also being able to avoid any combat whatsoever on player phase (unless it's also a 1-2 range unit) is anything but an extreme advantage.