They work now, but require a direct redstone signal (ie, a lever right next to them), and still ignore redstone wire, even if it is powered.

Try redstone above a block or a repeater...
I need still to figure out how the new Redstone mechanic works.
Some functions are changed.. But it works at least.
And with Mod cables there should be no problems.

Tested... That is a vanilla bug..
If redstone connects directly to it and the texture make a straight line...
I do not know how it will be handled with modded wires. But i can not fix the vanilla redstone.
Sry