Playing in a pack with v2.3.6 of nat prog on mc version 1.19.2, I noticed that a stick ( placing a twig ) could replace a non solid block.

In a new world with just forge and natural progression I verified that it can replace a lantern, a torch, an upper half slab, a fence post, basically any non-solid block I tried where I could hit the block underneath. Including portals ( minecraft:nether_portal ). Even while in adventure mode, let alone in survival.

You seem to be missing a check for something existing in the space before placing the twig. and for whether placement was even an option due to adventure mode.