Pistons not responding to some Redstone configurations

In some setups, pistons will not properly respond to Redstone current unless a Redstone or a block update occurs.

See the screenshots.

Top screenshot: The piston should be extended, but isn't.
Bottom 2: Placing a block or Redstone next to the piston causes it to extend.

Once again: Not modded. Default skin was changed. That's it.