ambient_occlusion_exponent field in blocks.json does nothing in-game

In 1.21.50.24 preview, the field "ambient_occlusion_exponent" was introduced to blocks.json. This field was a replacement for the broken "brightness_gamma" field (see MCPE-167836).

However, this field is also broken as of 1.21.50.28. The field briefly worked in 1.21.50.25-1.20.50.26. This regression is likely related to MCPE-188216.

To Reproduce

1. Import the sample pack: ambient_occlusion_exponent_tester.mcpack which sets the following "ambient_occlusion_exponent" values:

• dirt: 1.0 (default)
• coarse_dirt: 100.0 (extremely dark)
• dirt_with_roots: 0.0 (no shading at all)
• sea_lantern: 1.0 (default)
• glowstone: 100.0 (extremely dark)
• shroomlight: 0.0 (no shading at all)

1. Load a world with the sample pack applied.
2. Place down dirt, coarse dirt, and rooted dirt.
3. Observe the default 1.0 shading on all three blocks.
4. Place down sea lantern, glowstone, and shroomlight.
5. Observe the default 0.0 shading on all three blocks.

Ambient Occlusion Exponent Resource Pack (No Effect):

Vanilla:

Expected Result

Setting an "ambient_occlusion_exponent" value on any block in blocks.json will configure the block's face dimming and ambient occlusion.

Observed Result

Setting an "ambient_occlusion_exponent" value in blocks.json has no effect on any block.

Other

This bug blocks MCPE-187536 and MCPE-187777 as they cannot be reproduced without a functional field.