I just went and tested this again on max possible range and the PT does seem to have like a 1/4 second delay to the debuff showing up @ 17m. However I don't see this actually affecting actual play...
If there is in fact a delay of that magnitude on the effect application, then yes, it would have an effect. Toth and Zorn is a good example of where this matters a lot (especially on nightmare mode). Taunts also have to be well-timed on the hover tanks, though it's less of an issue there. Taunt timing is super, *super* critical on Operator IX as well.