In regards to the length:
I just realized the 70 length request is not one that went through the VPN, but through a proxy on the WAN - the standard length includes frame type and MAC address info, which the VPNs strip before sending on (which also explains how they "hide" you), resulting in the 60 length.
I have a capture that goes through the VPN and is 60 length and working, but I'll need to dig it out. The net result is the same - unbound comes up.
And, yes, it doesn't surprise me that some IPs are being marked as "bad", even by the root servers. As VPNs use the same IP for multiple clients, it's likely that some of their IPs have been used for nefarious means, resulting in their being blocked, refused, etc.
SIGH