Good on you for taking criticism well. I didn't get that the bounce-back angle was based on where the ball hit the word block in game - momentum based physics generally make much more sense to me.
I think you're mistaken about scrambling words within a puzzle removing strategy. It would require the player to adapt their strategy to deal with a changing situation in the game, which I think would be more engaging, honestly.
Also, no reason you can't have both randomized boards and static boards under two headings if you wanted to keep your static ones. ;)