Hmmmm... http://www.freestepdodge.com/media/northeast-championships-19-day-2-pools-doa5lr-fyre-necromancer-vs-fsd-matt-ponton.13578/
That is not as scary as a grappler's whose gimmick is to draw you in. https://youtu.be/9ewD6NxCNEU?t=10500
I personally don't have the time for 2D fighters anymore. Work cripples me to 3D exclusively, but I see your point to some degree.
Yes, they can scare a player more since your movement options are limited in a 2D fighter compared to a 3D one.