In the rules for the prone condition, it states:
An attack roll against the [prone] creature has advantage if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature. Otherwise, the attack roll has disadvantage (PHB 292).
If a wyvern (for example) is 10 feet away from a prone target and makes a bite attack (+7, reach 10 ft., one target (MM303)) would it get disadvantage on the attack because it's body is not within 5 feet of the prone creature, or would the fact that it's head (with all the pointy teeth thingies) is necessarily within 5' give it advantage?
It appears to me that the RAI are meant to give ranged attacks disadvantage against prone targets (logical), but it doesn't make sense for me that disadvantage should also apply to melee attacks with reach beyond 5 feet. I could see reach attacks versus prone targets perhaps being considered as normal attacks. Has anyone seen any discussion of this issue in any of the official channels?
(Please don't answer with "A DM can rule however s/he wants" - I am well aware of this fact and don't find these types of responses terribly helpful. I'll likely end up adding "house rules" to the prone condition to fit my idea of what makes sense, but I'm interested in hearing some informed opinions before I do. Thanks!)