feat: configurable block delay and propagation delay

[LesnyRumcajs]

Summary of changes

Changes introduced in this pull request:

• configurable block delay and propagation delay,
• minor refactoring on env handling utilities.

Reference issue to close (if applicable)

Closes #4599

Other information and links

Change checklist

• I have performed a self-review of my own code,
• I have made corresponding changes to the documentation,
• I have added tests that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works (if possible),
• I have made sure the CHANGELOG is up-to-date. All user-facing changes should be reflected in this document.