I would have less practice time required with a xbow. Would this be a correct assumption?
Yes, less practice than needed with a compound but you should still practice from all shooting positions, situations and ethical ranges. You still have to raise the bow and the bow makes a whole whack of noise. There are no "gimmies". But with enough practice you'll likely muff less shots than you would with a compound.

Doesn't a xbow have longer range over a regular bow?
Nope!

I'm just getting started in my research, one thing is aparent that there is some dislike for barnett xbows
No comment.