Try watering your soil mix before using it. Just enough so if you squeezed a handful it would form a ball but falls apart easily when you squish it between your fingers.
After that don't let plant dry out quite that much.

For the ones not taking water from the bottom, water a little bit from the top at a time until it starts to sink in and then add more, a little to a time until it's not all running down the sides of the pot and straight out the bottom.

Peat moss in general is hydrophobic when dry. It can take anywhere between 15 mins and 30 mins sitting in water for the peat to finally start taking up the water. If you let it dry out too much it will continue to do this.

This one of the main reasons why people tend to wick their minis (as well as all their other plants) because they tend to be much more sensitive drying out (given they have far less volume to hold water in the first place).

You got good advice. Do not give up.

My input.

1, Miracle grow AV potting mix needs another 25% perlite added - when it finally absorbs the water - you will see why - it gets very heavy.

2. Add to the water you are trying to use on your soil - several drops of Dawn dish washing liquid. (or any dish washing liquid you have) - it will help to rewet it.
You only use soap now, not all the time.

irina