Ultimately I want to fix the bookmarks, requiring resetting my broken Safari somehow, does anyone know any fix for this? Also, iCloud tabs do work across my devices, so it must be syncing something. I eventually was able to 'solve' this issue.
Troubleshoot bookmark sync issues in Safari. In this article you will find all the necessary answers to resolve issues and keep your bookmarks perfectly aligned across all your Apple devices.
Check the System Status page to see if there are any known issues affecting iCloud Bookmarks & Tabs. Then check your device settings, your browser, and your internet connection. Or restart your device to see if your bookmarks sync.
If your iCloud bookmarks are not syncing on Mac, this will stop you from using Safari explorer normally. To solve this issue, try one of the easy solutions listed in this guide.
If you’ve saved a bookmark on your iPhone but it doesn’t appear on your other devices, there may be a hiccup with iCloud sync. Follow these steps to turn on Safari sync on all your devices.
Syncing issues with Safari bookmarks and Reading List can hinder productivity and disrupt your browsing experience. By following the steps outlined above, most users can resolve these synchronization problems quickly.