Has anyone ever figured out what kind of difference greater enlivens make?

For example, I've played several defensive shifters and I know recovery of the snake is laughable, shell of the dillo might help a little, and things like agility of the mongoose really don't seem to make you dodge much better. Have no idea what skin of the displacer beast is supposed to do. It would seem like it's suppose to serve a little like the bard song, but don't think I've ever seen that fire.

Can anybody offer some insight?