The boons don't work all the time. Running in a fireteam we frequently only get 2 out of 3 gifts (strike) 3/4 (crucible). Running solo sometimes they don't work either. Both ways we still get them taken from us without the extra gift.
Also the ability to use them flying into a strike has now been removed (mostly). You have to have boots on the ground to use one 90% of the time. This means in crucible you'll be in your menu trying to use one hoping you don't get killed first.
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I noticed this as well. But in reality they are not worth the cost given the rewards imo.