Well i can only speak from personal results but i would say yes they do give you that extra edge..
being fresh and preservative free they leak the attractants faster (in my opinion) having tank tested them against shelf lifes..i used to make my own freezer baits mostly activ-8 and i could almost guarantee that the freezer baits on one rod would be taken first ...
when i do fish frozens i only use them for the hair and usually use shelf life as the loose feed(this also means you dont have to take as many freezer baits with you a small bag usually does the job)
but im sure the waters you fish also probably plays a part in it all,if you intend on making your own make some sausage type baits too have had alot of success on them when cut up they make a great leaking bait due to the bait being exposed on both sides instead of being boil sealed.
I aint no expert but i hope that helps,once again i think it all comes down to trial and error !!