I'm wondering how important skill ups are. Obviously all skills aren't created equal, but I'd appreciate your thoughts in general and in the specifc cases listed below. I've only listed units I have, use frequently and think the skill is attractive, but if you have another unit in mind that NEEDS those skill points, post it as well for the benefit of myself and future readers.

Thanks,

Bernice
Current Skill: 1/5 Increase defense by 40%.
Max Skill: 5 / 5 Increase defense by 80%
Skill Awakening: Spike Shield | 90% Defense increase for 20s| Attack Disabled| Counter Enabled(Deals half the enemies attack back as true damage on hit)
Reasoning: This is currently my main tank. As content gets harder, having a better skill activation seems helpful. A 10% boost with each skill up seems pretty solid from an ROI standpoint and I like her future awakened skill.

Iris
Current Skill: 1 / 5 Increase heal by 20%
Max Skill: 5 / 5 Increase heal by 70%
Skill Awakening: Kind Lil Sis's Prayer: 110%(2nd: 80%; 3rd+: 50%) Attack increase for 30s| Instantly heals all allied units once when activated
Reasoning: Currently my main healer. Increase of 12.5% per skill up seems pretty good. Again, like the awakened skill

Imelia
Current Skill: 5 / 10 Increase attack and def by 72%
Max Skill: 10 / 10 Increase attack and def by 100%
Skill Awakening: None
Reasoning: Now that I've typed it out, not sure I like the ROI. I've heard Imelia is necessary for tanking some of the bosses later in the game.

Others?

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself thinking about Skill Awakening already.

Cheers!