The aim is tokenless War Cry, and it's literally the only helmet in the game that fits the bill. Your only option really would be to just go with Crusty Helm or sacrifice a token elsewhere for Bellowing Helm.
I'm pretty sure it's a direct improvement because your Elven Maneuvers searches will net you a Laser Thrust and Vicious Thrust over 2 Dancing Cuts. You have less flexibility, though.
Swapped out the Helmet Of Thorns for Crusty Helm and finally got to 1700. I hadn't been hitting much with my war cries, and with all these wizards around at the moment I felt more armor would help a lot. Not having Ouch anymore is also very nice.
