Forms have a set average and hit/dam inherent to each form. Your hit/dam from gear doesn't carry over into your form which is why shapeshifters never gear for damage once they get their forms. If you have actually been able to increase your forms damage based on gear damage roll alone I'd be very curious to know as that is a change I never heard about!

Other affects, such as bless and frenzy, that show up in your affects list will improve them if I recall correctly, however. These would, at most, add only maybe 12-20 extra damage roll though which would mean only 12-20 more damage or something similar. Remember that you don't have enhanced damage, as far as I know, which increases damage roll effectiveness even more, for say a warrior, which means you simply won't see as large a benefit from these affects. The main aspect of damage on forms is their inherent weapon average from what I can tell.

Lupine aspect is meant to be a lowbie helper for before you get your forms basically. Just a little perk to help you get out of lowbie levels. Some of the other mage guilds in galadon have similar little items that do some special spell to help lowbie mages level up.