Favored Enemy / Natural Explorer gimmicks?

[Snig]

So I played my first hand last night as a 2nd lvl ranger and I can't help but feel like with our without these two abilities, our party would have the same experience. Sure I tracked an Orc ( favored Enemy) and we stayed alert to danger (how does alert to danger even work mechanically?), but I'm pretty sure to progress the story our campaign would have played out pretty much the same with or without a ranger.

Anyone have similar feelings? Or advice on how to get more out of these abilities?

Or do you just need a special DM to take advantage?

[darkscizor]

Peraonally, I think itt's only a good option for languages and foraging, and a campaign dosen't need it. Some other players like it a lot, though.