If you click the card links you posted, it says right in the Rulings Summaries ...
"As per Rule 215.5, setting your life total is really a gain or loss of life and will be affected by and trigger abilities that look for such. [Shards of Alara FAQ 2008/09/23]"
EDH
Azami (video)
:symw::symb::symg: Teneb (video)
Drana (video) (retired)
:symw::symr: Brion (video)
:symb::symr: Wort (video)
Arcum (video) (retired)
:symr::symg: Stonebrow (video)
B Shirei (video)
WU Rasputin (video) (retired)
R Urabrask (video)
WUR Zedruu (video) (retired)
W Isamaru
UB Grimgrin
U Mistform Ultimus (video)
UBR Gwendlyn (video)
URG Animar (video)
RG Thromok
WB Selenia
Standard
WU Geist of Saint Traft standard EDH (video) (retired)
WUB Battle of Wits!
"As per Rule 215.5, setting your life total is really a gain or loss of life and will be affected by and trigger abilities that look for such. [Shards of Alara FAQ 2008/09/23]"