Does raising speaker cables off the floor really make a big difference?

There is one obvious difference with raising cables off the floor, and that's the fact that once that's done, they're off the floor.

Analog Audiophiles using Speaker Cable Risers should be paying more for Audiophile Equipment Insurance (AEI)

This is because there is a good likelihood that if these risers are left in place for a year, the owner will end up tripping on one of them when he goes to change a record every 20 minutes.

Various Insurance Tripping Scenarios

While falling he tries to balance himself.... off one of his floor standers..... knocks it over, scratching the exotic wood finish, and taking out the beryllium tweeter.

or worse.

While falling .....head first into the turntable......., he takes out his Goldfinger cartridge which was minding its own business in the run-out groove.

Just saying. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

In my case, it's morbid stupidity....

Dunno Carp but I thinks its a great  band name!

I know I'd buy their album...!

Your carpet gets less wear and tear.