Just a quick update here.
I tested a simple app in Anvil to check the enable method in a very simple setting,…test button inside a content_panel (ColumnPanel). The method works so my problem is likely due to my target components lying a bit down the component hierarchy. It is not a problem with the method.
I would say that this topic is solved…all I need to do is clear up the workflow.
Thank you @duncan_richards12 for the lead.