I thought the one with buds might have been the one gifted from your neighbor (I remember you mentioning it previously). It looks like it's starting to sprout, I see quite a few leaves on it. Maybe cutting it back has made it better off in the long run?
With regards to your clearance ones, I've never had good luck with them myself. Frankly, I can't find one in town that's not wrinkled and falling apart to start with.
I think Kalanchoe "vines" out like that regardless of lighting. I just think people frequently trim them back to keep them compact.
Planto
