What the patch actually changed: Shell Points (the skill tree points) were already free to refund at any Beacon. The new feature is refunding Glimpses spent on a Shell Bond, the permanent-feeling investment that unlocks higher skill tiers. You need a consumable called Mether's Severance and a specific NPC interaction. Without it, those Glimpses stay locked.

1How to Respec a Shell Bond

Shell Points vs Bond Glimpses: Shell Points are still refunded for free at any Beacon or with Zhirelle, no item needed. Mether's Severance is only for the Bond/Glimpses layer. Do not confuse the two.

2When to Respec vs When to Skip

Respec now
You invested in the wrong Shell
If you dumped Glimpses into a Shell whose playstyle or later-game pairing did not click, or you found a new favorite after exploring more of the map, respec and reinvest.
Skip or delay
You still like the Shell
Post-patch, Glimpses are renewable (Glimpse Stones, more sources, no hard cap). You can max every Shell in one playthrough. No rush to respec if the current build is working.
Known issue
Genessa cannot be respec'd
You cannot present Mether's Severance to Zhirelle while using Genessa. There is no alternate prompt. Community consensus treats it as an oversight. Because Glimpses are no longer scarce, most players accept it and keep farming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid