You answered the question yourself.
AlishaGilgamesh wrote:
I know it would all vary dramatically level and class, so list the scenario. I mean, I'm sure a paladin is more likely to take defense whereas a mage is more likely to take stats.
That's the answer.
It would vary with class/level/etc. Pally would wants defense, mage would want stats. Hunter would want increases to stats that affect ranged weaponry over melee weaponry over defense.
Too much differences to really answer this.
It would depend on the class and situation.
A mage soloing for instance, might want more defense (since will get hit alot more) then one that is in a group. So the same mage could change equipment based on the circumstance.