A hero and his choices

Most of the armor in this game gives defense at the cost of evade. Which do you prefer? Do you give your fighter the Steel Armor or hold out for Ice Armor? Do you give your red mage armor or a bracelet? Do you give your heroes the hat and gloves at the cost of 1 evade for 1 defense?

I generally go for defense for the Fighter and evasion for everyone else because frankly the Warrior/Knight is the only class that can soak damage well.

I always use the gear with the highest defense stat on everyone and let spells take care of my evasion needs.