Keep in mind that I recently lost all of my files for CF (including my "cheat sheet" of directions, items, etc.) so it'll take a bit for me to play once again...

1) I like lowbie pk. Although the incentive is somewhat lacking due to the edge changes, I still like lowbie pk. And if I want to lowbie pk, I want my skills near 90%+. Mechanically (not sure if it's the same with CF, but I imagine if the base code is the same as other similar muds, there's not difference) 90% - 100% is a decreasing level of effectiveness. So I'll get my defenses to 90% and go haywire on lowbies

2) I like taking my time to play my character. The game doesn't start at hero. I don't have any rush to get to hero (if I do, I can get to hero in 20 hours easy - been there, done that). Fleshing out my character, whether through rp or role insertion, is something I find fun.

3) I tend to play solo leveling at low levels. I can level most characters to 40 solo in a reasonable amount of time. Maybe it's the paranoia of playing at other muds where there were a lot of backstabbing ... dunno.

4) Regarding "skill learn", it's a hit and miss. I would rather "skill learn" on things that I don't bother to use all that often but which may be pivotal later on (e.g. scroll and wand). I sometimes do a secret with wands at level 25-30 to get it to 100% (talisman is really really easy to master), but scrolls are kinda a bitch. And, once again, if you play slowly, every skill that increases incrementally based on the level matter.

5) Note that everything you talked about is defense/weapons, and doesn't account for spells/other skills (in case there is an argument about spells/other skills).

6) Getting defenses high enough at low level might not, in the grand scheme of things, let you level up after, but often times it does lend itself to you not resting as much because you get hit less. There are other factors to consider (e.g. where you level, who you level with, whatever). I prefer to be actively doing things and paying attention when I'm playing in the levels where I have good enough gear (30+). Survival matters at that level also, and having near perfect defenses lends itself to survival.

Oh, and if I really want to chase your ass (or anyone else's ass) down at mid level, I'll more than likely annoy the crap out of you and 75% of the time kill you.