defense is key - it's easy to get groups, and you can hold your own if you walk into something nasty when exploring.

utility gives you some nice enlivens to keep you safe, and forms that often can camo or hide or something so you can get the hell out.

however, offense makes it easier to learn to pk, to finish off mobs (reroll for a def regen form if you don't get), and so on.

holding off on a focus is a power strategy, planning ahead for life at hero. Too hard to do otherwise if you want to enjoy your midranks.