The Hp vs def/vit build is always difficult choice even back in ff11. Though I like hp build in ff11.

This is from a newbie ff14 pld perspective that I think conceptually, def/vit is better because taking less dmg requires less healing and also less enmity for the whm. In addition, the current available cure magic cannot fill up 3-4k hp in a short time.

However, I think the most problem in ff14 now is that def/vit build doesn't really have much noticeable improvement compare to a lower def but high hp pld.

If ff14 eventually fix the def thing, such that def build really taking 30%+ less dmg, then def/vit will be the way to go.

Oh well, for my gear choice, it's appearance > everything