You don't actually need to be a father for this; you just need to know the damage calculation and have 3 degrees.

Well you know, in my opinion, the choice isn't that obvious.
If in the example where the hero took two defenses (becoming 2-12), they are attacked by a hero with parameters 11-3, then these heroes will deal damage according to one formula, and the damage will be lower. But if the hero on the arena had initially taken attack, it would be 4-10 against 11-3, and that's a completely different game! The choice must be made based on the situation. Maybe we have tactics + mass haste. Then go for attack!

P.S. In the example, I didn't take monster skills into account, but I've outlined the general idea!
P.P.S: Of course, I understand that in Dragon Utopia, for example, the choice is made in favor of defense, but in crypts, conservatories, or hiding spots, at the early stages of the game, I would still give preference to attack.