Hard mage game - level up choice
 

In my last game as paladin on normal, I decided to take leadership whenever possible, which made my life easier. Now on hard I probably have more reason to do the same, but it's just so difficult to choose between 80 leadership and +1 defense. Both of these choices seem pretty undesirable, but the small amount of leadership seems ridiculous, even though it would add significantly to my mage's pathetic leadership. What would you guys choose, and how would you go about choosing the next level ups (I've only reached level 2, so I have the whole game ahead still)? Leadership every time it's offered? Only after level 10/15?

Take the defense bonus, in the first 10~15 lv I only focus on int or other stat first because the LDR is too small. I begin choosing it when the amount is 500+ because at that stage it really make your life easier.

Save every mind rune for the "Glory" skill, buy every item that offers +leadership and after unlocking new areas first run around and pick treasures that require no fighting. As a mage learn chaos magic ASAP, this will allow you to kill small stacks with two fireballs. This way you'll get around level 10 and then start picking leadership at lvl ups.

Start taking leadership at level 6, 8, 10, and so on.
Before that pick the others.

Defense is the worst possible alternative, though. If I were you I would restart the game (as you are still very early).

Also, you can take a peek at what's offered in the castle by skipping the tutorial. Just tell Iron Tooth that you refuse (save the game first).

Indeed. Especially in Hard and Impossible difficulty, the viable strategies tend to be wiping enemy units out as quickly as possible before they can hit (well at least for people striving for zero losses for every battle).