Hard mage game - level up choice

[Metathron]

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?